Dinner concluded with a relative tranquil calm settling over the house as the last plates were cleared away. Cassidy swept across the dining room, moving with an elegant fatigue, her steps quiet as she stacked plates carefully. Meanwhile, the soft splash of water and clink of porcelain echoed from the kitchen, where Vorden, sleeves rolled up to his elbows, dutifully scrubbed dishes, the warmth of the water soothing against his skin.
Down the hall, a gentle thumping sound mixed with muffled giggles caught Jade's attention. She lifted her head, curiosity piqued, and moved quietly towards the source. The door to the children's room stood slightly ajar, golden lamplight spilling warmly onto the hallway floor.
Peering in, Jade's eyes softened, warmth blossoming in her chest at the scene before her. Raten knelt comfortably on the plush carpet, his usually fierce face glowing with soft, paternal affection. Little Borden was clinging to him, laughter bubbling freely as Raten carefully grasped the boy beneath his arms. With exaggerated drama and practiced gentleness, Raten hoisted Borden high and softly tossed him onto a plush mountain of pillows, cushions, and an array of fluffy stuffed animals. Borden landed safely in a burst of joy, laughing uncontrollably, his tiny hands flailing happily.
Before Jade could even smile fully, tiny Ember stepped boldly forward, her strawberry-blonde ringlets bouncing with determination. Her fiery amber eyes sparkled playfully as she lifted her petite arms, a silent demand written in every sweet feature. Raten's features instantly shifted, becoming impossibly gentle as he took his daughter in his large hands, treating her with a tenderness reserved only for her. Slowly, with infinite care, he lifted her and placed her gently upon the soft pile, where she immediately erupted into squeals of pure delight.
The children's laughter floated around Raten like musical notes, making Jade unable to hold back a giggle of her own. Instantly, little Borden turned at the sound, his eyes brightening with adoration as he rushed over and wrapped his tiny arms around Jade's legs.
"Hey, sweetheart," Jade laughed gently, running her fingers through Borden's unruly hair, feeling the warmth of his affection seep into her heart.
Raten rose smoothly, his muscular form towering protectively over the children as he reminded them gently, "Play nice, kiddos. I'll be right outside if you need me."
With the children once more engrossed in their joyous game, Raten turned, his gaze catching Jade's as he followed her quietly out of the room. They emerged into the warmly-lit living room just as Cassidy, finally finished with clearing the remnants of dinner, dropped wearily onto the plush sofa. She sighed deeply, leaning comfortably into Raten as he settled beside her, stretching an arm around her shoulders in silent comfort.
Vorden emerged moments later, towel in hand as he dried away the last droplets from his hands. He placed it lightly on the side table as he passed, moving smoothly to Jade, who had taken her seat comfortably nearby. Pausing briefly behind her, he gently kneaded her shoulders, a comforting touch that spoke more eloquently than words ever could. With a soft, lingering squeeze, he rounded the furniture to settle beside her, his posture shifting forward slightly, expression growing serious.
"So," he began slowly, looking directly at Raten, his eyes focused and sharp with concern, "tell me exactly what happened with Sil."
Raten leaned back, exhaling slowly, eyes distant as he recounted, "Two weeks ago, he just came crashing through Shiro's office. Didn't say much, just that he had to go somewhere and not to worry. He promised he'd be back." Raten paused, eyebrows knitting slightly as he shook his head. "And then he just... vanished."
Vorden's face twisted in horror and disbelief, eyes wide as he sputtered, "That's it? He just up and left? No explanation? And Shiro didn't think to tell me sooner?"
Raten sighed deeply, shrugging with pragmatic calm. "Look, Vorden, it's Sil we're talking about. He's stronger than most, stronger than anyone I know. Whatever he's tangled up in, he'll find his way out. He always does. Nobody's panicking yet, at least not officially."
Vorden released a frustrated breath, shoulders sagging slightly, troubled eyes darkening. "I guess you're right," he admitted grudgingly, though worry clearly lingered within him.
Time flowed softly onward, the evening drawing into its gentle conclusion. Outside in the glow the moon, Raten stood near the sleek transport vessel, his young daughter Ember sound asleep in his arms. Her tiny form clung securely, delicate arms looped around his neck, strawberry blonde curls gently brushing his shoulder as he supported her lovingly with one powerful arm.
Cassidy, eyes heavy with weariness yet filled with warmth, stepped close to Jade, embracing her gently before turning to hug Vorden. She stifled a tired yawn, offering a soft smile of gratitude, before delicately lifting Ember from Raten's careful embrace. The petite girl sighed softly in her mother's arms, nestling comfortably as Cassidy carried her aboard the ship.
Raten turned to Jade, nodding affectionately in farewell. Jade smiled gently and kissed Vorden's cheek, murmuring quietly, "I'll check on Borden," before slipping gracefully back inside the house.
The two men turned to each other, exchanging a warm, familiar embrace—one full of shared memories, trust, and silent understanding. Raten squeezed Vorden's shoulder reassuringly. "Try not to worry too much. If push comes to shove, we'll look for Sil together."
Vorden chuckled softly, shaking his head. "Yeah, you're probably right. Maybe I'm just overreacting. I've always just... felt protective of Sil, ever since we were kids."
Raten's gaze softened knowingly, warmth lighting his usually fierce eyes. "I know," he said simply, affectionately.
Before either could say more, a notification flashed urgently across Vorden's communicator. He frowned, eyebrows knitting, as he murmured, "Shiro? At this hour?" Raten stepped closer instinctively, sharing in his friend's tension as Vorden opened the message quickly.
[New Message]
[From: Shiro]
[Just received contact from Sil, he might be in trouble. He says to contact Sam in a week's time, no sooner. Can you possibly make it out here in 7 days time, to help me figure this out? You always know Sil better than most. Plus I'm swamped and knew you would insist anyway.]
Vorden and Raten shared a sharp glance, the weight of the message hanging heavily between them. Quickly, Vorden typed back a reply—"Of course"—and sent it without hesitation.
Raten shook his head slowly, brows furrowed in concern. "Looks like you were right after all."
Vorden exhaled deeply, frustration mingling with worry. "But why wait a week? And why be so cryptic about it?"
Raten sighed, placing a comforting hand on Vorden's shoulder, his voice steadying and firm. "No use stressing about it now. We'll handle it when the time comes. Looks like I'll see you next week."
"Yeah," Vorden murmured, still troubled. "Looks like it."
With a final pat to Vorden's back, Raten boarded the transport, turning back to wave one last time before the doors slid shut and the vessel rose smoothly, gliding away into the gathering darkness. Vorden remained behind, silhouetted alone against the fading thruster lights, gaze locked onto the distant lights shrinking to nothingness.
"Damn it, Sil," he whispered to the silence, shaking his head ruefully, a heavy sigh escaping his lips. "What kind of trouble have you gotten yourself into now?"
The unanswered question lingered, doomed to remain unanswered, for now. Shaking his head as he turned and slowly made his way back inside, the night's serenity now heavy with newfound unease.