2X

Lush Life

"So what you're telling me is that you've been in constant contact with Hei, giving him updates on us when you know how I feel about him."

Rainn shifted uncomfortably in her seat as Cain narrowed his eyes at her. She knew he'd be pissed when he found out but didn't know it'd be this bad.

"Yes?"

"Why, you don't even like him!"

"Well...I wouldn't say that."

"Oh my god you two became friends."

"Not friends! God no, more like associates with mutual interests."

"That's called being friends."

"He was worried about you."

"If he was that worried, he wouldn't have left."

Hei was just sitting there listening to them go back and forth while Kei continued to nuzzle into him. At least someone missed him. Haise took one look at him and immediately started ignoring him.

"So why are we here since you two are such besties now? And why did we have to burn the house down?"

"I don't know."

"You had to do it because of me. Because you know me, you've now become targets."

"Of course it's your fault."

Hei sneered and was about to start yelling but remembered he had a child in his arms. His child.

"Be that as it may, I had you come to this safehouse so you, the boys, Rainn, the girls, and everyone could be safe. I know it's a lot after everything that's happened but I need you to trust me Cain."

"I did trust you. Once. Your son trusted you. Once. You know what you did? You ripped out our hearts, crushed them under your boots, and spit on them. So no I don't think I'll be trusting you. In fact, we're leaving. Give me my son."

"Cain..."

"Now."

Hei sighed as he began to pry Kei off of him but the little boy had other plans.

"NO! NO! NO! NO! MAMA NO!!"

Cain got up and snatched him out of his arms before turning to leave the room.

"Cain!! You stupid son of a bitch, don't let your hatred for me make you make a huge mistake."

"The only mistake I could make is trusting you again."

"I'm sorry..."

He stopped and turned to glare at his former lover.

"Sorry? You're sorry? Your son went into a deep depression and stopped speaking for a long time because he blamed himself for your leaving. He thought he did something. Not to mention Kei repeatedly crying and calling for you. Not to mention what I- Nevermind."

"Cain the people I'm trying to protect you from are the ones who made me the way I am. They made Fox."

Cain stopped dead in his tracks. It was like his whole world was crumbling beneath his feet.

"What?"

"You're right, you can't trust me. Because I can't even trust myself. I almost killed Kei that night Cain. I almost killed one of the people who holds a piece of my heart because of what they did to me. So I left and I got my team back together to hunt the bitch who did this to us down so we could make her suffer."

"And you didn't think to tell me that? You just up and left us without a word and let us think you abandoned us even after knowing all the issues we have."

"You would've insisted on coming with me."

"Exactly."

"I couldn't risk that. The boys need a father and the best candidate is you...it always has been. I made a choice to protect those I love regardless of my own needs. I cut myself off from feeling, ignored my heart's cries for my sons...my man. But that can no longer be the case so long as she's out there, willing to do anything to get to me."

Cain stared into Hei's eyes, he knew he wasn't lying but still wasn't so sure a sure about trusting him again.

However, he had a duty as a father to protect his children at all costs.

"When do we start?"

"We won't be starting anytime soon. I brought you here to keep you safe with the boys. Not throw you into a battle that doesn't concern you."

"That's not your call."

"Actually it is."

After that, the meeting was adjourned and everyone went to go get set up in their rooms.

Hei had given Cain and the kids the East wing of the house so they could be closer to pools and away from his team while they planned out their next assault. Or so he thought.

Hei was in his room that overlooked the sea and sighed as the crisp air blew all around him.

"Mama."

He turned and saw Kei toddling over to him before he picked him up and carried him over to his balcony.

"You know I thought about you everyday right?"

Kei wasn't paying him any attention, instead the little boy just yawned and hugged Hei tighter.

"So that's it huh?"

He wasn't surprised. From the time he'd met Kei, it had been his job to put him down for his naps since he was always more comfortable in his arms.

He brought out a chair and sat himself in the corner of the balcony while he rocked his son to sleep.

He was out like a light in a matter of minutes.

Hei got up to put him in his bed but found Cain standing there.

"Cain, I uh-"

"I know he came to you. I let him."

"Oh. Well thanks?"

"It wasn't for you, it was for him. You know how cranky he gets without his naps and you've always been better at knocking him out."

"To be fair, most of that was from whiskey in his bottles."

"I fuckin knew it."

"Heh heh."

"He really missed you. For three weeks straight he just screamed and wailed for you. You really hurt him."

"...I know."

"But, it was for his protection right?"

"Of course."

"Hm, then for your punishment you're going to have to feed him, bathe him, and put him down everytime it's time to sleep. Sound fair?"

"Tch, you call that punishment? Hell yeah I accept."

"Alright, then I'll leave him to you."

Cain turned his back to leave but stopped.

"Hei...what about Haise?"

"One thing at a time Cain. One thing at a time."

"You may not have that time."

Cain left, leaving Hei and Kei in the room alone with nothing but the sound of crashing waves and gulls.

Kei stirred in his sleep and latched onto Hei's finger.

"Mama...stay..."

Hei's heart sank but he blinked away his tears and kissed the little boy's head.

"Yeah, yeah I'm not going anywhere. Never again.."