Adopted

Chapter 14

                Months had gone by as the four became closer and closer. Sora and Roxas had begun having their own little adventures without the other two, unknowing that their brothers knew exactly what was happening between the two of them.

                Ventus also began noticing how Vanitas was beginning to act towards him, almost like a bodyguard. Once the other students found out about what had transpired between them and Seifer everyone wanted to get in on the action. Whether that was like a swarm of paparazzi wanting to know the “new brother” angle or it was hecklers, friends and acquaintances of the bully’s group that spouted hate at them continuously. Vanitas was always there, watching out for the smaller blonde.

                “Mom! I’m home!”

                No answer.

                “Mom!”

                “What?” Aqua popped out of her new home office, clipboard in hand and Bluetooth perched in her ear like a little black bird, “Oh your home Ven, how was school?”

                Ventus smiled, “Good, what time is dad coming home?”

                She checked her shiny silver watch, “Probably in an hour or so. Why? Do you need a ride somewhere? I can take you,” she offered with a smile.

                “Can you? I nee-

                She held up a finger signaling him to quiet down for a second, “Hello? Oh hello Mr. Ratigan. Yes…yes I understand, sir. When do you want the shipment in? Yes…yes we can have it to you by next week.”

                Ventus crossed his arms and frowned. Aqua had become busy since she became the manager of marketing and shipment at Dragon Textiles, a slowly growing clothing plant located on the other side of town. He sighed in disappointment and slumped out which she continued with her phone conference.

                “Sorry Rox, I don’t have a ride.” He texted his brother, “I guess I’ll have to meet our mom some other time.” 

                He quickly received a response back, “That’s alright. I’ll see you tomorrow Ven!”

                Ventus smiled and texted his goodbye before setting his phone on the wooden coffee table in their living room and laid down on the couch, “Maybe a nap won’t hurt.” He thought to himself. His mind began to feel the comforting hold of sleep before he was dragged out again by the sound of his phone vibrating. He turned to it, a tad bit annoyed but relaxed when he say it was from Vanitas.

                “Hey Ven, there’s a concert going on at the Possibly Future. You know, the restaurant down the street of your house. Do you wanna go with me?”

                Ventus pondered the idea before texting the boy back, “Yeah sure, I’ll meet you there. Who’s playing by the way?”

                “A few friends of mine. Alright, I’ll see you there then.”

                Ventus closed his phone before he received another text from Vanitas, “Actually, I’ll swing by your house and pick you up.”

                He smiled at the text and told him he’ll be waiting before rushing to the bathroom to get ready for tonight.