Secrets, secrets, secrets

[whrrenah]

While she wasn't religious, she did resonate with Buddhism. There were certain holidays where it was almost mandated that there were a few holidays that were observed by the family for appearances. Wren normally didn't do much considering Kim didn't but when Porsche himself asked her to attend this one ceremony, she felt it was time to start bridging the gap between families with a small step. There was even more convincing to have Kim join her, along with whatever security he wanted which was a ton of people. She didn't blame him one bit. Hawke would be there with them, which helped immensely. That was probably going to be the most surprising thing of all: Kinn's men seeing Hawke in his usual garb. While she wasn't around for the funeral, she could only imagine what they would look like to see Hawke in a sarong, sandals for the public, and leather bands around muscles for decoration.


So after planning and more planning, they were ready to head into the city with baby and brother and about ten others not only for their safety, but for WiK to keep up appearances. So off it was to the family outing to see everyone and this ceremony. Kim was silent through the trip while Wren softly sang little songs to their almost 9 month old, her side tucked up against Kim. Hawke, on the other side. rested his hand on Kim's thigh, his eyes on the window to watch the world pass by. It was strange that it was the Starfyrs exuding calm while Kim was in the middle, possibly stewing.

"No sleep overs," Wren said suddenly as if she had been speaking in a conversation moments before. "Don't care how much security is there, Khun is not getting Anu for a sleep over."

"Who said anything about a sleep over?" Kim was jolted out of his own darkening mood, trying to figure out what his wife was saying.

"No one, yet." She responded quietly, looking back to Kim. "But there's a breeze and I just wanted to put it out there." And in her own way to provide reassurance, mouthed his jaw and ear.

Ah, more magical stuff. Kim had finally gotten a decent handle on that, especially since Hawke and Roo had been camping out at the estate all this time and that had also put more of a magical slant on things so that it had become a part of Kim's normal every day adventures. Instead of going to the compound, it was agreed they would all meet at the temple and not the hotel. There was already a large gathering there which had put Kim on edge until he was flanked by Hawke. Wren kept slightly behind them with the baby in tow, her knee length skirt doing nothing to hide the long scar on her left leg.

"There's my little nibling!" Khun burst before they even made it to the gate, making grabby hands at Wren while Anu bounced excitedly. Wren always wondered if it was Khun that made Anurak all excited or the fact the man was in direct competition with Elton John with his fashion and fanfare. "Come to your lung, and give your poor mother a break!" Anu nearly fell into Khun's arms with a shriek, making others' heads turn.

"Why are we here?" Kim asked, cutting to the chase.

"Because Porsche and Kinn invited you?" Khun was only half answering, paying more attention to the baby and then he got a look at Hawke. "Oh, my God! You're underdressed!"

Confused, Hawke looked at his attire, or lack there of, and then looked back at Khun. "I am not? I have a cloth on."

Khun took a beat to catch the carefully pronounced Thai and looked back at Kim. "You've been teaching him?"

"I have," Wren stated simply. "Linguistics major, remember? Now, what is going on that Porsche had to beg me to convince Kim to come? I don't understand."

And then Khun stared at Wren. "He didn't tell you."

Kim sighed, already feeling a headache coming on. "Phi, I swear, if you don't tell us what's going on, I'm turning us around and going ho--"

"It's their wedding day and they didn't tell you outright?" There was a dramatic turn as Khun effectively 'kidnapped' the child, already entering the temple. "Of course, he'd be sneaky--Porchay is supposed to be here too and we all know how that worked out last time! Come on, hian chay, we're letting the adults settle this like children."

Kim was already seeing red, pissed that he'd been duped. Wren looked guilty considering she never asked why they should come, just heeded the desperate plea. "I didn't know, Kim. But he's your Phi and he's getting married."

"Then he should have told me himself."

"I know. But we're all learning how to navigate this, right? And sometimes it's easier to fall on old habits in times of stress and worry."

"She speaks the truth, [BrightSong,]" Hawke murmured softly, watching the people around them as well as keeping close to his family. "It is possible they were worried you would be upset and chose what they knew as being familiar."

"I am their brother, not a goddamned spy!" Kim spat that out harshly and quietly so not to disrupt anyone else. "There shouldn't be secrets."

Hawke shifted, looking at Kim. "You are right. There should not be. But how all of you were raised to be men ...those habits are difficult to change."

"We're right here-I'm right here. With you," Wren murmured, turning to face Kim and straighten out his clothing. "We walk together into the fire and come out stronger for it. We may be a little underdressed, but it's not like we were given a formal invitation. That's on them. But we will be a united front and be happy for Phi. And if the food is bad, we can claim food poisoning. Then we can send them an appropriate gift, fitting for the ... what they hope is harmless deception."

Kim was still glaring but Wren's steady gaze had it softening after a minute. Taking up her face with both of her hands, he kissed her soundly, not caring who might have seen it. It was uncharacteristic of him out in public but Wren didn't complain, her hand on his wrist in a comforting gesture. "You're my queen and I love you for it. No sleep overs."

She agreed with a soft smile. "No sleep overs." Now, it was time to spruce up the brother. Motioning to Hawke, she was already removing her earrings and keeping one diamond stud to put in Kim’s ear, muttering about how best to dress Kim up on short notice. He had a button down and his usual leather jacket. Pulling them to the side and avoiding obstructing the entranceway, she also snagged the arm of a known security guard, asking for his tie. Then eying Hawke, his vest. “You two look about the same size.” The guard complied without complaint, especially when he saw Kim’s warning gaze. “Your shoulders need to be covered. The cloth can’t be helped this time. And I just need five minutes with your hair.” Warrior braids which were similar to dutch braids tight to the skull would have to do. Then, pulling a piece of lace from her purse, layed it over her shoulders like a shawl. “Okay. That will have to do. At least for temple, we’re appropriate.”

Comments

[whrrenah]

Now that her initial outburst of anger and fear had faded, all that was left was relief, and some sadness, too. Taking in a cleansing breath, she squeezed his middle one more time. "I can explain a proper apology. But right now, I need you to turn around so I can kiss you."

Yeah, they both had their tempers. They both probably thought they could handle it fairly well on the daily, too. Right now, she just needed to solidify them and be able to hold him properly.

[meanmugging]

There was a dry laugh from him, his hand coming up to rake through his hair. Jesus fuck, these last few weeks. He nodded his head and turned, bringing his hands up to either side of her face and kissing her forehead, her cheeks, then finally her lips.

He snaked his arms around her holding her tightly to him. He rested his cheek against her shoulder, just holding her. It was that moment that Kim, for the first time openly since all of this had started let the tears fall down his cheeks.

[whrrenah]

The kiss was trembly, but she accepted it as she accepted the embrace, holding him tightly and refusing to move first. It was as if she was trying to mash his soul back into his body and keep him together. Eventually she started murmuring how much she loved him and how she didn't like to see him in pain but she was willing to help carry some of it for him. She was here and she wasn't leaving.

Wren didn't acknowledge the tears dampening her shoulder. Men's prides were fragile things, but she remained steadfast as he worked through whatever he was working through. It wasn't until he moved first that she looked at his face, taking a piece of her night gown to gently dabbed the tears away. "When did you last eat?"

[meanmugging]

Kim was the way he was. Him allowing his guard down for even the few minutes that he did was a big step. He trusted her, that was the only reason. Taking a shaky breath he managed to put a lid on the water works. he brought his hand up smoothing some of her hair back.

" I'm not hungry."he said looking to her and hugging her close again. His stomach was still twisted in knots from everything, and the thought of what he would have to manage with Kinn...and probably Porsche. Those two were worse than two old hens when they tag teamed people.

[whrrenah]

Despite having a stubborn streak, she knew when not to push things. Smiling softly, she leaned up to kiss away one final tear before drawing both his hands into her own. "Alright. Come to bed, let's try and get some rest." Morning would be a thing and there was going to be a lot to do.

In the mean time, she sent one single text to the brothers only: He's home and safe. And I swear to all heavens and hells, if you contact him before he contacts you, I will guarantee you will know personally what gelding day means in my family. And I will feed your balls to Khun's fish. -W The other text to her parents was less scathing, but equally short. Turning the phone to do not disturb and setting it on the night table, she then opened up the bed covers and waited for Kim to join her, sitting upright against the headboard.

In the morning, she fully intended to be up early, dealing with the PR mess and setting Kim up with a simple breakfast that included his favorite pieces of cut fruit and black coffee. It was the least she could do to apologize for her mucking up with things. And when she dealt with the management and vendors, she was planning to put on the full 'Starfyr charm' to make certain that everything was okay. Chay's manager especially considering she assumed Chay knew more than the others about what had happened.

[meanmugging]

" Babe before I get near our clean bed sheets I need a fast shower." he said lifting her hands up as she gathered his into hers and kissed her knuckles. " It's like 500 percent humidity out there and I am pretty sure even though I showered this afternoon I do not smell nice." he was probably just fine but Kim was a priss. So, he parted ways with her long enough to take a 10 minute shower and get into PJs then he joined her in bed.

He ate breakfast and played with Anu for a while before sending the text to Kinn in the early afternoon.

Go on then. Might as well get the bitching at me out.

After that he went to finding gifts for Roo and Hawke. He was sure that eventually one or both would be seeking him out soon. Yep, they would get gifts and he would offer his wrist to Hawke. He would deal with WiK business as he felt up to sifting though things there.

[whrrenah]

Wren assumed that they heard Kim come home and stayed out of the way as she and Kim sorted everything out. Which was amazing and she loved them both for that. After all, they did take the brunt of her anger and sadness and fear while he had been gone. Now that Kim had rested somewhat, eaten and taken the care duties for Anu for a while, she was much more relaxed, especially when the majority of publicity for WiK had been settled. And she had seen Kim text someone, but left it alone. She didn't need to add to the stress.

Kinn's response came about a half hour later: I had assumed that it would be a few more days before I heard you were alive. I'm sorry that happened. I didn't even know he did that.

[meanmugging]

Kim wasn't too good at many things as far as making gifts pretty but he *was* a good gift wrapper. He had chosen some heavy duty ornaments for Roo to go in his hair and for Hawke he got a leather satchel that could be worn along with his loin cloths. For all the adults he picked up a private spa pack, where they would make use of the hot springs there, he knew everyone would enjoy the waters there. What was even better was staff was told to leave the place to Kim. He'd paid enough to ensure no issues there.

It doesn't matter. I lost my temper. Sorry. I just wanted to get everything out of the way. all I would do is make myself more stressed if I waited.

[whrrenah]

Kinn: Khun said you were the hero out of that mess, but I think it's always a competition as to who hates him more between you two. So are you good to talk or is your wife still on the warpath?

Talking outside of the business was never an easy thing. Communication with vulnerability was never a strength in the Theerapanyakul men. Shit, any type of vulnerability was a foreign concept for them. But there was always going to be hesitant attempts and more eggshell walking around Wren as she seemed the most exasperated out of it all.

[meanmugging]

We talked, we are okay. She is okay. I don't think she would mind, so long as you were not the one hounding.

Talking sensibly with out getting into an argument because they were getting too real was a trial. One that Kim was trying to work on, though since his blow out with Vegas was recent his boil point would be much higher than normal. It might be good right? Talking like human being and not barking at one another.

[50000baht]

I'll pay for take out if it can be today?

He had no idea what was happening in that house hold and with Porsche's urging, plunged into asking to come today.  If the brothers had been left to their own devices, the meeting would have been dragged on and on until there was no other recourse, setting the whole thing up for disaster.  

After knowing Kim had disappeared from his wife and child for weeks and being chided that past habits helped facilitate said response, Kinn reluctantly turned to making new changes, feeling it seem like the wrong thing because he was so used to the old habits that had been beaten into all the brothers in some fashion.

[meanmugging]

Fine with me.

Yes, this would have been a much longer process had Kim not just dove right in there. What else could he do? He just wanted the bitching to be over with so he could get on with his life. Normally he would refuse to talk to Kinn and put his back up about everything, but he could see no benefit on doing that in this case. Not when he had just broken Vegas' face and cost Kinn and Khun a body guard. Though, if Kim were being honest, if Pete chose Vegas over Khun and Kinn, then it was better he was gone. It could have been worse if things got bad with the families.

[50000baht]

I'll be there at seven.

And he would be, with enough take out to feed ten people. Wren was gracious as always, taking the time out to serve them before taking portions for the rest of the family. "I'll leave you two to it, then," she had said, offering a look to Kim. All he needed to do was say the word, and she or Hawke --or even both of them, would see Kinn out for the evening. As it was, he had been smart enough to come alone and not bring any of his body guards with him.

So they were at the table facing each other with food before them and mild beer and water. Wren had already declared that Kim had pickled his liver enough for the month and said no to hard liquor. That, and she didn't want a fight to break out.

Kinn looked at Kim for a long time, unsure of where to start with things. They didn't 'talk it out.' They never had the opportunity to do so before, nor did they have the chance to develop such skills. So he started with what hopefully was an ice breaker. "I half expected your wife to keep you locked up for half the year after this."

[meanmugging]

At first Kim was also quiet, he still felt quite raw at the core of it. It sucked, but it was part of the motions he would need to learn to deal with in these situations. He had been about to poke the silence himself when Kinn spoke, giving his brother a perfect sour face. " We don't have that type of relationship. Neither controls the other." he started even though Kinn was half joking, Kim was not.

" Listen, I would apologize for getting into a fight with Vegas, but I think we both know that I would be full of shit, so I won't insult you with that." moving his hand to take up the beer taking a sip from the glass. " I do regret that it happened on a day that was supposed to be happy for you."

[50000baht]

He was going to retort about the snap and defend himself because he wasn't trying to make a fight out of it! He found himself in similar situations often with Porsche.

The second part had Kinn relaxing a bit. Of course, he nods in agreement about the fight and offers a somber smile in regards to the wedding. "I never knew you didn't get the invite, or knew what was happening. I figured that you were just... that you were just being you and choosing to remain the lone wolf. I'm... I'm sorry."

[meanmugging]

One thing about Kim, he was stubborn as a mule, just like his brothers, but he did admit when something he had done was out of line... eventually. He shook his head, dark eyes turning to look at Kinn. " No. Even if the two of you chose not to have my family and I at your wedding it was not my place to make a scene there." just as a matter of factually as ever. " I escalated something that at the end of it all was not my place." Kim had grown a bit as time went on in some areas at least. A small smirk curling on his lips " However, it did feel damned good to punch that scheming dick head in his big mouth."

After a moment and the smirk fading from his face he took a breath. " I do want you to know that even if I am boiling angry with you, I would always come and at least show up for something I know you have waited a long time to be able to do. I may not speak to you but you're still my Phi."

[50000baht]

Kinn listened, watching Kim as he spoke, agreeing with him silently about socking one to their cousin. Something Kim could do. Something Kinn could not. The last bit set him off guard and he sat there for a minute, not really knowing how to address that. The fact that Kim would still attend even if he was pissed...

"I appreciate that." No, too stiff.

"...Thank you. It's the same way for me, too." After the dramatic arrival of Anurak, how could he not? Trying to ease some of that awkward tension, he picked out a bit of his meal. "Khun keeps insisting you're hoarding his nephew away too much. Thought you should know." Was that some off the cuff invite to visit more often? Maybe.