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Chapter Text

Caelus finally headed home after parting ways from his friends ready to pass out and woke up till the end of the weekend. Wondering if he should 'borrow' one of his sister's games or watch that detective show March is obsessed with as he checks the time on his phone. Passing by an alley something catches his eye, stopping, letting curiosity get the better of him, he goes to check. Now Caelus was hoping for something like a cat, clothes, snacks, or some trinket he could give to March or Dan Heng, not some unconscious guy. He looks like he may have seen better days going by how nice his outfit looks minus the dirt and grime on it. His face seems like it has some bruises and a bit of blood, and his dark blue hair is a mess. Crouching down to get a better look, Is he dead?, Caelus thinks as he puts a hand by the man's face. Okay, not dead, now what? With an idea in and a proud smile painted on his face, Caelus moves his backpack to his front and pulls the man on his back.

It was a bit awkward, not expecting the man to be taller than him and heavier. As he walks out of the alley, he check to make sure no one is around to give him weird looks. The last thing needs is for his mom or sisters to know he was bringing something he found in the trash, again. All the cats, dogs, and racoons he would bring home Caelus was always told the same thing, that it's starting to feel like his mom is tired of reading the script. He can hear the exact phrase now as he's a few blocks away from his house. Stop bringing filth into my house! This why you're not aloud to go to your grandfather's!, he silently praying she's working late. His sisters are worse though, his mom would be upset with for a bit then go back to coddling him. Reminding him that he is her precious baby-boy and always will be. Not his sisters, they love to extort their baby brother for everything he's worth. Stelle, the second child who looks exactly him that they get mistaken for twin, would go into his room to take whatever she felt like. One time she made him clean all of her teammates jerseys because he found a cat that looked like their uncle Blade. At least Silver Wolf, the oldest but the shortest, would make him pull pranks on people she doesn't like so far. Caelus tries to adjust the blunette man when his phone starts ringing. He answers it, more worried about the man than who's calling.

"What up?" Caelus says, as struggles setting the man down by the door as gentling as he can with one free hand.

"Hey Cael, so good news and bad news." replied Stelle sounding unamused.

Fishing for his keys, not liking the where this might be going. "Stel, I'm not rejecting another girl for you. The last one threw a cake in my face." He continues as he tries to carry the man to guestroom relieved its on the main floor. "I mean, hey, free food, but Dan Heng wasn't hap-"

"It's gramps."

"What," now worried and confused. "Is he-"

"He's not dead you idiot," with a sigh Stelle speaks. "Gramps thinks someone tried to rob him."

"Huh?."

"Yeah, so mom is worried about him. She wants me, Silver, and Bladie to go with her to stay with him for couple of weeks."

"Why didn't mom call? Is gramps okay?", asked as he puts the blunette on the bed and goes to get the first aid kit. "Wait, don't you have a game next weekend?"

"She's still talking to him and he's fine, just pissed. And I already talked to coach and Firefly," sounding defeated. "She's sad she won't be able to catch the ball I hit a home with, but she said she understand."

With the kit in hand Caelus rushes back puts his phone on speaker so he can focus. "You stole her money, then you stole her heart, I feel sorry for her."

"Shut it."

"Anyway what's the good news?'

"Well... It's good news for you. Mom wants you watch over the house till she thinks the emergency is over."

"Really?!", shocked his mom is trusting with the house.

"Yeah, oh wait Bladie wants to talk to you."

"...Caelus, you there?"

"Hiya Bladie!" covering his mouth after shouting, worried he woke up the man. Was relieved he just stirred and woke.

"Hello Caelus", Caelus swears he could hear the smile on his face. Or a Blade smile as he spoke. "Listen, Kafka is busy with Elio so don't give her something else to worry her. So with that being said, if you take home a creature. Make sure its gone before we get home, okay?"

Smiling, Caelus is reminded why Blade is his favorite uncle, as he finishes patching the man. "Deal", trying to keep his excitement to a quiet level to not wake his new guest.

"Good, call me if anything happens and I don't want to hear that that Dan Heng was over. Remember to do your homework and chores. Don't go into Kafka's and your sisters' room. And don't talk to stra-"

Caelus lets his laugh slip out after he closes the the door to let his guest rest. "Bladie I'm in high school now, and I'm almost 18. But if it will make you feel better, I promise, I promise." Walking upstairs ready to sleep after what happened in the passed few hours. Not even bothering to turn on the light or change in his pjs. He used the flashlight on his phone to help take off his uniform to hang them. He lies on on his under shirt and boxers, "So don't worry I'll be fine." He yawns as he gets comfortable, "Sorry I kinda had a long day."

"That's fine, you go to sleep, and remember if anything happens?"

"I'll call you, tell everyone I said night. And tell gramps that I hope nothing was stolen, night Bladie."

"I will, goodnight Caelus," with that he hang up and drifted off to sleep.

The man woke up in unfamiliar room with the bare minimum, the only things hanging was his jacket, as he sit he can feel sore his body really was. He slowly gets out of the bed trying get his bearings, he notices the bandages on his arms. Walking into the hall, he finds a mirror hang, and walking over he sees how lucky he got. He had a small cut on his forehead luckily it won't scar, he had a bruise on his left cheek that hurt like hell. He had a nasty looking busted up lip and more bandages around his neck. He looked around taking in his surrounding, judging by the decor the people that are loads with cash. Smiling to himself believing he can trick these people in giving some of their money with a sob story. He stops dead in his tracks as he passes a self in the living room, he pick a photo off of it. The girl was with another girl, with long silver hair and a black ribbon, in it in the picture. He stare at the girl with golden eyes, gray shoulder length hair and a smug smirk it dawns on him. Shit, he thought at the realization his ran out and the noise upstairs just conferred it. Sampo dropped the photo and looked for a place to hide, She won't get the jump on me this time.

Caelus tripped over himself as he struggled put on some shorts he's 32% sure are clean. He mostly excited about having the house to himself for awhile, but he also gets to play detective and figure out the story with his guest. By the time he runs down to the guestroom he's surprised to find it empty. Confused he searches the room even the downstairs bathroom but still no one, it was only when walks into the living room and saw the creaked picture of Firefly and Stelle on they first date. When did this this happened?, he thinks as pick it up and takes it out of the frame. Mom will kill me if she sees this. I should ask March to help found a replacement, he thought as he placed the photo and frame back the self. Maybe he got hungry? When he was about to go check the kitchen, he was thrown on the ground with his hands pinned above his head and his guest on top of him with his other hand on his mouth.

The impact on the hardwood floor made him winded. When he eventually opened his eyes, he was met by mint-green eyes. Now that the man is awake Caelus realizes the man has a cat-like face and a bit of gray in his hair by his neck. The blunette facial expression went from, what Caelus thought, was alarmed to perplexed. Caelus stares at him wide-eyed, wondering is if this is what Blade was talking about. "Is anyone else here?", the man asked as he glared at him. Caelus shook his head, as the man watched him for what felt like hours before letting out a sigh. "Don't scream or freak out, okay?" he asked as he removed his hand mouth but still hold Caelus's hands above is head. Caelus just continued to look at the blunette not fighting the hold he has on him. "So kid, tell me what's goin' on?"

"Oh easy, I found you in an alley," Caelus replied smiling up at the man no hint of fear present. "And you looked like you needed help, so I brought you home with me."

He looked confused at Caelus then his still bandaged arms with more questions swarming in his head. "Wait you patched me up? Why?"

"What do ya mean?", genuinely puzzled. "You were hurt and my house was close by."

Taking a deep breathe through his nose he let go of Caelus's wrists and got off of him. "I see, sorry for the surprise attack kid," he says as he offers Caelus a hand to get up.

"It's okay, I guess I would have panicked if I didn't know where I was too," still smiling as he took the man's hand. "Oh I just remember! I wanted to ask what you wanted for breakfast?", he asked as he goes into the kitchen. "I can't make much but I think I can handle making fried rice," gathering he thinks goes into it. As Caelus begins he looks over his shoulder, beams at the man, as he follows into the kitchen and sits at the island. "If you want to shower you can use the guest bathroom, I can wash your clothes too. I think my uncle's might fit you. By the way, I never got your name, I'm Caelus".

He watches Caelus cook while he rambles on like they are old friends. Still not sure if he needs to worry or not, but decided there's no harm in answering. "Sampo, my friends call me Sampo. And yeah, some clean clothes would be nice." Looking at Caelus's gray hair reminds him a question that's been bothering him especially since he saw the picture. "Soo, do ya have a sister that looks like ya?"

"Eh, I guess".

"And is her name Stelle by chance?" Sampo asked eyeing Caelus closely.

Portioning the fried rice himself and his guest, turns around to hand Sampo his bowl. "Aaah yeaah, do you go to the same university?", questioning him as he sits next to him. Taking a big spoonful into his mouth Caelus questions further, "Are you a professor there?"

With a Cheshire grin, he continues, "Yea somethin like that. But I think we're not on the best of terms though." He picks up his spoon but stops himself from eating after seeing the bowl of purple rice. "So where she at?", messing with his food amazed Caelus can eat the poor excuse for food.

"Her and everyone are at gramps's place. Don't know when they'll be back though," finishing his meal. Smiling at Sampo, "So you're free to stay here till then."

"Thanks friend, ya know you're a real pal," patting Caelus on the back giving him his best distraught look. "No really you are a lifesaver, I'm needing a new place to stay, so thanks again."

"Is that why you were in the alley?", concerned present in his voice. "Can I ask what happened?"

 "Oh just a lady friend left me", trying to play it off as not a big deal. "Where can I wash up again?", Sampo stretches when he stood up.

"The guest bathroom, it's across the hall from the room you can stay in."

"Then I'll get to it", remembering Sampo stops to ask. "And can I trouble you for one more thing? Do you know where my phone is?"

"I think it's in your jacket", cleaning their dishes a bit sadden that Sampo didn't touch his food. Maybe he's not a breakfast person? Caelus thought wrapping it in case he wants to have some later.

"You really need to stop with that grudge you have with that kid. You know Caelus will probably let Dan Heng over anyway", impassively states Silver Wolf as if it was the most obvious thing. Sitting lazily in one of the plush chair with her legs hanging over one of the armrest. Her eyes never leaving her phone the sounds of metal colliding and gun fire making it clear what she's doing.

Blade hands Stelle back her phone after the call ended glaring daggers at the silvered hair girl leisurely still playing her game. "She's got a point", Stelle states earning his fury gaze. Either out of apathy or not noticing she also starts messing with her phone as she continues as she lies down on one of the couch. "Besides was it a smart to leave him by himself? The kid can't do anything right, I mean he's still having a fight with the vacuum." The girls start snickering at the memory of their little brother getting the tie of their uniform stuck in it when he was forced to clean his room.

Letting out a sigh of defeat and feeling exhausted at the thought of it. "Ask Firefly to check on him in every once in while. I'll compensate her for the trouble", Blade says as he leans on the wall.

"Way ahead of ya. She said she will but it might take a bit, and she wants to help too", smirks Stelle finally looking away from her phone.

"Good to know you guys came up with an idea to watch over my little boy", a woman with magenta hair exclaims so she calmly enters the sitting room. Walking to take the chair by Silver Wolf, pats her knee with a black gloved hand to get her attention as she sits. "It pains me to leave him alone, especially when we maybe busy for awhile." Crossing her legs and resting a hand on her face with an expression as if she was lost in thought as she speaks, "Elio wants us to confirm somethings. Tomorrow we have to meet with some of the major families, just to check."

Blade's face hardens as Silver Wolf, interested, asks "What does this have to do with the families?"

"He thinks the fools are back and are already playing their little games. The families might have things stolen as well, so we may have to go hunting," answers Kafka idle. She glances at the older girl, "Silver Wolf, Elio wants you to check the security footage of the manor and that no details are missing." Turning to Stelle and Blade, she speaks again, "We will go talk to the Xianzhou and Oak family."

"What?!" exclaims Blade not hiding his annoyance.

"I know how you feel about the Xianzhou, but play nice Bladie, remember this is what Elio said. So we should go to sleep we have a big day tomorrow. Speaking of, girls the help told me your rooms ready, go head I need to talk to Bladie for a bit," Kafka states with a smile grin. Silver Wolf and Stelle shared a curious look before getting up to walk out the room.

"Whatever, night," Silver Wolf dully says folding her arms behind her head as she leaves.

"Night uncle, night mom," Stelle lazily says before yawning.

Waiting a few minutes, Blade takes the chair Silver Wolf was sitting in before asking in a hush tone. "Why would Elio think we need to talk to the families? And why does he think the fools are back?"

"He found this," Kafka pulls out a mask from the inside of her jacket, handing it to Blade. It was a simple white half mask with two red roses in the shape of a heart on the right side and a cartoony bomb drawing on the left. "Elio is aware he could be wrong but that mask is pretty convincing," the amusement present in her voice.

Blade is dumbfounded looking at the mask in hand as he spoke, "How? They've been gone for years, why are they back now? What are they trying to pull now?!" Blade not bothering to hide his anger or keep his voice down.

Kafka rests a gloved hand on Blade's shoulder. "Hey, he's safe, and remember Stelle was able to hold her own; she also met Firefly." Smiling, she speaks again when she sees Blade relax a bit: "Don't worry this time; we will get rid of those pests this time." The smile never leaving elegant face, "We should go to sleep as well, sweet dreams Bladie."

Blade watches Kafka leaves him to himself, he glares at the mask in hand, "Damn fools."

Chapter Text

Ms. S: Are you still alive or should I organize a funeral?

Why do you have so much little faith in me?:SK

I'm alive & well thank you very much. But thanks to you I almost got caught. :SK

Ms. S: Please you're fine.

I got the SHIT beaten out of me! :SK

Ms. S: Details details but the million credit question. Did you learn anything new? Anything to make the show a spectacle.

Maybe but I need a few days to be sure.: SK

Ms. S: Well if I were you I would lay low, it seems like they're looking for you.~

Don't worry I can do both besides I think I'm at the last place they'll check. :SK

Ms. S: Really now? Is it a place where I can find you?

I doubt it but I'll be fine, just keep me posted I got to go. :SK

Ms. S: Ok later

Sampo walked out fully dressed in pants that were a little too long and a shirt that's a bit tight in the arms. He wondered if he looked awkward in these clothes when he glanced at himself in the mirror in the hall. Shrugging it off with a cat-like smile,  "Hey Caelus, what did you have pla-," he stop mid sentence when he locked eyes with a girl with long silver hair tied back with a black ribbon at the other end of the hallway. The girl with silver hair glared at him and looked as if she was ready to attack if it wasn't for Caelus coming down the stairs. The silver haired girl looks between the to two of them. Sampo gets more confused when Caelus runs up to the girl to hug her. She hugs him back but continues giving Sampo a look that could could kill.

"Why did you come over? I thought Stel would've told you she's out of the city?," Caelus ask as he pulls away from the hug.

The silver haired girl's facial feature softens as she gives Caelus her full attention. "Yeah, she asked me to check on you. By the way, I thought you were supposed to be by yourself, am I wrong?," she gave Sampo a forced smile trying hide her anger towards him.

Caelus stiffens as he looks back to realize Sampo was behind them. "I CAN EXPLAIN!," he franticly shouts as he turns back to her. "Just please Firefly, please don't tell mom or Bladie," he pleaded. If Mom or Bladie find out, I'll be grounded till I'm 30. No, knowing Bladie, I'll be grounded till I'm 50 and won't be allowed to leave the house till I'm 60. Mom would probably make me go to one of those super strict boarding schools and I won't be able to hangout with March or Dan Heng ever again.

"Miss Firefly, was it?," Sampo asked, getting Firefly's attention and pulling Caelus from his thoughts. Firefly went back to giving him a death stare as he continued, "Caelus and I are good friends. He heard I was down on my luck and decided to be so kind to let me stay." Giving his best pitiful look before giving a salesman smile, "How's 'bout I make ya some coffee." He leaves them in the hallway as he heads to the kitchen, letting a sigh of relief when he is out of sight.

After a moment of silence, Firefly turns to Caelus. "How and when did you two become friends?", She whisper yells at him. "You have 10 seconds to explain yourself mister, or I call Stelle," she crosses her arms before giving Caelus a villainous smirk, "Or maybe I'll call Ms. Kafka. I bet she'll happy to know someone is in her house, I know Mr. Blade will absolutely love the idea of his nephew being home alone with a stranger." She did not bother to hide the sarcasm in her voice as she gave him an unpleased look.

Caelus felt like a deer-in-the-headlights, "Please don't!," not realizing this was supposed to be a quiet conversation. The yell startled Firefly, he took a deep breath to calm his nerves as he continued. "Look it's like Sampo said, he needed help so I helped him. He looked like he needed it too," he scratched the back of his head feeling bashful. "Besides he'll be gone by the time they get back."

"He's not a dog Caelus," Firefly rubs her eyes feeling exhausted from this conversation. "That's a grown man, and why are you friends with an adult? You're in high school you shouldn't be friends with strange adults."

"But I'm friends with Boothill and Acheron, and they're strange. Not to mention you thought it was weird when I told you Argenti called me beautiful when we first meet. So I don't see the problem here?," pouted Caelus.

She stopped to think about what he said, then realized that Caelus isn't wrong. Boothill likes to chew on his bullets and doesn't hesitate about pointing his gun at people, Acheron always forgets where she's going. If it wasn't for Black Swan, Firefly is sure Acheron would forget where she lived. As for Argenti, she and Stelle did think it was weird when he gave Caelus a rose, but after hearing his speech about its beauty and his need to protect it, Stelle and she determined he was a loon but not a threat. Then again if Caelus did have a stalker, it would be Blade, especially when he's alone with Dan Heng. "They're different, both me and Stelle have met them, and Dan Heng and March also know them."

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"Look you're still a kid so-"

"I'm not a little kid!," Caelus cried out. "Do you guys still see me that way? Do you two still think I'm going to get hurt by everything?," the pain clear in his voice.

"Coffees ready!," Sampo calls from the doorway of the kitchen not noticing or ignoring the atmosphere between the two. "Do ya guys want to have it in the living room or in the kitchen? Caelus do ya have a tray I could use?," he asked with a bright grin.

Caelus frowned at Firefly before head in Sampo direction, trying to level his voice, "Kitchen, my Mom don't like having food or drinks in the living room."

"Oh really? Then how do ya take your coffee?," Sampo asked with a Cheshire-grin. "Hey pal, why the long face?"

"It's nothing, thanks Sampo," Caelus says while trying to smile. "I'll give you a hand."

"Alright then, but remember I'm all ears," states Sampo as he throws an arm over Caelus's shoulder. Earning a genuine smile from Caelus and a snicker now.

Watching the two of them, Firefly followed them and sat at the kitchen table. She was grateful that Caelus made her coffee how she liked it but saddened that he chose to sit by Sampo. To break the pregnant silence Firefly speaks up, "So Sampo, how long have you known Caelus?" Taking a sip and eyeing him suspiciously. "and why are staying here? Don't you have your own place?"

"Firefly," Caelus warned, but she ignored him still looking at Sampo. He gave Sampo a worried look that screamed for help.

"Well I say for a few days now," gave Caelus a small smile, before giving Firefly a pitiful expression. "But sadly not anymore and some of my other friends don't have room for me, so that's why my good pal here letting me stay here," Sampo say as he side hugs Caelus smiling again. Turning his grin to Firefly, "Caelus here is a really friend, I don't I know what I would do without his kindness."

"Don't you have a coworker or a job you can stay at?" Firefly asked.

Letting out an awkward laugh, as Sampo rubs the back of his head as he answers. "I'm actually in between jobs at the moment, but that's why I'm glad I met him."

"See I told you, he needed help," Caelus said very proud of himself. Sampo chuckled at what he said and Caelus laughed with him.

Watching them laugh among themselves, she let out a sigh after a moment of her being silence, "Okay, fine, I won't tell them."

"Really!," Caelus yells, "Thank you so-"

"Hold on," she interrupts Caelus and continues, "But only till your family comes back and you have to tell me if any other of your friends come over. I'll still tell Stelle but I won't say name."

Caelus smiles as goes over to tackle hug Firefly, "Deal! You're the best."

She hugs his before and giggles at his childish action, even if he wanted to stop being seen as a kid. Firefly is sure one no in Stellaron family would stop seeing him as the little boy that would cling to Blade, cried when Kafka had to go to work, or asked his sisters to play with him. He was even asked her to do a dance from his favorite toon with him when he was 10. He's was kind-hearted and sweet, maybe that why his family tries to hide him or don't let him visit Elio much. Firefly finally pulls away from the hug and stands up, "I while I'm here I'll help you with any cleaning, you to didn't eat already, right?"

"Yeah we did, I made us something real tasty," Caelus replied with pride, but the memory of their breakfast, Sampo wouldn't call it appetizing.

 Confused by they giving to completely different reactions, Firefly had to ask, "Was there any leftovers?" Caelus nodded still proud about his cooking but was shocked as he watches her throw out the leftovers from the fridge into the trash. "Foods not supposed to be purple Caelus. What was that even supposed to be anyway?"

He glared at Sampo as the man was trying not to laugh then looks back at Firefly, "It was obviously fried rice."

"More like yucky rice," She stated which earned another stiffen laugh from Sampo.

Caelus turned to Sampo, now embarrassed as he cried out, "What's so funny!?" He could feel the heat spread across his face but when he looked at him, he just laughed not bothering to hide it. But Bladie and Dan Heng told me my fried rice was good and that they liked it, he thought. His face got ten times redder when he heard Firefly join Sampo with her own giggle, "Stop laughing," he pleaded.

"Sorry, sorry," she says as she did her best to stop her laughter. "How about I make us some lunch? We can clean after," Firefly says with a bright smile till she remembers something. "Oh wait, Caelus, don't you have homework? Why don't you bring that way we can help you if you need it."

"I can do it tomorrow besides I don't I think I need help."

"I heard you got a 6 on your last test," she deadpanned, and Sampo began laughing again.

"How!?," Caelus wailed. Firefly please stop embarrassing me in front of Sampo. Its bad enough he thinks I can't cook, I don't want him to think I'm an idiot too.

She shrugged and replied, "March, me and Stelle ran into her last week, now go get your homework." Firefly observed Caelus deflate with an 'okay' and headed to his room, when she was sure Caelus wasn't in earshot she scowled at Sampo. "I don't know why he's friends with you but," she pauses to get in his face. "If you hurt him or make him cry, well, let's just say you wouldn't want to be at the end of anyone else from this family. That's if you want to ensure you don't live to see another day."

Sampo felt a cold sweat when she gave him a dark look. He swallowed, "Ms. Firefly, I would never even think of that. Like I said, Caelus is a good friend of mine, and I would never do anything to hurt my friends." A wide, nervous smile plastered on his face, Sampo placed his right hand over his heart. He continued, "I'm a man of my word, swear to you. If ya don't believe, ya can always kick me out but I'm pretty sure Caelus would be upset about it," mischief grin in it's place now. He quickly lost it when he saw the spark of wrath in her eyes, with his hands up to surrender, "I mean just trust him a little, not with cooking but...," struggling to think of anything else. He scans the kitchen, "How about I help you cook something?," trying to change the subject.

"You can cook?," she gave him a skeptic look.

"Yeah," him wanting to get some space from Firefly went to check to fridge and pantry. "How about some chili oil beef stew?," Sampo let's out an awkward laugh when he asked.

"That sounds good to me," replies Caelus. Neither of them noticed when he got back to the kitchen, he takes a seat at the island and drops his paper on the counter. "Hey Firefly can help me, Mr. Ratio has been taking my homework at the front door, thinks me and March are coping Dan Heng."

"You aren't?," more surprised than asking.

"Pfft no, he offer to let us." Firefly and Sampo look at him like he grew a second head.

Deciding to let Firefly handle, Sampo begins making their lunch, as she lets out a sigh and stated, "Just get started and I'll start the laundry." She paused, "Please tell me you didn't already start."

"I was getting mine and Sampo's clothes sorted," he murmured.

"That's a relief, okay, I'll be right back," and with the she left.

"So, what was that about?," Sampo asked with his back to Caelus. He glanced over his shoulder at him, with a grin, "should I be worry?"

Caelus's face goes red again and he pretends to focus on his homework. When he was sure Sampo went back to cooking, Caelus quietly mumble loud enough for him to hear, "I ruined everyone's nice clothes when I was 12. Mom was upset that we had to go to Gramps's place in t-shirts and jeans. So I'm not allowed to do laundry, but I thought since it was just us, I could give it other try." Great, now he probably thinks I'm so dumb, that it's a miracle that I know how to breath, he thought. He was so lost he was startled that he felt a hand ruffling his grayish hair. Caelus peered up to see Sampo pulled his hand away still grinning at him.

"So what, ya were a kid, every kid makes a mess. Heck I still find myself in some tough spots sometimes," He make a sour face like he got remind of something. He looks down at the papers in front of Caelus, "Hey if ya want, I can help ya with that?" Pointing at the one with math problems, "I'm pretty good with numbers."  Caelus just nodded with a weak smile, and the brunette sat next to him. Occasionally, Sampo would go check on the food, but he mostly sat, and helped Caelus. Him and Caelus did share a laugh when Caelus asked if he was smart enough to help him with his history. They didn't notice Firefly was back until she cleared her throat.

It's been a while since she heard Caelus laugh this much. She knows, thanks to March and Dan Heng, he is has a normal life given his family. "Is lunch really?," Firefly asked with a cute chuckle.

"Oh yeah, it should be," Sampo assume as he gets up to check. "Yep it's good to eat," remarks.

Caelus collects his homework, "I'll get some bowls," tells them. He gets them from the their cabinet, then hand the bowls to Sampo as Firefly set the silverware and water on the table. Sampo filled two of the bowels, gave them to Caelus, "Wow, this looks good and it smells great."

"Caelus bring it over here, let's eat," Firefly added. 

"Oh, sorry," he says, giving her her stew.

"Wow, you're right. Who knew you had a friend who could cook?" she laughed. She giggles, noting Caelus pouting when Sampo joins them with his food bowl. They talked and joked while they ate; she and Caelus laughed pretty hard when Sampo admitted they were related. Caelus happily told him that Firefly was dating his sister, but they had known each other since he was nine. Firefly decides he's not a threat to Caelus, but still skeptical, she shows Sampo some pictures off her phone of some of her dates with Stelle and some of Caelus with his sisters and other family members. Caelus tried to take her phone away when she showed Sampo a video of him falling off stage from a dance performance. When they finished eating, Sampo cleaned the kitchen and dishes, Firefly finished washing the clothes, and Caelus returns to doing his homework. After the chores and homework were done, the silver-haired girl felt comfortable leaving, and she made them walk her to the door.

"So you promise you won't tell Mom or Bladie?," Caelus question, worry she might go back on her word.

Firefly smiled sweetly, "Of course a deals a deal." She turned to Sampo, "But if you want to here then you need to help him with cooking and cleaning."

"Easy, ya don't have to worry about a thing Ms. Firefly," he insist as he plays with his hands. "After all what are friends for."

Pushing her suspicious down about the blunette, she whispered to Caelus, "Stelle said Kafka wants you to call her or Blade if you need money for anything. Also wants you to call or text him if something happens, but I think you should get ahold of him tonight, he'll appreciate it." She gave him a smile as he nods with his own smile. "Bye I'll come back in a next of week," Firefly wave as she leaves and walks down the street. When neither could see her, Caelus and Sampo let out a breath that neither realized they were holding, sharing a look.

"Well the 'mom's' gone, time to relax!" Caelus cheers as he goes back into the house as Sampo follows twiddling with his phone.

A pregnant silence falls on the room as everyone waits for the long white-haired man to respond. Kafka calmly drinks her tea as a petite woman with pink hair in twin tails stands next to the lion-like man, throwing a dagger-like glare at her. Blade fixates his gaze on the shogi board on the coffee table, separating his current family from his former one. He and Kafka occasionally glance in Stelle's direction as she wanders around the room to ensure she doesn't break anything, especially with her bat. After Caelus, it tends to be Stelle that causes issues; her destructive nature would get the better of her sometimes. When she was younger, Kafka and Elio agreed it would be perfect for their line of work until that anger was directed at one of them. She had seen red since they told her the fools may return that morning. Kafka raises her cup to let the staff in the room refill it; with a 'thank you' and content look, she returns to sipping her tea.

"If what you are saying is true, then that could be a problem," Jing Yuan finally commits.

"You're sure it's not one of the other families, one that you scorned in the past?" Fu Xuan, the petite woman, asked in an accusatory tone. Stelle and Blade gave the tiny woman a death stare as she rambles, "It could have been from the Stonehearts or Wildfire, for all we know, probably wanting to get even."

Blade moved to get up from his seat as Stelle walked over, both ready to attack, only to stop when Kafka made a motion with her free hand. She glances at them, Blade annoyed, and looks at boardgame again as Stelle stands behind them, not meeting her mother's gaze. "Believe me, I think we would know if it was one of them," she slowly places the cup on the coffee table. "The Stonehearts would have called by now to discuss their terms, and if we're being honest, well, the Wildfire isn't known for their stealth. You may be right, but it is family policy to help the highest bidder," Kafka says gleefully, smiling at Fu Xuan's annoyed face. "The head of our family wanted us to check and notify the major families if something is a miss," giving Jing Yuan her full attention.

"I see, I take it you already have word from the Oak family?" Jing Yuan asked.

Kafka sighed, "Sadly, no, they had matters to attend to."

"Look, Gramps think it would be easier to find the bastards if we team up," Stelle chimes in, swinging her bat to rest on her shoulder. "So you in?"

Jing Yuan chuckled at her question, "Good to see you're still forwarded as ever, young lady."

"I think I can speak for the Xianzhou that we will not. The last time we were involved with the Stellaron, three of our own were killed and two children orphaned," Fu Xuan said, not hiding her disgust.

"I understand the current situation, but I have to agree my associate. I don't believe most of the Xianzhou will be willing to help," Jing Yuan states in a stern tone. "But if you can convince the Oaks then my people may see how serious the situation is."

"We appreciate that, thank you for your time," Kafka gives a small bow as she stands. "We will be in touch," she says, giving Stelle and Blade a look to let them know its time to leave. Blade gives his old friend a nod before leaving as Stelle pulls out her phone as she follows. Jing Yuan made one of the servant walk them out, once outside the gate Kafka turned to Stelle as she messes with her phone. "Is that Firefly?" she asked.

"Yeah, she said he's fine. He still can't cook though and he apparently raided uncle's closet for some reason," Stelle says as they walk to their car.

Blade and Kafka shared a confused look, "Does he think that I have his presents in my room are something?" Blade question.

"No clue, but he's happy that we think he's grown up enough to care for himself. He also got his homework done apparently too," Stelle says not believing what she's reading.

"Aw, my little boy's growing up. I'm going to be a grandmother at this rate," Kafka cooed as Blade looked repulsed by the idea.

"He's too young for you to think like that," Blade protest.

"Yeah, what about me or Silver Wolf?" Stelle asked earning a facepalm from Blade.

"Oh please, you still can't decided if you should move in with Firefly, which you should. She's a lovely girl, and you shouldn't make a girl like that wait. Also we know that Silver Wolf isn't interest in dating," as if she was stating a fact. She checks her watch, "Speaking of, she probably done by now, poor thing she must be bored by now," Kafka says as they get in the car heading back.

Chapter Text

The rest of the weekend was pretty normal, for Caelus's standards at least. Sampo helped him with buying a new frame for the photo of Firefly and his sister, along with groceries. He almost let it slip on one of his calls to his mom that he wasn't home alone, nervously told her his friend was helping him study. She seemed happy to know he was finally taking school serious, much to Caelus's relief. He and Sampo mostly watched TV, played same of Silver Wolf's videogames and bought more clothes for Sampo, since he only had one outfit and wanted clothes that actually fit him. Caelus didn't question why he wanted to buy everything online, or why he asked what his family did for a living, or why he wanted to stay inside. Sampo was not surprised Caelus was bad at making anything that involves fire, after his second attempt to make food Sampo told him to only let him cook. When Caelus asked him why his girlfriend broke up, Sampo gave him a confused look before he turned bashful telling he that he didn't have to worry about it. He tells him he can ask his family if they can help the blunette find one but he quickly declined. By the time it was Monday Caelus for once was ready for school. Caelus asked Sampo over breakfast if he had any plans out of concern, worried if he would feel bored or lonely. Sampo just chuckles and tells him he'll be fine and find a way the entertain himself. Caelus was grateful that Sampo packed him lunch; usually, Dan Heng would share his lunch with him, his aunt apparently always would make too much.

With his uniform jacket over his favorite hoodie and shoes on, he tells Sampo bye as he walked out the front door. He walked a couple of blocks before he saw his friends, "Hey! March! Dan Heng!" Caelus shouted as he runs to catch up with them. They both turn around pausing letting him catch up.

"Good morning, Caelus," greets Dan Heng.

"Caelus!" March says with determination. "Convince Dan Heng to share his homework with me."

"I told you, I won't let you. You do this every week," he complains in a monotone tone.

"But you let Caelus copy aaall the time, it's not fair. You know we both have lives on the weekend, why does he get special treatment," she whined.

"I actually did my homework," Caelus stated earning shocked looks from both Dan Heng and March.

March places a hand on Caelus's forehead and the other on her own. "Are you sick or something?", she asked.

"No," removing her hand, frowns. "A friend of mine and Firefly helped me."

"Eeeh? No fair! You got help from someone in university," she pouts, which Caelus thought was funny earning him a jab in the arm.

Dan Heng with a concerned look and something else Caelus can't place, asked, "Is it someone we know? Your friend, I mean."

"Nah, I met him this weekend," Caelus answered as they walk together. "He's fun, I think you guys would like him. He's great cook, he made me lunch today. He's even helping me take care of the house and-"

"WAIT1 WHAT!" they both shout in unison.

"Why are you home alone?" March asked.

"Why would you let someone you just met in your house?" Dan Heng questioned.

Caelus exhaustedly sighed, "You know, you guys sound like Firefly. Look, long story short, something came up at my gramps's place, and Sampo was kicked out of his so I told him he can stay at mine."

"Does your family know?" Dan Heng asks.

"Who cares!" March chimes in. "You know what this mean right? We can have a party, hey Caelus, your new roomie mind wouldn't mind, right? Oh, is he movie star handsome or boy band cute?" March pulls out her phone. "Oh oh, does he have socials? You said his name was Sampo right?"

"Nah, they don't know," the gray-haired boy turn to March. "Also no parties, at least not at my place. My mom is trusting me to responsible, and why does it matter what he looks like anyway?"

"Trust me, it matters, so Sampo, what, what's his last name?" she presses him. Not wanting to deal with the pink-haired girl's overly hyper behavior early in the morning, Dan Heng walks ahead of the two, still listening in on them.

"I don't know," Caelus tries to keep up with the taller boy, glance back at her with suspension. "Also, why are you so curious all of a sudden?"

She looks up from her phone, "Wait, you don't know?" 

"I didn't ask, and you didn't answer my question," he states.

"But how am I going to know if this Sampo guy isn't a creep? Hot guys can be pervs too, please tell me you have a photo? At least his phone number?," seeing the their school coming in to view, March dives for Dan Heng's bag. "Argh, never mind, Dan Heng give me your homework!" wrestling the dragon boy for their bag. 

"Well, I'll see you at lunch march, see you in class Dan Heng," using this as an opportunity to escape March's questions Caelus sprints to the building. Even pretends he didn't hear Dan Heng call for him as he runs away.

March blurts, "You're curious if he got himself a boyfriend, aren't you?" She take his bag in his stupor and begins to fish for his homework. "Relax, I doubt it, almost everyone at school knows you've had a crush on him since middle school," she sits down using the black-haired boy's bag as a table as she gets to work copying. "If you don't tell him how you feel, he'll never know. At least ask him out," a moment of silence passes, and the pink-haired girl looks up at him to see him not able to meet her gaze, face flush. "You asked him on a date already, didn't you?" shouts at the revelation. "Well, how did it go then?" Dan Heng sits beside her, letting out a sigh of defeat and burying his face in his knees. March rubs his back to comfort him. "That bad, huh?"

Dan Heng takes a deep breath, "Last week, I asked him out to the movies but we bumped into Acheron, and I quote, 'We have to help her, what if Swan is worried sick about her?', then we run into Hook and her friends. They convinced Caelus we all should go to the arcade, we where there till their parents picked them up," a small smile grows on his face. The memory of Caelus playing games with them, losing to Hook and asking for a rematch. The gray-haired boy had always been good with little kids; whenever he found Dan Heng with his sister, he would drop whatever he was doing and hang out with them. Every time Bailu wanted to play doctor, Caelus would be her nurse, but Dan Heng wished he wouldn't do baby talk every time. He still gets second-hand embarrassment whenever he thinks back to when Caelus told Bailu's doll, "Hewwo, youw dowcto says you need suwgewy today," with whatever confidence he has. His smile falls and he goes back to stoic, " When we were finally by ourselves, he said it was getting late and he didn't want to worry his mom and uncle." 

March pats his shoulder, "Sorry you fall for the biggest dummy on the planet. Oh, I got an idea, why don't we go to his place today?"

"He told you no parties, also his uncle would kill me and never let me see Caelus again if I go over."

March rolls her eyes, "Not that, to meet this Sampo guy and to see if they're more than friends. Plus he did say none of his family is home, so I doubt they'll know you were ever over," mischievous grin plastered on her face.

"Fine, but hurry up, we'll be late," Dan Heng says as he stands up. Earning a smile from March, she gets back to work, as he messages his cousin to pick up Bailu later. A thought struck him, "Why didn't you ask your dad for help? I'm sure Mr. Yang wouldn't hesitant to help." Her silence was the only respond he receive for him to know the answer, she forgot.

The day went as usual; Caelus slept through most of their morning classes. Dan Heng would wake him up if he started to drool. Mr. Raito did hit him with a piece of chalk so hard that Caelus fell out of his chair, getting a laugh from the whole class, except Dan Heng. By the time lunch came around, March asked if she and Dan Heng could go over, she told him they wanted to meet Caelus's new friend. Dan Heng was worried he would tell them no, but he didn't. In fact, Caelus seemed excited for them to meet Sampo. Caelus babbled on about what Sampo told him about himself, and March kept her questions flowing; they both were shocked when he told them about how the taller man pinned him. Caelus reassured them it wasn't a huge deal, Sampo was drunk that night he found him. Dan Heng couldn't help but be concerned about how his golden eyes shone brighter than the sun. He seem to greatly appreciate Sampo's presents besides their first morning together, Caelus liked how kindhearted he is. The dragon boy barely realized lunch was over till his friends were getting up, March asked if he was okay, which he told her he was. Rest of school was a blur to him, when him and Caelus got to the teachers' office waiting the pink-haired girl to finish talking to her dad, Dan Heng spoke what has been eating away at him, "Can I ask you something?" he takes a deep breath, "It's been on my mind lately... " Please don't like him, please don't be dating. Please don't like him, please don't be dating. Please don't like him, please don't be dating. Don't be in love with him. "You seem interested in this Sampo person, do you have feeling for him?"

"Wait, what?" perplexed, Caelus paused, "No I guess not. I mean he's cool and fun to talk to but...." he thinks a bit, "I don't know, probably not, I mean I'm not the sharpest nail in the box and I'm clumsy. I mean I've never been on a date. Plus, I think he still wants to get back with his ex, Sampo is aways looking at his phone." Caelus wanted to ask why he thought he did when he came out, letting them know she got the 'okay' from her dad. The trio leaves the school with Caelus wondering what that was about.

MS: Sooooo did you find anything useful yet or are you goofing off at your hideout?

YZ: Knowing him, he's probably waiting for one of us to save him

LG: He's definitely scared that his target is looking for him.

MG: Ladies please, let's have faith in Sampo. He most be hard at work.

MJ: They have a point though...

Can ya stop messaging?! I'm tryin to make dinner!! :SK

MJ: ....

YZ: ....

LG: ....

MG: Pardon?

MS: I was right he's not taking this serious at all

For ya information this is part of my plan. :SK

 do ya guy really have so little faith in me? :SK 

MS: Y E S

YZ: Definitely

LG: Yes

MJ: 100%

MG: Why is making dinner part of your plan?

I found somethin about the Stellarons that we can use to our advantage. :SK

They have a kid. :SK

MJ: Yea duh, there's two of them, both girls, and Sparkle said one of them kicked your ass

REALLY! ya told them that! :SK

MS: I have noooo idea what you mean ~ (^u^)

Look they have a have third one & he's with me. :SK

LG: What, but the families have only been visited by one or both of them. No one has never mention a third child let alone a boy

YZ: How old is he? Why can't I find any records of him?  

Seventeen & one of his sisters is a hacker apparently. :SK

They also send he to one of those private school. :SK

MG: Interesting, but how did you find this piece of information?

He's lettin me stay at his place. :SK

MS: Wait is that why you think they won't found you?

Relax I've been here for 3 days & they won't be back for awhile. :SK

MJ: So why are playing house with this kid? Didn't his family teach him about stranger danger or something?

To him I'm just a poor man down on his luck & he simply is helping this poor soul. :SK

MJ: Ok but again why?

LG: I doubt a teenager would be that stupid especially from that family

Look I have to go he just got back. :SK

I'll explain later. :SK

MS: Oh one thing first!

MS: They visited the oak family a few days ago they still don't know what you look like

 Good to know. :SK

Sampo pocketed his phone as he heard the front door open. Caelus called to let him know he was back and his friends were with him. He looked out the kitchen to see him with a girl in a light blue skirt that matched the jacket and a bow on the collar of her button-up shirt. The boy beside him wore the same black pants, dark gray jacket, and yellow tie uniform minus the hoodie. He didn't recognize the pink-haired girl, but he remembered hearing that one of the children of Xianzhou was the spitting image of The Dragon Fang, Dan Feng. He guesses that this was him. Both of them eye him suspiciously, "Oh hi, if I know your friends were coming over, I can of had snacks ready." Sampo feels his nerves back on edge but relaxes slightly as Caelus runs up to him, baring his face in his chest with a hug. "I'm guessin ya had a good day," cheshire grins as he ruffles his hair. He tried to ignore the death glare from the dark-haired teen.

Caelus nods and lets go to jesters to the two teens behind him. "This is March," the girl waves a hand. "And that's Dan Heng," the boy gives a short bow. "They're the friends I told you about."

March walks up to them, eyeing Sampo. "Man, I was hoping he was cute," she sighs before going into the living room and dropping her bookbag next to her on the couch. “Caelus, why do you have to have hot guys go after you?" She squints her eyes at them, letting her frustration show. "It's not fair, I'm the cute one here."

"Would it be okay if we stay for dinner?" Dan Heng ask before Caelus or Sampo could wonder what March meant.

"Yeah, oh we can play that new fighting game Silver got," Caelus runs up stairs before any of them could comment. Leaving his childhood friends and new friend in an awkward standstill. Dan Heng gives him a menacing look then goes to join March on the couch.

He was about go back to cook when a soft voice gets his attention, "Hey, can we ask you somethings?" Sampo looks back, seeing March smiling sweetly while Dan Heng focuses on finding something in his bag. He sits on the other couch nervous about what they wanted to talk about. "Sooo, are you going marry Caelus? And can I plan it for you?" Stunned by Sampo can't form answer and Dan Heng scowls hers.

"I got the game, I also brought extra controllers," Caelus noticing the tense atmosphere. "Did I miss something?"

Dan Heng sighs, "March asked an inappropriate questions again." Glances back at Caelus, "Are you sure your uncle won't know we're here, right?"

"You worry too much," March states.

"Yeah, don't worry he won't, besides if Bladie was coming home he would call first." Caelus says as he sets up the game.

"He's just scared your creepy uncle will threaten to kill him again," she chuckles to herself. "What was it he told you when we were little, oh, 'You are to stay far away from my precious nephew. Don't even think of looking in his direction'. Hahaha, I mean what sane person says that to a kid." Dan Heng, and she remembered him telling them that one time they were playing at a playground. Meanwhile, Blade looked sketchy in his black trench coat, hat, and facemask. If Caelus's mom didn't show up or his sisters, they still think someone would have called the police on Blade. 

"Should I be concern too, friend?" awkward laughs Sampo. He remembers hearing the Stellaron were known for being strange and that Blade was a man to fear and not to mess with. But he had no idea Blade was that strange or that he stalked his nephew. Sampo glance at Caelus wondering if he doesn't find anything about his family weird, reflecting if this was why he didn't panic when he threw on the floor when they first met. He notice the three teens looking at him, "He seems very protective. Is there a reason why?"

Caelus, handing out the controllers, shrugs his shoulders as he joins Sampo on the same couch. "No idea," setting the game so the all can play. "He's been like that for as long as I can remember." Trying to think more about it then a thought, "I guess after Stel ran away... or maybe after she decided to come back home.... If I'm being honest I don't know." The memories of that time were a strange dream to him, his mom pacing the living room, his uncle punching holes in the walls, or his eldest sister giving him a flip phone to wear around his neck anytime he leaves the house. They were to busy worrying about Stelle, he felt like they thought Caelus might go missing too. It took a whole year before she came back and interduce Firefly to him, one no ever seem like they wanted to be reminded about it so Caelus never asked. "But I think you'd be fine," giving his friends a smile, "Bladie is a big softy I don't he would ever hurt a fly."

Sampo shared an unconvinced look with the two other teens. "Well he's still a creep even if he is a kind guy," March spoke up. "Anyway changing the subject, are you boys ready to lose to the master of Aetherium Wars?" a smug grin growing wide on her face. Caelus howls with laughter and Dan Heng covers his face and looks away shaking with suppress his snicker as she changes from being smug to pouting, "Oh yeah, lets make a bet." She eyes Dan Heng with mischief, "Loser has to say who their crush is."

Sampo sets down the controller down, "Well I don't think I want in on this." Getting up to he shares a few words as he leaves, "I gotta finish dinner, you kids have fun."

Caelus didn't hide how upset he was, March look to Dan Heng seeing he was too. She elbowed his side, whispers to him, "You get 10 to 15 minutes, make it count." She gets up as well, "I need to use the bathroom, I'll play winner when I get back. Gooood luck you tooo~" Giving the dragon boy a wink as she leaves.

Dan Heng sometimes wishes she wasn't so embarrassing when she decides plays cupid. He also wishes she would leave his love life alone, but knowing her, she just wants her friends happy. He can't really blame her, they both find it weird how Caelus's family seem to always know where he is at any giving time. His uncle one time told Caelus he was in trouble because Dan Heng gave him a valentine when they were in junior high. "So, best 2 out of 3, sound good to you?" he didn't notice that the boy with golden-eyes moved to sit next to him. Not trusting his voice Dan Heng nods, but he wasn't paying attention to the game. Even as Caelus leaned on him trying to make him lose, not that he needed to, the dragon boy struggled to kept a straight-face and keep his blush at bay. By the time March came back with a tray of drinks Caelus won both rounds, "Thanks March, looks like its you v. me. Ready to lose too?"

She could practically see the steam leak out of his head. "Big talk for someone that has to admit who they're in love with." She felt guilty, rooting for them even if Caelus was clueless about all the people who fell for him, even though one was beside him. After a hour they both had one win by the time Sampo called they to let them know dinner was ready. Both her and Dan Heng found the pot roast delicious. March excitedly explained to Sampo how long they've been friends when he asked. Caelus and her shared a laugh at the memory of her and Dan Heng going to a toy shop with her dad, but didn't make it. Three confused by a banging sound coming from a trashcan with a heavy box on it's lid, "We thought it was a trapped animal. I had to beg my dad to save it, but when he moved the box, the lid preictally flew off then BOOM! Caelus was there and he crawls out with a rugged doll, we thought he was homeless till his mom showed up." Her and Caelus shared how thrilled they were when their parent planned a play-date, the three of them have been inseparable since. Their reminiscing was interrupted by March's phone ringing, she excused herself, after awhile she came back. "That was my dad he wants me home. Hey, Dan Heng, can you walk me home he doesn't want me walking home alone. You know, with people going missing and all. Oh and Caelus can I have my book back? I told someone from school they can barrow it."

"Sure," Caelus replies, leaving the dining room with March behind. "Sorry, I couldn't finish it. I guess detective books aren't for me." He leaves Sampo to clean up and Dan Heng to collect his and March's things as him and March go up the stairs to his room. When they reach his door, March shoves him into the room and shuts it. "Hey, what was that for!"

"Are you and Sampo dating, yes or no?" she ask, not beating around the bush. "You seemed bummed when he didn't play with us and he was all you talked about since lunch," she crosses her arm glares at him.  "So spill. Now."

She could the gears slowly turning in Caelus's head, "Um... No..."

Puts her hands on her hips, "So you're crushing on him then?" He froze not knowing what to say, March sighs, "Look it's pretty clear you do, you cling to him and look like a love sick puppy."

"No I don't!"

"Yes, you do! You aren't even that clingy with your family or me and Dan Heng." Seeing her book on his desk, March goes to pick it up. "I'm not saying go for it, but really think about it." She walks to leave the room, "You don't have to walk me out, bye Caelus. See you tomorrow," Shutting the door leaving Caelus flabbergast. Only one phase was running around in his head.

"Do I really have a crush on Sampo?" 

Chapter Text

"Again, sorry, but you or anyone associated with the Stellaron are not welcome here," the tall man with five-clock-shadow slurs his words. It's clear to everyone with eyes that this man guarding the main gate is drunk before 10 a.m. "Besides, even if you guys were welcome, Sunday is busy with whatever he does." Eyeing the three women in front of him, Gallagher notes the young grayed-haired woman seems to get more annoyed. He recalls hearing rumors this young woman, Stelle, was known for being a hellion and that she was the reason for Wildfire's change of head. If the swaying man remembered correctly, that was roughly ten years ago, and she looks to be in her early twenties or late teens. He knows the name of the other young lady next to her, but she fits the description Sunday said to look out for.  But didn't he say it was a guy, though, or did he misgender them. Nah, no way, he could make that mistake with that figure. Wait, did he drink my booze by mistake? He was lost in thought. He didn't realize Kafka was talking to him. Where's Black Swan when you actually need her. "Look, if I'ma being honest, Sunday is busy with family matters," he said, interrupting Kafka, earning glares from the three.

"That's what that guy told us the whole weekend; it's Monday! How busy can one man be? This is argent!" Stelle snapped. "What is someone dying or something!"

"Stelle!" Firefly shocked.

"I apologize about her, but if Mr. Sunday is too busy is there anyone else we can have audience with?" Kafka doing damage-control. "Anyone will be fine, we just want to confirm anything, we will even be fine with speaking with Ms. Robin." Kafka noting to Gallagher seems to sober up at the mention Robin. A sly smirk blossoms on her face, "Or is Ms. Robin busy with family matters as well? Oh but I thought she wasn't part of the Oak family business?" The older woman feigning ignorant about the death glare from the the shaggy man. She would have continued if a woman with long pale lavender-hair that clashed with the deep violet veil she wear, open the gate earing everyone's attention. Kafka gives her a practice smile, "Good morning Ms. Black Swan, that is quite the revealing dress. Is Mr. Sunday still away on business?"

"Morning to you as well, and yes he is," matching the polite practice smile. "As for my dress, it was a gift from my wife, but it's still not as revealing as what you used to wore when your husband was around. What was his name again?" She covers her mouth to hide a giggle, "I wonder whatever happened to him?" Her and Kafka exchange dagger like glares.

Firefly was going to step in but Stelle beat her to it. "Who cares about that douche? Can you two stop having a dick measuring contest and focus about why we're here," points an accusatory finger at both Gallagher and Black Swan. "We know that damn song bird broke into our main house." The golden-eyed girl continues, not caring who hears or that they are still outside, not listening to her girlfriend pleads to stop. "So did you guys find what you were looking for? Did you really have to fake that the fucking fools are back? If you want to fight then don't send a weakling and your little princess!" to add with the sarcasm she gets in Gallagher's face. The wind in her sail subsids after Firefly puts a hand on her shoulder and holds her hand, giving it a lite squeak, reminds Stelle to breath.

"What did you said?" Black Swan asked out of shock.

"Mr. Elio has cameras at his house and it shows Robin was there," she takes out her phone to show them. "And she's with a slim tall man with broad shoulders. They're both wearing mask but its clear that the woman on the tape is Robin."

Black Swan and Gallagher share a concerned look. "May I see?" asks Black Swan. Firefly rewinds the video before handing her phone to her. After watching it a couple more times, she is quiet for what feels too long, with Gallagher watching it over her shoulder. "We should discuss this inside. Sadly, you'll have to settle for me and Gallagher," she states as she hands back Firefly's phone.

Kafka sighed in relief, "Thank you, that's all we ask."

Stelle holds her tongue as Kafka explains all the information they retain and answers Gallagher and Black Swan’s questions. Her mother has always been better at keeping a leveled head than herself, especially regarding people who infuriate her. She was surprised that Gallagher had never heard of ‘The Masked Fools,’ but bombshell to find out he was younger than her brother. The revelation that Robin was attacked after one of her performances and Sunday was currently in the hospital thanks to his own attack as well.

“I see why you believe Ms. Robin is guilty, but she’s been bedridden for about a month now and hasn't said a word. And clear, the woman in the video is quite talkative,” Black Swan closes her eyes, in thought. “Which of the families have you already spoken to?”

“At the moment, the Xianzhou and Wildfire,” Kafka answers.

“And what were their thoughts? I heard that the Xianzhou and Stellaron have bad blood.” The lavender-haired woman fixates her eyes on Kafka.

“Gossip is for bored boring people, and gossiping women especially so,” ignoring the dirty looks of her daughter and her girlfriend. “To answer your question, Xianzhou is considering, but at the time, no. As for Wildfire, they have their own reservation, but they do think they know who the man is by the cartoon bomb. He sells them information, and he goes by Mr. Cold Feet. Sadly, they don't know what he looks like.”

“Wait, how can they say they know but don't know what the guy looks like?” the brunette interrupts.

Rubbing her eyes with a black-gloved hand, she doesn’t attempt to conceal her tiredness. “He signs everything with a bomb drawing. He’s never met them in person and only uses drop-off locations,” Kafka breathes out.

Readjusting the ring on her finger, Black Swan hums, “That's quite the problem, but the Oak family has their own issues at this time. We still have to find the person who harmed those two, but if you can wait until Mr. Sunday is released, we can discuss this matter again.” A practice smile paints her lips as she faces the three Stellaron women. “I hope you understand why I cannot tell you where he’s at.”

“Of course,” Kafka replies with a poker face as Firefly nods and Stelle rolls her eyes. “You know how to reach us.”

The three begin to leave the house when Black Swan says something that makes them freeze; Kafka especially stiffens. “Stelle and Firefly, was it? Does one of you happen to have a brother? Short grayish hair and golden eyes?”

The girlfriends exchange a silent agreement, “Why do you ask?” Firefly spoke as she turned to face them. Gallagher looks at Black Swan flabbergast as she playful grin.

The lavender-haired woman crossed her legs and rested a hand on her cheek. “Curiosity mostly, but he’s apparently friends with my wife. He and Dan Feng’s son helped her find her way home a few days ago.” her grin turns more mischievous, “I thought the only children of the Stellarons were girls, or is he just another child Elio found? Acheron did mention he tends to show up in odd places.”

Stelle chimed before either her mother or girlfriend, “Hey! Leave Cal out of this. And even think trying mess with him, that idiot doesn't know shit!" Firefly grabs her arm taking bickering with her while leaving the room.

The woman, still sitting, giggled to herself, "I didn't expect her to behave that way. Ms. Robin also knows Caelus; they attend the same dance studio." Her eyes shifted to the wine-haired woman, "If you're worried history will repeat itself, I can give you a tarot reading for free, of course." Kafka gently shook her head before following the younger women.

SW: Hey get me the new Aetherium wars game, they're havin a midnite release + giving out freebies but 1 per person so take a friend with you

 It's next weekend thx (^з^)-☆

K but March has a competition n idk if Dan Heng has anything planned :Cae

SW: Just take the guy you let crash duh (¬_¬)

Σ('◉⌓◉’) :Cae

!!?!?HOW

SW: You idiots went in my room, you tripped the cams

Y is there cams in ur room? ｡ﾟ(ﾟ´Д｀ﾟ)ﾟ｡  :Cae

SW: Really... I've lost too many games + consoles to you + Stelle 

So take your boyfriend to get my game or I tell mom + Blade

Also put my stuff back

Plz _:(´ཀ`」 ∠): I beg u .... I'll go :Cae

Just don't tell them

SW: Get me 2 copies then + I may not say anythin bout you losin your v-card

He's not my boyfriend!!! :Cae

SW: We both kno they won't care bout that ( ^-^)/(T_T ) 

Fine ... do u want me to take it 2 u 2? (◞‸◟)  :Cae

SW: Aawww~ thx lil bro that's so sweet of you, bring the goods to grandfather's place (^ω^)

You can even bring your man too~

We're not dating!!! 。・°°・(＞ロ＜)・°°・。  :Cae

The day was a blur; when school ended, Caelus awkwardly told his friends he wanted to head home by himself to Dan Heng's dismay. March wasn't thrilled as well that he couldn't watch her compete. She said something about Himeko spoiling them to a fancy meal and letting them stay the night. Caelus couldn't remember anything after lunch after his messages with Silver Wolf, a week of no one except Firefly knowing over. March's words were still running around in his head, and now his sister thinks he has a thing for Sampo, too; it shouldn't surprise him that she rigged her room with surveillance. But he can't think of any time Sampo entered her room. Maybe I left the door open? Yeah, I left the door open, and the camera caught him when he woke me up, he told himself. Either way, now one of his sisters knows about Sampo, at their mercy not to rat him out. At least it's Silver, Stel would probably think of something embarrassing for me to do. Who am I kidding? I'm going to be her minion till she gets bored. When he reached his house, he went straight to his room, ignoring the blunette's greeting. Caelus didn't bother to change out of his uniform, he just buried his face pillow. He didn't know how long he lay there till he heard a soft knock on his door and the crack of it opening.

Sampo sat on the edge of the bed, seeing Caelus hug his pillow tight. "Rough day, huh? Wanna talk about it?" The gray-haired boy lethargically sat up but buried his face on his knees. Sampo gently patted his shoulder. "That bad, kid?"

"One of my sisters found out you're here," he peeks to witness the blunette become a statue. "Since she now has blackmail us, she wants us to get her a new game this weekend for her silence. Also, we have to head to my gramps's place. Knowing her, she probably wants to give you a background check; she's weird like that. If you still don't feel comfortable going outside, you don't have to-"

"Sure"

Caelus was stunned, "Wait really?"

With a Cheshire grin on his face, "Of course, what are friends for? Besides I feel like I'm starting to get cabin fever."

Caelus launched himself at Sampo, hugging him as he beamed, "Thanks, you're the best! Oh, by the way, my gramps lives outside the city, so we'll have to take the bus or call a cab."

"Or I can ask a friend if we can borrow a car?" Sampo stiffens a laugh.

"You think they won't mind?"

"Yeah, they're away because of a job anyway. I'll ask them tomorrow," he ruffles Caelus's hair, earning a laugh from him. "So relax and get changed." Sampo stands to leave but is surprised when Caelus jumps to hug him from behind. Looking over his shoulder, he sees a toothy grin from Caelus, and he can't help but smile back too.

Chapter Text

The next day, Silver Wolf sent him the details on which shops were doing the event and when he needed to be there to get everything she wanted. At school, Caelus told both March and Dan Heng what happened; she was annoyed with him and complained that he needed to stop giving his sisters fuel for blackmail. He felt worse when Dan Heng also said he had a contest for his calligraphy club on the same day, which Caelus and March didn't realize was a thing. Dan Heng offered to miss it and go with him, but the gray-haired boy told him Sampo would be with him. The dragon boy went quiet as March whined about him ditching them for some guy. When Firefly showed up for her weekly visit, she told him his family still doesn't know about Sampo. He couldn't tell her the minor evil wolf issue because he knew she wouldn't have to tell Silver Wolf off. That's how Blade and his mom discovered the cat army Caelus hidden in his closet. By the time Friday rounded around, he had tried to make it up to them by giving them both robot toys, which he clearly found in the trash, Caelus had made into good lucky charms. Now Caelus stands in line waiting for Sampo to join him, checking his phone for what feels like the hundredth times tonight just to see it's still thirty minutes till midnight.

March messaged hours ago with photos of her dad and her at Himeko's place. Showing off the new bow the redheaded woman gave her as a gift and making Mr. Welt wear face masks with them. Dan Heng still hasn't sent anything in the group chat or private DM, but knowing him, he probably went to rest early or was working on his writing. Pocketing his phone, Caelus looked back, seeing how long the line had gotten, then to the start. Where's Sampo? He should be here by now? he thought. Caelus beams when he spies the blunette heading his way with a bag. "What took you so long?"

"Sorry, getting my friend's car and finding a parking spot was tricky. But I got some drinks and that sour candy you've been getting lately." Holding out the candy and orange energy drink to Caelus. Sampo opens his own energy drink, "So, ya excited to see your sis tomorrow, or are ya worried?" Catching a glimpse of the strained smile on the boy's face, Sampo leans on Caelus. "Still think she'll rat ya out?" He only nods, and Sampo sighs, "Relax, what's the worse they'll do? They'll probably make me leave. It's not like we can still hang out together," Sampo takes a sip. "I know March said your family can be weird and creepy, but they want to keep their princess safe."

"Wha?!" Caelus sharply faces him, flustered. "Who are you calling a princess? Shouldn't I be the prince or a knight?"

Sampo chuckled, "Nope, you're just the fair princess that rarely gets to leave his tower." He pretends to not notice how flushed the boy's face is getting. "Your sisters are princes or maybe terrors. Either way, from what your friends say, your uncle is the knight." He teases Caelus with a mischievous grin, " I'm so grateful for the princess's big heart. Ya are too kind, Your Highness, but I do apologize, for I am why ya are being threatened." Giving a slight bow with his right hand over his heart.

Fuck! How can he say that with a straight face? I'm so glad it doesn't look like anyone here that knows me.  Caelus shrieked in his head as his face became a new shade of red. "I'm not a princess!" yelp, getting the other people in line to look at them. Feeling self-conscious, he pulls up his hood and murmurs, "By the way, I'm curious about something."

"Shoot," the emerald-eyed man replies, taking his phone out after hearing it chime.

"Do you miss her? Your ex, I mean, the one that left you," fidgeting with the bottle's label. Too embarrassed to meet Sampo's gaze as he continues, "I mean, you're always on your phone, and you always have a serious look on your face when you're messing with it."

"My lady friend? Oh no, me and her never really met eye to eye," he goes back to skimming his messages. "Hey, it's almost time," as if on cue, one of the store employees comes out and tries to get everyone's attention. "We can play twenty questions later." The boy gives a sharp nod; Sampo wraps an arm around his shoulder as they begin to be ushered into the store. Getting everything wasn't easy. They were only allowed to pick three of the nine promotional items. After a small debate, they settled on a poster, pin, button, charm, lanyard, and a tote bag between them; satisfied with their pick, they bought their games and left. Sampo led the way to the car, which looked too expensive for him. "So how long do we have to sleep till we have to be at ya grandpa's place?" ask after they settle in.

Glancing at the clock, only saw it's 1:47 a.m. "We just have to be there by noon." Caelus turns to blunette, "So yeah, it's about two to three hours away," he beamed.

SW: HEY!!

Where are you?

Is he comin over 2?

Srry I slept n (◞‸◟) :Cae

Ye

Sampo had a hard time tryin 2 wake me up

Otw

SW: Aawww~

So you have a househusband now

Does that mean you did lose your v-card? Or are you 2 just cuddlebuddies?

NO!!! he's n the guest room :Cae

 ?Y do u care so much bout that

SW: Me + Stelle have a bet

Bout if I get laid? ∑(ﾟДﾟ) :Cae

SW: More like if you EVER get a bf/gf + other stuff  

Thx 2 you gettin a bf I own Stelle $20 |(￣3￣)|

But since its not that dragon guy Stelle owns me $20 so 1v1 ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ 

Y would u guys think I would date Dan Heng?  (・Д・) :Cae

?Wait y only $20

SW: Lmao that's what you're worry about?

You want to kno the other bets?

Stop bettin on my love life (● ˃̶͈̀ロ˂̶͈́)੭ꠥ⁾⁾ :Cae

SW: So you DO have a love life (^‿^)  

Y r u like this? (0-0) :Cae

SW: Boredom

My rite since I'm older

Take your pick

"Your sister again?" Sampo asked as Caelus let out a massive sigh as he pocketed his phone. He sees the golden-eyed boy nod in the corner of his eye. "Hey, it's your turn to ask a question," Sampo grins, never expecting them to actually play twenty questions. Caelus told him he wanted them to know each other better, so they asked each other to pass the time. So far, Caelus had learned that Sampo has no siblings and was raised by his grandparents after his parents passed when he was, in his words, 'still a brat.' He grew up with little money somewhere with snow most of the year. He also dreams of being so wealthy that he does not have to have a care in the world.

Guess it's now or never, Caelus thought. "So since your ex was a girl, does that mean you've only dated girls or ....?"

"Nah, I dated a guy in high school, but his rich family didn't like me. The last time we bumped into each other, he was training to be a cop. What bout ya? Do ya have someone that ya fancy?"

He knew he looked like a deer in the headlight as he stumbled over his words, "No! Yes! .... I don't know."

Snickering, Sampo pressed again, "Okay, let me rephrase if ya did have a crush, would they be a gal or a guy?" Checking the GPS to make sure he was driving in the right direction.

Silent for a moment before he spoke, "I guess a guy, I mean, girls are pretty, and they smell nice, but they can be too scary and mean sometimes."

"But Ms. March seems harmless? Are ya telling me you're scared of her?"

"She's in the archery club and is aiming to go pro, I know when not to mess with her." Sampo gave him a concerned glance as if he was wondering if there was a story behind that statement. "What would you consider the perfect date?" changing the subject.

Sampo hums, thinking, "Going somewhere quiet for drinks. Especially if I'm really into them, I would want to be the center of their attention." He gives Caelus a mischievous smirk, "What are ya planning to ask me out? Does my princess see me as their knight?"

Caelus smacks the blunette's arm, trying to ignore his increased heart rate or the implication of his words. "No-o-o! ..... Just curious is all ..." Suddenly, the view outside his window was interesting.

Seeing the crimson color on the boy's cheeks, Sampo can't help but laugh again, "I'm just messing with ya. Even if I know how much of a catch I am." He pats Caelus's head, "Besides, I bet ya already have someone who's your prince charming and not a sketchy guy like me." He notices Caelus with a confused look, "I overheard Ms. Firefly telling ya to kick me out a few times. Can't blame her. Ya did say something about your family treating ya like you're made of porcelain," he says with a weak smile. "So, ya said one of your sisters ran away. Was there a reason?"

"I don't know," Caelus replied, trying to recall that day. "I thought everyone was happy, but one day, Stel was gone. Back then she would pick me up from my elementary school since her middle school was closer than Silver's high school, but we would meet her at the playground by our house. At the time, I was upset that I thought they had forgotten about me, and I didn't stop crying even after Silver came to get me. Mom didn't cry, at least in front of anyone, but I knew she was upset, and Bladie was out every night looking for her. Even though they gave me a phone, Bladie and Mom didn't like it when they didn't know where Silver and I were."

Sampo glimpsed at Caelus, now invested in the story, "But she came back on her own, right?"

The gray-haired boy shook his head, "Not really; after a year, Mom said she was in the hospital. Stel got stabbed, I think. Anyway, she has a huge scar on her chest and had met Firefly."

"Did they tell ya what happened?"

"Nope," Caelus turns to Sampo, pouting. "Hey, you asked two questions. You skipped my turn." Sampo had a sly smile; he thought about what to ask when he saw his grandfather's house. "Oh, there it is. It's the big one on the left."

The house that Caelus called big was more of a mansion gated off. "So you're a rich kid, huh?" Sampo sounds unsurprised. "Hey, looks like Silver Wolf was waiting for us."

Caelus looked towards his grandfather's to see Silver Wolf standing outside the main gate playing on her handheld. Man, she looks annoyed. Wait, how did he know that it was her? Wait, wait, I'm being dumb. The house is full of pictures. I bet that's it, and someone told him, yeah, that's it, Caelus thought. He asked Sampo to pull up beside her and roll down his window. He unbuckles himself and leans over Sampo to get his sister's attention, "Hey Silver, sorry for the wait. Why are you waiting outside?"

Silver Wolf, not once looking up from her game, opens the backdoor to climb in the car to the other two's confusion. "Didn't feel like being inside with the help. Also, there's a place I wanna go to, and everyone's out," pause her game, noticing the bag in the seat next to her. "Nice. Is this everything you got for me?" not bothering to wait for their answer as she looks through the bag.

"Where is everyone?" Caelus implore.

"Firefly and Stelle went to a theme park for a date. Gramps, Blade, and Kafka went to a meeting or something," Silver Wolf messes with her phone before pocketing it. "I sent you the address, so drive," she leans back into her seat, kicks up her feet on the center console, and goes back to playing her game.

Confused, he glances at his sister then his phone back to her, "Why can't you ask the cooks to make you pizza? Better yet, why not tell a servient to take you." The look she gave him screamed, 'I tried that idiot.' Caelus sighed, "Sorry about her, Sampo. Your friend won't get mad if you use their car a bit longer?" After blunette reassured him, he gave him the address. A few minutes passed before Caelus asked something he was curious about, "Did you and Mom get into a fight again?"

"Why do you think that?" her eyes not leaving her game.

"You only call mom by her name when you're mad at her. So what happened? Is that why you didn't ask someone?"

She went quiet, the only sound in the car was the Silver Wolf's game, and the occasional pop of her gum. Caelus wanted to press her about it, but Sampo spoke before they could. "So Silver Wolf, what's so special about this pizza place? Is it that good?" trying to change the subject and lighten the mood.

"Not really, it's base at most. I just like going there," she glimpses up, meeting Sampo's eyes in the rearview mirror. "So Sampo," faking a friendly tone. "Since this moron is letting you stay over at the house. How long are you going to stay? I guess Sam knows, too?"

Sampo gave his best salesman's smile, "Just till I get a new job, but it's a bit tricky at the moment, and yeah, I've met Ms. Firefly. She kinda scary when she wants to."

Pausing her game, honing her attention on the driver, "I said Sam, not Firefly."

"He knows Stelle from her school and probably figured out what her government name was after meeting her." Caelus glared at his sister as he interrupted. "He's smart like that. Thanks to him, my grades are passing and not barely. So please stop treating him like he's a bad guy." He pouted, "Why is every new friend I make you guys think they're a criminal."

"What is it that Kafka always says? Oh, right," Silver Wolf throws herself forward at her brother. She hugs him by his shoulder, squishing her face to his, pretending to be worried. " Oh, what if my precious baby gets involved with scary people, or they make sure my little boy can never see his darling mother again. We're just trying to keep my baby Caelus safe."  She snickered at Caelus's red face as he pushed her away.

After Caelus made her sit back down, he stumbled over his words, "I- sorry she- they are-" he felt mortified at the sound of Sampo's snicker.

Sampo grinned at Caelus, "Man, your family really loves ya. I didn't pin ya as a momma's boy."

"Nah, he's an  'Uncie boy,' " Silver Wolf answered instead, emphasizing the last words in a baby voice. "Blade was the one he clung to all the time. His first word was Blade's name, and only Caelus and Kafka can call him Bladie without him wanting to kill someone." She laughs at her brother's embarrassment and returns to Sampo, "Hey Sampo, I'm curious about something. What's your full name, and how did you meet this doofus?"

Still grinning, Sampo glance in the rearview mirror to see her again, "It's Koski, Sampo Koski, and that's a bit of a funny story." They explained how Caelus found him sitting in the trash, and Silver Wolf couldn't help but laugh. Telling them she wasn't surprised he would take Sampo home. Sharing stories of Caelus bringing cats, dogs, raccoons, and birds home or leaving food outside for strays. Caelus and Sampo answered every question she had. Sampo feigns ignorance to the ones about Caelus dating anyone or if he let anyone else in the house besides his two friends. Every once in a while, the blunette would ask a question, but she didn't give any straight answer. When they get to the pizzeria, she tells the two that she'll buy them food. After going in, she handed Sampo money and told him what to order as she pushed him towards the register. Sampo was shocked a girl as small as Silver Wolf could make him trip over his own feet. He watched as she pulled her brother with her to sit in one of the booths in the back.

Once Silver Wolf was sure the taller man was busy, she made Caelus give her his phone and confess, "Kafka thinks I'm not taking the theft seriously, and my security system is too simple. She got pissed at what records copied and told me to fix it." The annoyance was evident on her face, "There's a good chance that won't be done with this by your birthday." If Caelus had ears like a foxian, they would make him look more like a kicked puppy than he already does. She sighed, "Look, Mom and Blade are worried something bad will happen, like when Stelle went missing. Stelle is trying to act tough, but I know she's on edge, Sam, too."

"What could have them freaking out like that? Is it really that bad?" Caelus wondered as he watched his sister fidget with his phone. "What are they worried I'll run away like Stel?"

She gave him a stunned look of disbelief, "Fuuuck, I thought someone would have told you by now. You're in your final year in high school. You're a month away from being eighteen," She whined. Silver Wolf notes Sampo's on his phone before taking a deep breath and explains, "Look, Stelle didn't run away ten years ago; she was kidnapped."

YZ: Why didn't you tell me the encryption code was going to be a nightmare!?!

It fried 4 of my computers!!!

I had to barrow a laptop from someone!!!

What if my cover was blown!!!

We both know the Xianzhou love they target practice!!!

Buuut you got passed it right? :SK

YZ: Of course, but now I have 4 UNLESS computers!!!

See I knew you were the right person for the job :SK

YZ: Don't push your luck Koski....

So, what did you find? :SK

Hopefully something good

YZ: Just birth, death, school & medical records, I didn't want to risk ruining a kid's laptop

Send it :SK

?Hey do you remember that kid from 10yrs ago

YZ: Which kid?

That girl with bright yellow eyes, gray hair ring a bell? We got a lot of credits for :SK

YZ: Isn't that the one we gave to that crazy lady that called herself the supreme guardian?

What was her name again? Coraline? Coco? Carolina?

Cocolia :SK

YZ: Thats is

Let me guess you think Stelle was that kid?

Yeah how'd you guess? :SK

YZ: It's in the email I sent, the timeline match up so she got her revenge by kicking your ass & she doesn't even know

Well she did get rid of that thorn in our side :SK

YZ: You want to rinse & repeat with their idiot son, don't you

Didn't you tell us one of his sister found out about you? Pretty sure if he goes missing you'd be suspect #1

Not if I'm a devastated lover :SK

YZ: ,,,,,,

Are you having a stroke? Do you smell burning toast?

Should I call someone?

Ouch hurtful :SK

But if you must know he has a crush on me not that I'm surprised

YZ: So he's deaf too

Poor deaf idiot

He's not deaf why would you think that? :SK

YZ: Every other word out of your mouth is a lie & all you think about is how to make easy money

Look just get Jax & Giovanni to look for a buyer :SK

?Also that kid's laptop you used, their name wouldn't be Dan Heng right

YZ: Yeah, what are you planning?

Chapter Text

A million questions were running around in his head. Caelus wanted to ask Silver Wolf what she meant, but she returned his phone when Sampo sat with them. She acted like she didn't drop a major bombshell on her little brother. Caelus felt he having an out-of-body experience and both Silver Wolf and Sampo, were miles away. He didn't understand how she could pretend their family hadn't kept a massive secret from him for years and just talk and laugh with Sampo like usual. Caelus didn't even know when their food and drinks were brought to the table. He tried to pay attention to what the two were discussing but found it challenging. By the time it was time to leave, he had only a few bites, and the drive to their grandfather's manor was a blur, too. Caelus felt guilty for worrying Sampo, especially when Silver Wolf lied, saying he's always like this when he's in the car for too long. When they arrived, the short woman told Sampo to drive up to the front door and asked him to go with her inside so she could give him something. After handing him wrapped boxes and bags, telling him they were his birthday presents from everyone. She told him she'd call him later to explain and that his new friend would be their secret, but she'd still gloat that he visited when everyone else was out. Silver Wolf gave him one of her rare hugs, told him to be careful, and let her know when he got home.

The drive back home was deathly quiet compared to the drive up. Sampo tried to fill the silence, talking about how interesting Silver Wolf was. How he found it comical she was twenty-five, but her seventeen year-old brother was taller than her. He asked Caelus if he wanted to play their question game. Caelus agreed with a tired smile and continued asking each other for an hour or so. Sampo learnt that Caelus was talented in fencing and baseball but prefers dancing and performing. That his mom made him and his sisters learn how to play a classical instrument so in her words 'so we can have some culture in this household'. At the same time, Sampo expressed he wanted to be an actor when he was younger but gave up that dream when one of his grandparents got ill. He couldn't help but wonder out loud what his life would have been like if he had become an actor. The blunette was surprised that Caelus told him he would still be his number one fan, even if he was just an actor at the local theater. They shared a laugh together till Caelus's phone rang. The voice on the other end of the call was barely audible, but he noted it was a man. His suspicions were confirmed when Caelus mouthed 'Bladie' with a weak smile. Just going off of Caelus's side of the call, the tales March and Dan Heng shared weren't exaggerations. Sampo glanced in the boy's direction when he repeated that he was okay, a friend was with him, and that it wasn't Dan Heng. Caelus seemed unbothered by the questions asked and apologized that he couldn't spend time with them. Sampo noticed how depressed the gray-haired boy seemed after asking how long it was till they were done. He tried to keep his smile when the blunette patted him on the shoulder for comfort.

Caelus's call with Blade didn't end until they were almost home. He sighed in defeat when it ended. Blade seemed both worried and upset that he went to Elio's without telling them, or wanted to stay to see his family. He also didn't seem thrilled Caelus had a friend he didn't know of. Silver was right about not knowing when they'll be done, but maybe that's a good thing. How would I even tell them about Sampo? Hey, fam, this is Sampo. I've been letting him live in the guest room while you've been gone, and I don't know if I like like him. Also, Silver and Firefly know about him, and they have been sworn to secrecy. Yeah, no, that would be more of a headache,  Caelus thought. By the time they got home, it was still daylight; Caelus let Sampo know he was going for a walk to stretch his legs. He walked a decent distance from the house, hoping to clear his head, but it was still a chaotic mess. Caelus didn't notice he reached the local playground until he heard someone call his name. Hook and her friends called him over to play with them; well, this might be a good detraction, he thought. The gray-haired boy doesn't understand why three members of  The Moles, as they called themselves, were obsessing with playing secret agent. At the same time, he didn't mind either. Caelus found it funny when Hook called him her henchman or when Julian called himself his senor. They played till the three's parents showed up to collect them, waving each other goodbye, Alina's mom reminding him to got home safe. When he got home, he found Sampo in the living room with a laptop he don't know he got it from. He just assumed he borrowed it from one of his friends. Caelus told him he would be in his room as his phone rang, and he dashed up the stairs.

Seeing the name on the screen Caelus answered faster than he ever had. "Hey, did Bladie and Mom stop yelling at you Silver?"

"You forgot to add Elio, but yeah sorry about the wait. Hey, did you like your presents?" Silver asked.

“I didn't look yet, I don't feel comfortable peeking before my birthday, you know,” Caelus confessed. “So, are you going to tell me or what?"

“First, are you in your room? Second, where’s Sampo?”

Caelus threw himself onto his bed, “Yeah, and he’s downstairs. And before you ask, yes, my door is closed.”

“Remember, you can't tell your friends, and you didn't get any of this from me, got it?” Silver Wolf spoke matter-of-factly.

“Not. A. Soul. So please explain what happened to Stel? What exactly is going on?” he pressed.

Silver Wolf was quiet for a minute before she spoke, “Like I said earlier, someone abducted her, and you know she was gone for a year.” She continued, “From what she told Kafka and Blade, she was heading to pick you up when someone asked her for help with something. Stelle thought it was weird but thought she might get a reward if she helped them. Regardless, the next thing Stelle knew, she was in the trunk of a car.”

“Wait! Wait! How do she fell for that? That's the oldest trick in the book!” yelled Caelus as he sat up.

“Quiet dumbass,” she growled. “Plus you're no better! Want me to tell you all the times you almost left places with other families?" After she heard a meek apology, she continued. "Anyway, Stelle said she was locked in a room with other girls. She was there for a couple of months. They eventually sold Stelle to one of the major crime families in the city.”

“Sorry to be that guy, but what do you mean by ‘one of the major crime families’? If it was like that, couldn't the police have helped? Wait, now that I think about it, did the police even help search for her?” Caelus thought aloud.

"Well, no, but about that..." Silver Wolf awkwardly laughed as she continued. "Probably cause most of our family are wanted criminals or are in prison. So the police aren't really fans of anyone named Stellaron."

"WHAT!" he shouts. "Are you and Bladie-? Why are-? Wait, am I a wanted criminal, too?!" He doesn't hide his panic.

"What, no moron," her frustrated that he was jumping to conclusions. "I'm pretty sure you're the only one who isn't, but if I were you, I would tell anyone your last name."

"Most of my teachers call me by my last name! Even some of my classmates too!"

"Yeah, well, I doubt someone's willing to mess with you since that vidyadhara guy's family is into so shit too. I wouldn't be surprised if he made someone disappear," noting how quiet the other end of the phone Silver Wolf spoke again. "I'm going to take a wild guess here, but I'm guessing he never told you."

"Hell.... is everyone I know a criminal?"

"No, I'm sure pink pie isn't, but back to the point," changing the subject. "The cops were out of the question, and Stelle was sold to other crime family. At the time, there were three major ones. I think the ones that bought her was named Rand. They already had Sam, and they had been there for months. The two of them met and eventually tag-team and fought the nutcase in charge, and the rest is history."

Still puzzled, Caelus questions, "Wait, I'm a little confused." Hearing his sister telling him to go ahead and ask, "Okay, so I kinda get why Mom or Bladie wouldn't tell an eight-year-old that, but why are they worried now? I mean, that was ten years ago. I just don't get it?"

"Because we think those asshats that did it are back. They called themselves The Masked Fools; Elio said they're unpredictable and would do anything for profit. So the fact they know where the main house is, snuck in, and that one of them to pull a Cinderella, doesn't sit right with anyone."

"What are they scared they're looking for Stel again?" Caelus nervously chuckled.

Silver Wolf giggled with him, "Nah, her and Sam got one of them but the rat getaway. Stelle did mention they do mostly go after girls and young women. So you're fine, but your friend March might not be so lucky." Caelus hears her talk to someone in the background, "Hey, I got to go. Kafka and the old men probably want to yell at me again."

"Wait, wait, one more question, please?" Caelus could feel his anxiety build, "So ... I know you said ... um ... our family are criminals, but what exactly does our family do? Is everyone but me in on it, too?" He hears Sampo knock on his bedroom door. He heard him say something about food, but Caelus wasn't really paying attention to what he said. "Also ... are those masked guys the reason why those people went missing?" he murmured.

She was silent for what felt like ages before Silver Wolf spoke in a hushed tone, "Yeah, everyone is, but I don't think you should learn the family business from me. Just know that every time Blade told you he went 'hunting,' it had a double meaning. And some people that you think that are on vacation ... while it's not the 'five-star resort' like you think. As for those missing people, I have no clue, but thanks for the reminder. I forgot to mention, I put a tracker in your phone."

"What?! When?! How?!" he screamed, so loud that he could hear Sampo on the other side of the door asking if he was okay.

"Earlier, when we got pizza," she sounded indifferent. "So if something does happen to my little baby brother, you won't be so scared you wet yourself." Silver Wolf chuckled at her joke, "All you have to do is press both volume buttons three times as fast as you can. I have to go for real now. 'Mother Dearest'  is standing in the doorway, later."

"Silver, wait-" Caelus stopped when he heard the call disconnect. He lies back down on his bed, hiding his face in his hands; Caelus doesn't move, getting lost in his head again. So, I'm from a family of possible murderers. I guess that explains Bladie's scars or Mom's guns in the other closet she has in her room she always keeps locked, Caelus thought. He heard his door open, and Sampo asked if everything was fine, the concern laced in his voice. Great, now I have him worried again, and I can't tell anyone, especially Sampo. Even if we do start dating, he definitely wouldn't want to see me again when he finds out what they are. "Yeah, I guess ... Silver was ..." desperately trying to think of an answer to give him, but his mind was filled with nothing but panic. "Silver was just being a worrywart," Caelus settled on saying as he peeks to see Sampo. The guilt of having to keep quiet about his family's secret, he wanted to change the subject, "Where'd you get the laptop from, anyway?"

Sampo sheepishly rubbed the back of his neck, "Well, I was using Silver Wolf's computer to help me look for work, but since I got ya busted, I borrowed one from one of my friends."

Getting off his bed, Caelus looks up at the blunette, forgetting why and how he got into this situation in the first place. "Is that why? Why didn't you tell me? We could've gotten you your own. I mean, we got you clothes and other stuff to make your room more homey for you." Caelus pressed, not angry but wanting to know more out of curiosity.

Not meeting his eyes, Sampo nervously replied, "Yeah, but you've done soo much for me, and ya told me that your sister had a fast computer. Soo, I thought it wouldn't be a big deal, sorry about that."

Caelus let out a sigh in defeat, "Just don't go in my sisters' room again, okay?"

"So your mom's is free game?" The wide-eyed look Caelus made Sampo chuckle, "Relax, relax, I was kidding. Besides, I'm not really into women that look like they can kick my ass." He threw an arm over Caelus's shoulders pretending not to notice light blush on his cheeks. Sampo kept talking as he led him downstairs, "Anyway, you didn't tell me if you're fine with takeout or not?" 

Caelus told him that that was fine, but he wondered about something else. "How did you figure out Silver's password? I don't even know that."

"Lucky guess," Sampo said with a mischievous smirk, turning the conversation to what movie they should want while they wait.

The dinner was so tense Silver Wolf felt she could cut it with a knife. A part of her wished that Stelle and Sam were there so the three other people at the table would stop trying to make conversation with her. Usually, she wouldn't care, but after finding out some of their family records were stolen. The security system Silver Wolf made for Elio didn't alert anyone until one of those fools just so happened to break glass, she wasn't in the mood for family dinner. She was the same person who locked all the automatic doors at someone's research building just because she was bored. The same person that sent a trojan virus to the Stonehearts just because that Jade lady told Sam no. So how could all of her safeguards fail her now. She lazily ate her food not realizing Blade was talking to her till Elio said her name. "Huh? Whatcha say?"

"Blade was asking you about Caelus's friend?" Elio spoke sternly, fit for the head of a criminal organization. "I can't deny if I'm also a bit intrigued."

"Well, what do you want to know?" Silver Wolf monotonely stated.

Kafka asked first, sipping her wine, "What's their name? Are they one of his little school friends?"

"Sampo Koski, and no, the guy's way older than him," Silver Wolf paused before she spoke again. "And before you ask, I'd tried to look him up. The guy doesn't have any presents online. I can't even find his birth records."

"That's worse than Dan Feng's kid," Blade growled, trying not to shout. "Why would you let Caelus travel here alone with him? Why does he always attracts weirdos? Better yet, why hasn't he said anything about this Sampo?"

The young woman turned to Blade, "Geez, I wonder why? Maybe cause he likes having a friend that his psycho uncle hasn't threatened yet?" with sarcasm. "Or maybe he just wants to be a normal teenager and hang out with his crush?" Silver Wolf noticed the three of them stiffen and saw the murderous look in Blade's red eyes.

"What are you implying? That Caelus isn't normal? Also, what do you mean by 'his crush'?" Blade crosses his arms, ignoring her psycho comment, "He's also still too young to think about dating."

"Oh, calm down, Bladie. Caelus is seventeen," Kafka calmly stated as she cut the red meat on her plate. "Though I will admit, it's not like my baby boy to keep us in the dark. He's serious about this one. You said his surname was 'Koski'? Does that sound familiar to you, Elio?" she asked, disregarding Blade's question on what she meant by 'this one.'

"The name sounds familiar, but I can't quite place it. I may have to ask some old acquaintances if they know anything," Elio said. "But why do you say Caelus has feelings for this 'Sampo' fellow, Silver Wolf?"

Silver Wolf could tell he knew she knew more than she was telling them. Oh, because he seems to like being around that Sampo guy. Also, he's letting him stay at our house and go in our rooms. She thought but decided to say, "Apparently, having a meet-cute dumpster diving is Caelus's definition of romance." She holds back a laugh at Kafka as she wrinkles her nose at mentioning trash. "Anyway, anything new, or does everyone still think we're full of crap?"

Kafka spoke for the adults, "I wish you wouldn't speak like that, it's not ladylike, but no. The Oaks are convinced that Firefly was the one that attacked Sunday now. The Stonehearts won't work with us if we're already working with Wildfire. Something about them cutting into their profits. Xianzhou still doesn't trust us even after Stelle explained she knows that their Dan Heng is in love with our little Caelus," chuckled at the memory of Blade turning as pale as a ghost. "Sadly, not even young love can make a truce between us, not that we would go so low to use our sweet boy as a bargaining chip. What about your end?"

"Whoever Mr. Cold is, he is definitely with the fools, but he really is tricking to find. If he has to meet people in person, he sends others to take his place and it's never the some person. Their IP is well hidden from the messages I did find, but I should figure it out sooner or later. It might take longer if you still want me to comb through security footage." Silver Wolf said as if she was rehearsing lines for a play. "But apparently, The Masked Fools have some connection in the Penacony district, so they might have ties in the other territories. I doubt they really left, wonder why they on the move now? You think they're going to try and take Stelle again?" she said in a dull tone, thinking back to Caelus's concern.

Blade retorted with a proud smirk, "Doubtful, that dumbass that got away learnt their lesson. Stelle isn't some weak little girl and if she realized at the time whom those bastards would have been dead by now." Remembering something that neutralized his expression as he spoke, "But we have to get rid of those fools soon, I don't want to miss Caelus's birthday. Most of the family are coming by to celebrate and I don't want to tell them about our current predicament. We all know half of them wouldn't hesitant on burning the city to the ground if it means getting even with those bastards."

"It's fine, just tell them we're postponing it if you're that worried. Plus I already gave Caelus his presents from us, he wanted them early since he knows we're busy," getting up from the table shrugging off Blade's tangent. "I'm done eating, so I'm heading back to my room." Silver Wolf leaves not waiting for any of them respond.

Kafka cradles her face as speaks, "Maybe I was a bit harsh her earlier."

"You're fine, Kafka," Elio says as he finish his meal. "You and I both know, no matter how old she gets, that child will always be a moody one. She is right though, tell them we are postponing Caelus's birthday till farther notice." The older man turns his attention to both Kafka and Blade. "As for now, if what Silver Wolf said is true, I want everyone to investigate all the districts. Check every building and dumpster if you have too."

"What about you?" Blade asked.

"I'll see if anyone knows who this 'Sampo Koski' is. We can't have any questionable people around Caelus," Elio states as he covers his mouth in thought with one hand and taps his fingers on the table with the other.

M7: Guess who took 1st *\(^o^)/*

Dan Heng u got 2nd :Cae

و( ᐛ )٩

M7: I mean me u jerk!! (● ˃̶͈̀ロ˂̶͈́)੭ꠥ⁾⁾

jk nice☆*:.｡. o(≧▽≦)o .｡.:*☆ :Cae

DH: Congratulations March, what were your terms if you placed 1st?

M7: Oh I'm saving it for caelus b-day (๑>◡<๑)

Why my b-day?(・Д・) :Cae

M7: Member that hot blond halovian that was senior when we were freshmen?

Siobhan?

DH: Vaguely

Isn't she robin's cus or sumthin? :Cae

?u kno the idol

 M7: WAIT SHE IS!?!? ∑(ﾟДﾟ)

DH: March, please focus.

M7: Rite srry

Well I found out she works at a bar in penacony

K but does that hav 2 do with my b-day (0.o)? :Cae

M7: The age 2 go n is 18

N we'll all b 18 sooo~

U want 2 go 2 flirt? (^з^) :Cae

M7: U kno it ☆〜（ゝ。∂）

I'm n sounds like fun (=´∀｀)人(´∀｀=) :Cae

DH: Absolutely not, what if he gets drunk? Someone spikes his or your drink? You know Caelus's family wouldn't agree to it, too. They probably have their own plans on that day anyway.

Cae:＼＼\\ و( 'ω' )٩ //／／Well bout that my fam mite still b busy with work so no biggie 

Oh i kno if ur wrry bout keepin eye on us i can ask Sampo 2 com with ('ω') 

M7: Ooooh~ so u want Sampo 2 go wit us (^∀^)

Well u r the b-day boi so who am I 2 say no ƪ(˘⌣˘)ʃ 

DH: Why don't we just have a quiet get together, just the three of us? 

M7: Booo!

Dan Heng stop b n a partypooper! (¬_¬)

DH: I just I think it would be unwise to go. 

Plz Dan Heng (LL^‸^) :Cae

?what if I make that my b-day wish

Plus if Sampo goes with us n me n March do get wasted u just have 2 walk 1 of us home

DH: ...

 ...

Fine

YAY!!! thx Dan Heng ur the best  (*≧∀≦*) :Cae

M7:Lmao he got u wit the b-day wish again (=^▽^)σ

DH: Shut up

Chapter Text

Should ask Mom or Gramps what exactly the family business is?

"-us"

Maybe if I butter-up Bladie he'll tell me.

"-ron"

Nah, knowing them, they'd just tell me not to worry about it and focus on school.

"-llaron"

I wonder if can convince Stel or Silver to tell me?"

"-Stellaron"

Now that I think about it, have they killed someone before? Wait, doesn't Firefl- "OW!" Caelus lost his train of thought when he felt a sharp pain on his forehead. Noting the now broken pieces of chalk on his desk.

"Mr. Stellaron!" Caelus sat up straight at the sound of an annoyed Raito. "My, it seems Mr. Stellaron has finally deemed us worthy of his cognizance." Raito slams a hand on the chalkboard with an equation that looked like Latin to him. "Or perhaps you already have the answer. Mind coming to the front and sharing with the class and I?" Caelus turned to look at Dan Heng with pleading eyes just to receive an apologetic look. Walking to the front of the classroom, he felt the growing number of eyes on him. By the time Caelus made it to the board, he could feel irritation radiate from the teacher as he struggled to decipher the foreign language. "Well, we're waiting, Mr. Stellaron." He glanced over his shoulder, hoping someone would show him mercy, but sadly, not a single soul was willing to risk the wrath of Raito. After what felt like an hour, Raito spoke up, "You may return to your seat. See me after school. Now pay attention in my class, Mr. Stellaron."

Embarrassed about having to do the walk of shame back, Caelus had to fight the urge to bury his head in his arms on his desk or have whatever punishment Raito had in mind get worse. He tried to focus for the rest of the class period until the bell rang. The following classes were a blur; luckily, they were P.E. and a free period. He couldn't wait till he could go home.

Dan Heng had already filled March in what happened when Caelus and his friends sat in their usual lunch spot. He knew they were murmuring something about him, but Caelus assumed it was a surprise for his birthday. Choosing not to pay attention, Caelus slowly ate, letting his mind wander again. Only stopping when March waved a hand in his face while calling his name, "Sorry, what now?"

"Geez, are you that upset that Mr. Raito told you to stay after school? I asked 'When do you want to go out and celebrate your birthday?'" March repeated herself, annoyed. Her face softened with concern, "Are you really okay? You've been like this for weeks. You even walked into a door yesterday."

Caelus feels the guilt eat away at him, especially keeping a secret from his two best friends. Caelus thought back to something Silver Wolf told him. Look, it would be a whole lot easier if you didn't tell anyone.  Looking between them debating on what to say, Caelus's eyes rested on the anxious expression on Dan Heng's ordinarily expressionless face. Another thought came that made him gear his eyes back to his food. Especially that Dan Heng guy, his family already doesn't like us for something entirely out of our hands.  "Maybe... this weekend since it falls on Friday? Also, Sampo's going to be busy with work till Saturday," Caelus settled on saying, but the soured air around Dan Heng made him spiral in his mind again.

"Man, Sampo sure is a busy guy," March commented, picking at her lunch. "What does he do again?"

Caelus shrugged, "No clue. Whatever it is, it involves him being on his phone every hour of the day, and he feels the need to whisper, so I can't hear what he's talking about. It also has him out all night, coming home in the morning, and making him complain about his body being sore."

"Oh My God! Are you dating an escort?!" March shouts as she stands up, making Caelus and Dan Heng choke on their food and getting more than half of the other students staring in the trio's direction.

Dan Heng recovers first, nervously glancing around the cafeteria as he whispers, "March, not so loud." March sat back down as quickly as she stood up. "I also doubt that's what he does."

"Also, I told you we're not dating," Caelus added.

She rolls her eyes at them, "Yeah, yeah, but you still want to date him, don't you?" Seeing Caelus's blushing face and ignoring Dan Heng's glare, March pressed. "I mean, you don't hang out with us after school that much anymore. Then when you do, it's always Sampo this and Sampo that, you're acting more like a love-struck-teenage-girl than me."

"No, I'm not!" Caelus yelped.

"Are too!" March shouted again. Getting some of the other students' eyes back on them.

"Are n-"

"Will you two stop and quit acting like children. Can we please go back to planning Caelus's birthday and stop talking about Sampo?" the vidyadhara said with quiet anger brewing. His icy stare made them stop, taking a deep breath to calm his nerves. "Caelus, are you sure your family isn't going to celebrate?"

"Yeah, they're still busy.... with work," Caelus settled with. "Either way, I think we'll be fine. By the way, what did your folks say?"

Resting her chin in her hands, March leans on the table, looking defeated. "My dad is being a worrywart, well, more than usual. He wants Himiko to go with us, but there's no way she'll let us go to a bar," she whined.

"Maybe that's a sign we shouldn't go," Dan Heng said as he packed away his now-empty bento. "We can just stay the night at March's place and binge movies or something."

"NO WAY!" March and Caelus yelled as they stood in unison.

"I need to make Siobhan my girlfriend."

"Yeah, and I want to watch March make a fool of herself," blurted Caelus, earning a death glare from the pink-haired girl. Seeing the exchange between Caelus and March, Dan Heng cannot help but roll his eyes. Knowing full well that the two were about to start to fighting each other again.

Dan Heng waited for Caelus and March by the school's main entrance. On a typical day, he and Caelus would wait for March or leave together, at least they used to, before Sampo waltzed his way into their lives. Scrolling through his messages, he saw that his uncle gave him the okay to go to Penacony, and his cousin asked him to get some things from the store on his way home. Putting away his phone, feeling the boredom getting worse by the minute. He was debating if he should just get started on his homework when he noticed a familiar blunette man by the school gate.

Great, the last person I want to see. Why is he here anyway? Dan Heng thought as Sampo walked over to him. He's been hanging out less and less with Caelus since he started living with him. Why can't that guy leave already or go back to whatever hole he crawled out of?  He didn't hide his disgust at the blunette as he asked where Caelus was, "He's talking with one of our teachers. Are you here to walk home with him again?" Dan Heng tried to sound casual through gritted teeth. The only good thing he could say about Sampo was that the man knew when people didn't want him around. 

"Oh, Hey! Dan Heng! Mr. Sampo!" March yelled as she sprinted towards them, with her dad behind her. "Great timing, I was just telling my dad here that one of Caelus's cousin was in town. And you told us that you wanted to do something special for him, right, Sampo?" pleading with Sampo to play along, Dan Heng swears he could see a mischievous twinkle in her blue eyes.

March's dad, now standing beside her, rested his weight on his cane. "Hello, Dan Heng, and nice to meet you too, Sampo. I'm Welt Yang, March's father," shaking Sampo's hand. "I also happen to work as a teacher here. March told me that you're staying with Caelus while his family is out of town," he continued. "I will say I don't believe I've met any of his family members other than the ones he lives with. Are you here to pick up Caelus?"

Sampo scratches the back of his head, looking between the two teens before he gives his attention to Welt. "I'm Sampo Koski, but yeah, he's been bringing a lot more junk home lately."

Glancing at both March and Sampo, wide-eyed, Dan Heng was shocked. He can't actually believe that they're relatives, right? Caelus and Sampo don't even look alike. March, what are you telling your dad?! "Actually, Mr. Yang, he-"

"Sampo!" Caelus shouts, cutting off Dan Heng. Running in their direction, throwing himself at Sampo, and smiling at the man. "Why didn't you text that you were here?"

Chuckling as he lifted Caelus a bit off the ground, earning a laugh from the gray-haired boy. "Sorry bout that, but ya weren't home," Sampo said as he put Caelus down and threw an arm over Caelus's shoulder. "Besides, didn't your sister say to watch out for creeps?"

You! You're the creep! Dan Heng screamed internally. God, am I the only sane one here! So leave that way, March can return to helping me get Caelus to go out with me!  He thought as his glare at the blunette man darkened. He watches in horror as Caelus plays along with March's lie, telling Welt that Sampo was from his mom's side. The fact that Sampo didn't speak up about the blatant lie and dumbly nodded agreement added to his anger. Why are you going along with them?  Observing as Sampo explains to Welt that 'It's just one night' or 'I'll be with them, so they'll be in good hands.' Dan Heng wanted to call the man out but held his tongue, seeing how excited March was, especially Caelus. Not wanting to hear them talk anymore, he excused himself. March and her dad said their goodbyes as well. Walking to a bus stop, he sees a familiar lavender hair and a light purple tail peeking behind a nearby raised flower garden. "I thought Qingque was supposed to take you home today, Bailu?" Dan Heng said as he sat on the bench.

Bailu raised her head from her hiding spot. "I asked her if we could stop by Aurum Alley for songlotus cakes, and I snuck away when she was arguing about the price." She said as she sat next to her big brother. "I wanted to see if you were hanging out with Caelus, but it looks like you two got into a fight. Does that mean you two weren't going to get married?"

"Bailu, who said anything about getting married?" Dan Heng asked, wondering what was going on in the ten-year-old's head.

The little vidyadhara kicks her feet, not meeting her brother's eyes, "I overheard you and March talking one day. So, are you going to marry him?" The bus pulls to a halt. Dan Heng takes Bailu's hand as they get on the bus. He didn't say a word the entire time, even as the siblings took their seats, not a sound. Bailu, not liking it one bit, pokes the older dragon as she speaks, "Uncle Jing Yuan said that Papa took a long time to ask Mama to marry him. He said Papa was scared of ruining their friendship, but he was scared for nothing since Mama was worried, too. Maybe that's what's going on with you and Caelus?"

Dan Heng puts his face in his hands. I can't tell if she's trying to give me relationship advice or comfort me. Either way, this is embarrassing. Not knowing what to do, he pats her head, mindful of her horns. "Thanks, but I don't think this is anything like what they went through." He broke into a small smile as Bailu patted his head, too; since their parents passed, she took it upon herself that Dan Heng was not allowed to be upset. Bailu would mimic whatever small jester he did to make her feel better, just to do the same. A tiny part of him wishes she never loses that part of her, "I just trying to find the right words that's it, trust me."

"That's what Uncle Jing Yuan said Papa was like before he got with Mama!" she exclaimed.

Dan Heng gave her a look that told her to drop the subject, which silenced her. The siblings were quiet for a while, even as they left the bus heading to the store. After five minutes of grocery shopping in silence, Dan Heng glances down at Bailu to see her pouting. He sighs, "Alright, what is really bothering you? Did someone at school tease you again?"

She shook, "You've been more mopey than usual," Bailu confessed. "You've been locking yourself in your room more, and you don't want to hang out with me anymore. Also, whenever I ask about Caelus, you get upset. So, did something happen?"

He crouches down to her level as they are face-to-face. "Look, it's nothing you need to worry about, really. We aren't fighting or anything like that. It's just Caelus and I are busy with our own things." Dan Heng felt guilty that he couldn't tell Bailu everything, but he really didn't want his little sister playing matchmaker for him. He knew he could figure it out. Besides, he hoped to ask him out on the weekend when they get alone time together. "So, for now, can you help me get groceries? Then we can stop for ice cream on the way home. Sound good to you?" Dan Heng feign a smile.

"You promise?" Bailu asked skeptical of him, but her tail wagged with excitement. She was practically bouncing after Dan Heng's confirmation. She told him about her day and that one of her classmates got food thrown in their face as they shopped. After getting ice cream and with a toothy grin plastered on her face, she radiated glee. When their house came into view, two short women ran up to them, both Fu Xuan and Qingque questioning Bailu where she was, lecturing her about how dangerous it was for her to wander off. Either not wanting to hear their complaints anymore or getting tired of it, Bailu slips past them and runs inside with the short brunette chasing after her.

Watching them disappear into the house, "I wish Qingque would stop letting herself be tricked," Fu Xuan shook her head disapprovingly. She walked over to Dan Heng to help him with the bags he was still holding. "Thank you for doing the shopping and for finding your sister for us as well."

"It's fine, she was near my school. She said she wanted to see my friends," the vidyadhara stated.

The pink-haired woman nodded, "I see, that reminds me, Mr. Ying called. He wanted to confirm that we gave you permission to go to Penacony. He seems to think March is trying to pull a fast one over him, and we'll have another movie theater incident. The poor man believes she convinced Caelus to go along with one of her schemes again."

"We were in junior high, but I get it," Dan Heng bluntly stated. Walking through the house with the short woman, greeting his other family members as they pass. He headed into the kitchen and gave the rest of the groceries to his other aunt, who was already cooking, telling him that Jing Yuan wanted to speak with him in the tea room. On the way, he saw a girl in pale purple clothes looking irritated at her phone, not paying attention as she walked towards him. "Zhongshan, is everything alright?"

Lifting her head, squinting her light green eyes at him, "Dan Heng?" Staring a bit longer as she registered her guess was right before she ranted, "No, a friend of mine is being a asshat, saying how his job is letting him go to Penacony. He just keeps bragging and being annoying about it, and on top of that, I can't find my glasses." Dan Heng looks at her and gently reaches for the glasses on top of Zhongshan's head before giving them to her. "Oh, ... thanks," she says out of embarrassment as she adjusts her glasses.

"Don't worry about it," he said, watching her leave before having an idea. "Wait." Even though Zhongshan has only been working with Xianzhou for roughly two years, she's always been helpful. She's also one of the few people Bailu actually liked and would listen to. Dan Heng felt comfortable talking to her too, and because of that, he thought she would give him an honest answer. "Actually, Zhongshan, can I ask you for some dating advice?"

Caelus sat in the living room, waiting for Sampo to let him know when dinner was ready, as Blade apologized repeatedly for them not being able to celebrate his eighteenth with him on the phone. "Bladie, I promise it's fine, really. It's just going to be a quiet, boring night from what March told me she has planned." Saying the practice line, March drilled into his head.

"I simply just don't want you to think we didn't want to celebrate your birthday. You know, everyone in the family was excited to see you, and your Grandfather Elio was looking forward to knowing whether you still want to work with us or not."

Letting out a nervous laugh at the reminder of what got him into trouble at school earlier that day. "Yeah, about that .... I think I've changed my mind about that."

"Really," Blade said with both relief and joy in his voice. "Where is this coming from? Didn't you tell your mother that you wanted to be her boss one day so you can boss her and your sisters around? Did you finally decide to listen to your uncle and take your studies seriously?"

I'm now scared to know how we earn our money to be honest, Caelus thought, but decided to keep that to himself. "Kinda, also I was a kid when I said that. But March and Dan Heng were talking about which universities we want to go to and if we should attend the same one."

"I see, I'm assuming that he is going to celebrate with you and March as well?" Not bothering to hide his disdain at the mere mention of Dan Heng's name.

Caelus lying back on the sofa. "Well, yeah, he's one of my best friends." Think back to what Silver Wolf said about Dan Heng and his family, 'I wouldn't be surprised if he made someone disappear.'  "Hey, Bladie, can I ask you something?"

Blade, being quiet for a moment before speaking, "Of course."

"Why do you hate it when I hang out with Dan Heng? I know, you said you don't trust him, but why? I just don't get it. Do you think he's going to do something to me? Does it have something to do with what our family does?" After a long pause, he hears Blade sigh on the other end of the phone.

"It's mostly his family I don't trust ever since the first time we worked together. It went as lovely as a car crash, since then we all agree it's best to avoid them at all times." Blade felt his blood begin to boil as he continues. "But if I'm to be frank with you, he's too similar to his father in too many ways, and that man was a snake. That man wouldn't hesitate to leave his friends for died if it meant smooth sailing for him," trying to calm his anger remembering who his speaking to. "I just don't want you to be in a situation like that if I could prevent it. You're too kind for your own good, Caelus. Strangely enough, your father was too trusting like you as well."

Caelus could hear the sorrow in Blade's voice. No matter how much time may pass, his dad was always a touchy subject. He always told that he was the spitting image of his dad. He thought that was why he wasn't allowed that much to visit his grandpa, even if his mom told him otherwise. Caelus would be lying to himself if he said he wasn't curious about him. "I-Is Dan Heng's family the reason why Dad went missing?"

Blade lightly laughed, "And just like your father, you jump to conclusions. What gave you that idea?" He laughed a little longer at Caelus's mumbled I don't know, before continuing. "No, his family isn't guilty of that crime, but son of a snake will always be a snake. So be careful around him, and you better not be letting him in the house, let alone being alone with him, do I make myself clear?" He heard another voice on the other end, but couldn't make it out. "Caelus, that better not be him," starting to see red.

Sitting up on the sofa, he stutters, "Er, wha-, no no ... It's .... Firefly- yeah She's here making sure I eat." Nervously laughing, "I gotta go, Bladie. Love you, bye," ending the call before Blade could say any. Falling face first into the couch cushions, Caelus could feel Sampo standing over him, leaning over the back of the sofa.

"I'm guessing ya almost got caught for me being here?" looking down at the gray-haired teen.

Caelus weakly agreed, looking up at Sampo, "What's for dinner?"

"Just curry and rice," smile at Caelus, Sampo helps he get off the couch. "I hope you don't mind I have to step out for a bit so go ahead and eat without me."

"Can't wait till after we eat," Caelus sulks. "Please, besides Mom and Bladie, always say if you do something important without a proper meal, you're bound to make mistakes." Holding Sampo's arm, "Besides, I feel like we don't spend time together that much these days." He gave his best puppy-dog eyes until Sampo agreed to stay longer.

Blade studying his phone for a minute, before glimpsing outside the window and seeing Stelle and Firefly playing in the pool.

Chapter Text

Sampo stands behind the bar, mixing himself a drink, not paying attention to what the others on the other side are talking about. He knows some of them were talking to him. Sparkle thought it was funny enough to tell everyone about his little run-in with the middle child of the Stellarons. Sampo, at this point, was looking for a reason to leave. He just wanted the meeting to be over already. He was looking forward to spending a night in Penacony, even if it was just to babysit Caelus and his friends. Looking around the tavern, seeing they're still missing one person, glancing at the clock on the wall reading 8:45 p.m., we've been here for two hours, why does she always have to be fashionably late, the blunette thought to himself. Remembering Caelus's upset face when he mentioned that something came up with his job. He had to promise Caelus that he would meet them there. He still didn't understand why it bothered him to see him upset. His friends probably already picked him up by now, so he should be fine.

"Hey Sampo, fix me a drink, will you?"

Looking over his shoulder at a woman with short brunette hair, wearing a plain dress. "Sure, what ya feel like havin', Gigi?" Out of everyone in the Masked Fools, she was the closest to a family he's ever had. She may crack jokes at his expense like almost everyone, but she's also the one to nip it from going too far. Sometimes she would remind him to visit his grandparents, especially after she went back to see her own family.

"A paper moon, but garnish it with cherries, will you?" she asked as she took a seat. "So, how's everything going with that Stellaron kid? Zhongshan told me you were supposed to be in Penacony tonight. What are you trying to get lucky before getting rid of him? I knew you were a scumbag, but I didn't pin you for a cradle robber."

Rolling his eyes at her comment, Sampo grins as he slides the drink to her, "His friends wanted to take him out for his birthday. I just got roped into it by him. I may be playing with his feelings for me, but I would never go that far. Ya may not believe it, but I'm a gentleman after all."

"Yeah, and I have a wine seller in my tiny apartment," she laughed at her own sarcastic remark.

Taking his glass and toasting with Gigi before taking a drink, "So how's everything on your end? You're working on the Stonehearts, right?"

"You're thinking of the twins, I'm working on the Oak with Sparkle and Lady." The blunette nodded as if he remembered still drinking, making the brunette roll her eyes. "Besides, almost getting caught by Sunday, so far so good. We've managed to make them think that some of the other families are cutting into their profits, and no one else has noticed Robin's been missing for two months now."

Sampo snorted at the last part, "Bet Ms. Sparkle is enjoying that, it's not every day she gets the role of a lifetime as an idol."

"Oh, believe me, that girl is going to hate it when the main show starts. You know, she got one of their dogs to go all the way to the Loufu just to buy her some makeup? When the guy got back, she told him it was the wrong colour and threw it away in front of him. Lady had to remind her that the real Robin is nicer to them, I swear I never thought I'd see the day someone other than the boss tell her off," sharing a laugh with him.

"Speakin of," stopping to look at the sea of people before continuing. "Where is she? Lady, it's not like her to be late."

"She couldn't make it, she said the place she's using as cover was short-handed. But if you ask me, I think that's for the best. She'd probably be upset at me. Hey, can you keep a secret?" Gigi could feel Sampo's eyes on her before her expression became saddened. "I'm quitting and leaving tomorrow," she whispered just loud enough for Sampo to hear. He almost choked on his drink, eyeing Gigi in shock, not believing her. "You remember Casper? He asked me to marry him, and well, I said yes."

"That's great," not sure what else to say. Blunette was still surprised that she would leave the Masked Fools. Sampo would never have thought she would want to go on her own volition. "But I thought you had told everyone but me, since I can't keep a secret," he tried not to let his smile waver as he spoke. "So I'mma guessin', you guys are going back to your folks to have a nice life?"

Shaking her head, "We're thinking it's best if we leave the country. Just in case anyone isn't too happy that I left." The door of the tavern slammed open, getting everyone's attention, revealing Sparkle still dressed as Robin, complaining how hard it is to be loved by millions. "Seems like all the characters are here," Gigi said.

The three of them walk down the streets of Penacony, with March and Caelus taking the lead. Trying to think of ways to get the blond halovian to notice March and what they should do when they arrive there. When they arrived at Caelus’s house, Dan Heng was relieved that Sampo wasn't there with him, saying that something had come up at work and that he would meet them later. Watching him laugh at March as she smacked the gray-haired boy in the arm for something he said. The vidyadhara couldn't take his eyes off Caelus. It's not every day that Caelus wears form-fitted clothes. Still, he had no clue why the two of them were so intent on wearing sunglasses when it was past 9 p.m. "By the way, which bar does Siobhan work at anyway?" he asked, getting March to stop hitting Caelus.

Taking her phone out, March checks her messages, "From what Luka said, it should be called 'Dreamjolt Hostelry.' Oh hey! It looks like it's close." Looking around at the signs, none of them could find the one they were searching for. "I think?"

"Maybe we should ask around," Caelus said, scanning the people around them till someone caught his eye. Running up to a girl with the same hair color as him, he grabs her by her wrist, "Stel! What are you doing here?"

Stelle, surprised to see him, soured her expression. "Me? What are  you doing here?" she asked him accusatorily, yanking herself free from Caelus's hold. "I thought you were just having a boring night at March's place?" Checking out his outfit, she looked more annoyed at the sleeveless shirt, which was paired with a black jacket hanging off his shoulders and a pendant necklace. "Also, does Mom know you're out dressed like a whore?"

"You're in the same outfit as me!" Caelus yelled at his sister.

"I meant what I said!" she shouts back, "Now one of us is going to have to change, and I'm on a date, so it's not going to be me." She crossed her arms as if she had just won a debate.

"Stelle, do you know where Dreamjolt Hostelry is?" March asked, getting between the siblings.

Turning her attention from her brother to March, she returned to Caelus. Narrowing her eyes at him, she said, "Are you following me? And you had to bring your meddling friends for backup too, didn't you? Cute dress, by the way, March. The jacket is a nice touch."

"Aw~ thank you," March said happily.

"Actually, we were planning to celebrate Caelus's birthday, and March wanted to take us there," Dan Heng cuts in.

"There you are, I've been looking for you." Firefly runs up to the group. Confusion crossed her face as she saw who Stelle was talking to. "Aren't you kids a bit too young to be here?"

Pointing with her thumb, Stelle answers her before any of them can. "Apparently, Caelus thinks going out looking like a stripper is a good birthday idea and brought along the only two people willing to be seen in public with him."

"God, you're such a bitch," Caelus said under his breath.

"Sorry, what was that?"

"I have an itch," he said in a panic.

Stelle pulled Caelus in a headlock easily despite her being shorter than him. "That's what I thought, loser," ignoring her younger brother's struggle and pleading to stop from both him and Firefly. She asks the two other teens, "So, what? Are guys trying to get hookups, or is this a group date?" Feeling something wet and slimy on her bare side, she shoves Caelus away from her. "Did you seriously just lick me?!" shouting, disgusted and pissed off, as Caelus scrambles to hide behind her girlfriend.

Dan Heng stepped in to distract Stelle from getting back at Caelus, "Are you two on a date? We apologize for interrupting."

"It's fine, but uh, yeah," Firefly said while playing with her signature ribbon. "One of our friends said if we happen to stop by when they're working, she could give us half-off drinks. And Stelle thought we could make a date out of it. Oh, and happy birthday, Caelus. I didn't think I would see you so soon," she smiled at the boy who was still behind her. "Also, stop picking on your brother, Stelle. You're embarrassing him in front of his friends," scolding her.

"Also, we're trying to get me a girlfriend, not him," March chimed in. "Caelus is already has someone, right?" winking and elbowing Dan Heng, getting his face to be light pink.

"I do?" Caelus asked, confused.

"Anyway, you're going to Dreamjolt Hostelry, right?" ignoring her friend. "There's a girl there that's my dream girl, so can you play Cupid and help me, please?"

The girlfriends shared a look as if they were talking telepathically to each other. Eventually, Stelle sighs in defeat, "Fine, it's this way. It's a bit hidden," taking Firefly's hand. As she leads the three teens through the crowded streets, March talks about Siobhan as they walk. The trio gave her a weird look when she walked down a set of stairs in a sketchy part of Penacony. Still, after opening the door, they were stunned to see a luxurious nightclub. The soft jazz music playing fit the relaxing atmosphere, and there weren't many people, so most of the booths and tables were empty. "Hey, Firefly, take the kids and get us a booth. Me and Caelus will get drinks and see where Lady is and if March's girl is here too." Before anyone could object to her, she grabbed the back of Caelus's shirt, dragging him along. "Hey, get me two sweetened moods, three glorious hours, and get Lady to do it, got it?" she told the bartender, who nodded and walked off.

"D-Did you order drinks or a person?" Not sure what just happened, but the look she gave him told him that he had asked a dumb question.

"So, where's your boyfriend?" Stelle snaps her fingers, trying to remember their name. "The shampoo guy, the one you took to Gramps' place."

"You mean Sampo?"

"That's the bitch, so where is he? From what Silver Wolf told me, you're letting him stay at our house."

"She told you!" yelled in shock. Thanks for keeping it a secret, Silver! Caelus thought.

Stelle gave him a smug expression, "Well, duh. I'm her cute little sister, that's always her partner in crime. Don't worry, though; everyone in the family knows you two are dating, and Mom's been trying to keep Uncle calm. He really doesn't like him, especially when I tell him he ditched you on your date in Penacony."

"Oh, come on, first of all we're not dating. Second, why do you guys always have to pick on me? Aren't I your adorable baby brother?"

She looks him up and down with a deadpan expression and says, "You could be cuter." Seeing Caelus's pouting face, she returns to the topic. "And from how Silver Wolf talked about it, you two are. Do you have a picture of him? That name doesn't sound familiar, and the video feed from Silver Wolf's room got ruined somehow," Stelle said to answer her brother's confusion. Caelus pulled out his phone, showing a photo of Sampo and him.

A woman wearing glasses and a green button-up shirt walked over to the siblings with five drinks as if on cue. "Hey, Stelle, I didn't know you had a twin. Aw, that's so cute that you're wearing the same outfit."

Taking Caelus's phone, she shoves it in the woman's face. "Lady, do you know this guy?"

"Isn't that the guy you punched?" trying not to laugh.

"Probably, but I fight a lot of people," she said, returning the phone to Caelus as she starts to lose interest. "Oh, by the way, is there a girl named Siobhan that works here?"

"Oh yeah, but I'm pretty sure she's on break right now," Lady answered, hearing her name. "I gotta go. Let me know if you guys want more drinks," she says, then proceeds to help others.

Stelle orders Caelus to carry some of the drinks as she takes the two only colorful drinks, leaving three golden beverages. The siblings make their way to the rest of the group. Handing Firefly her drink as Caelus places the rest on the table, letting his friend get their own. The five of them talked among themselves as more people filed in. After a few more drinks in their system, Stelle and Firefly went to the dance floor. In contrast, March went to the bar to try her luck talking to Siobhan, leaving Dan Heng and Caelus alone.

Dan Heng watches as the two girls dance together and as Caelus's eyes were glued to his phone. "I'm surprised you aren't dancing, you're usually the first one."

"Don't feel like it," turning to him, Caelus continued. "Why aren't you? I thought one of your admirers would have asked you to dance by now." Watching the dragon boy shrug, Caelus chugs one of the random drinks his sister brought to the table. "I think March might be striking out," he said as he gestured to the bar as the pink-haired girl struggled to get the halovian girl's attention.

Dan Heng mutely nodded, "Can I ask you something?" Seeing that he has the gray-haired boy's full attention, he tries to remember any of the advice but settles on. "What would you do if someone you've known for a while, let's say a friend, has feelings for you?" The confusion in Caelus's golden eyes made him nervous. He scooted closer to Caelus as he spoke, "I mean, in a romantic way? Would you give them a chance?" Dan Heng rested his hand on top of Caelus's, hoping, praying that he would get what he was implying. Sadly, seeing the gears turning in his golden eyes didn't help inspire confidence.

"Oh," he thought, humming a bit before answering. "I don't know, I guess I would give them a chance. Wait, did someone confess to you?" asked out of excitement. "Are you going to date them? Do I know them? Do they go to our school? Do they live close to you?" Dan Heng leaned back in the booth when Caelus moved closer to him, so that his face was close to his. Dan Heng was grateful for the dim lighting, which meant Caelus couldn't tell he was blushing. "Wait a sec, is this about Sampo? Did March tell you about my crush? Maan, why does every girl I know can't keep a secret?" Caelus's questions stop while his phone buzzes, making him check before jumping out of the booth. "Sampo said he's outside! I'll be right back," beaming at Dan Heng before running off.

Letting out a breath, he didn't realize he was holding. Dan Heng watches Caelus disappear in the sea of people, wishing he could stop being tongue-tied around him. Catching glimpses of March flirting with Siobhan and losing sight of Stelle and Firefly, he felt like he was being left behind. Not knowing what else to do, he just swirled the remaining contents of his drink instead of drinking it as he waited for Caelus to come back, but March returned first. She probably noticed how miserable he looked because she started to rub his back.

"Where's Caelus?"

"He got a message from him saying that he's here. How did things with Siobhan go?" asked to change the subject.

"She's busy, so she couldn't really talk to me, but," March flashed a broad smile, waving a small slip of paper. "I have a date tomorrow. So in short, I'm still the first one to get the girl," she smugly said. Dan Heng rolls his eyes at her comment, earning an elbow jab in his side. "So I'm guessing, with how moody you're being you finally told him and he said no?"

Shaking his head, he downs his and the rest of the abandon drinks. "I panicked," Dan Heng said out of embarrassment.

Step out onto the main street searching for a certain blue-haired man. After a bit, Caelus found him not able to contain his excitement. He ran up to him, "Sampo! You're finally here!" he exclaimed as he jumped up and wrapped his arms around Sampo, burying his face in the man's neck. "I was worried you weren't going to make it."

Sampo let out an awkward, "Sorry bout that. It ran longer than I thought. What was your birthday boring without me?"

"That's fine, we mostly were hanging out. Oh, we did run into Stel and Firefly. Oh, and Stel's friend works here too, you know, Lady, too, right?" he rambled on as he clanged to Sampo's arm as he led the way. He stopped talking when he saw March hail Dan Heng out of Dreamjolt Hostelry. "What happened? I was going for like ten minutes!"

"Weeell, apparently our Dan Heng here doesn't do well with alcohol," March states, trying to keep him from falling over.

"Wait, I thought the only ones that were were Firefly's and Stel's?"

"Yeah," sounding unsure about what to say. "Anyway, this guy drank everything, so I think it's time he goes home."

"Poor guy, ya want some help?" Sampo asked.

"Nah, I got it. It's not the first time I've had to take one of these dummies home," March said. "I'll make sure that Dan Heng makes it up to you, Caelus. Sorry, you missed most of it, Sampo, but can you make sure Caelus gets home? Oh, and Stelle said something about you owe her or something," she says, struggling to remember precisely what was said, not noticing Caelus's mortified expression. "Whatever, anyway, see you two later," she says as she walks past them, dragging the deadweight of the vidyadhara.

When neither of them could see March anymore, Sampo spoke up to draw Caelus's attention, "So I really missed all the fun, uh? Sorry bout that kid."

"It's not a big deal," Caelus says as he fidgets with the hem of his jacket. "If you want, w-we can still celebrate, j-just the two of us." Caelus stumbles over his words, worried that his face gave away how nervous he truly was. He already knew he was blushing by the heat on his face. "I-I mean, you didn't tell me happy birthday or give me a gift yet! And you just got here, and you promise you would show me all that Penacony has to offer, so-"

"Okay, okay, I got it, kid," Sampo cut him off, trying not to laugh. "So where do ya want to go? Or is there something you had in mind?" asked Sampo.

Caelus thinks before pointing at an ice cream stand, "Why don't we get something to eat while we think of something?" Sampo agreed with a cheshire smile. They ate as they walked around, going into clothing stores as well as one of the many casinos Penacony has to offer. Caelus was amazed at how good Sampo was at poker. Caelus had to beg him to stop because he was getting bored watching.

The two of them found themselves now at a rooftop garden with a view of all of Penacony itself. Looking out to the skyline as Caelus leans on the railing seeing in the corner of his eye Sampo doing the same. Okay, Caelus, in every romcom March has ever seen you this is the perfect moment to confess. So just do it, it's now or never, just don't fuck it up! I mean the worse thing that could happen is him saying no, or Stel and Silver find out and won't let me live it down. Or he wouldn't want to see or talk to me ever again, Caelus thought. Trying his best not to spiral not noticing Sampo was talking to him, till the blunette snapping his fingers while calling his name. '"Huh?" looking towards Sampo seeing him smiling at him. He let's out a nervous laugh as he rub the back of his head, "Sorry, about that but could you say it one more time?"

"Sure, I was sayin', are ya sure this is all ya want and nothin' else ya want?" Sampo asked. "I mean, I think we went to every store here, and nothin' caught your eye." The gray-haired boy shrugged, and Sampo decided to let it be for the time being. Wrapping an arm round Caelus's shoulder and spoke up, "It's gettin' late. Come on, let's get ya home."

The trip back was quiet, neither of them saying a word to each other. When they made it home, Sampo told Caelus goodnight and headed to his room, leaving the teen by himself in the entryway. Heading upstairs to his room, taking off his jacket and shoes before throwing himself on his bed, not bothering with the rest of his outfit. I can't sleep,  he thought after lying for a few minutes. Going downstairs for a snack, he takes a peek down the hallway, noting the glow of light seeping out from under Sampo's door. Once in the kitchen, Caelus goes through the cupboards as his eyes wander to his mom's and uncle's liquor cabinet. Trying to ignore the devil over his shoulder until he couldn't take it anymore, opening the cabinet, he sees rows of bottles. One of the bottles, a blue one with no design, catches his eye. Taking off the cap, he sniffs it to find that it smells like fruit. Shrugging, he takes a swig of it. The alcohol stung his throat a little, but other than that, he didn't feel anything. "I don't get it, it just tastes like fancy juice. How does this give you courage?" Caelus said to himself. "Maybe I'm not drinking it right?"

He lost count of how many bottles he drank, but he thinks it wouldn't be smart to attempt going back to his room, and that he should sleep in the living room. He didn't know why he only had his boxers on, or why he was knocking on Sampo's door, or why as soon as Sampo opened it, Caelus started kissing him. He just knew it felt right, only to feel hurt when Sampo pulled him back, asking why he was basically naked or if he was drunk. He didn't realize he was crying till Sampo tried to comfort him while wiping away his tears. The next thing he knew, he was sitting in the blunette's room on the bed, wearing one of Sampo's shirts, with the man in question sitting next to him with space in between them.

Sampo waited patiently for Caelus to calm down before speaking, "Ya wanna tell me somethin'?" Seeing him shake his head, Sampo sighs, "Then, how 'bout we forget what happened? Ya can sleep here and I'll take your," Getting up to leave, he pats Caelus's head. "Sleep ti-"

"NO!" Caelus shouts, grabbing Sampo's arm. "I just, I really,  really like you. You're really nice, smart, and you didn't laugh when I told you I like collecting junk." Not able to look him in the eye, feeling his eyes beginning to water again. His voice cracks as he continues. "I r-really like b-being with you-u, a-and I-I j-just wa-anted to b-be with you-u tod-day. B-but I b-bet you j-just see me as a-a d-dumb little k-kid."

Kneeling down so he could see Caelus's face as he wipes away his tears. "I don't see ya as a kid and I feel the same," Sampo says clearly and loudly for Caelus to hear him. "I also like spendin' time with ya too, and I'm sorry that I had to work today, but I'm with ya now."

Caelus sniffles, "Really?"

"Yeah, but I don't think it's a good idea to sleep with ya right now."

Throwing himself at Sampo, knocking them both to the floor, wrapping arms around the blunette's neck. "Please," he murmurs, "we don't have to go all the way. I know, I don't know much, but I think you're a pretty good teacher, so please." Caelus moves himself against Sampo's body to emphasize his point as he kisses him again. He was surprised when Sampo deepened the kiss as he felt one of his hands on the nape of his neck, and was a bit startled when he felt his other hand on his butt. He didn't even notice that Sampo moved them back to the bed or when they lost their clothes.

Sampo pulls back a bit to speak, "Are ya sure ya still wanna? Ya can still back out." Taking in how flushed Caelus's face is and how heavy he's panting.

"Yeah, because I love you."

Hey are ya free to talk? :SK

MG: Is it perhaps about the potential buyers that Jax found?

No need to worry I discussed the matter with him, that you have final say on the sale.

Its not that :SK

MG: What is it?

I fucked up :SK