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

[meanmugging]

Though outwardly Kim had assured Wren he had simmered down a little, he couldn't help that feeling that just like what he had done with his father's death and being the cause of it, he had just pushed it down and away. He was always broody and mostly off putting at events like this so no one would notice that storm bubbling just under the surface.

Sure, Wren had made things work well enough but Kim still felt some type of way about the lack of warning. Kim hadn't done that to Kinn when he got married. he told him like a man. It felt like a slap in the face to all the progress they had made as brothers. It felt like they were trying to embarrass him and his family. Part of him wanted to hiss at Khun take Anu from him and take Wren and Hawke home. He could send a card and just be done with it.

Stepping into temple and taking a look at everyone there. Their cousins... Vegas....Kinn had told Vegas but hadn't felt the need to tell his own brother who had never done anything to...his eyes flashed a dark color and he whipped his head to Wren. " Get the baby." he was steamed. So. Very. Steamed.

He brought his hand up taking Hawke's wrist and turning toward the doors." We're leaving." No way in fucking hell was he staying. He could find not a drop of a reason why he should right now. Not one single drop.

[whrrenah]

Wren heard his tone and looked at him.  Oh fuck.  Her eyes shifted to Hawke's who was confused about the sudden shift in attitude.  "Watch him," she said softly and then turned to chase down Khun.  It would be another minute to find Kinn and add her apologies that they couldn't stay, something had come up and that something was the sensitive soul that Kim had and the others still didn't see.  Or cared to see, she didn't know.  For a brief moment, her eyes locked on Vegas' smug face and she swore internally, rushing faster to get to the eldest brother.  "Khun!  Tankhun--"

"What is wrong?" Hawke asked quietly, seeing no need to stay around if it was upsetting Kim so much.  

Another young man was coming up to them, his eyes wide and alert as he tried to make his way through the crowd, not quite ready to call out Kim's name.  Hawke didn't know this person and perceived him as a threat and when he got close enough, he turned to protect Kim's back, loosing sight of the man in the process.  "You are not allowed," he said in rough Thai, determined to keep the other back.

Said other was Chay and he practically bounced off Hawke's chest.  "Not allowed?  I'm working with him.  Who the hell are you?"

The unexpected chaos was enough for devious plans to be set into motion.

[meanmugging]

Kim was furious enough to where he did not even answer Hawke. It wasn't something that was normal for Kim with his relationship with Hawke. He would explain things clearly anytime there was an issue. Or confusion on the Thai written on body spray and air freshener. Once outside of the temple he had lost Hawke and figured he would be right behind him, Chay was probably lucky that Kim was focused on an exit and Hawke had stopped him before contact was made. Kim was in no mood.

It was some where on the hill just before the parking lot that things had taken a turn, the crowds thinned out there but there were a few women screaming at whatever was happening up there. Which was Kim bare knuckle pounding on Vegas' face. His legs were straddled at the top of his chest his knees holding Vegas' arms to the ground. Kim had blood spattered all over his face and his shirt and there was no sign of him stopping the pounding. Not even when Vegas yelled for Pete, not even when Vegas begged him to stop...not even when Vegas stopped trying to worm his way out of the beating all together.

[golden_hawke]

There was a roar from somewhere and Hawke was there, hoisting Kim up to prevent additional injury. He would think about what was going on later, why this was horrific, but right now he was keeping arms and legs as immobile as possible, possibly taking a head butt or a bite with soft grunts, and he was not letting go. His eyes went to the downed man, remembering who he was at the funeral and quietly wondered how deep the bad blood ran. This time, instead of causing Vegas to bleed out, he called what blood he could to go back into the man, unable to do anything else for the time being. There was a crowd coming up and he scanned the people for his sister, not knowing what else to do. Something was very wrong and Hawke didn't know how to handle it.

And Wren was coming up with baby in arms, Khun, Kinn and Porsche in tow with hands at their hips (for the latter two) along with other bottle neckers wanting to see what had happened. Upon seeing her brother, she stopped for a minute and then turned to Khun, handing the child over as Kinn and Porsche took the lead with Pete shooting past them first to reach to Vegas, his face horror stricken.

Wren motioned to Hawke, a clear sign not to let Kim go while Porsche and Pete tended to Vegas. Kinn was furious and helpless at the same time, looking around as if trying to find another perpetrator. His eyes narrowed in on Kim and he stalked over in his crisp attire, jaw set. "What do you think you're doing? First Khun said you didn't know this was the wedding and now this? What the fuck, Kimhan?"

A few moments later, Porsche came up to them with a serious look on his face, holding up a wrinkled and bloodied envelope with his eyes on Kinn. "I found this on him. There's no postmark."

Kinn snatched it and looked it over, cursing softly. The invitation that was meant to be sent to Kim's home. It was never sent.

Wren closed her eyes and took a cleansing breath. The whole day was a mess--probably just a normal blip in the life of mafia, but she decreed it a mess. Kinn and Porsche both looked like their puppies were kicked, Pete was in the back ground demanding medical, and Hawke still had Kim imprisoned in his arms. Somewhere, she could hear Khun singing softly to the baby, keeping Anu distracted and not seeing the carnage. "We're going home." Her voice was soft but the declaration was iron-clad. Kinn looked like he was going to protest and she held up her finger. "No. We're going home. You two get married." Through that, she was smiling even if her eyes held a silent anger and disappointment at the same time. She reached out for Kinn's hands and stood on her tip toes to brush her cheek along his, an act that took the others some time to become accustomed to when she first started doing it.

"We are staying home until there is a complete spring clean of the house. If my husband is still considered the black sheep of the family, then we will accept all pretenses until you decide otherwise." She knew that Kinn understood her. He needed to get rid of the rest of the family members who were still bent on keeping competition and a rift in the family. It was a tricky business, trying to bridge the gaps that Korn had caused, but now it was clear that Gun and his lap dogs weren't going to conform to the new order of the Theerapanyakuls. "My husband did not do what he did for glory and power, he did it to protect his wife and child. Don't dishonor that." She wasn't talking about what happened today. But she was certain now that Korn's brother and his family weren't going to abide by Kinn's new rules and it was more than apparent her thoughts were validated by this event. Creating strife between two brothers on a wedding day was not turning the tide of what the underworld did to them.

Turning to Porsche, who had a very sad expression, she did the same: Squeeze his hands and brush his cheek with hers. "I'm sorry, I didn't know," he croaked by her ear as she hummed.

"Neither did I," Wren lamented. "We have to fix it. You and Kinn need to fix it. I will do what I can on my end." She wasn't certain how much could be accomplished. Kim was difficult on the best of days to be vulnerable with his feelings-the dark ones he never wants others to see. "Get married. Let us know when you're back from the honey moon."

She turned back to her family, looking at Kim, Hawke, the baby, and then back to Kim. "Come on," she said softly, "let's go."

[meanmugging]

Kimhan was still angry as a wet cat. He had bitten and fought back in his blind rage to get Vegas had pushed him for the last time and that in combination with everything else had Kim in this rare form.

" What the fuck am I doing?!" Kim echoed his older brother. " Why don't you try asking Gun's little yes man?!" clearly it hadn't clicked just how badly he had hurt Vegas just yet. He was still jerking his arms and his legs, more so because Kim was getting more pissed off because he was restrained than to continue beating Vegas. " Please, get off me. I am not going to touch him any more." he said his teeth grit.

Next was Wren. " Don't speak on my behalf." he said shortly to her " I will handle voicing my own way. I don't need you speaking for me." she was speaking in veiled ways but Kim knew what she was talking about and it seemed that mentioning that didn't help. " Yes, get married. Celebrate your love, while the rest of us roll in the horse shit that is left over. Have a great honeymoon too." Kim was full of it right now, in fact the only thing he was easily being agreeable on was getting out of here. Which is what he had been trying to do anyway.

[whrrenah]

"Let him go, Hawke." It was in faunlyn and Wren didn't bother to turn and look at Kim or Hawke. Her voice was stiff and quiet. She didn't even bother looking at Kim when he left.

"Wrennah?"

"Let it go, Hawke."

She wasn't going to show any weakness here but it was hard. She wondered if it would have hurt less if he had slapped her. Turning away from the scene as EMS Started rolling up, she looked to Khun who still had her son, his singing nothing but a murmur now as he watched her, his expression opaque.

"I need a car and a car seat, if possible," she said, feeling the strain of not letting her voice crack.

"Come on, hun," Khun said softly, glancing back to Hawke. As the group left everyone on the hill, he continued speaking to her softly, handing the child over. "You know he didn't mean it, right?"

"You know as well as I do that things spoken out of passion or drunkenness are the truest statements out there," she stated flatly, eyes focused ahead of her as he felt an arm curl around her shoulders.

Hawke flanked her other side, eyes on her as she refused to look at anyone. "What else could I have done?"

"Nothing. It was bound to happen when you have stupid men in your life."

Khun snorted. "Agreed. Are you sure you don't want anyone taking you home?"

"Positive. Absolutely positive."

Wren couldn't risk having a guard with her as she drove them home, wiping her face when she could so she could see. Hawke watched on helplessly, still wearing the vest that had been security's. Khun was still studying her, his frown deepening. "Do you want me to let you know when we find him?"

"Don't bother. Don't look for him, don't tell me. I'll text you when I'm home and then I'm turning my phone off. He has more safehouses here than he does anywhere else, so he'll be fine."

That was her plan. She didn't have the luxury to run away. There was a baby to take care of and a household to run. Taking the keys from the valet when the car was pulled up, Wren didn't even look back to Khun as she buckled the baby into his seat. As Khun observed the car leaving, he sent Kim a single text. You fucked up big time. And I'm not talking about Vegas.

For however long it was that she was with just Hawke and Roo, she concentrated on her home, animals and Anu. There was radio silence on Wik's social media once the pre scheduled posts ran out. She ignored Chay's texts and calls, Spoke only briefly to other managers and vendors that Wik was indisposed and he would contact each of them personally as soon as he was back in town. If he wanted to be the sole voice for his actions, he would get it.

[meanmugging]

Words spoken in anger and or annoyance with Kim were not always the truth. He bottled things up so hard that he was no better than a wild animal when he was finally pushed. Normal Kim would have never said that to her, would have never bitten Hawke, or bothered breaking a sweat to put hands on Vegas at all. Even if the guy deserved it more than anyone he knew.

When Kim finally came down from the rage cloud he was in the car parked who knows where. It was out of Bangkok though and no where near his family ranch. He could have ran over 500 monks on his drive and not even known it. It was dark, the only light was the neon sign that said that there was a restaurant.

He too had shut his phone off when he left. When he finally looked down to it turning it on the message from Khun popped up. " Yeah...tell me something I didn't know." he said to the screen though making no response to the text tossing the phone on the car seat beside him. He made a stop still bloody from the beating he gave his cousin bought a pack of cigarettes and a bottle of whiskey from a little store off the side of the road. Then continued on to one of his seldom used places. He had to figure out what to do from here.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ Two Weeks later~~~~~~~~~

He had spent most of his time alone in the small apartment that he had. A lot of the time he was drunk wallowing in his own head space of what disasters he left in his wake. He wasn't sure if he would be welcome home, much less have the nerve to show his face to Wren. He felt pretty much like the biggest piece of shit on the planet.

Back to basics to start: When they were starting out they would tag one another with singing to one another. That was his first step. Second was twin colts, Clydesdale. Why those? Because he had a custom made carriage being built so that they as a family could take rides like lame asses around the country side. Third was two dozen roses each with a little note saying that he was sorry. Fourth....wait to see what would happen.

[whrrenah]

A few days, she could understand. Wren was still stewing herself about what transpired, absolutely livid that he felt he could just run off. Did he think it was all going back to normal when he returned? If he returned?

A week passed, and nothing. No contact. He didn't say anything to her, she didn't say anything to him. Khun messaged her, saying nothing from his end, either. Wren acknowledged that. Supposedly, Kinn and Porsche postponed their honeymoon and were trying to get in touch with her. She read messages, but didn't respond to them. Vegas survived. Pete retired. Gun was neutralized (whatever that meant in mafia terms.) No sign of Kim. Of course there wouldn't be.

The second weak, Wren grew more withdrawn than before. No one but the baby was allowed in her bed. She didn't sleep well if at all. Most of the time when she had downtime, she was curled up in a chair, absently running her thumb over the scar on her palm. She needed to make plans and figure out when it would be prudent to act upon them. How long should she wait? No doubt, if he didn't come back, she was going to shutter the estate, send the two ponies back to the conservation center, and go back to her parents' place. She wouldn't get much flack, she was certain of it. Well, Khun would put up a fuss but she didn't care. Her job was to protect Anurak and made certain he was raised with love.

The second week, it seemed like it was more and more probable to move. Hawke and Roo listened, dismayed that she sounded so defeated. Of course, they supported her, but they didn't understand why Kim would do this and be away for so long. "Alone is lonely."

Wren could only smile through her tears. "Sometimes not alone is lonely, too."

When she got the ping, notifying her that she had been tagged into something, she almost dropped her phone to see. A song. Old school on an acoustical guitar, the video of just one bare foot tapping as the voice of her husband sang. Oh, how she wanted to just shore up her heart and turn it off! An apology was useless without changed behavior, she kept repeating to herself over and over again. She shouldn't say anything. Silence would be the biggest message, wouldn't it?

At least this message was private. And she responded in turn, setting the phone on the piano, turned away and looking out the window to the bright sunshine. Her answering song was full of all the pain she was feeling, the loss and ache and the wish that things could go back--but they couldn't. And she knew that with the last heart-wrenching note that was strong enough to echo without the acoustics.

A strong breeze came through, blowing the phone over. Seemed fitting enough.

She decided to give it a month. If he didn't come back, then she would follow through in keeping Anu safe. Safe from everyone who might hurt him.

[meanmugging]

He had listened to the song and sat for an hour on how to handle the next part. He was so bad at this, putting aside what had happened with Vegas he was seriously lost at what to do with himself. He was still unsure if she really wanted to throw everything away over what had happened, or if she wanted to remain with him. In his mind if there was still doubt on her end even after all the apology things...he was lost as to what else to do.

It was dark when his car rolled up to the estate drive way. He sat for a minute in the car before finally getting himself out. He felt heavy, weighed down to the point that he felt like had he any food in his stomach he would have puked all over the lawn.

Opening the front door he stepped inside, trying to be as quiet as he could as to not wake anyone who was sleeping. He was prepared for this to be the walk to get his own walking papers. It would serve him right he figured. He made his way back to the master bedroom opening the door just enough for him to peek inside the room.

[whrrenah]

Wren wasn't in bed, but in the rocker chair to nurse Anu. His sleep schedule had been grievously disturbed by all this and it was a comfort for both of them that she indulged. Slowly rubbing the baby's head, she hummed a soft lullaby, feeling eyes on her but ignoring them. It would just hurt too much to look up and be disappointed again. When the little one was asleep, falling off her breast, she quietly adjusted and got up to put him back to bed, feeling her breath and heart catch when she saw that there were actual eyes watching her. Oh, her heart.

Relief, sadness, pain, anger, they all bubbled up to the surface with such force she almost lost it there. Opening the door more, she had to tear her eyes away from him, murmuring, "Excuse me," as she did so. She wasn't about to say anything until it was just the two of them in the master bedroom with the door shut. Wren needed the time to organize her thoughts and make certain they were bottle neck so that they didn't spill out in one jumbled mass, making things worse. She wanted to hurt back so much that it made her throat thicken, to spit out all the impulsive things she wanted to say. That wouldn't help the situation.

Returning to the master bedroom, she glanced back up to Kim, then pulled on another light robe to armor herself. "WiK's accounts are a bit of a mess," she started, "And I told the others that you would contact them personally when you were no longer indisposed. Up to you to contact your brothers to say you're not dead." All of those things she would have taken care of with grace, she simply put back on Kim's shoulders. He said he didn't want her to speak for him and so she hadn't. Things were a trainwreck but Wren needed to push this point. Wren chose to sit in the chair and not be a temptation on the bed.

"What are your plans now, Kimhan? Kinn got rid of the riff raff so you can go and do whatever in Bangkok." If he wanted to play big man in Mafia, she wasn't going to stop him. It seemed pretty clear to her at Temple that he was still in Mafia mode; something that was in utter contrast to what he had wanted with her.

[meanmugging]

He sighed following her to the master suite, even if she sprawled on the bed stark naked at this point he would have remained in the door frame leaning against it. Enough to have the door closed, but not coming all the way into the room. He listened to her speak, allowing her to air what she had and had not done.

She didn't take care of things as his manager. Fine. That didn't matter. He could hire back the contractors he'd had before to straighten that out. She had a point she wanted to push, but so did he. He didn't need her around to handle business, or to try and shield him from his own fuck ups. He'd handled that before her, he could do it again. He needed her because he wanted her, he loved her and he didn't want to live life with out her.

He held up a finger, " First off, I am not sure how many times you need to hear and see me apologize for what I said to you at the Temple. It was out of line and not even a little true to my feelings, I admit that. I apologize for causing you pain from the bottom of my heart. As for what happened with Vegas, I can't apologize for that because I am not sorry. I am only sorry that it came to a head at that time and place. Vegas and I were going to explode regardless, it just so happened he pushed at the right pressure point and it happened there." he kept his voice calm and even as he spoke to her.

He held up another finger. " Second, I have been working on myself since even before I fell in love with you. I just didn't have a reason to push hard until you. I fucked up and I was a coward about trying to get things back to rights. I did the only thing I knew how to do when I am ashamed of what I have done. I hid. That was also fucked up of me to do, even though my brain was convinced that you would take Anu and leave, and I didn't know how I would deal with that. I should have trusted in what we have built more than that. That's my fault, I plan to continue to work on these things, I just ask that should you choose to stay for a little patience, because we both know I am a fuck up and I will slip a little even if it is the last thing I would want to do."

He waved his hand in the air, " Kinn will never really be rid of all of that, and I can't take responsibility for what he chose or chooses to do as far as the family goes. I will advise as I have been doing but Bangkok is Bangkok and not my life anymore."

[whrrenah]

She sat there suddenly, mouth hanging open slightly as he spoke, as he prattled on about how it was his fault, how he had apologized-seemingly enough times by now, how he already dismissed her as leaving, or planning to leave. How he seemed to expect a 'pat on the back for a good job' by saying all the right things. The last bit, however, set her back on track and she wisely kept to her seat even if she leaned forward a bit.

"You're a sanctimonious prick," she stated flatly. "I'm half surprised I can remember how to say sanctimonious, right now. I don't give a fuck about the mafia, or the words you keep spouting, thinking that saying the right things will put everything back into place. I hate this, Kimhan. I hate this thing that you have, that you can help me and protect me and fight my battles, how --" Now she was up, pacing, gesturing, her eyes not even on him, but wherever her feet took her in the bedroom, "how you always say that if someone disrespects me, they're disrespecting you. You and your bloated ego. You and your repetitive statements that a slight against me is a slight against you. Like I'm an extension of you but only!" Oh, that was louder than she wanted. "Only. Only when it's on your terms. I'm only allowed to help you when it suits you. Only allowed to handle things because you feel at the time they're small and simple, that I can't handle the big shit, the scary shit, the shit that can cost me life and limb."

She was crying when she spoke even though her voice was strong. She had to purge all of it, not so that he heard her because at this point, Wren wasn't sure if he did, but because she needed to be a shield for her son. "I accept that because I figured it was a cultural thing. Let you speak for me because that's what's expected around here. But when shit gets hard-I mean really hard, you just poof. You say shit you say you don't mean. My question is this: If we're supposed to be a team, together for the long haul, why is any of that even coming out of your mouth? You've already assumed that I'm leaving and even when you didn't come home, you assumed that. So what did you do? You stayed away."

This time, taking in a deep breath to look at him, her voice was steady. "Shit gets hard and all you think of is yourself. I don't give a shit that you abandoned me. I'm a big girl. I can take care of myself more than you give me credit for. I don't need to leverage lawyers and my family a-and threaten people with bodily harm to get them to do shit. If they don't want to do it, they don't get my time.

"So while you were on your self-imposed pity party-because that's what it is, Kim. You don't get things the way you want it, you run away, thinking I was already going--which, by the way, I do admit I have an exit plan. But I have it in place in case you fucking died, you asshole. I'm not keeping Anu here in this place with the family name lording over his destiny. But you conveniently use that as a backdrop to your martyr narrative about how you've been wrong, but you're 'working on yourself'," she added in air quotes.

Lowering her arms, eyes glittering a cold silver, she swallowed. "What do you think I'm really pissed about, Kimhan Theerapanyakul? What do you truly think I'm angry about? Because I'm pretty sure you don't know. You're a proud, angry man. Well, I'm angry too. Not because I'm not enough to keep you from running away and leaving me, I've already been schooled that I'm not enough, and I won't be enough. But because our son isn't enough for you to stay. You. Left. Him. for two weeks. Doing whatever the fuck you do--I don't even care if you were screwing a dozen people silly because of it. I care that you ran away from your son. I'm terrified that you're going to teach him that this is okay and it's normal and expected. And I want you to know that if I have to protect him from YOU, to keep him from turning to this life and what you claim you're trying to escape from, I will let you know right now that I will protect him from that with my last breath. I will protect him from you, regardless of how it tears my heart to pieces, Kim. I'm not abandoning my child. Ever. But you need to figure out what the fuck you need to do with your anger, and you need to figure it out quickly."

[meanmugging]

His expression was blank, just letting her rattle on and on and on. He wasn't sure what he was supposed to do in this, he had already gone over his feelings. She'd thrown it in his face then threatened him using his son. He stood there looking to her arms folded across his chest. He was unmoving from his spot leaning against the door frame.

He still was not so good with communication, but really to him he had tried to talk, it fell on ears that seemed to twist his words and throw it all back. Though he didn't move it felt like daggers.

She wasn't enough? She thought that? "Not that you are not enough Wrennnah, it's like I have always thought. I don't deserve you. I don't deserve Anu." he shrugged I still have that demon, I had just beaten my cousin about to death because he kept pushing and pushing and I lost control. I had just felt like we were fucked over and admittedly it hurt my pride, it was just that. Dumb wounded pride. I don't expect any cookies from you, but I felt like I owed you an explanation. I was not in my normal mind, I try not to get there and I try to keep an outlet that is not what happened there. That whole day was out of hand and when it started spiraling badly I didn't really know how to pull it out of the tail spin I made." there was a shrug of his shoulders. " It doesn't excuse it but it happened." the entire time his voice eerily calm.

" As for the rest on how we speak for one another, I am not sure about that. I try, but I guess I am just one of those toxic males that everyone just hates." he sighed heavy through his nose and pushed off the door frame shaking his head as he rested his hand on the door knob.

[whrrenah]

"And you couldn't turn to me. Couldn't tell me you needed help. Had to take it all upon your shoulders." She knew he was going to go again. And she hated knowing that. "Not even a 'Wrennah, I can't handle this right now'." Did she even want to fight it this time? She wasn't certain. It seemed like they were fighting and agreeing about it at the same time.

"I've never seen you cry. We've never spoken about what happened in that temple. I am here, right here! I made a promise to you to walk by your side and share your burdens equally with your joys and you...you don't. You shoulder it all, for whatever reason, and I'm. Right. Here. Why did we get married if we're not partners? People who rely on each other for support and help when the wind is too much?"

[meanmugging]

" Because it's my cross to carry." he said finally fingers still on the door knob" You are strong and you have already done more than I could have ever dreamed of, asking you to listen to my whining too? That's a lot of me to ask from you. After you just walked into this life with me, what right do I have to complain to anyone about when things get too hard?" he had his back to her his hand falling away from the door knob.

" You have seen me cry, well been there when I cried. It was the night before the hand fasting..." he said " and the first night in the hospital after Anu was born. After I was resting in the room after surgery, you insisted on getting out of bed and coming down to see me. You were so tired you fell asleep sitting up. But it was knowing you both really were okay." he brought his hand up rubbing his face.

" I don't even know if I fully know when things are just too much for me. I think I am fine, then Vegas taunts me about a missing wedding invitation and how I look like a fool bringing my family to the Temple for an event like that dressed so casually. next thing I know I am bloody and Hawke has me in some type of Tarzan arm bar and ..." he blinked " I think I might have bitten him?" his brows were furrowing as he tried to remember.

[whrrenah]

Blind rage. That worried her as much as anything else did and she pursed her lips together, walking towards him. Forehead pressed against his shoulder blades, her right arm snaked around his middle and her left hand slid down his arm to twine around the fingers of the corresponding hand. She held on, squeezing him back to her. "Please consider it. It is a lot to ask but it's something I want to do. Or if not me, someone you trust. Please." The last word was soft and choked, her anger simmering down. Therapy probably wasn't something that was practiced in this world, for good reason. But to see Kim in pain, frustrated, uncomprehending pain like this. Maybe it was too strong a term but what else did she have to compare it to?

"Vegas isn't around. And most importantly, he's not here." Hell, if he ever showed his face here, she'd shoot him herself! She knew how to use a gun. She didn't carry and it wasn't something she did daily, but she knew.

Wren tended to the bite herself after so she knew about them. "We had him tested. No rabies." A pitiful joke, but it was there.

[meanmugging]

Doh! He would really need to apologize to Hawke. Spells like that didn't happen very often for Kim, but when they did they were bad. Yeah, therapy was a dirty world in the life that he had. Not that Kim would be comfortable enough to share anything with a stranger.

" Alright." he said closing his fingers around her hand. He would consider and maybe settle on giving Wren a little and venting to someone else like Hawke. They were each learning one anothers language, as time got on Kim supposed translation would get easier.

He paused stiffening mildly, " Vegas is dead?" because that would not be good for Kim. Not at all. All that had happened in front of everyone, they wouldn't be able to cover that up. His brain was swimming with things like....Pete was going to be a problem and so on. He missed the rabies comment all together.

[whrrenah]

"No, oh no!" She held onto him tighter. "He's alive. Discharged about four days ago. Pete put in his resignation and Kinn granted it. I think there was something of a stipend to they can live comfortably far away from the family? I don't know." Wren still had her forehead pressed against his shoulder blades as she spoke. "I was just given the short list for when you came back."

Not if, not should, but when.

"Hawke and Roo are worried about you, too. When Roo heard what happened, he was afraid it was the sickness coming for you. It's a mind thing the faunlyn can get. It makes them become aggressive and cruel. But I think it's more like what can happen to BloodSpeakers when they don't have a secure hold on their power. Shai had to put down his own teacher because of it. He found her..." Wren paused a moment, "still alive, but not really capable of functioning anymore."

[meanmugging]

" I will never admit this to anyone but you but, I am relieved the bastard made it. " Pete, yeah Pete he would miss but Pete hitched his wagon to a problem child and knew so when he did. Relaxing a bit he let a weighted breath go from his mouth.

" Kinn's going to be pissed off at me, but.." he shrugged his shoulders. " What else is new. I am sorry about Pete, not about Vegas. I hope that fool learned his lesson and really does stay away." Kim never got along with Vegas and barely put up with him for as long as he had. " I will find out the status of Vegas' brother and all that stuff later." he said softly.

" Not far off the mark, I am just lucky I was able to pull myself together. It was just a lot over the last year or so. But, I'll get it together Wren. I will also go see them once I figure out what a good 'Sorry I bit you' gift might be.

[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.