Of Kings and Queens

Part 4~ Teacups

Chapter 4

Arthur sat in the breakfast nook sipping his tea as Leon tried on the fourth outfit in a row.

"Is this good enough, teach?"

Arthur rolled his eyes at the nickname. "I'm not sure that green is a flattering color for you. You want to show him that you can take care of him, that you're classy, gentlemanly and most importantly, that you care enough to dress up for him. Now, go try on that red tuxedo I bought you."

Leon gave a weak smile and stumbled into the next room and looked through his closet.

Arthur took another sip of his tea, tasting the honey that was glazing the inside.

He had adopted Leon from a man named Yao years ago. Yao was alone and was Arthur's drug dealer. Despite their illegal activities they were pretty good friends, and many people wanted Yao's head. Arthur gave him a job as his personal assistant, but Yao had declined. Yao wanted his son to be in good hands, with a good life free of trouble. Arthur adopted (not officially mind you) Leon and promised to stay away from the opium. Sadly, days after Arthur brought Leon into his home, Yao was shot and killed by a rival gang. Arthur buried him near the cherry tree in his extensive backyard and had a small pond built by it for Leon.

But Arthur never saw Leon as a brother, he had plenty of those, but rather like an actual son despite the fact he was only seven years younger. Now he was sixteen and already so grownup...

"How do I look?"

Arthur looked up to see the young asian standing in the doorway with his hand running in his hair, the red tuxedo hugging him like a proper gentlemen.

"You look dashing Leon. Like a true man. Oh my, you're all grown up..."

"Arthur? Please don't start crying..."

"I'm not! I'm not! You, go have fun on your date with Emil. Make some grandchildren for me eh?"

"Dad! Stop. You may act like a grandpa but you're not there yet--I'm not there yet old man."

"Did you just call me dad? Aw your so <e>cute! C'mere." Arthur smiled and pulled the Chinese boy into a hug, pinching his cheeks.

"St-top it! Ugh you're just like Lukas!"

"You know, Lukas and I are pretty good friends, you should get in good with him before you get into Emil's pants, just in case."

"Dad!"

"Do you have condoms?"

"Stop!"

"Lube? It's good to have it just in case."

"I'm leaving!"

"Bye sweetie! Be safe!"

"No. Leave me be." Leon rolled his eyes and slammed the door.

"I love you!" Arthur paused and waited, a simper growing on his smiling face. There was a long sigh from outside before a crack in the door emerged.

"Love ya too..."

Arthur smiled and took another sip, walking to the window and watching his little boy disappear to rescue his princess. He really did want those grandchildren though.

But now Arthur was all alone in a lavish mansion that used to be full of laughter. Now it was so silent you could have heard the trees rustling from inside.

And then Michelle came bounding down the stairs and Arthur's sullen peace was ruined. She worked on the set as a makeup artist but Michelle was another of Arthur's lost kids. She had an internship, but was still Arthur's little girl.