Chapter Text
Alexei stands in front of his parents, shifting awkwardly as they all stare at him.
He had suggested that they all take turns meeting the kids individually, but he forgot that meant he’d likely go first.
Maine leans forward in their seat, looking nervous and excited at the same time. “So..! Who are your specific parents…?”
Alexei doesn’t know how to break the news that he doesn't know. They never told him. Never told any of them, and they’ve all just made educated guesses based on obvious trait resemblances. Something about ‘keeping them a united front’. Alexei doesn’t think Corine ever got that memo, but it’s cool.
“You guys don’t tell us,” He eventually mutters, squinting at the different ways their expressions change, “We think I’m probably Bil’s kid, definitely Maine’s. Corine is oh-so-positive I’ve got a third parent, but none of us know why they think that.”
The Doc nods where he’s standing, hand on where his chin probably sits beneath his mask. Considering he’s the only one of the circus to have confirmed verbally none of them are his blood, Alexei is almost inclined to only trust him during the endeavor. He knows the rest of their parents all have little popularity contests with him and his siblings, the Doctor was the only one to never really try.
Not that he needed to, considering he’d drawn Alexei’s attention since he was a little kid. Of all of their parents, he’s always seemed content with just one kid thinking he’s cool, even as Alexei grew older and moodier.
“Who does Corine think is your third parent?” Bil asks, though with the way he’s sitting relaxed and cocky Alexei thinks he might have a guess.
“They’re between Jester and Harlequin,” He grumbles, “Jester’s closest to you, but I’ve got black hair like Harles, and I kept trying to point out that you have black hair too and it’s just- They’re an annoying sibling, if it isn’t obvious.”