*A week later*
"How much do you have?" Ethan asked as Evan rummaged through his drawers for more change. "Two- No, three hundred. What about you?" Ethan looked down at the stack of bills in his hand, then his pocket. "Um... About six hundred." Evan nodded, plopping down on his bed. "Alright, that's almost a thousand... We have to try harder." "Evan, we don't even know if they were telling the truth. They haven't really told us much about anything, really..." Ethan muttered. "What do you mean?" Evan asked defensively. "I just went that we don't even know who are real parents are. We don't know anything about them..." Evan rolled his eyes. "Ethan. They are our parents. If you won't help, dad might die." "But he-" "As you said," Evan interrupted. "We don't even know if they're telling the truth." Ethan sighed. "Fine. I'm just saying something seems strange about this..."
...
Ethan and Evan walked into the bar as Emma bowed. The crowd cheered and stepped up to the stage, handing her bills. She waved and thanked them as they went back to eating or left the bar. She jumped off the stage and ran over to the twins. "Guys." She started breathlessly. "I've got three hundred fifty." They smiled gratefully. "I've been performing all day. So freaking hungry." She groaned as they left the bar. "All together we have thirteen hundred fifty." Evan spoke proudly. "Is that enough?" Emma asked, handing Ethan the money. "Probably. I mean, for now at least..." Evan muttered and they fell into a comfortable silence as they walked back to the twins house.
The twins watched as Emma continued down the sidewalk to her house. They sighed and stepped inside, listening for conversation. "Nico, I set aside five thousand dollars. I mean, it's not nearly enough and-" "Percy, don't. I don't... I don't need the surgery, we can just-" "It wouldn't be the same. Besides, look how beautiful the twins are!" Percy exclaimed and Nico sighed. "Percy. We will get enough eventually. You don't need to set any money aside. Besides, we need that for bills." Percy sighed deeply and the twins heard the bed creak. "I know. I just... I just want you to be happy." He whimpered slightly. "I am happy, Percy. I'm with you and I have Ethan and Evan. I just... I could be happier, I guess?" Percy grunted softly and kissed Nico. "Fine. I'll put some of the money back." Ethan and Evan looked at each other then knocked on the door. "Come in." Nico muttered and the twins shuffled into the room. "Um... So, we heard you talking..." Evan said and Nico glanced at Percy. "Oh... Um... And?" Evan nudged Ethan. He stepped forward, his eyes glued to the floor. "We um... We wanted to give this to you..." Ethan muttered, sticking his hands out to give Nico the money. Nico stared in disbelief, his mouth in the shape of a small 'o'. Percy walked over, taking the stack to count it all. "Nico... Nico, this is all we need. We... Thank you guys so much." Percy said, pulling them into a hug. After a few minutes they separated. Ethan worried at his lip, twisting the ring on his finger. "Can you tell us what the surgery is really for?" He asked and Evan covered his face. Percy glanced at Nico who was gazing at his lap. "It... It's for... Corrections for um... One of his organs is shaped oddly and..." Percy stammered, still staring at Nico. Evan growled slightly and grabbed his brothers wrist. "It doesn't matter. Right, Ethan?" Ethan sighed defeated and nodded. "Thank you guys. Seriously." Nico murmured and they nodded, leaving the room.
A/N: this is important. Do you guys want longer chapters that take longer to publish or short ones for more updates?
