The family drifted slowly up to the house, the sound of friendly banter mingling with the evening breeze. As Raten reached the patio he reached up and carefully pulled his daughter down from his shoulders, and gently set her tiny little frame down on the porch. He kneeled down in front of her, holding both hands and he spoke to her with all the warmth and love that Vorden had ever seen coming from his usually hardened brother.
"Alright Em, remember what we talked about?" Raten asked with a feined sternness. The little girl nodded her head eagerly. "Good. Now play nicely." She leapt up and wrapped both of her arms around Raten's neck squeezing him tightly before turning around to find her cousin.
Vorden eyed his brother with a questioning look. Raten rubbed the back of his neck awkwardly and he spoke. "We just had to have a discussion about staying calm and keeping our cool when people make up upset." He chuckled lightly and admitted "I guess my short temper and Cassidy's devastating ability don't exactly spell safety when it comes to the emotional state of a child." Raten glanced lovingly at his little girl, Ember Lynn. He immediately beamed with pride, and Vorden laughed as his brother gave him a quick hug.
Cassidy hugged Jade warmly, eyeing her softly swelling belly. "How's everything going with the pregnancy?" she asked warmly. Jade smiled, squeezing her friend's hand reassuringly. "Oh, just fine. Can't wait till I can see my feet again, though."
Raten's sharp eyes roamed the house, nodding appreciatively. "Vorden, gotta say—the house actually looks decent. I mean, it's not really my taste, but if DIY is your new passion project, I'm happy for you." He delivered the jest with feigned sincerity, eyes glittering mischievously. Vorden chuckled softly, shaking his head, amusement crinkling his eyes.
"Shiro sends his best," Raten continued, a note of gentle apology softening his words.
Vorden nodded understandingly. "Yeah, he let me know earlier that he wouldn't be able to swing by. It's a shame, but I get it. He's not far—he'll hop over when he's free."
"When exactly would that be?" Jade quipped lightly.
Cassidy nodded her head knowingly. "That man never stops working."
Vorden's brow creased slightly, regret shadowing his eyes. "Honestly, sometimes I feel guilty. Running the faction was supposed to be something all three of us shared, you know? Since we got separated from him, Shiro took it all on alone, while we chased our own selfish pursuits."
"Hey," Raten interjected firmly, laying a reassuring hand on his brother's shoulder. "Shiro wouldn't change it for anything. He's thriving, exactly in his element. Hell, he keeps telling me he doesn't trust me with any of it anyway, and he wants you to have a real life—experience the things he already has. He says he's content right now. So, who are we to force any change? But don't worry," he grinned mischievously, "I'll drag him here soon enough."
Vorden relaxed visibly, smiling appreciatively at Raten. Yet his eyes darkened suddenly, a shadow of unease passing across his features. "Wait. What about Sil? I tried to get a hold of him ahead of time, but I never heard back, and he's not here?"
Cassidy and Raten exchanged quick, uneasy glances, an unspoken concern flickering between them.
"What is it?" Jade pressed gently, noticing their hesitation. "What's going on?"
"Sil," Raten started carefully, choosing his words. "It's not bad exactly—he's just…not around."
Concern sharpened Vorden's voice, his gaze suddenly piercing. "What do you mean, 'not around'? What about the orphanage?"
Cassidy hurried to reassure him. "Honestly, since Isma took over running the school and the Blades handle all the scheduling, the orphanage practically runs itself now. Sil hasn't been needed as much, so he's been keeping to himself, just trying to stay out of everyone's way, I guess. The other day, he just told Shiro that he had something important to do. Said that he would be back." Cassie shrugged.
Vorden's jaw clenched, worry edging into frustration. "What? Why? Where did he go?"
Raten sighed, his voice quietly resigned. "If I knew, brother, I'd have already dragged his ass back here myself." He reached out gently, placing a firm yet comforting hand on Vorden's shoulder, his eyes sincere as they locked onto his brother's troubled gaze.
Vorden closed his eyes briefly, rubbing his temples in quiet contemplation before taking a steadying breath. When he looked back up, his expression softened, shifting toward gentle resignation. "Look, let's head inside, get the kids situated with something to eat. We can talk more about this after we've all had a decent meal." A small but genuine smile crossed his face, warmth returning to his eyes. "I'm really glad you guys made it."
Jade's expression brightened immediately, her voice eager and heartfelt as she stepped closer to Cassidy, pulling her into a side-hug. "Yeah, it's been way too long! I've missed you guys terribly—we need to get the kids together more now that we are closer, and they're old enough to actually play."
Cassidy smiled back, excitement lighting her eyes as she glanced around the porch eagerly, but suddenly her expression faltered, replaced by a sudden flicker of worry. "Wait...where are the kids?"
"Oh, don't worry," Jade laughed softly, reassuring her friend with a knowing glance. "They darted inside the second you stepped onto the porch. They're probably already knee-deep in toys."
Cassidy exhaled softly in relief, shaking her head with a gentle laugh. Together, the group shuffled comfortably through the open door, the soft glow of interior lights and welcoming warmth drawing them in.
A little while later, laughter and the comforting aromas of a shared meal filled the air. Borden, cheeks rosy and eyes sparkling with excitement, announced triumphantly, "I'm full! Can I go play now?"
Vorden smiled, affectionately ruffling his son's hair. "Go for it, bud—just make sure you take care of your plate first."
With eager obedience, Borden leapt up, carefully took his plate with both hands and hurried it off to the kitchen. Moments later, his footsteps echoed joyfully down the hall as he sprinted toward his bedroom.
Dinner was winding down, the plates nearly empty and the chatter of satisfied conversation filling the room. Ember, only three years old and adorably petite, leaned back precariously in her oversized chair, craning her neck dramatically as she peered intently down the hallway where her cousin had disappeared moments before. Completely oblivious to how transparent her intentions were, she held her curious posture, unaware of the amused glances passing between the adults at the table.
Finally, a playful smirk crossing his face, Raten gently cleared his throat and addressed her, his voice warm and teasing. "Ember Lynn Blade, is there something you would like to tell me?"
Startled, Ember jumped slightly in her seat, her wide eyes flicking back to the table to find every adult face smiling at her knowingly. Instantly, her cheeks flushed a vivid rosy hue, and warmth began radiating gently from her small frame. A faint tendril of steam drifted lazily upward from her shoulders.
Chuckling softly, Raten reached out and took his daughter's tiny hand in his own. Tenderly, he stroked the soft skin with his thumb, looking directly into her nervous eyes. "Hey, hey, it's alright. Here, breathe with me," he murmured reassuringly.
Holding her father's gentle gaze, Ember watched carefully as he drew in a slow, deliberate breath. Trusting him implicitly, she mimicked his calm rhythm. Together, father and daughter inhaled again, the second breath deep and synchronized perfectly. Ember felt her tense muscles ease, her embarrassment melting away into the comfort of her father's warmth.
"Better now, sweetheart?" Raten asked softly, squeezing her hand gently.
A broad smile instantly replaced Ember's blush, and she nodded enthusiastically, her eyes sparkling. "Yes, Daddy!"
"Good," Raten grinned warmly. "Are you all finished with your dinner?"
"Yes, Daddy," Ember replied eagerly, nodding so vigorously her curls bounced around her face.
Raten chuckled again, eyes twinkling with amusement. "Would you like to go play?"
"Oh, yes, please!" Ember's enthusiasm doubled, her small body practically vibrating with excitement.
With a playful laugh, Raten gave her hand one final affectionate squeeze. "Go for it, kiddo."
Carefully, Ember climbed down from her towering chair, her movements deliberate and cautious, highlighting just how tiny she was compared to the sturdy furniture. Once safely on the ground, she launched herself at her father, wrapping her small arms tightly around his neck in a joyous hug.
"Love you, Daddy," she whispered sweetly before spinning around and scampering off eagerly in search of her cousin.
Raten watched her go, pride radiating from him in palpable waves. As he turned back to the table, he realized everyone was watching him with knowing smiles.
"What?" Raten asked, feigning innocence.
A wave of laughter rippled around the table, and Vorden gave his brother's arm a gentle, teasing punch. "Look at you," he grinned knowingly. "Never thought I'd see this softer side of you. It suits you, bro."
Raten blushed faintly but couldn't hide the beaming pride spreading across his features. "Yeah, well," he mumbled good-naturedly, his smile only growing brighter as his eyes drifted momentarily back to where Ember had disappeared, "I guess it does."