The days that followed were rather hectic for the McCallister's and Nakamura's. While working on his thesis, Finian excitedly planned the big family dinner, and Dorian worked at the office every day. He was trying hard to catch up on the work that had unfortunately been neglected the past weeks. Dorian had always been a hard worker, wanting to make sure that he was a good role model for his co-workers. The alpha was filled with regret over his performance, and he apologised to Elliot, who had worked his ass off. However, Elliot wasn't angry at his best friend. No, he wanted to help him in any way possible. Elliot was ashamed over his wife's behaviour. He couldn't understand why she acted like she did, giving Dorian so much shit. It wasn't like her at all. So Elliot did a lot more than he usually would have, and Dorian was genuinely grateful. Thanks to Elliot and his reliable co-workers, the company hadn't been affected by the recent events.
No, on the contrary, the business was booming. Every artist on the label suddenly got a lot of attention, and they were flooded with artists that wanted to sign with them. When asked why they wanted to join Blue Haven Records, they answered that they wanted to work with Dorian. The press conference had spread on social media, and Dorian became something like a hero to many. His way of handling the rude journalist got a lot of praise. Dorian himself tried to ignore the attention, feeling that he had enough of it all. Dorian just wanted to move on, to leave the past week's troubles behind him and focus on his family. And they tried to spend every afternoon together, building a solid foundation for this new McCallister/Nakamura - family.
During the weekdays, Ikumi went along Shiro when he shot his new video for his single, which had become a massive hit. In just a few days the single-ended on top of the hit list and the family celebrated by going to the local fish and chips restaurant. There they treated Shiro, Ikumi and Deion to their first culinary experience of a greasy yet so very delicious meal.
To everyone's relief, the kids continued to get along well, and at Caoimhe's suggestion, Dorian took her and Ikumi shopping. Caoimhe needed new clothes for Saturdays family dinner, and she wanted Ikumi to spend more time with her father. She wasn't the least jealous toward Ikumi. Instead, she wanted to show Ikumi how wonderful her dad was.
The girl carefully picked what dress to wear, wanting to be as pretty as possible. Caoimhe was more curious than anyone about Lucas' boyfriend because the eleven-year-old girl adored her uncle. In her eyes, Lucas was the perfect man, and she wanted her feature boyfriend to be just like him. Caoimhe wasn't interested in finding her fated pair, the same as her brother. Her views on omegas had turned to the better after meeting Shiro, but she still wanted an alpha, just like uncle Lucas. So it was with a lot of curiosity, and a pinch of jealousy Caoimhe wanted to meet this stranger that had managed to capture Lucas' heart.
On the day of the family dinner, the McCallister house was buzzing with activity. Finian and Eamon prepared the food, Dorian and Shiro cleaned the house, and the two girls were preparing family games. Everyone was excited, and Shiro and Ikumi were nervous, thinking of meeting Dorian's father for the first time. The others assured them that there wouldn't be any problem with Keith. He was a kind man with a big heart, and Dorian was convinced that his father would welcome Shiro and Ikumi into the family.
Keith and Simon were the first of the guest to arrive, and the family greeted each other with hugs and kisses. Shiro had decided to try and be brave, so the man put forth his hand and looked Keith straight in the eyes, presenting himself. Keith had smiled, which made Shiro's face feel all hot. When the older man smiled he indeed resembled Dorian a lot, and Shiro could imagine how hot Dorian would look in twenty years, as an older, refined gentleman. Shiro liked that thought a lot.
Keith grabbed Shiro's hand, pulled him into a warm embrace, as he greeted them and welcomed Shiro and Ikumi to the family, making Shiro shed a few tears. Dorian had kissed Shiro's cheek and held his hand afterwards, happy that everything went smoothly.
Deion arrived shortly after Keith and Simon. The American was treated like a part of the family from the get-go. Mostly thanks to Ikumi calling Deion Oji, meaning uncle and Dorian for some reason called him bruv. And Deion felt comfortable with the easy-going family. But they surprised him. What he knew about the McCallister clan made him think that they would be rich snobs. Sure, he hadn't heard anything nasty about them, but they were wealthy, influential and some of the most handsome people in the UK. Deion always had somewhat of a problem dealing with people like that. But not now. The way they treated Shiro and Ikumi were comforting, he could see that all the McCallister really cared about them. It felt natural for them to be there. Deion was relieved, and he could relax and truly enjoy himself.
While waiting for Lucas to arrive with his new boyfriend, they gathered in the living room for drinks and appetisers. They talked mainly about what they been up to the past week and about Shiro's new single. So, no one heard when the front door opened and Lucas and his date arrived. It wasn't until Lucas walked into the living room, holding hand with a white-dressed Kenji that the others noticed them. First up was Caoimhe, and she hugged her uncle tightly. Lucas chuckled with a big bright smile and returned the embrace.
"I missed you," the girl said as she released the man.
"Me too Sweetheart, but what the hell happened? You almost as tall as me now."
Caoimhe had grown at least ten centimetres the past months, going through that typical sudden growth of an alpha teenager that showed that she was getting close to hitting puberty.
Caoimhe nodded, looking pleased and turned to the man standing beside Lucas. Caoimhe flinched. He was cute. No, he was more than cute, he was quite hot. And it annoyed the hell out of the girl. She didn't realise it, but she was jealous. But at the same time, she couldn't stop staring at the omega, feeling somewhat confused. Didn't she recognise him from somewhere?
"Kenji, this is my lovely niece Caoimhe. Everybody, this is Kenji Harada."
If Kenji were nervous there in front of everyone, he didn't show it. He smiled brightly, charming everyone.
"It's nice to meet you all. Lucas has told me so much about you," he said in a soft voice.
They all greeted Kenji, and when it was Shiro and Ikumi's turn, Shiro greeted him in Japanese. Kenji replied and gave Ikumi a kind smile and a pat on the head.
"Are Harada-kun from Osaka?" Shiro asked, recognising the Kansai dialect.
Kenji nodded.
"Yes, Nakamura-san, but I lived in Tokyo for five years now."
"Oh, the same as me. In which part?"
"Takashimadaira."
As soon as Kenji had answered, he seemed disturbed over something. It didn't last long, and Shiro didn't notice, but Ikumi did, and it startled her. It was just a fleeting moment, nothing more. Still, it was as if Kenji briefly lost his mask, and Ikumi could glimpse another person underneath. A dark, scary person. But it went away, and Kenji quickly smiled again, making Ikumi unsure if she had truly seen the sudden change.
"I've never been to Takashimadaira myself, but my manager Deion lived there when he just moved to Japan."
"Oh did he," Kenji simply said as if he didn't already know this.
"You two seem to get along well," they heard Lucas say from behind them.
Lucas had just greeted Deion for the first time, and when he got back to Kenji's side, he quickly put his arms over the omegas shoulders. Lucas kissed the top of his head, making Kenji smile.
"It's nice to talk with someone from home," he said and stroked his cheek against Lucas', making the alpha shiver with longing.
"Dinner is ready," Finian announced behind them and led the guests to the dining table.
The long table was set with candles, flowers and on each plate was delicious filé mignon black and white with potatoes au gratin and two sauces, red wine and béarnaise. Which Dorian had cooked assisted by Eamon, while Caoimhe finished the cheesecake for dessert.
"So how did you two meet?" Finian asked Lucas with a curious look.
He was sitting at the end of the table, Simon was by his right side and Eamon on his left. The others sat down as well, all turning their gaze toward Lucas who sat with Kenji on his right and Caoimhe on his left.
"We noticed each other at my favourite café and just started to talk. It was like it was meant to be."
Lucas grabbed Kenji's hand under the table and squeezed it gently, beaming at him. On his other side were Caoimhe, and she felt irritated. She loved seeing Lucas happy, but the fact that it was Kenji that made him like that didn't feel right for some reason. Caoimhe tried to focus on her food while feeling confused over her own feelings.
The dinner was a successful event. The food was delicious and the conversations went smoothly. Afterwards, it was time for coffee and cake in the living room.
"Can I get you anything else to drink Kenji?" Dorian asked after he purred the younger man some coffee, but the younger man shook his head.
"No, thank you. I don't drink alcohol."
"Oh, it's just dad and me that drinks tonight then," Dorian said and sounded a little bit disappointed.
Dorian wasn't a heavy drinker, but he liked to get a wee bit tipsy occasionally, and tonight felt like a good night to do so. But so far it was only him and Simon that drank, and Simon just sat sipping on a glass of white wine, a glass he would have for the rest of the evening. Simon was a lightweight, and one glass was enough to get him rather drunk, which Simon knew so the older man took it easy.
"No no, me and Deion are drinking as well. Can't you take out that scotch I brought one your birthday? I bet you haven't even open it yet," Keith suddenly said from the couch and grinned.
The older alpha had Deion by his left side. The two men had clearly bonded during the meal and sat and joked together. Dorian quickly got to the drink cabinet and took out a 16-year-old Longmorn.
"On the rocks?"
"No!" The two men spoke in unison, and everybody laughed.
The following hours were filled with that. Laughter. Everybody was having a good time, especially when they started up the dance game and Caoimhe convinced Simon, Dorian, Keith, Finian and Deion to dance to Cardi B. The kids were roaring with laughter until Simon broke their old record with a landslide. A little bit of wine in the omegas body made Simon act like he was at least twenty years younger. He moved his hips in a way that made Caoimhe and Ikumi's face beet red, and they squealed in both embarrassment and fascination. While Keith looked at his husband with the eyes of a wolf who had spotted his prey.
Shiro didn't dance, but he was laughing from his spot on the couch. Beside him sat Eamon and Lucas, until Lucas challenged his nephew to dance and almost forced the taller teenager up from the sofa, leaving Shiro and Kenji alone.
Kenji slid closer, and he leaned towards the older man. Shiro had his gaze towards the others, as they danced to some Spanish song, so he didn't notice Kenji.
"They are sure lively," Kenji said, speaking Japanese again.
Shiro flinched, startled and looked at Kenji. He relaxed when he saw a friendly smile and nodded as he looked back to the dancers in front of the TV. He didn't want to miss anything.
"I've never met anyone like them. They are a truly wonderful family."
"Lucas told me that Nakamura-san quite recently bonded with Dorian," Kenji didn't take his eyes from Shiro as he talked.
Shiro nodded and glanced at the other man.
"Haven't Harada-kun heard about it on the news?"
Kenji shook his head.
"No, I don't read the news."
"Me neither. I have enough with my own life to deal with. I figure I don't need to worry about the world as well," Shiro said, with a little smirk.
Shiro didn't see it, but Kenji stared at him. Stared at his smile, at his lips and Kenji could feel himself getting hotter.
"I don't know Lucas at all, but what I heard from Dorian and Finian, is that he's a great guy. And he seems to love you very much."
Shiro still didn't turn to look at Kenji. His gaze was turned to Dorian, who was laughing and hugging his little brother, and Shiro's eyes were filled with so much affection that Kenji had troubled keeping calm. Kenji clenched his fists and had to take deep breathes to try and calm himself.
"Sorry, I need to go to the bathroom," he quickly said and stood up before Shiro could respond.
Almost running from the bathroom, Kenji got to the hallway and leaned towards the wall. This was hell. He was so close to Shiro, he could touch him if he wanted to, but all Shiro could see was that bastard alpha. He must have been brained washed somehow. No way that his Shiro could willingly fall for that clown.
Everything about Dorian irritated Kenji. His stupid smile and his laugh that sounded like he was a dimwit. Kenji hated hearing him; he hated looking at his ugly face. Kenji wanted to save Shiro, to take him away from there. But he had to wait. Shiro would never voluntarily go with him now. Kenji knew he had to become a part of the family first, but just the thought of having to spend more time with them was unbearable.
"Are you alright?"
Kenji flinched at the sudden voice and looked up. Eamon stood right beside him and looked worriedly at him. In his hand, the boy had his phone, and Kenji caught a quick glimpse at the text conversation.
'I promise I'm telling them tomorrow.'
Eamon immediately realised that Kenji saw the text and his ears turned red.
"Got a girlfriend?" Kenji asked with a smile.
He could barely stand being so close to this boy, but he forced himself. He was so disgustingly ugly with his red hair and dumb face. He looked like Dorian, but his eyes were the same as Finian, just as hideous.
Eamon quickly glanced around to make sure no one was there, and he nodded.
"Yes. I promised her I would tell everyone, but I haven't found the right time. And now she's angry at me."
Kenji understood that this was Eamon's first relationship, and he sounded so childish that the older man had to stop himself not to laugh at him.
"Why don't you tell them tonight?"
"Do you think it's alright?"
"Of course, it is. Your family seems to be very kind. I bet they will be happy for you."
'Well, not everybody,' Kenji thought to himself and imagined Ikumi's sad expression.
He had instantly noticed the young girls heated looks toward the older boy. It pissed him off. He had thought better of the child of Shiro, but apparently, she had the same bad taste as her father.
"I guess your right," Eamon said and smiled. "Thank you."
Then with determined steps, the young alpha walked to the living room again, and Kenji could hear him clear his throat.
As Eamon declared to his family that he was in a serious relationship with a classmate of his, Kenji could feel his heart rapidly beating of excitement. He knew what would happen, and while the family and friends of Eamon congratulated him, Ikumi sneaked out of the living room. When she suddenly realised that she wasn't alone in the hallway, she flinched and stared surprised at Kenji with tearstained eyes.
"What's the matter Ikumi-chan?"
Ikumi didn't know what to say. She didn't trust Kenji, not after that sudden change of expression earlier, but she was still a ten-year-old girl who had her first love crushed. So she saw an opportunity to talk to someone who wasn't family and were about to speak when Kenji interrupted her.
"Why don't you show me around the house Ikumi-chan? I'm rather curious how you all live," Kenji suggested with a kind smile.
The girl nodded and followed after Kenji, drying a tear that escaped the corner of her eye.
When they were a bit away from the living room, Kenji slowed down and got alongside Ikumi.
"I heard from Lucas that you moved in here just last weekend. Do you like it here?"
"Yes, I like it very much. I love being with Otōsan, and the others are kind to me."
"But why are you sad then?"
Ikumi sighed and looked around to make sure no one could hear her.
"I think I like Eamon."
"Oh, and why does that make you sad?"
"Because he said he has a girlfriend," the girl sobbed, tears threatening to fall.
"I'm so sorry to hear that," Kenji said and carefully, like approaching a baby deer, he put his arms around the girl's shoulders.
Ikumi flinched, but she quickly relaxed. It felt comforting being close to someone.
"And I don't have someone to talk about this. It's not like I can tell anyone that I'm in love with my new brother."
"Well, you can always talk to me, Ikumi-chan. I would love to be your friend. I just moved here from Tokyo, and I'm new to this family as well. We can help each other out. What do you say?"
Ikumi didn't hesitate. All caution went out the window, and she put her small arms around the other man. He winced by the sudden embrace but returned the hug. On his face was a victorious grin.
"Thank you, Harada-san," the girl whispered.
"No thank you Ikumi-chan, for trusting me. And please call me Kenji. After all, we're friends, right?"
"Right," Ikumi smiled.
"So where is your fathers room? Close to yours?"
Ikumi went before Kenji and stopped outside a closed door.
"He sleeps in here. My room is on the other end."
"Just him?" Kenji asked, and Ikumi shook her heads.
"Dorian sleeps here every other night. They haven't said anything about it to me, but I noticed."
"Does it bother you?"
"No, not really. Otōsan was so sad for so long after Papa died. I'm just glad that Otōsan's happy."
Kenji started to frown, but quickly stopped himself. He didn't want to Ikumi to notice.
"Oh, did you hear that?"
Ikumi couldn't hear anything in particular, and she shook her head.
"No."
"I think they are calling your name."
Ikumi glanced down the hallway and looked apologetic at Kenji.
"Thank you for everything Kenji-san," she said, bowed and quickly walked away.
Kenji looked after her, sighed and open the door.
'She's cute but clueless,' he thought to himself and walked into Shiro's room.
Kenji's heart was beating like crazy as he gazed at Shiro's bed, and he walked up to it, got down on his knees and laid his head on top of the cover. He inhaled the scent of Shiro.
Kenji could feel his cock twitch in his pants, and he groaned.
"I wanna fuck you so bad," he whispered and closed his eyes. If he only were an alpha, he could have taken Shiro years ago.
"What are you doing?"
Kenji jumped up in surprise and turned to the door. Caoimhe stood there with her arms over her chest, and she was frowning.
There was something with that stern gaze that made Kenji shiver, and for once, he didn't know what to say. Those green eyes bore a hole into him. They scared him.
"Ikumi was showing me around, and I suddenly felt tired. I'm sorry," Kenji said and were about to walk past the girl who was just as tall as him, when she grabbed his arm, making him stop.
"Are you a fan of Shiro's?"
Kenji stared at the girl, so surprised that he didn't know what to say. How did she know that?
"No. Now, please let go of my arm."
Caoimhe frowned and reluctantly took her arm from Kenji's arm. It hurt a little. How could an eleven-year-old girl be so strong?
"It seems like you have something against me Caoimhe. If I've done anything wrong, then I apologise. I just hope we can someday become friends."
Kenji forced himself to sound gentle, but it was hard. He wanted to scream at her, to ask the little bitch to leave him alone. But his words hit Caoimhe hard. Was she doing it again? Was she treating Kenji just as she had treated Shiro? A sudden wave of guilt rushed through the girl, and troubled Caoimhe looked down. Kenji noticed the sudden change and he relaxed. He had her now.
"I won't say anything to Lucas, because he cares for you and I don't want to make him unhappy. But I hope we can get along better next time."
Kenji started walking away but didn't get far.
"I'm really sorry."
Kenji got a big grin on his face but forced it away before he glanced over his shoulder. The girl had tears in her eyes, and she looked pitiful. Kenji had to restrain himself not to laugh out loud.
"It's okay. Bye, Caoimhe."
Quickly Kenji walked away, but the further away he got from the girl the stranger his body felt. He was getting hot, uncomfortable. He needed to get away from there.
Just as he was about to go into the bathroom, he bumped into someone and was about to fall when two arms grabbed hold of him. Without meaning to, Kenji found himself relaxed and strangely safe, and he looked up at Lucas. The platinum blond man was looking at him with worry in his eyes.
"How are you feeling?"
"Not that good. I feel feverish."
Lucas frowned and put his forehead against Kenji's, making Kenji's heart beat a little faster.
"Yeah, you're burning up. I think we should go home. It can't be your heat, because it hasn't been one month since the last time, right?"
Kenji nodded and had a surprised look on his face. Why did Lucas bother to remember this?
"Will you manage to say goodbye, or do you want to wait in the car?"
"Is it alright if I wait outside? I don't feel good."
"Of course Luv. I will be right there," Lucas said and put the car keys in Kenji's hand.
As Kenji grabbed his jacket and put on his shoes, he could feel himself getting hotter and hotter by the second, like he was going to burst into flames. He stumbled outside, walked on unsteady legs until he got to Lucas car and barely managed to get inside. Panting, he closed the door and stared with big eyes at the house. What the hell was happening to him?
Caoimhe got back to the living room right after Lucas left the house and Finian was on his way to look for her. The redhaired man frowned when he saw her tearstained eyes, and hurriedly walked up to her.
"What's the matter, Sweetheart?"
Caoimhe grabbed her fathers hand; they were slightly shaking.
"Daidaí, I feel a little bit weird. Is it okay if I go to my room?"
"Of course. Do you want me to come with you?"
But Caoimhe shook her head.
"Nah, there's no need. Tell the others goodnight for me," she said and gave her Daidaí a quick peck on his cheek.
"I love you."
Finian smiled and gently stroked the girl's hair.
"I love you too, Sweetie."
Caoimhe quickly got to her room and threw herself on the bed. She didn't feel well, at all. And it scared her.
That night Finian woke up to Caoimhe's silent sobs as the girl stood by the side of the bed, her hands clenching the hem of her nightdress. Dorian was sleeping in Shiro's room, so Finian turned on the light, and he comforted his crying daughter. It turned out that Caoimhe had gotten her period, and the girl was terrified by the bloodstains in her underwear. Finian had hugged his girl and calmly explained to her what it all meant. Caoimhe was already aware, after all, several of her friends in school had gotten their period, but still, she was surprised. That night the girl slept in her dad's bed, falling asleep to the sound of her father's heavy breaths and the comforting scent from her two beloved fathers.