by Diane Lennox
Pasha grabbed Yuri’s little cardboard shipping route piece and moved it to where it should be if Yuri wasn’t playing like an idiot. “I’m not interested in you letting me win. Play the game properly.”
“I am,” Yuri said and moved his piece back. The lie was so obvious it nearly made Pasha’s ears ring.
“No, you’re not,” Pasha said and moved the piece again.
“I’ll play how I want!”
“You’re not playing how you want, you’re playing in a way that you hope won’t piss any of us off, and it’s pissing me off!” Pasha exclaimed then stood, his temper flaring up faster than he could deal with it. “You know what, I’m done with this.”
“Please, Pasha, stay,” Alice said, but even his round, pleading eyes couldn’t calm Pasha this time.
“No!”
“Alright, perhaps games aren’t the best idea right now, at least not competitive ones,” Ezra said. “Why don’t we play something a little more cooperative on the console instead.”
“It’s fine, I’ll let you guys play alone,” Yuri said and stood as well.
“Sit back down, both of you,” Ezra said firmly, startling all three of the other Scarlett brothers.
Pasha immediately sat. He could be a stubborn little brat when he wanted to be, but he could tell this wasn’t the time to push it. Ezra didn’t use that tone of voice often.
Yuri seemed to think similarly as he sat back down as well.
“I get why you’re frustrated, Pasha, I’m frustrated too, but we’re both going to have to be patient and supportive of Yuri right now,” Ezra said.
“No, you don’t, I don’t deserve it,” Yuri said and hung his head, his purple hair pooling around his slumped shoulders.
Ezra reached across the table and grabbed Yuri by the chin, forcing him to look back up. “Do you answer to me or not, Yuri?” He asked, his swirling grey eyes turning dangerously steely.
“I answer to you, Ezra,” Yuri immediately replied.
“Then you will obey me and not say anything like that ever again. I decide whether or not you deserve our support, not you. Got it?”
“Yes, Ezra.”
“I won’t make you be competitive right now if you don’t feel ready, but we are going to make you work up to it again. I’m not going to let what happened to me happen to you. You’re not going to spend four years avoiding conflict like I did. I need you to be strong once more so that I can rely on you to be by my side. And it’s not just me. Alice needs you to be strong and so does Pasha. Probably especially Pasha. He needs you to fight with him, he needs that competition.”
Yuri glanced to Pasha.
“You know it’s true,” Pasha said. “It’s pretty fucking obvious that I’m miserable right now without it.”
“It won’t be the same anymore,” Yuri replied in that weak, defeated voice Pasha hated.
“It doesn’t have to be the exact same, it just has to be similar. I mean, our pack has naturally evolved as all of us got older already, it’s not as if we haven’t grown and changed before now. It’s just a more abrupt evolution this time,” Pasha replied with a little shrug.
Yuri smirked. “I suppose you have a point. I just… I don’t feel ready. I don’t feel comfortable. I…”
“You what? What do you need, Yuri?” Ezra asked, his hand moving from Yuri’s jaw to gently caress his cheek instead. “We’ll give you what you need.”
It was just a flash, a mere moment before Yuri looked down again, but Pasha saw it. He’d seen flashes of it many times over the years and knew exactly what it was. He was quite certain they all knew what it was. They never spoke of it, but it was undoubtedly there. Pasha wasn’t quite sure how to describe it, but he supposed sexual tension was as close as he was going to get.
He probably saw hints of it all his life, but it really didn’t become obvious to him until his three older brothers were in their late teens and he was fifteen and could actually understand what sexual tension was. It never involved him, which had upset him at first, but he just didn’t feel quite the same way. His feelings didn’t match the fire he caught in his brothers’ eyes when they gazed at each other sometimes. But despite the obvious tension Pasha was quite certain that whatever this feeling was, it was something primal, something apart from relationships and romance. If he had to guess, it had something to do with their pack-like bond, but since packs were very rare now, not much was known about how they worked anymore besides the rumours that were always floating around. All Pasha knew was that this tension strangely didn’t bother him. It should, it was incestuous whatever they were feeling, but his gut kept telling him that there was nothing wrong with whatever it was that was going on.
Like usual though, the moment wasn’t acknowledged. They never did acknowledge it, not really. Instead it had evolved into a secret they all seemed to silently agree to keep.
“I just need to feel close to all of you right now,” Yuri said. “I’m sorry, Pasha, but I don’t want to fight, I want to do anything but fight.”
“Alright,” Ezra said and slid his hand off of Yuri’s cheek and onto his shoulder. “We won’t do anything that puts us at odds right now, not until you feel confident again. But like I said, I will push you eventually.”
“I know, but for right now just give me some time.”
“We will,” Ezra said.
“Thank you,” Yuri said then turned to look at Pasha. “Pasha?”
“Yes, I’ll try to give you some time, but it’s hard, okay?” Pasha said and shuffled over on his knees to Yuri.
“I know, I’m sorry.”
“I forgive you. And I know how you can make it up to me in the meantime,” Pasha said and grinned up at Yuri.
“How?” Yuri asked, looking back down at Pasha suspiciously.
“Cuddle time! After dinner I want to cuddle up on the couch like we used to, all four of us,” Pasha said. It was still a little awkward for Pasha to say it, but he figured Alice had a point last night. If he didn’t say anything it was never going to happen again.
Yuri didn’t respond and instead looked to Ezra who was now grinning brightly.
“Are you up for that, Yuri?” Ezra asked.
“I am, if that’s what Pasha really wants.”
“It is!” Pasha exclaimed. “But I want to sit next to you.”
“Fine. But no squirming around,” Yuri said, a ghost of a smile crossing his perfect, plush lips.
“No promises,” Pasha said, grinning back at him.
For a moment Pasha found himself getting a little lost in his older brother’s beauty, but it wasn’t really his fault, Yuri was a gorgeous man when he wasn’t being a brat. Pasha loved his brother’s rebellious purple hair, his sharp cheek bones, and narrow, piercing eyes that Pasha, as a faerie, saw as a startling wendigo yellow.
Yuri stared back, at least until he glanced to Pasha’s lips, then quickly looked back to Ezra. “What are we doing to do until dinner though?” He asked.
“Well I still think we could play something on the console until lunch, then make something to eat, and afterwards perhaps we could go out for a walk and maybe do a little shopping,” Ezra said. “That work for you guys?”
“I’d like that,” Alice said first.
“Works for me,” Pasha replied.
Yuri nodded. “I’m fine with that.”
So they did. They played cooperative games on the console so Yuri didn’t need to compete with anyone, then afterwards made their favourite stew for lunch with a special bowl for Yuri so he could add in his bloody, uncooked meat which was a very common dietary adjustment for wendigos. After that they finally put on some proper clothes and went out into town to go shop and just idly pass the time. The only person who ended up buying anything though was Alice as he needed some more candles for his massage parlour.
Pasha had almost forgotten his tension entirely until Ezra said it was time to head home. As soon as the words were said it all came rushing back making Pasha feel a little nause
ous. He was glad they had such a big lunch, he wasn’t sure how much he’d actually eat at dinner.
“You boys are almost late,” Rex barked at them from the kitchen as soon as they walked in the door. “Go get cleaned up quick.”
“Yes, sir,” Ezra replied then ushered Pasha, Yuri, and Alice upstairs. “We can do this,” he said encouragingly once they were alone washing up in their large shared bathroom. “As soon as it’s done we’re going to be alone downstairs all cuddled up and everything will be okay.”
Pasha, Alice, and Yuri just nodded like they always did when Ezra tried to cheer them up before the dreaded family dinner. There was nothing else they could really say or do.
Once they were ready Ezra ushered them back downstairs and to the dining room table. Rex and their grandfather, Shar Vladimir Scarlett, sat at the heads of the table while Ezra and Lucifer sat on one side of the table and Yuri, Alice, and Pasha sat across at the other. It was a very obvious display of the family hierarchy.
“Let’s dig in,” Lucifer said, giving his children his usual handsome, kind smile.
Pasha nodded and did so along with his brothers. While the dread of dealing with their father, Rex, was always at the forefront of his mind, it was just as hard for Pasha to deal with his other father, Lucifer, but for entirely different reasons. He’d been close to Lucifer when he was young, but he barely remembered it. Really it was Ezra who raised him for the most part, but Pasha had a suspicion as to why that was. If Lucifer was more involved with their lives then it was likely Rex would also want to be more involved, so Pasha went with the assumption that Lucifer stepped back so they wouldn’t have to deal with Rex as much. It wasn’t an ideal solution, but Pasha somewhat understood. He just wished it didn’t have to be that way. Lucifer was such a sweet, beautiful man, and as much as Pasha adored Ezra he still missed having a father figure.
It was strange, just how different his twin fathers were. They hardly even looked alike even though Pasha knew they had hatched from the very same egg. Rex was quite built, his head shaved, and he dressed in predictably casual clothes. Lucifer, on the other hand, let his beautiful dark blonde hair cascade in waves over his shoulders and was always wearing some sort of makeup, though the style changed daily. His clothes weren’t terribly exciting either, but he always had on elaborate jewelry that made him look like some sort of royalty. If Pasha were totally honest, he thought his father was hot. Hotter than even Yuri, and that was saying something considering Lucifer was already forty.
“Ezra, tell us how the new part is going,” Vladimir said in his soft, controlled voice. Much like with Lucifer, Pasha wished they were closer, but his grandfather always kept everyone at a certain distance, including family.
“I’m still finding it hard, but I feel like I’m getting somewhere,” Ezra replied and Pasha could hear the honesty in his words. “I just need to work on my chemistry with the other two leads I think.”
“You should be working on figuring out how to surpass them,” Rex said and Pasha nearly groaned. He was starting early tonight.
“A couple more years, father. I still have lots of time,” Ezra replied, sounding respectful as always. Pasha was always amazed at his brother’s restraint.
“Someone might pass you in the meantime.”
“I wish them luck with that,” Ezra said confidently. “I won’t give up my spot easily.”
“You’d better not.”
“I’m glad to hear it’s getting better, Ezra,” Vladimir said, quietly taking back control of the conversation once more. “What about you, Yuri? How are your clients?”
“Good,” Yuri replied. He worked at their grandfather’s beauty salon along with Lucifer, though they didn’t actually get to interact much there as they were always busy with their own clients. “I’m enjoying working with my new regular, Gregory, he’s quite open to new ideas.”
“Oh those types are always so fun,” Lucifer said, smiling across at Yuri. “What have you tried out on him?”
“He seems drawn to greens and earthy tones, but I’ve also been trying out some pops of dark red and orange on him too, both in his apparel and makeup. He really liked the dark red around his eyes for a date night look, said it made him feel more bold and confident. He’s coming back in a couple weeks for a haircut so I’ll ask him how it worked out for him. He was going on a third date with his new beau when I sent him off.”
Lucifer giggled and Pasha couldn’t help but smile a little at the lovely sound. It rivaled in sweetness to Alice’s laugh.
“You’ll have to let me know,” Lucifer said, grinning away. “I hope his new look helped his relationship along.”
“Well he certainly looked good,” Yuri said, sending his father a little smile in return.
“And he’s the only new regular?” Rex asked.
“Yes. We’ve had a lot of walk-ins though,” Yuri replied.
“You shouldn’t be dealing with walk-ins anymore, Yuri, you should already have your own clientele. People should have to make appointments with you specifically, not just get your attention because you happen to be free when they walk in the door,” Rex said.
Pasha could see Yuri bristle, but luckily he remained calm. He didn’t always.
“Soon, father,” Yuri replied.
“That’s what you’ve said for the past year.”
“I don’t know what else to say. I’ve been growing my clientele every month and soon enough I’ll have enough that I don’t need to take walk-ins anymore. It’s an inevitability no matter how long it takes.”
Rex sighed. “You should be showing more initiative, Yuri, it’s likely the Aurora House of Beauty will eventually be yours.”
“Yes, father,” Yuri said, sounding even tenser this time.
“He’s doing well, Rex,” Vladimir said then turned to look at Alice. “What about you, Alice? Is business still steady?”
Alice nodded. “Yes, sir. Things are doing very well.”
“You know, now that you have more experience, you could start moving into sport injury therapy. You’d still be helping people,” Rex said. He was a bit gentler with Alice, but the message was still the same – whatever he was doing wasn’t good enough.
“I know, father, but I like helping people this way,” Alice said. He never raised his voice and never seemed rattled, but Pasha knew he was. It just wouldn’t show until they were all alone and Alice would all but cling to them and not perk up until they reminded him how amazing he was for running his own business so young and helping so many men with their stresses.
“I know you do, but it may become a problem later. What about courtship? I’m not sure how many men would like to court someone who touched other naked men all day.”
Alice shrugged a little. “I’ll just have to wait until I find someone who’s okay with that I suppose.”
“It may be a while.”
“I know, but I can wait, I’m in no rush.”
“It’s good to hear business is going well, Alice,” Vladimir said and Pasha tensed, knowing he was next. “And what about you, Pasha? How’s school?”
“It’s good,” Pasha replied, focusing his attention on his grandfather and praying Rex would keep his mouth shut for once. “I’m having a lot of fun in my photography class right now and the new website project is going well. I’m trying out a new menu style, the code for it is a little weird, but I think I’m starting to understand it now.”
Vladimir nodded. “Good. The more you can expand your skill set the better.”
“I’ll make sure to keep doing that, grandpa,” Pasha said with a smile. He liked any sort of acknowledgement his grandfather sent his way.
But of course Rex had to ruin it by scoffing. “You shouldn’t encourage him, father, though at least website design is more useful than some of the other things he’s learning. Honestly, Pasha, why can’t you move into programming or computer technician training? At least that way you can be guaranteed a job. Photography and video editing aren’t going to get yo
u anywhere.”
Pasha clenched his teeth together. He was so fucking tired of hearing the same shit from his father over and over again. “I’m not sure why you bother asking every single dinner, the answer isn’t going to change.”
Rex’s shimmering purple eyes narrowed as he glared at Pasha. “I won’t tolerate disrespect, Pasha.”
Pasha opened his mouth, ready to fight, but paused when he felt Alice’s hand grip his thigh under the table.
“Yes, sir,” Pasha replied instead of saying the myriad of other things he wanted to say, then reached under the table, squeezing Alice’s hand in return. As much as he wanted to fight, he knew he wouldn’t win, and it would only upset Alice and Lucifer and put Ezra in a difficult position. He had to keep reminding himself that it really wasn’t worth it.
“That temper of yours is going to get you into trouble one day, Pasha, and you won’t be able to rely on Alice or any of your brothers to calm you back down,” Rex said.
“Yes, sir,” Pasha said again, wishing dinner could just be over already.
“How about you, Rex, how’s the Fox Den?” Vladimir asked, referring to the successful pub Rex owned. Pasha wished his grandfather would say something to Rex about the way he was such a dick to his children, but he never did, the most he’d do is just move the conversation elsewhere like he was right now.
“It’s good, father, though I had to throw out two men after I heard their disgusting conversation,” Rex said and sneered. “Fucking parasites, anyone who speaks that lustfully about their own brother should be castrated.”
Pasha squeezed Alice’s hand so hard he knew it must be hurting his older brother, but he couldn’t stop. He needed to hold on or else he was going to say or do something very unfortunate. His father didn’t bring up incest very often, but when he did it flared up a terrifyingly protective instinct in Pasha.
It wasn’t that he thought incest was a good thing, he knew that in a lot of cases it wasn’t. It ruined families, broke trust, and the relationships formed could very easily turn manipulative and abusive. But it wasn’t always like that, and it certainly wasn’t like that between Pasha’s brothers. Whatever feelings they had for each other, including the sexual ones, were still rooted in respect and love.