Chapter Text
Like Korn, Chay isn't sure what to say. All he knows is that his hand is subtly gripped around his knife in case the fucker tries anything. He's terrified that he will, even though it seems less likely with a huge audience. He is sure that is why his mother chose to do something like this. Having allies as witnesses is a smart move when doing something so reckless and potentially catastrophic.
“Well, I think it's the perfect time,” Ma says with a smile when Korn is still left speechless. Then, she stands up with her glass in hand.
“I'm sure you are all surprised by this,” Ma says, “I frankly am too. Whatever happened to me, it left me in some sort of daze. I wasn't sure how things worked, like speaking. In fact, it was only hearing all of you speak that things started to truly click. But enough about me. Tonight is about Tankhun and Arm! You two have been so kind to me. Even when things didn't make much sense, you always treated me with love and respect. And now that I am starting to remember more, I am remembering who everyone is to me. My sons. Fern. And Vegas and Macau are my best friend’s sons! It's…It's an honor to get to know my boys and Milan’s sons as adults. And it is just as much of an honor to get to know my nephews. While I moved out when Tankhun and Kinn were pretty young, Tankhun was my baby until he was four. He was always so inquisitive, sweet, and outgoing. I knew he would grow up to make a good leader. There are qualities in him that I see he gets from both of his parents, but his welcoming nature that lets people feel safe reminds me so much of his mother.”
Ma looks down at Korn and smiles again, “Don't you see Dao in him, Hia? I see her in all of your boys. You should be really proud. They are wonderful. I bet it was you who did right by him.”
Again, Korn says nothing. Ma definitely notices this because her grin gets wider.
“Look at you!” she says, putting a hand on his arm, “Are you getting shy on me? You should be proud of yourself. I always thought you were going to be so strict, like how Kamnan was with the three of us, but I really think you let your boys blossom into their own people. It is inspiring. You’ve allowed them autonomy and freedom.”
The words “Unlike you allowed me” are hanging in the air and remain unspoken.
“So I think this toast is as much to you as it is to your oldest son and his fiancé,” Ma declares, “To Arm and Tankhun for finding love and happiness with each other, and to my eldest foster brother for being gracious enough to accept and celebrate them. I can't wait for the wedding.”
With that, Ma downs her water and sits back down. Everyone else grabs their champagne flutes and sips on them in a daze that Ma has clearly shown Korn she is no longer in.
Shit.
“How have you been, Hia?” he hears Ma ask as she puts her hand over his, “Good? I'm sorry I came off as strange before. I'm not sure what was going through my head. While I am still confused, I am feeling much better now.”
As closely as Chay is watching Korn, Korn is watching Namphueng even more closely, “Are you?”
Ma smiles again, “Very much so! We are going to need to catch up, okay? I want to hear about how your life is going! We are the only two left, aren't we? I vaguely remember…I have a feeling Gun is dead. Is he dead? I feel like he's dead.”
Korn goes back to saying nothing, so Ma lets out a sigh.
“Sad,” she says, looking off into the distance, “He had so many struggles when we were young. Kamnan was so cruel to him. He tried his best to be decent, at least last I remember. Did things stay okay between the two of you, Hia? After Kamnan died, did you become even closer?”
Korn stares at Ma for a long moment, “I'm afraid not.”
Ma tsks at that, “What a shame. We will mourn him together soon. Maybe make merits somewhere. Doesn’t that sound nice?”
“Hm,” Korn gets out, “Of course.”
“I think it sounds nice too,” Ma says, beaming, then looks at the rest of the table, “Ai, why are you all looking at us? Focus on the happy couple, not me! It’s strange and impolite.”
Ma meets his eyes at that point and gives him a pointed look, “You too, Chay. I love you, but focus on Arm and Khun.”
He can't. He really can't. He can, however, focus on his phone.
Chay: WHAT THE FUCK ARE WE SUPPOSED TO DO?!
Hia pulls his phone out of his pocket as soon as Chay sends the message.
Hia: I don’t know.
Great. That's just great.
Hia: We’ll feel out Korn for now. And at least some of us need to meet tonight to discuss what happened. Someone should stay back and distract him, but we do need to talk this out.
Chay: I think Kim and I should both be present at whatever discussion we have. We live with her.
Hia: I agree. That's fine. It is probably better for Kinn or Khun to distract Korn. We can update whoever ends up distracting him later.
Chay: So that means you need to be nice to Kim. Please. He's upset that you are so mad at him. It's hurting his feelings.
Hia: Chay, I think there are bigger worries right now.
Chay: Exactly! So get over my past slut phase and my falling out with Kim! If I am not mad with him, then you have no right to be!
Hia: Whatever.
Chay: That better be a stubborn placeholder for a yes. I am asking you to let it go so we can all be close again and work out this mess together! I miss you and Kim misses you! I want us to all be close again!
Hia: I said fine.
Chay: You said whatever.
Hia: Because we have bigger things to focus on! She just made a voiced speech in front of Korn and is clearly trying to intimidate him! He might have her drugged or even killed! I literally don’t care about what happened before, at least not right now!
Chay: You don't have to be a dick about it. I am just asking you to be nice to Kim, especially since he is close with Ma!
Porsche: And I said FINE!
“Remember when Dao took me shopping for that huge formal event that Kamnan held for potential suitors back when I was eighteen?” Namphueng asks Korn, “They were all annoying and overly entitled sons from privileged families. I wanted to gag at the thought of going. That's why Dao helped me pick out the most ridiculous dress. It was lime green with purple stars and rainbow lightning bolts. It also had a feathered trim-’
“Ew,” Chay hears Tankhun mutter, clearly sucked out of his trance by such a fashion scandal. Although, he is the only one at this table who Chay can see wearing something like that.
“Well, I think I pulled it off!” Ma says to Tankhun, who still doesn't seem to know what to say to Chay’s suddenly vocal mother, “Do you remember, Hia? Remember how your father reacted?”
“Vaguely,” Korn says tightly, then sucks in a breath, “I am a bit confused where all of this is coming from.”
Ma tilts her head, “What do you mean?”
“You know what I mean,” Korn says darkly. Chay doubts those who aren't sitting close can hear him, much less his tone. But Chay is sitting close and he doesn't like it. While he feels like he should feel thrilled to hear his mother's voice - especially at such a high level of capability - it is terrifying.
She could have at least warned them.
“I’m afraid that I don't,” Ma says, “I…Hia, I'm not sure what happened to me, or where all the time went. All I know is that everything started to click when people were talking. I started remembering people. My sons. My nephews. You. I suppose that doctor Porsche has been taking me to helped! I remember her saying that abilities and memories may come back in chunks. Maybe that's what happened.”
Korn gives her a forced smile, “This is more than just a chunk.”
“And that makes me all the more blessed,” Ma tells him, then lets out an excited sound and takes his hand again, “I can't wait until we can catch up! I feel so grateful for this! I don't know if it will stick or if…if whatever is happening is fleeting. But…we should all make the most of it. Don't you think?”
Korn just stares at Ma and keeps staring, all while Ma stares back and doesn't break eye contact once. Chay is tempted to bang on the table to break up whatever challenge is happening. He almost does. But before he can, Khun rushes over with Dara and thrusts her into his father’s arms.
“I want a picture of you with your granddaughter,” Khun says, pulling out his phone, “And I think you should bond with her! Isn't she the cutest baby you have ever seen?”
Korn reluctantly breaks eye contact with Ma and looks down at the baby.
“Aw, Hia,” Ma says, focusing on her food again, “You're a grandfather now! You're getting so old. Go on. Smile for the camera. Make the photo frame worthy.”
And while the first photo is likely sufficient, Khun takes his sweet time taking plenty of pictures of his father and daughter. Maybe it's an attempt to get Korn’s attention off Ma.
Or maybe it's to record this memory during happier times, before everything goes to shit.
Khun and Arm end up being the ones to keep Korn occupied. Porsche doesn't even have to ask them to. They just know to do it for as long as possible.
Meanwhile, he is now in Chay’s and Kim’s bedroom because Ma has decided now is the perfect time to play Just Dance with the girls. That's apparently what someone does after revealing they can voice just fine by toasting an engaged couple at a party in order to intimidate their foster brother.
“She will be safe with us. We obviously aren't going to leave her alone,” Chay says, “She lives with me and Kim. Arm and Khun are across the hall. Yok just sent me a text telling me that I am temporarily fired so I can be here until my mother is definitely safe. We aren't going to let anything happen to her.”
“We definitely won't,” Kinn starts, but then starts pinching the bridge of his nose, “It's…It's not ideal-”
“No shit,” Kim says, obviously less optimistic, “It's only a matter of time that he does something about it. Even if she pretends she doesn't remember everything he did to her, he is going to try to become proactive and make it so she won't remember.”
“We don't know that-”
“We do,” Porsche says roughly, causing Kinn to stop talking, “He put a bullet through your uncle’s skull when he tried to reveal something! If it was about him storming the compound, he would have done it as soon as Gun walked in! But he waited until Gun was crying with his weapon down! He was just about to say something and then he killed him!”
“I know that!” Kinn snaps back, “I know what he did, and I still don't know what Uncle Gun planned on revealing. I even talked to Vegas about it and he didn't know what it could have been either. I know how Pa is, but I also think he would know we would suspect him if anything happens to your mother or her cognitive abilities.”
“We need to move her out of the compound.”
The words come from Kim, and even though Porsche has been trying to keep any exchanged words brief (but civil) with him, he does turn to face him.
“She isn't going to be safe here,” Kim says, “Even if we stay with her as much as possible and we recruit anyone we consider an ally to stay with her in rotation, Pa will find a way to do something.”
“...Fern texted me,” Porsche says, “She offered to have Ma stay. She's more worried about her than ever. Vegas, Pete, and Macau are concerned too.”
Kinn clears his throat, “I agree that they need…distance between them. But moving her out might trigger Pa to take action. And she is technically more protected here than she is at the compound. If she goes with Fern, or with Vegas and Pete, I don't think Pa will care about using force or violence to get past any of them.”
“He might second guess himself if Chay and I continue living with her,” Kim says, “Maybe not with Fern, Vegas, or Pete, but somewhere else.”
“She has more allies here-”
“We can transition her over to the minor family compound,” Porsche cuts in, “We have plenty of guards stationed there, and most of them know about her situation. We may not be able to do it immediately, but if we come up with a reason to move and perform operations out of there instead of here, we might be able to transition her out within a month, but just stay really close until then.”
“...You want us to move to the minor family compound as well?” Kinn asks.
Porsche lets out a huff, “Well, I'm not leaving Chay and Ma there without me. He may hesitate when it comes to Kim, but if Kim is outnumbered-”
“I do okay when I am outnumbered,” Kim interrupts, “I have taken on several men multiple times and won.”
“Not when you were kidnapped!” Porsche says.
Kim just shrugs, “I walked with them willingly. I was suicidal at the time.”
“Kim,” Chay says, sounding pained before he focuses on Porsche, “It is technically closer to campus. I can say that it's better for the commute.”
“It’s also close to community arts building,” Kim continues, “We can lie and say Namphueng is interested in taking art classes with Preeda to meet more people and it just makes sense for her to move there with us.”
“And I will say I am taking classes with them,” Porsche says, starting to warm to the plan.
“Hia, no one will believe you got accepted into the same art classes as them,” Chay says, “You kind of suck.”
Porsche bites back the need to insult his younger brother back and stays mature, “I said I would say I am joining, or take a beginner’s class happening at the same time! That way, Preeda won't have the sole responsibility of keeping her safe at that time.”
“So Preeda is moving with us?” Kinn asks in disbelief, “I don't think Arm would want her to-”
“She doesn't have to, but the four of us need to move with Ma!” Porsche says, “You once told me that it didn't matter where we lived, just as long as you were with me. Did you mean that?”
Kinn’s eyes look pained, “Of course I meant that. Of course I did. I just don't think he will buy it, especially after what just happened.”
“Then make him,” Porsche says, “You make him buy it, or at least overwhelm him with something else to at least partially take his mind off of it.”
When Porsche takes the time to study Kinn’s expression, he really does feel a pang of guilt. He can see how overwhelmed his boyfriend is. It was apparent prior to this evening, but even more so now.
Porsche will work on fully forgiving him and moving past things. At this moment, he isn't even that mad at Kim, let alone Kinn.
“Hey,” Porsche says quietly, pulling him closer, “It will be okay. We are going to keep her safe and we won't…we won't take any extreme actions against your pa unless it is absolutely necessary. Despite what he did, I never want you to go through that kind of pain.”
“Do what you have to do,” Kim says, “It may be more proactive to kill him now.”
That may be true. But Kinn isn't in a place where he can deal with that. He may never be, but especially not right now.
To be honest, Porsche doesn't know if he has it in him to kill Korn either, especially knowing the likely impact it will have on Kinn.
“We’ll work towards this plan,” Porsche says, focusing on Kinn again, “Hopefully, once we go through with it, your father will realize how lucky he is and let it go.”
Kinn shakes his head, “He doesn't let anything go, or anyone.”
That may be true too.
“I’ll meet you in our suite,” Porsche says, ushering him to the door, “Go take a break. I won't be too long. I just want to talk with Chay and then with Ma. But we have a plan and that should be enough for tonight.”
It's enough to get Kinn to give him a quick kiss and leave. When Porsche shuts the bedroom door again, he turns back around.
“You two were already planning on moving out?”
Chay gives Kim a glance, “Planning is a strong word. Kim was just sick of Ma having to sneak around and hide who she is. It's been holding her back from living a more fulfilling life. It's not like we wanted to leave you and everyone else.”
Chay pauses for a beat then meets Porsche’s eyes, “That being said, how tense things have been might have played into the idea as well. But it's not like we talked about it with Ma. It was just…a possibility.”
Porsche crosses his arms over his chest, “Well, we aren't living separately, unless we live right next door to each other. I don't even like living on a different floor than you-”
“May I remind you that you randomly packed up and LEFT to take a job as a mafia bodyguard and moved here?!”
“To financially support you, and I figured it would be a short term gig!”
“Considering you’ve seen multiple guards die, I am sure you thought it would be short term,” Chay says, then quickly shakes his head and stands up, “I don't want to fight.”
“And you think I do?”
Chay doesn't respond to that, “So we’ll aim to move to the minor family compound together? In about a month?”
Porsche lets out a breath and shrugs helplessly, “That's all I can think of doing, unless Korn tries to do something before that.”
Hopefully, he doesn't. Although, Porsche is doubtful. Chay and Kim seem to be too.
Namphueng genuinely loves her boys, but right now? She prefers hanging out with the girls, especially when she needs to come down from successfully completing phase one of her plan.
“Ma,” Porsche says with a strained voice, “Can you please stop dancing to You Should See Me in a Crown so we can talk about what just happened?”
Namphueng rolls her eyes at the request, pauses the song - much to her competitor’s chagrin - and clicks on Psy’s Gentleman instead. While its message doesn't vibe with Namphueng's mood, the beat does. That should be enough of a compromise for the boys for now.
“Ma!”
“Is he always this annoying?” Nalin whispers as she does player two’s dance moves, “I don't remember him being this annoying.”
“He's scared for me,” she signs with her free hand.
“You’re jumping back into signing after voicing all evening?!” Porsche asks, storming over to her.
Namphueng lets out a sigh and presses pause once more, “What's wrong?”
Porsche sharply inhales, “We need to talk. About what happened and where to go from here.”
“What's there to talk about?” Namphueng asks with a disinterested shrug.
Porsche stares at her in disbelief, “...About how you spoke to Korn all night and he now knows you are perfectly capable and lucid.”
Namphueng rolls her eyes and waves off the concern, then presses play on the game again. But Porsche immediately walks over and unplugs the dock for the switch. It's unbelievably rude. This is one of Namphueng's calming skills!
“Stop!” Namphueng signs.
“No!” Porsche says before pointing at her, “You stop! I understand why you were sick of pretending around him. I get it, okay? But the way you went about it without telling anyone isn't safe-”
“No way would have been safe!” she snaps, deciding to use her voice to shut up her son, “I could have pretended to slowly regain speech and cognitive abilities over the course of a decade and he would have been on edge or tried to stop it altogether! I needed witnesses and I needed your genuine shock so he wouldn't accuse any of you of knowing! So while he is down visiting his granddaughter and questioning Tankhun and Arm about if they knew I could speak, they can come off as more believable by telling him they had no idea! You all got to find out at the same time because it is safer for you, and it is safer for me! Let him try something. I dare him! If he wants to be the first suspect and have his children openly and fully turn against him, then that's his decision.”
She leaves out hoping that will be his decision due to his desperation getting the best of him. But other than Hansa and Pol, her sons and Kim seem to have put Milan on the back burner for now, likely to avoid upsetting her or triggering another crisis. They have likely come to the conclusion that more signs of Milan being here would have been found by now if she was right.
Although, she has found signs of Milan. She hasn't shared them because she wants to protect Porsche and Chay. She even stopped including Pol in her search because he is her son now too.
She needs Korn to target her. Only her. Korn is much more likely to use Milan as leverage to persuade her than anyone else. He may have not known the extent of their relationship, but he definitely knew it surpassed friendship at one point, even if Namphueng never confirmed anything. She had told Dao a little later on, and Dao never said a word to him. She wouldn't be surprised if Milan talked to Dao either. They became close after Milan married Gun.
Ew.
But Korn did walk in on her and Milan kissing once, back when they were teenagers. To give him credit, he never said a word. To take away that credit (or give him more, depending on one’s stance on such things), she knows he held onto that knowledge for years and finally used it to trap Milan by revealing where he had been keeping Namphueng.
And now, he is going to do the same for Namphueng.
“We are planning to move you out,” Porsche says, causing Namphueng to turn her head sharply, “Chay, Kim, Kinn, and I will move too. Obviously the pets as well. But you realize you can't stay here now that you did that. He will target you to keep you silent.”
That won't do. She supposes the same outcome could occur, but it makes her plan less of a sure thing.
“If we start packing up and moving over there tomorrow, it will just make him more suspicious,” Namphueng tells him, hoping Porsche will drop the well-meaning, yet thoughtless idea.
“We will make it a gradual plan and aim for moving out in a month, as long as no other drastic moves are taken from either side.”
A month. The time limit should upset her. But for some reason, she sees it as a challenge. This can be over in less than a month. She just needs to be even more daring than she was today. And if her time runs out and she isn't closer to finding out the truth? She will take more drastic measures.
“Fine. I accept,” she signs, going back over to plug the Switch dock in again, “Love you!”
Porsche closes his eyes and steps closer, “Ma-”
“Love you,” she signs more pointedly, “I need to relax with my game. It's a coping skill. Go check on Kinn. He seemed upset.”
And because Porsche can see that she can be more stubborn than he can ever be, he eventually follows the order and leaves.
Khun: I am dumb and enthused about Namphueng. You should be dumb and enthused when Pa requests your company. Tried to keep him busy with the baby and the twins, but he's on edge so he left.
Arm: We are so happy and surprised Namphueng is talking. What a miracle!
The texts serve as both a piece of advice and a warning for the text that follows.
Korn: I am outside your suite. Where are you?
Kinn exhales shakily and texts the truth.
Kinn: On my way back. See you in a minute.
He is holding so much tension in his shoulders by the time he gets to his hallway and sees Pa outside his door. Before Pa turns around, Kinn thinks of the positives.
Namphueng can clearly voice. Regardless of hiding her other communication abilities from Pa, it was a genuine surprise. And it's a good thing when it comes to her future.
If Pa allows her to have one.
“Hey,” Kinn says with a smile, coming over to unlock the door. It seems to be the first time Pa has really taken in the new lock system, one that requires a certain fingerprint to unlock and records each and every profile that either attempts to open the door or accesses it. For some reason, Pa has yet to try to open this door even once.
“I just walked Porsche and Namphueng back over to her suite. Everyone is really excited,” Kinn says brightly, “She is so happy to have a conversation with her sons so she can get to know them and-”
“Have you been hiding this from me?”
Kinn pauses, tries to make sure his expression is neutral, then turns around, “Hiding what?”
Pa is practically seething. He hides it well, but Kinn can see it.
“Just a couple of days ago, my sister licked my face and barked like a dog, and Kim called that progress. Now, she is making toasts, recalling memories of my father, and being social at a dinner party, one that your cousins showed up at and you were somehow completely fine with that?”
“Pa, believe me, we were all just as confused,” Kinn says, ignoring Pa asking about Vegas and Macau for now, “If Namphueng made a huge stride like that prior to tonight, I would have said something. We were happy with her emoting more, pointing at things she wanted to see, eat, or do, and seeming to recognize us from the previous day. We had no idea something like this was possible at this point in her recovery, or possible at all. But at the same time, I'm not complaining. Are you? You tried to find a cure for her for years, right? You of all people should be thrilled-”
“I should have been informed!”
Pa doesn't raise his voice. He simply doesn't. The loudest he had ever heard him was towards Uncle Gun the night of the attack. He remembers talking to Ma about it once when he was young.
“Pa never yells, but he still sounds scary sometimes.”
“He doesn't want to be like your bpuu. But that doesn't mean he is any less scary.”
Even back then, it sounded like a strange thing for his mother to say.
“We were just as surprised as you were,” Kinn says more pointedly, “Why would we keep something that exciting from you?”
Pa steps forwards, his expression hardened.
“I feel like you have been keeping a lot from me. I want the details of her treatment. What medications is she on-”
“Ones that clearly work!” Kinn snaps back, “If you want details on her care, then ask her yourself! She is clearly able to tell you now, and it shouldn't matter anyway since it is working! It fucking worked and you should be celebrating instead of coming here to yell at me! Worse things have happened in the last few months and you didn't give a shit-”
“If you are referring to your brother, I TRIED to be present and it upset him more!”
“I was talking about ME!” Kinn yells, his own voice becoming louder, “I told you I wasn't doing well! You know Lane started coming to meet with me too and you barely even inquired about it! You want to know why Vegas fucking showed up? We made up. We made up after he showed up at my fucking rapist’s funeral and smirked at the corpse! I reached out to see if the same thing happened to him, and it did so we made up and-”
“Kinn,” Pa cuts in, his voice sounding more resigned and hoarse, “Slow down. I need you to tell me what you're talking about.”
Kinn feels his face screws up, “Like you don't know! You let Douglas mentor me-”
“Because you seemed to respect him and enjoy the lessons!” Pa says in a hushed voice, “Not because…I didn't…You didn't…”
When Pa reaches over to touch Kinn’s shoulder, Kinn immediately shakes it off.
“Kinn, please.”
“You don't care.”
“I do,” Pa says. He sounds genuinely devastated. Kinn doesn't know what to think of it. Pa had to have known something was going on, even though actual assault technically only happened once.
“I'm sorry,” Pa says, hesitantly stepping closer again, “You have my attention. Alright? You have it. Talk to me. Tell me what happened.”
Kinn stares past him, then shrugs his shoulders, “It was a long time ago and he's dead now. It doesn't matter anymore.”
“It does,” Pa says, “If it's still hurting you, then it matters-”
“Because it will make me soft?” Kinn says sharply.
Pa sharply breathes in, “No. No, it's because you're my son. I hate seeing you hurting this badly, and…and I hate knowing I brought someone here who hurt you in that way and I let them keep coming over. It doesn't matter when it happened. It should have never happened at all-”
“So it's my fault?” Kinn asks, even though that isn't what Pa said, “It was my fault despite being fourteen?”
Pa lets out a noise that sounds like devastation, but keeps it together, “No. It wasn't your fault. Can we sit down? Talk?”
Kinn is already shaking his head before his father is finished speaking.
“Kinn-”
“I need time to calm down,” Kinn says, trying to pull himself together, “I wasn't expecting to…to tell you that. It just came out. Sorry. I need some time to myself.”
“...Okay,” Pa says eventually, “I didn't know, Kinn. I swear to you that I didn't. If you would have told me back then, Douglas would have died a lot sooner.”
While Pa sounds truthful, Kinn wishes he could believe him without double guessing himself.
“Let's meet tomorrow,” Pa says, “Please? You have my attention. I am prioritizing you. Tell me when and where.”
Kinn looks away, “I have work-”
“Don't worry about work. Things are calm and stable. Take as much time off as you need,” Pa says, “Tell me when and where.”
“I don't know,” Kinn says, “I probably won't be in the mood to talk about it.”
“That's fine,” Pa says quickly, “We can just have lunch and talk about other things going on in your life. Whatever you feel comfortable talking about.”
Shit. He didn't know. He's practically pleading.
“I need some time,” Kinn mutters, “I'm sorry I blew up. I’ll reach out tomorrow.”
Pa really has no choice but to accept it. If he wants Kinn to know that he cares and is standing by him through this, he will go along with whatever Kinn needs, be present, and maybe - just maybe - leave Namphueng alone for a while.
But Kinn still might not get his request to be alone. Even after Pa puts a gentle hand on his cheek before walking out the door, he hears him say something else.
“I upset him. I didn't…Make sure he's okay.”
“Alright,” Porsche says, causing Kinn to close his eyes. Great.
“How much did you hear?” Kinn asks as soon as Pa is gone and Porsche makes himself known.
“Almost all of it, I think,” Porsche says, coming closer, “Are you-”’
“He was grilling me about your mother and her treatment, so I blew up and told him there were things he should be more concerned about, like me. I accused him of knowing about what Douglas did to me. He uh…” Kinn starts, “He claims that he didn't. I don't know if I believe him or not, but he seemed really upset.”
“Well…if he didn't know, then he probably was.”
“And if he feels like he needs to prove that he cares, he should take at least some of his focus off of your mother for a while,” Kinn continues, feeling buzzing beneath his skin, “I'll drag out whatever attention he is offering to spare and-”
“Kinn.”
Kinn stops talking and meets Porsche’s eyes, he is only holding them for a second before he starts feeling regretful and panicky.
“You're alright,” Porsche murmurs, closing the distance to put his arms around him, “You did what you needed to do to get his mind off of Ma and it worked. And you were brave while you did it. Thank you.”
And even though everything feels so uncertain right now, Porsche initiating a hug after several days of the bare minimum at best makes him feel more grounded.
Tankhun has the most beautiful daughter in the world. That is simply a fact. He loves her more than he loves himself and he can't wait to make beautiful dresses for her. Maybe headbands to hold a hearing aid on too. The doctor did mention she would be eligible for cochlear implants when she is six months old, which could help with oral speech earlier on. But from what Fern has said, the Deaf community has mixed feelings on infants receiving such an invasive surgery that isn't medically necessary when they should be given access to sign language. Tankhun thinks he agrees. He can't imagine doctors drilling into his baby’s skull and she has no say in the matter. When she is older and more capable of understanding the pros and cons of certain procedures, she can decide for herself. Regardless, he and Arm will become completely fluent in sign language. They have great people to practice with, although Namphueng apparently voices now.
He can't believe she stole the spotlight like that. If he weren't so impressed and horrified, he would be annoyed. But it's hard to feel annoyed when he has his baby girl now. He realizes that speaking to her isn't going to be that effective, even if she has some hearing in her left ear. Her sight won't develop until later either. So Tankhun has settled for stroking her face and head to help her bond with them and let her know that her parents are nearby. He loves her so much. His brothers don't even compare.
Although, he can't tell them that. Especially Kim. They would be very hurt. He will let them think he loves them just the same and-
“You're going to wake her up. She just got back to sleep and hour ago.”
Tankhun huffs at Arm, “She's cute! I can't help it!”
As Tankhun goes back to focusing on their baby, he feels Arm shift behind him, wrap his arms around Tankhun’s waist, and kiss his shoulder.
“You have to get ready soon,” Arm tells him, “Don't you have a meeting with your first client this morning?”
He does, and while that is important, it is meaningless in comparison to spending time with his daughter.
“That client will never compare to Dara,” Tankhun says, turning slightly in Arm’s hold, “Look at her wisp of black hair, almond shaped eyes, her perfect cupid's bow, her chunky legs, and her sun-kissed skin!”
Arm leans in to get a better look at her, “How is she sun-kissed when we have been extra diligent about keeping her protected from the sun? I think that is just her skin tone.”
“Which makes her even MORE perfect!” Tankhun says, then grips his chest, “Arm, I can't leave her.”
“You will be working in the next room.”
“That's too far away!”
“You can come see her when you aren't actively in a meeting,” Arm says, “I’ll tend to her until lunch, and Pol said he would come watch her after. I think Kim, Chay, and Namphueng are planning to come too.”
“It will be nice to have both Namphueng and Fern,” Tankhun says, “Dara needs ties to the deaf community. I want our daughter to have that. Fern is Deaf, and Namphueng had a Deaf father and a mother who was an interpreter born into a Deaf family. It makes me happy that she will be connected to Deaf culture and have support. I’ve read about Deaf children whose parents don't even bother to learn sign and they have to write back and forth to talk to each other, even after having years and years to learn! That won't be the case with Dara. We need to make sure of that!”
“We will,” Arm promises, “We have Namphueng and Fern, and Kim, Vegas, and Macau are all fluent. I would say we are proficient, and so are Kinn, Porsche, Chay, Pete, and Pol. My sisters and the twins are all catching on quickly. Even Koda and Phoenix know signed commands. Whatever her primary mode of communication ends up being, she will have people who will clearly understand her and can easily communicate with her.”
“And she will have Paris too! I know she will be fluent. Fern and Vegas will make sure of it. They will be best friends.”
Talking about his daughter and feeling more sure of her future makes Tankhun feel better. He may struggle slightly to get his day started, but his first day is much less intimidating than expected! All of the paperwork he works on his almost therapeutic. Everyone thinks he is ridiculous for preferring drawing up contracts and not looking into something more “exciting” like criminal or family law. But he comes from a crime family! Why would he want to deal with the annoying drama that comes from either of those things? It's only recently that his family has felt truly stable. Their criminal dealings have been shockingly minimal overall. Tankhun supposes he has Porsche to thank for that, considering he is the one who made the call to pull away from most of the minor family drug trade, other than marijuana. He supposes he also has Kim to thank for his terrifying kidnapping and crisis that brought them all closer together - at least for a while.
Tankhun feels they will all heal and be just as close again with time. He feels like Dara will play a huge part in that. When Pol comes and is extremely attentive and sweet to her, it makes his heart swell with affection and pride. He didn't expect that out of him! But Pol is incredibly sweet, and he is good with the twins. He just wasn't sure how Pol would be around an infant since he had admitted that his time around babies and young children has been extremely limited until recently. But he asks questions, holds her, is diligent about changing her diaper, and even took the time to go out and get them gifts this morning. Maybe spending so much time at Vegas’s and Pete’s is making him more comfortable with babies.
Not too long after Pol arrives, Namphueng, Kim, and Chay stop by too. Kim holds his niece and is just as surprisingly sweet with her as he has been with Paris, all while Chay continues to look like he wants to knock Kim up. Tankhun knows that look! He has given it to Arm several times. While he has known it isn't possible, his tether to reality doesn't stop him from the occasional wishful thinking. But they still have three daughters to go. If they venture into finding a surrogate in a few years, Tankhun might insist their second daughter have a biological link to Arm.
He is more than fine with his sweet baby girl. He is only a father of one now, and juggling work and parenthood is challenging, even though he is somehow excelling at both. But then again, he has always excelled at multitasking. He is especially grateful for this skill when Pa stops by to visit.
One might think another set of hands would be welcome so Tankhun can continue to focus. But if anything, Pa makes it so Tankhun feels like he needs to keep a close eye on everything.
Especially when Pa’s focus is more on Namphueng than his new granddaughter.
“She's adorable, isn't she?” Namphueng says, cradling Dara with a smile, all while Korn continues to stare at her. She doesn't get why when the baby is here.
“I remember Dao was a little sad when she found out Kim wasn't a girl,” Namphueng says, “I called her to check in, and she was so convinced he was going to be a girl. But then, she was crazy about him when he was born. They were so close. It's a shame something happened to her. I miss her. What happened to Dao, Hia?”
Korn looks like he may kill her on the spot. She knows he won't, but it does make her slightly nervous. Regardless, she pushes those nerves back and keeps her pleasant smile.
“Hia? What happened to your wife?”
Korn clenches his jaw, “She died. Cardiac arrest.”
Namphueng looks down sadly. If this is the case, she is sad for Dao. If Korn weren't so despicable, she may even feel sad for him too. There had been one point in time that she loved him. She struggled viewing him as a brother. If anything, she viewed Gun as a brother more. They were closer in age and naturally spent more time together. But she respected Korn for half her life.
And then he killed Pat, abducted her, made her think he killed her sons, and kept her in a room longer than she had even known him, at least at that point. She is sure he did the same to Milan.
What did he do to Dao?
“She would have been pretty young, huh?” Namphueng says, “When I asked Kim last night, he said she died when he was around eight. Dying from cardiac arrest in her late thirties…she never had any heart issues. She was diligent about going to the doctor and-”
“That's enough.”
It's quiet, but his tone is unkind - borderline cruel, really. Then again, if he is telling the truth, then she might be a bit cruel at this moment as well.
She sincerely doubts Korn is telling the truth. The last time Namphueng remembers speaking to Dao, she felt trapped.
“I'm sorry, Hia,” Namphueng says, “I didn't mean to upset you. I just…I wish she was here. She was always so nice to me. And…And Milan…I really miss Milan.”
Both statements are true. She doesn't have to fake one emotion, and it clearly makes an impact.
“I wish you could see them again. Maybe one day, you will.”
The words are said in a consoling manner, but Namphueng can see the glint in Korn’s gaze. It's a threat.
She needs to make sure it's also a promise.
“Maybe when I eventually pass on,” Namphueng says with a shrug, “But hopefully that's not for a long time! I want to see this little one grow up! And I want to see my boys become parents too. Wouldn't that be nice, Hia? For us to share grandchildren? If only Dao-”
“Tankhun,” Korn says suddenly, pulling his eldest son’s focus away from the laptop, “Have you seen Kinn today?”
Tankhun looks up from his work and shakes his head, “He promised he would come by later this afternoon to spend time with his niece. Why?”
Korn pulls out his phone, “I would like him to meet me for lunch. He told me something…concerning yesterday.”
Tankhun says nothing. He seems distracted by his work, for one thing, but also somewhat confused. Namphueng is confused too. Maybe it was a distraction provided by Korn, considering he seems to be prioritizing meeting with Kinn over breathing down her neck. But Korn seems affected by something - something other than her.
It's annoying. It shows that he cares for his sons, at least in a manner Korn is capable of. This might make his death harder on them. It was likely going to be hard regardless, but showing that he cares right before she kills him isn't ideal.
She still isn't changing her mind though. Within a month, Milan will be back with Namphueng, Vegas, Macau, and Fern. She will meet her granddaughter, Pete, and Nalin, and they can get excited over Namphueng’s oldest son and Milan’s youngest son dating two sisters. Milan might make some comments over Porsche and Chay dating their foster cousins and tease her over it.
Always such a tease, in multiple ways. She misses it. She misses her. She is tempted to kill Korn right now and just call a massive search on the compound. But she is holding a baby, and she doesn't want to traumatize Tankhun. There are no knives nearby. Heavy objects, sure, but that seems like less of a sure thing in terms of effectiveness. Despite everything Korn put her through, she doesn't want to drag out his suffering. She would prefer it to be quick. The only way she would resort to torture would be if she thought it could get her answers.
Would it?
“I am going to stop by his office,” Korn says, “Or his suite, if he took my suggestion to take the day off.”
“I hope you have a nice time with him,” Tankhun says, “I would join, but I need to focus on work. And when I am not doing that, I need to focus on my baby. You two simply aren't my priority, but have a wonderful lunch!”
While Korn doesn't seem to like being told he isn’t a priority, he leaves without another word. Maybe if he stays bothered, Namphueng will let him know that she is prioritizing him until he is no longer around to prioritize.
“I wonder what Kinn said to him,” Tankhun says as he stands up to take Dara from her arms, “Pa seems off.”
Namphueng doesn't know either. But she knows she can't become too distracted by wondering.
“I promise you that I didn't know.”
Just like when Pa said it yesterday, Kinn doesn't know how to respond.
“Kinn-”
“Okay,” Kinn says, then stares down at his plate, “Can we please drop the subject?”
Pa purses his lips, then suddenly shakes his head, “I would prefer it if we didn't.”
Why did he tell him?
“I would like to know what exactly happened, and why you felt you couldn't tell me.”
Kinn puts his head in his hands, “It doesn't matter-”
“It matters,” Pa cuts in before looking pained, “Kinn, it matters to me.”
He could have chosen so many ways to distract Pa. Why did he choose this? And what is he supposed to say? That Douglas’s death wasn't natural? That Arm drugged him? But then, Pa is going to ask why Arm and if Kinn ordered him to do it. If anything, Arm demanded to do it and would have done it without Kinn’s okay, so what was he supposed to do? But if he says that, he is going to ask why Arm was so set on it and could possibly link Khun to the whole situation, and it isn’t Kinn’s call to let Pa know that Khun and Kim were almost hurt by Douglas as well. He has a feeling Khun would hate it, and he isn't going to risk pissing him off when Khun just forgave him.
When it comes to Kim, Kinn honestly has a feeling he wouldn't care as much. In fact, Kim may try to use his own experience to shame Pa in some way. Still, Kinn isn't going to test that theory.
So he's alone in this. He already was, since he is the only one who cooperated with Douglas’s demands.
What is he supposed to say when Kinn compromised and went along with what Douglas wanted him to do?
“I don't want to talk about it,” Kinn says, picking his head back up, “You said I didn't have to, that I could talk about whatever I wanted.”
Pa doesn't look happy with the response, “I realize I said that-”
“Then respect that I don't want to talk about it anymore.”
“Kinn, it kept me up all night,” Pa says, “I barely slept.”
Kinn is sure that isn't the only reason Pa didn't sleep. Gaining a surprise grandchild and Namphueng spontaneously showing she could voice and behave normally, all while acting as if she randomly gained lucidity, likely also kept him up.
Namphueng is probably the main reason Pa stayed up.
“You apparently…” Pa continues, then lets out a huff, “You clearly talk about it with other people. Porsche didn't look surprised with whatever he overheard. You have been seeing Lane. So you have talked about it.”
Not because he wanted to. Even though he took the initiative to bring it up with Lane, he only did so because he has been paying her to help sort out whatever has been happening in his head. He might as well get a significant and major trauma out of the way, especially since Douglas died recently - something that both helped him and messed with his head more.
But he doesn't want to talk about it with Pa. He may be trying to act caring and concerned now, but Kinn knows all of this will eventually be regarded as a failure on his end. He should have never shared this to begin with. What had he been fucking thinking? PA is going to press him for answers and-
“Sorry I'm late.”
Kinn looks up and sees Porsche approach the table. He gives Kinn a quick, but tender kiss before sitting down next to him.
“I know you probably weren't expecting me, but Kinn doesn't need questions,” Porsche says, reaching for a roll, “He needs support. So I thought we could give it to him together.”
Kinn doubts Porsche's proposal will work in the long run. In fact, he wouldn't put it past Pa to question him tomorrow or even later tonight. But for now, Pa drops it and lets Kinn lead the conversation, all while Porsche squeezes his hand beneath the table.
By the time Wednesday morning comes around and Chay is sitting across from Lane with Kim, everything he wanted to talk about prior to the engagement dinner has now left his mind.
“I suggested switching around the times so we could talk together first, and then you could take your individual appointments after to decompress and discuss how you feel more privately,” Lane says, “You’ve both mentioned how you first met and how different your dynamic was back then. Can you tell me about how things were earlier on?”
Chay supposes they could. That had been one of the things he had wanted to talk about, how it had been a fantasy come true when Kim called and offered to tutor him and it led to Chay falling madly in love within seconds. There is just one problem with discussing all of that.
“It's really hard to talk about our past and everything that happened before when his pa might kill my ma.”
Kim turns in his seat, “I already told you we won't let that happen. We can move out today.”
“If we move out now, he will KNOW we are trying to get her away from him, like Hia said!”
Kim scoffs, “My father is an evil, paranoid, overly controlling, and precautionary sociopath. He will think that regardless. I won't be surprised if he starts approaching Lane with money to get her to relay everything we say in our sessions.”
Chay looks at Lane warily, “Has he?”
“Not as of yet,” Lane says, “And since he is not my client, I will have no issue letting you know if he approaches me with such an offer.”
“Would you take it?” Chay asks more urgently, “Because I’ve already told you about my ma! If you tell him-”
“I'm an advocate for my clients, and - just as importantly - I am a girl’s girl,” Lane says.
But that doesn't calm him down as much as it should. He believes her, but now he's concerned for her. Korn knows Lane has sessions with multiple people at the compound. He also probably knows more about her than he should since she is related to his business associate. He could have her killed. That will fuck Chay up, and he doesn't see himself wanting to try to sort that kind of trauma out with another therapist. But as much as it would fuck Chay up, it would REALLY fuck Kim up. Kim took a month to say more than a word to her, and now she is favorited in his contacts. He won't open up to another therapist, especially if Korn kills Lane, just like he might kill Ma.
“I imagine the particular connection between your parents must be difficult,” Lane continues, “If you would like to focus on that this session, that would be fine.”
Kim shrugs, “The foster cousin thing probably should be weirder.”
“Kim, you know I don't like to think of you that way.”
“Didn't you manipulate Pa into letting your ma move in with you by referring to yourself as his nephew?”
“That was different.”
Kim sighs, but moves on, “Even with Namphueng voicing again and referring to Pa as Hia, it probably should feel weirder.”
While Lane’s expression is still neutral, it's the closest Chay has seen her to looking put off.
He can't really blame her. But Kim is right.
“The foster cousin thing isn't a concern when it comes down to it,” Chay says, “It doesn't affect our intimacy either. Last night proved that.”
Kim gives him a look, “You seriously want to talk about what we did last night?”
It's honestly preferable. Last night had been a lot hotter than this foster cousin talk. But he will refrain if Kim is going to get shy about it.
“We don't care that we’re foster cousins,” Chay concludes, “We just care about Ma not getting killed or drugged into forgetting her whole life again. And making sure Korn will never be a problem for her. But it's hard to do that when he's alive and still has so much power.”
“I already said I am okay with killing him,” Kim says.
“I don't want to do that to you,” Chay says, then looks at Lane, “Don't get me wrong, I want to kill Korn. Desperately. But I don't want my boyfriend to have to mourn his father.”
“I already lost my ma-”
“Exactly!”
“My point is that it can't be worse than that,” Kim says, then looks at Lane too, “Actually, I know it's not because losing my mother was devastating. I already went through losing Pa, and it didn't compare! Remember when we talked about how Pa faked his death to provoke Uncle Gun into attacking? I mourned him then, and that was barely. I mourned him because I was worried about my brothers, Chay, Porsche, and myself. I thought we were all at risk without him there, and we were. I mourned him for my brothers’ sake, and maybe my own due to the good memories I do have of him. But he faked it. He fucking faked it and could have gotten us killed. So any grief I had for him as a person was fake. The person I thought I was mourning - as manipulative and cold as I knew he was - wouldn't have done that to his sons. Him saying it was to kill Uncle Gun with a just cause was bullshit. He could have made up with him. All Uncle Gun fucking wanted was respect and equality. He could have given him that and Gun probably would have never gotten so resentful. Or maybe he would have. Maybe he would have found out that Pa kept their foster sister locked up, drugged up, and hidden away some other way. Maybe he would have found out he had Auntie Milan killed. I don't have proof of it, but I know that he did it. I know. Before, it was just a potential theory. But knowing everything that he did - and knowing that Vegas, Macau, Fern, and Namphueng feel that Pa had something to do with what happened to her - I know he had my aunt killed, and probably my ma too-”
Kim cuts himself off and suddenly stands up, “I need a break.”
Chay holds onto Kim’s sleeve, “Kim, you were doing good.”
“I’m not! There is too much going on!” Kim snaps, pulling his hand away, “We aren't even talking about the things we planned on talking about because my father is fucking evil!”
“We’ll get past it,” Chay tells him, “We’ll keep Ma safe-”
“He always wins!” Kim says, sounding even more worked up, “No matter what we do, he will find a way to win and manipulate us into thinking he didn't do anything wrong, or that his actions were justified! I'm sorry that he kept you from having a mother. I'm sorry you are dating someone who is related to him.”
“Hey,” Chay says, trying to stay calm, “Nothing he has done is your fault. You were four years old when he took Ma and killed my pa-”
“I'm sorry he killed your father too,” Kim says, then sharply breathes in, “I need a break.”
“Take some time,” Lane says, “Practice one of your coping skills. If you are ready to come back in fifteen minutes, I would appreciate it. I think something more structured might help you both regulate. If you truly think you are not good to continue a joint session today, I still want to see you for your individual one.”
“Fine,” Kim mutters, then proceeds to walk into their bedroom. He comes back out within seconds, and it gives Chay some hope he has changed his mind. But instead, he picks up Opal from the couch, carries her back into the bedroom, and shuts the door.
“...Believe it or not, we’re doing okay,” Chay says after a bout of silence, “There are a lot of…external stressors outside of our control.”
“I can see that,” Lane says, “Do you mind if I pull out my phone to text Kinn?”
Chay shrugs, “No. But why do you need to do that?”
“I want to see if he can meet an hour after his scheduled time,” Lane says, “I have a feeling this will run late.”
Chay snorts, “We’re that fucked up, huh?”
Lane smiles consolingly before dropping the act and rolling her eyes, “No, but your external stressors are, and I am concerned. Kim has also never walked away from a session-”
“Even back when he wasn't talking to you at all?”
Lane just hums because she will never answer any inquiries directly, but it is enough of a confirmation, “I don't think that had much to do with you, if that makes you feel better. I think this situation is making a lot of past trauma come up, and that needs to be addressed. As for you, I can see how worried you are about your mother, and rightfully so. I want to make sure both of you have an adequate amount of time to express yourself, with some allowance of breaks if needed.”
“...Okay,” Chay says, nodding, “Thanks.”
“Of course,” Lane says, putting her phone away, “Would you like a break too, or do you want to chat?”
Chay shrugs, “We can talk.”
And so they do.
“How was your session?”
It's the first question Chay asks as soon as Kim comes back to the bedroom. While it brought out some vulnerabilities and concerns, he feels…calmer.
“It was fine,” Kim says, keeping his response more simple.
Chay nods and takes his hand, “Good. I'm glad. I'm sorry if…I know all this is hard for you too and…”
Chay trails off, seeming like he doesn't know what to say. Kim doesn't really know what to say either. He is certain of one thing though.
“If it comes down between your ma and my pa, I am picking your mother to save every single time,” Kim says, “We…Never doubt that I'm not on your side, especially when it comes to that.”
“I know,” Chay says, “I never doubted that. I know you love my ma.”
“I love you both.”
Chay leans in for a kiss and cups Kim’s face, “You still good for the party tonight? Yok decorated the VIP floor, and I scheduled the catering to be delivered from that fun Mexican restaurant. But just because everyone from the label and our family shows up, it doesn't mean that we have to go. Not if you're not up for it. We could always stay back and watch the baby.”
Kim sighs, “It sounds preferable right now. But Noel is probably expecting me to not show up last second, and I don't want to prove him right. So I’ll go. I think Arm plans on staying back with Dara. Khun doesn't want her to be without at least one of her parents this early.”
“I bet he will just obsessively watch her in her bassinet from his baby monitor app,” Chay snorts.
“I was fully hoping he would be the life of the party when I planned this so I didn't have to entertain anyone,” Kim says, “But you're probably right.”
Chay smiles a little and gives Kim a kiss, “We’ll have a good time. And your work friends can get to know your friends and family here. It isn't a bad thing to connect your circles and…merge your identities a little.”
Kim squints, “Is that what I’m doing?”
Chay nods, “You are. You're becoming more authentic and true to yourself. I'm proud of you.”
While Kim wouldn't go as far to say that he is proud of himself too, he's not ashamed or disgusted. He’s…content with himself. He isn't content with his father, but he is a very different person than his father. And although this party is to celebrate the album, that is worth celebrating too.