Wave to the Sky (Omegaverse)

Chapter 17: Unexpected Visitor

Caelus' Pov

As soon as I arrived home, I hurried into my flat, greeted by the lingering stench of alcohol on my clothes. Hastily shedding them, I sought refuge in a cold shower, hoping to shake off the fog of inebriation clouding my mind. Slipping into such a state was not my intention, but the influence of alcohol had taken its toll.

This level of intoxication was unfamiliar territory for me. I prided myself on maintaining control, never allowing access to erase my memories. Yet here I stood, unable to recall the events of the previous night beyond fragmented glimpses.

A sense of unease gnawed at me, elusive and unsettling. I couldn't quite piece together the puzzle of my disquiet.

"Damn it," I muttered as stinging soap invaded my eyes, prompting a reflexive curse. The sting served as a rude awakening, a reminder of the consequences of losing oneself in distraction.

Emerging from the refreshing cascade of water, I sought solace in the familiar routine of brewing a mug of steaming coffee. But before I could savor its warmth, the doorbell shattered the silence of my solitude.

"Who could that be?" I murmured to myself, my steps hesitant as I approached the door, bracing for the unexpected.

To my dismay, Carl stood on the threshold, wearing a smug smirk that hinted at trouble brewing.

"What are you doing here, Carl?" I inquired, my tone frosty, masking the apprehension churning within.

"I've come for a visit," he replied nonchalantly, though his true intentions lurked beneath the surface.

"Cut to the chase," I retorted sharply, unwilling to indulge in the facade of familial camaraderie. "We both know this isn't a social call."

"Ah, you see right through me," he quipped, his smirk widening. "But can't a brother pay a visit to his sibling?"

"Not when that brother has an agenda," I shot back, my patience wearing thin.

Ignoring my curt response, Carl sauntered into my flat, his gaze wandering appreciatively around the space.

"Nice place," he remarked casually, his tone laced with a hint of mockery. "Living the high life as the President of SkyHaven Toys, I see."

"What's your point?" I demanded, growing weary of his veiled jabs.

"Just making conversation," he replied with feigned innocence, though his words dripped with insincerity. "Mind if I have some of that coffee?"

Reluctantly acquiescing, I retreated to the kitchen, brewing a fresh pot of coffee while wrestling with the mounting tension coiling in my chest. Returning to the living room, I handed him a cup, my patience wearing thin as he continued to dance around the true purpose of his visit.

"Enough with the small talk," I interjected, my frustration bubbling to the surface. "What do you want, Carl? I don't have time for games."

"Ah, but coffee time is meant for leisurely chats," he countered with infuriating nonchalance, his gaze flitting over me..

"Want to chat? Surprised to hear that from Mr. Silent?" I quipped. "You've always been the poster child for perfection, Carl."

"I am," he affirmed. "And yet, no one seems to value it. Not even Dad or Cassandra. Do you know why?"

"I'm not sure I want to," I hesitated.

"It's because of you," he accused. Not unexpected; he's skilled at deflecting blame. Honestly, I'm tired of it. He's the main reason I left home.

"And how is that my fault again?"

"I excel. I know I do," he insisted. "Even more than you. So, why did Dad appoint you as FunHouse's CEO and President?"