Vagaries of Fate

Settling In

Chapter 30

Clarissa barely had the three boys settled at the kitchen table before Sephiroth returned with several bags. He was followed closely by Angeal. The boys tensed at the sight of the other man, but none of them said anything. At least their standoffishness didn't seem to bother the Commander. He gave them all a grin as he held up what he had in his arms. "I figured you would need some blankets and pillows since we moved all the stuff that was here. The furniture is still here, but everything else is gone. This should work well enough until you are ready to move."

Clarissa gave him a thankful smile. "The two of you are lifesavers. I appreciate the help."

Sephiroth had already laid several boxes on the table and was turned to put the rest away in the refrigerator when she turned back around. All three of the boys were eying the boxes with interest. It wasn't shocking. They probably still held the mindset that they needed to make the most of every meal since they had gone without for so long. Clarissa banked her anger on that subject as she doled out the food for each of them.

She was glad that Sephiroth stayed, even if Angeal stepped out with a wave and a promise to be back if she found they needed anything else. The meal was mostly silent until they were nearly finished. Clarissa started to clean up what was left as she finally spoke to the boys again. "Now that you have eaten, I think it would be best for you to all clean up before we get ready for bed." She then looked at each of them. "Do you think you can handle the bath with just the three of you?"

They all gave her looks like she was crazy. She wasn't sure if it was her offer to help, or something else. Thankfully, Sephiroth spoke up before they could. "I am aware that you all seem mature enough to handle most things, but do not feel that it is shameful to ask for assistance in this unfamiliar place. If you do not feel comfortable with Clarissa helping, I would be willing to do so instead."

Yazoo was still giving them both a sneer, but Loz looked like he wanted to say something. He looked over at Kadaj and sat back in silence. The youngest of their group was giving both adults a contemplative look. Finally, he nodded as he answered. "We are capable of helping each other if necessary. All we require is for you to show us where the supplies are."

Clarissa wasn't shocked by their insistence. It wasn't likely to change any time soon. At least she was sure they could handle it. Sephiroth left to go across to his own apartment and bring back the things they would need. Once he handed everything to the boys, they thanked him before they disappeared in the bathroom.

When they were gone, Sephiroth sat across from Clarissa and gave her a thoughtful look before he finally spoke. "I must say that this is a shock. I had no idea that Hojo had gone to such lengths."

He paused long enough to give her an evaluating look. "What I would really like to know is why you didn't. There seems to be precious little that you didn't already know, so something this big would have surely been mentioned."

Clarissa sighed and ran her hand down her face. She was sure the boys were probably listening, but they already had an idea of what the conversation consisted of. She finally looked up with troubled eyes. "I did tell you about them. However, I was always told they were part of your will after you entered the lifestream. If I had known what they really were, I would have already brought it up again."

The furrow between his brows was erased when he realized how upset she was that she had not found them sooner. He reached across and placed a hand over hers when he spoke again. "Do not blame yourself. None of us doubt that you would ever leave an innocent behind. I was only curious."

She shook her head with a disgusted noise. "I know. I also know there is nothing I could have done, but it still bugs the shit out of me."

He patted her hand once before he stood. "Instead of worrying about that, why don't I go gather the rest of the things you will need for tonight. If they are comfortable enough with me, then once they are finished, you can clean up as well. You look like you could use a hot shower."

She finally chuckled at him. She doubted he was trying to be cheeky, but she still smirked at him. "I'm not sure if you are saying I smell, or if I look like hell, but I'll take that shower anyway."

His eyes widened, which caused Clarissa to laugh again as she shooed him off. "Don't worry. I know you didn't mean it that way. Now go and get back. I have a feeling they won't be in there much longer." He frowned at her but didn't argue as he walked out.

Clarissa was right in that it wasn't long before the three boys exited the bathroom. Thankfully, Sephiroth had not been gone long either. He brought back shirts for the boys to wear to bed, at least. He also had more toiletries for Clarissa to use. Thankfully, the boys seemed just as curious about Sephiroth as he was about them. She watched them all with a smile as they sat and started asking questions. That was one less worry as she went to take her first real shower in over a week.

When she got out, the three boys and the General were still throwing questions back and forth. She was glad to see them relax a little, but it was already late. She stepped next to the table and smiled at them all. "Alright, I think that is enough for one night. Why don't we get some sleep and we can pick up again tomorrow."

Sephiroth quickly stood and gave her a nod as he spoke. "Of course. I can make arrangements to end my day early tomorrow and come back to assist with whatever is necessary."

The boys still hadn't spoken, but they gave the General nods when he turned to them. He gave them all a small smile. "Goodnight then. Please feel free to think up any other questions we have yet to cover. I will do what I can to answer them."

Kadaj was the one to answer. "Thank you. I am sure there will be more we want to know."

Sephiroth turned to leave then but paused when Loz called out. "Goodnight, Brother." Clarissa was pleased to see Sephiroth smile at the address. He gave them all another smile and goodnight before he finally left.

Once he was gone, she turned back to the boys. "Alright, the bedroom is just past the bathroom. Do you need anything else before you turn in?"

They all three shared a look before Kadaj spoke up. "Where will you be sleeping?"

She raised a brow at his question. She hadn't considered it until they were in the bath, but she felt they would appreciate some privacy. She tried to convey that in her answer. "I planned to take the couch. I know you have heard me say it multiple times, but I want to make sure you don't feel crowded."

They all shared one more look. Much to her surprise, it was Yazoo that spoke next. "You know that Loz will probably cry if you aren't in the same bed. I don't want to hear it, so you should sleep with us."

Clarissa had to fight not to grin at the boy. Out of all of them, Yazoo was the last one to want to admit that he craved attention as well. She knew he still wouldn't, so she managed to keep her voice even as she answered. "Well, the bed should be big enough for all of us, and I would hate for your sleep to be interrupted. So, if that's settled, why don't we all go get some rest."

Yazoo narrowed his eyes at her but didn't say anything. The other two were quick to follow her into the room. Thankfully, Angeal had already put the sheets and blankets down, so they didn't have to worry about that. It wasn't long at all before all four of them fell into an exhausted sleep.