Dangerously Quiet

9.

Ground-level of the suburban mansion of the Delacourde family housed an armory of military-grade weapons that will make ATF weep in fear. Nothing but the best for the soldiers under the seal. From handguns and knives to small explosives and those on the larger scale, the armory was filled to capacity, currently choosing their personal kit, twins Ares and Eros quietly double-checked it all and got their gear ready while waiting for their older brother. When he called stating he will be missing dinner, the two became concerned by this and their parents' unconcerned expressions. This raid was important to Lucifer, he was the one who planned everything, it wasn't like him to be absent for prep. 

Standing by his designated table, Ares glanced at his twin's stiff movements and colder expression beside him. He was tugging at the straps harder than necessary and packing extra clips tighter than normal. 
"Tight clip brings death's grip," Ares said aloud while sharpening his knives. 
Eros released a tense sigh and muttered an apology, this time he continued with care and safety as he reached for his retractable batons. 
"He won't be coming," Eros said after a moment of silence. Ares didn't reply. He was told of Lucifer's behavior at lunch and the minor argument between him and Eros. 
"Then we will do our best to execute his first raid strategy."

"Why are you so calm about his absence? Luke will be king soon and he's blowing off his duties for a girl he just met," Eros said with a clenched jaw.

"Not just any girl, brother. His woman. I will admit my disappointment with him not being by our side but this is new to him. I'm sure father knew from this morning's scene that Luke will change tactics in his life. We have to let him figure it out himself."

"He has a duty to the seal. Why would he allow a woman to change his mind about that?"

"Eros, he's not turning his back on us. He's in love," Ares pressed.

"Love? After a few days?" Eros shouted in disbelief.

"Daddy loved mama at first sight." The firm voice of their little sister distracted them from their conversation. Standing in the doorway of the family vault in a pink onesie and phone in hand, they motioned for her to come in. "No, he didn't," Eros argued knowing Rejeanne was right. Their father spoke to them at full length about how he never understood the foreign feelings he had for their mother when they first met and ended up marrying her weeks after. Eros didn't quite understand the dynamics of it all, he believed everything had a logical explanation, he never had the right explanation for emotions. He wasn't empathic like his twin, he only saw what his eyes showed him and what his mind interprets. 
Rejeanne gave him a look of 'really?' before going over to her table of personal weapons. Eros kept his expression stoic like always, he was still miffed by his brother's untold decision. He looked forward to this raid for months, all three of them planned it with their father and uncle's guidance. This was their moment. Their time to show their parents that they can do this, that they are truly sons of the most feared mafia king. At the back of his mind, he knew it was stupid to think that he had to prove himself to a father who always had a look of pride and love in his eyes whenever they spoke but he wanted to for some unknown reason.  

'Vehicle Alpha L-1-B approaching gates. Biometric security validation confirmed. Master Lucifer has arrived.'

The privately made artificial intelligent security system notified the three of their brother's arrival. The monitor above the doorway showed him pulling into the garage and being met by his dog Daemon. From the clear video, they can surely see how different he was. A ghost of a smile was one his face when he left his SUV before it widened for his dog. Eros went back to his packing ignoring the uneasy feeling in his chest. Rejeanne and Ares brought up a new subject to chat about but he ignored them and left the armory. Placing his backpack on the bench to the garage, he took another path which led him to the living area. Taking a seat in the den, he waited for his older brother to pass by. 
Minutes passed which felt like hours when Lucifer finally walked by. He didn't have to say a word, Lucifer caught sight of him in his peripherals and backtracked his steps. Eros stood to his full height and waited for his brother to say something.