Confessions you didn`t notice
Chapter thirteen. Siblings update.
“Kid, I've been asked to tell you to come to the Corps in the evening. Arlo said he has some news for you.”
“Why didn’t he say it himself? He just passed by, the dust has not yet settled. Didn't even say hello. Are they killing someone there?”
“Nope, the mail will be delivered to the harbor today. Wuwa has arrived.”
“Oh, crap. I'll get two heaps of letters from my aunt again. Is the post also your responsibility?”
“Apparently, there is something personal there. I didn't ask. Maybe some documents from Lucien.”
“Oh dear. Is the Red Rage Season on the horizon?”
“Something like that. Once again he will dump all the paperwork on me. Or worse – he will only deal with paperwork and nothing else.”
“And the staff hasn’t been expanded yet?”
“Maybe we’ll find out today. It's time for me to get on the route.”
“Wait, you're not on the night watch today, are you?”
“Certainly not. It's Phyllis' birthday.”
“Oh, right! Thanks for reminding me. I just have enough time to bring her a gift. Have a great party tonight.”
“We'll try our best, bye-bye.”
News, that is. Did he really manage to dig up something? Or is he waiting for something different? I just hope this is not an order for an urgent transfer to another Corps unit.
“Arlo, are you home?” I went into the suspiciously quiet reception room of the Headquarters. There was a commotion coming from the showers. Okay, remember, Melissa, you're here on business. STOP fantasizing how does he look like right now.
“Wait a little, I’ll be right there.” What’s making SO much noise in there?
“Almost. I got attacked by a scary creepy bucket. But I can handle it. Who the fuck put it here and when?” I heard the clanking metallic sounds again. He kicked it, right? So a new one will now be needed. Oh, here he comes. With a wet hair, a towel on his shoulders, scented with herbs and wearing cozy home attire. Looks quite cute.
“What did you want to tell me? And is this connected with today's return of Wuwa?”
“To a certain degree. Come with me.”
I obediently followed surprisingly smug Arlo and carefully walked around the sports equipment scattered here and there. I could see that his collection is growing. And there seemed to be more photos at the nightstand. As I was staring at the changes within his room, I tripped over a sports kettlebell. Holding back a cry of pain, I realized the irony of the situation: I gave it to him myself.
“Are you okay? Sorry, I just flew in recently and didn't have time to clean up. How bad are you hurt?”
“It’s unpleasant, but nothing critical, just hit my little finger. Well, so what are your news?”
“Sit down, before you get hurt more,” he cleared the table and pulled out a chair for me invitingly. “Are you sure you don’t need a doctor? Xu's on duty today.”
“Maybe we’ll go later. Just spill your news, Captain.”
“Briefly speaking.”He rummaged through a pile of papers “they dug out Maurice’s medical record for us. It's obscenely old, but the basic information is there. There's also something about Clara if you need it. Unfortunately, not much, but I did everything I could.”
“Mom’s documents? Wow! I have almost nothing left from her. Let me see!” I reached for the stack of papers in his hand.
“Not so fast,” he teased, holding the stack of papers close. “You promised me something in return.” Oh, what a sly smile. I still hope that he will just ask for a DATE. True, I still don’t know what’s in the documents. Maybe we can't date at all.
“You still haven’t told me what do you want. If you broke the wall there with a bucket, I’ll fix it – no problem.”
“You will NOT get off that easy. I want to know what kind of investigation you’re doing. And why did you need the help of all the doctors and scientists.” Wow, so he dug it up. Okay, he cornered me.
“Fine. Let me collect my thoughts a little. You caught me off guard with this question. It's like I'm under interrogation.”
“I can bring you some tea while you’re collecting yourself. How much sugar do you want?”
“Two. No, better three and tea should be very strong. Wait, what? You've never had sugar here.”
“Now I do.”He pointedly shoved a stack of papers that interested me onto the top of his wardrobe and left.
I had no intention of peeking without permission. Although the law is on MY side now, actually. Well, how can I tell him all of this now? I will have to be as honest as possible, there are no other options. Because without his participation, the solution is not possible.
“Here you go. I’m listening,” a steaming cup of fragrant tea moved into my hands.
“If you’ll loom over me like that and I’ll forget why I came.”
“Because of fear? Am I that formidable?”
“No, out of admiration. For someone I suspect to be my older brother,” I blurted out and took a sip from my cup. It is delicious, alright.
“What? I would know if I had a sister. But my parents never got to get me one.”
“Gale thinks that you look suspiciously like me and Maurice.”
“How? Almost half of the city looks like you and me in various combinations. Are you going to consider everyone as relatives?”
“Why not? I’ve always wanted a real family. And it is quite possible that somewhere in the Free Cities I have a dozen of siblings. Pa didn't mourn for too long as far as I can tell...”
“Maybe. But at least Clara or Kendra should have known about the presence of someone older than you. So, you are against having me as your family?”
“I definitely did NOT say that.” Actually, I REALLY want to.
“Would you be satisfied with this ‘brother’ status? In relation to ME.”
“Now that you’ve turned it around like that, I don’t know. But nothing stops us from going and checking. Right now. And we’ll show you your little finger to a doctor right away too.”
“Don’t you want to dry your hair properly first? The wind will blow it and you can catch a cold.”
“It’s too hot out there. But at least I can think clearly this way.”
Throwing the towel onto the bed and taking the papers from the closet, Arlo dragged me towards the exit.
“Hey, Xu! Hello, I need to talk business with you. No, two businesses,” the redhead dumped a stack of papers in front of the puzzled doctor and pointed at me. Come on, I’m hardly limping anymore, why such concern? “Please examine this young lady, she had hurt her foot and she is probably lying about the severity of her condition.”
“Good evening. Go to the couch, take off your shoes. And what’s the second thing?” The doc slowly left his place at the table, took the examination instruments and walked towards me while I followed his request.
“You’ve probably already heard this question recently. Can you check if two people are related? We have a noisy argument, and I want arguments.”
“Yeah, I understand. Give me that vial from the third shelf. Now you’ll feel some unpleasant sensations,” the doctor grabbed my foot and anointed me with something smelly from that vial. Then he gently blew on the injured area and deftly bandaged everything with a small piece of cloth and let me rest.
“Thank you, Xu. It was very elegant,” I praised the doctor.
“Trying my best. Do not tighten the lacing, but rather wear loose shoes. Avoid exercise for three days. If it hurts, apply something cool. If you notice severe swelling, contact me immediately. It may turn blue by morning – this is normal.”
“Mine usually turns yellow,” I slightly rolled up my shirt sleeve and showed a mark from a recent bruise just above the elbow.
“Individual reaction. Who did you want to check for blood relation? Each other, or what?”
“Well, sort of. You see, Gale spun some nonsense, and since I don’t really know much about dad, I’d like to find out.”
“Then I will immediately inform that this is absolutely impossible. I don’t argue that you have similar traits and certain suspicions could exist. Eyes with such a shade of iris are really not very common. At least here. Although, if you think about it... Take a closer look at Antoine, he is more suitable based on other criteria. And closer in age to time Maurice left.”
“What?! What kind of criteria? He never told me anything about his family. But that might explain his obsessive preoccupation with me. I’ll ask,” I said, confused. Well, Antoine is better than Arlo, of course. But that’s still very strange.
“What kind of criteria do you mean? One is not enough for a definite answer, isn’t it?” The redhead asked.
“I’m curious too. And why could it be Antoine... Is there some evidence?”
“Yes. But we are now looking the other way. Blood type is inherited. And since you have 00+ and you inherited it, judging by these papers, from your father, then...”
“Then?” Arlo became interested and pushed forward, leaning his elbows on the table, on the exact spot from where the doctor had recently moved.
“Do not interrupt! This combination is not possible. Your blood type is too rare. AB +. In the Old World there were less than ten percent of such people. Maurice cannot possibly be your father; he does not have the necessary, to put it simply... inherit traits. Besides, I'm quite confident in your parents, too. They have just such a combination that works out perfectly to produce you. What made you doubt?”
“I guess I just believed in the idea that I could have a sister,” the redhead nodded in my direction, “I had always wanted to.”
“Not in this case. Is there anything else I can help you with?”
“No, thank you very much. We won't distract you more.”
Arlo, now definitely-not-my-brother, for a change very carefully opened the door of the clinic, let me out and also quietly closed it behind him. Growing up, I guess?
“Well, are you satisfied with the result?”
“Quite. And you sound a bit disappointed.”
“Never mind. All sorts of stupid thoughts. May I escort you home?”
“In this clothes? Will you go through the whole city like that? No, all the girls, should they meet you along the way, they will be jealous, of course. But then all sorts of rumors will be spread.”
“Oh, stop it. We can then go to my place. Do you want to? Let's prepare dinner, rest until the morning. If your finger gets worse, the clinic is nearby. I'm hanging in my den all alone today.”
“Sounds like you're planning some family get-together after work.”
“Oh well, suit yourself. Just let's go somewhere already, otherwise the midges will skin us alive.”
“OK. Can you tell me a bedtime story, brother?” I teased and entered the headquarters.
“Whatever, just don’t ever call me that again.”
“Accepted. What are we going to cook?” I asked starting towards the kitchen.
“Can you teach me that creamy spaghetti recipe? It seems like we have everything we need for that recipe.”
“No problem. I’ll just go get changed, do you mind?”
“It feels like you planned to stay from the beginning.”
“Random coincidence. Carol caught me on the way here and told me that my new home attire is ready.”
“Should I give you some slippers?”
“Your slippers? I'll end up with even more bumps. Besides, the floor is cool, which is good for my injury.”
“Well, then hop in the shower. There is a first aid kit there. The towel is fresh. Just like I knew that you'll stay here. I'll go clean up the mess in the room while waiting.”
A very badly dented bucket met me right at the threshold of the shower. Arlo kicked it well, and I somehow forgot it. It’s so strange, this is not my first time here, but today the feeling is completely different. It's like I belong here. Having properly showered, I went out to try on my new outfit. Everything was exactly as I ordered: long narrow pants made of gray stretchy fabric and a long blue T-shirt almost reaching the knees. Comfortable. It’s a pity, the mirror is fogged up, I can’t really see anything. I tied up my damp hair with the ribbon and went to the reception room.
“I'm ready. What do you think?”
“Wonderful! I had just finished and was getting lonely.”
We quickly prepared dinner leaving no mess behind. Once again I noticed how smoothly we do anything together, and it’s not tedious at all. Even cleaning was not annoying. We ate dinner in the kitchen, so as not to carry dishes. Then we washed everything right away.
“You see, I told you, you’re doing great.”
“Only under your strict guidance. It's a good thing you weren't here the last time I screwed up fried eggs.”
“You gotta be kidding me! How did you do that?”
“Hm, at first egg white wasn’t cooked through. I increased the heat and covered it with a lid. Then I just blinked for a moment and came to my senses when there were only embers. Sam then scolded me and didn’t allow me to close the windows for another two days.”
“Well, shit happens. Didn’t you think of just stirring the excessive liquid whites with a spatula in a hot frying pan? This is how we did it with the sauce today.”
“I hope you’re just having me on now. I won’t believe that with your great cooking skills you didn’t gasp such an obvious method on your own.”
“Now I know. Or maybe, you'll show it to me in the morning, I’ll remember it better with practice.”
“Agreed. What's next for us with the declared program? Do you have some kind of night work available or you’re just on alert duty?”
“More of the second. I am here in case of something bad happens. By the way, let's go check if anyone came in.”
“Let's go, of course. I'm occupying the sofa next to the cage!” I carefully walked around the furniture, nursing my leg, and was the first to leave the kitchen.
“That’s not fair! This is my favorite spot!” He rushed after.
“What about the rules of hospitality?” I said, plopped down in the corner of the sofa, placed a couple of pillows to my convenience and tucked my legs under me.
“You're right. And obviously you’re so small that the two of us can fit in here together!”
“Well, come on, just don’t push. Where is my promised fairy tale?”
“Fine. I’ll put the baby to bed and head to my place,” I responded to this malicious remark by throwing a pillow at him.
“Once again you’ll call me baby and...”
“And what?” He interrupted me with a sly grin, fluffing the pillow he caught.
“And our relationship is over. I will stop visiting and formalize our communication. Or cut if off completely.” Ha, Melissa, do you yourself believe in your own threat?
“Got it, sorry, just don't be angry please. I won’t survive such a blow,” said Arlo, not embarrassed at all. He lounged next to me at his full height. Unable to resist, I lightly tickled his feet. There was no reaction, as If it was just the way of things.
“You’re not afraid of tickles, are you?” I was indignant and increased pressure.
“I don't know. You are the first one who dared to try. Keep going and we'll figure it out.”
“That’s not interesting. You're not reacting.”
“So how should it be? Your fingers are so warm and tender. If this should have annoyed me, you guessed wrong. By the way, this is quite surprising.”
“With such neat little hands you manage to swing a sledgehammer and carry heavy things. And then you come home in the evening and embroider all sorts of custom-made jewelry.”
“Oh, so did you see the brooch I gave to Phyllis today? I spent two weeks fiddling around and barely managed to finish it. People don't usually order things like this from me. That’s exclusive for my friends.”
“I saw it, yeah. Out of the corner of my eye. You know, considering WHERE the girls pin such decorations, I didn’t get much time to look at it,” wow, he blushed deeply. Looks so handsome.
“Yeah. She has great distraction unit,” I said with envy, “at least she liked the gift. I was very worried.”
“By the way, why aren’t you with them? I thought you'd be invited.”
“Maybe because I’m with you now?”
“Why? I feel good with you. Moreover, you invited me yourself. And you also got me a royal gift.”
“Which one? I didn't seem to do anything special today.”
“Memory of my mother. And very cozy night gathering. It’s not often that someone can just find you at home like that.”
“More often than you think. But I'm usually not able to have long conversations when I'm so tired that I’m all but crawling.”
“Then I’ll take advantage of the moment. Tell me something funny, okay? Surely you have a whole load of all sorts of interesting stories from your time in Corps.”
“Well, okay. But at first I wanna hear one of yours.”
“About your Civil corps badges. Why didn’t you mention before that you were in Corps?”
“Oh. You didn’t ask. And I thought you would notice such a detail in my profile sooner, Mr Great Detective. Why does it bother you now?”
“Cause I think you’re qualified enough to lead Corps here. Well, when I’ll finally get my promotion and leave that is. I need to make sure my successor will be a reliable person. I thought of Sam at first, cause Remy wants to leave to Periphery once. So... it could be your position instead, I can do that.” He thoughtfully scratched his beard while loading those thoughts onto me. “Would you accept such a job offer then?”
“FUCK YOU, red-block-head!” Or better yet fuck me instead! “No way I’m taking your place here. Don’t even dare to ask me again!” I stood up abruptly, took a few steps and heavily hit his shoulder with another pillow. I just don’t wanna think about him leaving Portia. Not NOW, I almost finished that dumb heart knot! At least give me a chance to confess properly!
“But why not? You’re good fighter, also smart and quite diplomatic. And my team admires you as well. You’ll do just great!” He tried to take the pillow out of my hand.
“I said STOP it, please,” my voice broke cause I was trying to hold my tears back and turned away. “I’ll go and make us some tea” I muttered and took a step away.
“Wait.” Arlo grabbed my wrist pulling me back. Then he sat me down on the coach beside him and hugged me from behind. I was caught completely off guard and almost bursted into tears.
For some time nothing more happened. I just sat there enveloped in his arms and listened to his heartbeat. Despite the fact that it was beating very fast it managed to calm me down. Maybe it will change pretty soon, but now he is with me. Right here. And I hope he enjoys this as much as I do. Otherwise he wouldn’t hug me, right?
“Well, now I wanna know about YOUR great plans for the future. When you’ll pass your exams and finally join The Flying Pigs.” I leaned my head a little bit back so I could rest it on his shoulder more comfortably.
“I just...Didn’t think that far. So. I don’t know for sure.”
“Understood. Right now nothing keeps you here except for your duty.”
“Maybe you’re right.” Please, prove me wrong, captain. “But now that I think about it...”
“I really like spaghetti. Oh, with hot sauce.”, I couldn’t help myself but continue his catch-phrase. I’ve heard it so many times that my imitation turned out quite good.
“Ha! You got me!” He laughed softly and released me from the hug. “Now we’re in a proper mood for funny stories, let’s get some tea and finally start.”
So we stayed there almost until dawn, comfortably sitting on the sofa. Arlo told some stories about work, I listened attentively, sipping fragrant tea. They speak the truth in the city, he’s a good tale-teller, I listened as if enchanted.
I was awakened by the strange sound of a mechanical click. Lazily opening one eye, I saw Remy, barefoot, sneaking upstairs. What a bullshit, I’m probably dreaming. The click was repeated. A more detailed inspection of the surroundings revealed that an extremely happy Sam was standing opposite the sofa with a camera in her hands. With gestures she first indicated ‘quiet’, then nodded upward, drew a heart in the air with her finger and smiled smugly. Then she touched the camera hanging on the neck strap and nodded again. What a pantomime! Why is she so happy? Following the direction of my grinning friend’s gaze, I found Arlo sleeping peacefully next to me. He still didn’t go to his bed. Instead, he sat with his back leaning against the corner of the sofa, his elbow resting unsteadily on the armrest. Trying to move as little as possible, I realized that my head was resting comfortably on his shoulder and I was partially hidden by the blanket wrapping us together. The top of my head was tickled by his red fluffy beard. He seemed to put his other arm around me, holding me close to him. I didn’t even remember when he managed to bring the blanket yesterday. After thinking a little, I settled back down to get some sleep over the strong and calm beat of his heart. I tried not to wake him up; if he wants to, he’ll get out on his own. Releasing one hand from under the blanket, I pointed my finger first at the camera in Sam's hand, then stuck out three fingers. Having waited for an affirmative nod, I showed her where my bag was and, fidgeting a little, fell asleep.
The next time I was alerted by the creaking sound of the door. Sam was doing something in the boss's bedroom. What a sly cat! I’ll find out what kind of a mess she’s done there later. She'll tell me everything anyway. I hope at least she didn’t forge his signatures.
I finally woke up when I realized that I my head and hair were gently stroked. That feels so nice! I decided to pretend to be asleep to prolong the pleasure. It might have worked, but one strand tickled my nose. Arlo recoiled, pretending that he had nothing to do with it. I jerked up sharply and sneezed deafeningly.
“Thanks. Have you been awake for a long time?”
“I woke just now. I didn’t want to wake you up, it just happened,” he answered in a guilty tone.
“Don’t worry,” I crawled away and stretched sleepily. I tried to look at the clock above the front door, but I couldn’t see it from here. “What time is it? Don't you need to save the world at once?”
“A little after noon. Saving not required just now, so we have enough time to wash up and have a breakfast.”
“Okay,” I rubbed my eyes with my fists, “is the order arbitrary?”
“I recommend starting with your morning routine. In the meantime, I'll see what we can cook.”
“Sure. And what’s your plans for today?”
“I'm gonna ruin dive. It’s my turn.”
“Oh, yes. It’s Sunday. Well, be careful down there. Remember, safety first!”
I cleaned myself up and changed clothes and that’s when I found new photographs in my bag. Sam is an angel! Oh, how cute we turned out! Just like two sleeping kitties. I'll hang it right on the closet door! So every time I change clothes, I will recall this wonderful moment. Me and Arlo had a breakfast and went about our businesses. Now it's definitely right time to finish my special gift for him.
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