Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

The smoky arena had been wrecked with the force of the two men that fought with no ease. The edges had been bantered, broken and destroyed. The middle of the arena had cracks from the force of the plunging attacks, from the lasers shot non-stop, from the waves of sound that had hit it.

At times like those, nobody had the courage to even put their feet in the hell hole that was the top of the Vandelay Corporation building, as the danger of being caught in the crossfire would be too high to neglect. At times like those, the enterprise would just hear loud explosion noises followed by fierce creaming and bangs. They all knew the drill: their CEO was fighting his arch-nemesis.

Kale Vandelay had been fighting this little annoying stain on his current life. He had successfully persuaded many people to his capitalist cause masked as good will. All was fine and dandy until from the factory a defect arrived: Chai.

Chai had been a major nuisance lately. The self-proclaimed rock star had single handed defeated and destroyed many of his enterprise personnel. With a simple magnetic baton that he had gotten from Vandelay, he had made his way up the cooperate latter one hit at the time. It was but a matter of time until he had caught up to the CEO.

Their first battle had been a drawn, both falling at the same time. The second one too, so did the third... and so on. With time, the company had just accepted that every other week they would fight, it was a regular occurrence that had become part of their mundane life.

This time, like every other time, Kale and Chai were tied.

Chai parried between the lasers and dodge the elongated sword that slashed through the air, he jumped as he hit Kale head on with his guitar made from the magnetic clanks and pieces that had attached to it. Kale only turned towards him using his sword to parry the attacked. As both weapons clashed, a dust cloud blew from the middle of the arena, the waves of the clash reverberated on the floor.

The red lights of the battlefield started flickering from the damaged that they had taken, it had cost a fortune to change them all the time, but all HAD to be perfect for the time that he finally would defeat this damn asshole.

But the worst, the absolute worst, was that he was so full of himself that it got on his nerves. Kale stepped back, aiming his sword towards the heavens as an electric attack feel from the skies towards where Chai was. But already knowing this little pattern of their fight, all that Chai had to do was to dash at the exact perfect time to evade the attack. He even got behind Kale and teased: “Oh you almost got me that time.”

The reply was a punch to his stomach that made him slide down some inches: “Ouch fine, I deserved that.”

Aiming his sword towards his rival, Kale announced: “This time will be the last time, defect.”

Chai aimed his guitar: “Never get tired of calling me that? Even I made an effort to learn your name Mister Vandelay.”

He hated the little jabs that Chai threw at him, how immature and annoying he could be when he thought he was doing well. Chai lunged again, he aimed directly at the CEO’s sword. Kale glared and did the same, quickly meeting his guitar and getting ready for the impact. Chai knew that this time, this once he would come victorious, he had done everything flawlessly and there was nothing that would stop him to finally end Kale’s evil deeds-

“Big brother Kale!!”

Both men stopped all momentum.

Chai tripped on his own feet, sliding across the battlefield and ending up rolling against Kale. As for Kale, he looked right at the voice calling for him just to get hit by Chai’s impact and falling underneath him. He was furious about the ordeal, pushing Chai harshly from him that rolled around while complaining.

A little blond girl, almost the spitting image of Kale made her way towards him with a grin, she had a tiny backpack shaped as a cat’s head on her back, her hair was tied in a ponytail with a blue bow. She rushed towards Kale and pulled his hair with a big grin: “Big brother! Mom told me that you would take care of me!”

This was so embarrassing, his arch-nemesis was just there seeing his little toddler sibling messing with him in that way, that is why he hated children so much! He held her hand and put it away: “I don’t know what you are doing here Peppermint but go back to mom!”

She leaned her little hand down and hide it behind her back, she kicked the air playfully and looked at Kale a little less outgoing than before: “But mom said you would play with me.”

It was ridiculous that his mom had decided that it was family time. She had cut all ties with him once he had started and finished his hostile takeover of the company. He had accepted months ago that he wouldn’t see his mother or his little sister ever again, and he didn’t care at all about it. He rubbed the temple of his nose in annoyance and said: “I don’t care! Leave me alone Peppermint!!”

The little girl looked at him and let a hiccup out. She clenched her tiny hands and raised them towards her eyes and started tearing up in front of him. Kale had little patience to deal with his younger sister, especially when he was in the middle of a fight with Chai. He rolled his eyes in annoyance, ready to tell her to leave.

“Dude, what is wrong with you?!” Chai, that had gotten up, went past Kale giving him a dirty glare. He got next to Peppermint, getting on one knee and talking to her in a sweet tone: “Hey don’t cry... Big brother is just upset today, but you did nothing wrong.”

The child looked at him with a hiccup, her small hands uncovering her eyes, red from crying, she asked in the middle of a gasp: “I didn’t?”

“Of course not!” Chai grinned and put his hand on his pocket, he took out a strawberry hard candy from it and offered it to her: “I know you shouldn’t accept things from strangers, but I am your brother’s friend, call me Chai.” he placed the candy on her hands.

Her eyes looked at the candy and then at Chai, finally a smile appeared on her lips as she rejoiced: “My name is Peppermint.” she held the candy close and got next to Chai in a friendly manner: “Are you really my brother’s friend? I didn’t know big brother had friends!”

A scoff was heard from behind them, Kale was about to speak to dispute those words, but Chai cut him off right away: “He sure does! Who doesn’t have friends!” He grinned seeing that she was at ease and feeling much better, making Chai feel happy with that outcome too. He ended up messing her hair a bit and then said: “Let me just talk to your big brother, okay?”

As soon as his back turned, he was glaring at Kale, his voice was a whisper, but he was angry: “Making your little sister cry?! And here was I thinking you couldn’t get any worse!”

Kale crossed his arms and rolled his eyes, his entitlement showing: “I don’t care for her-”

Chai glared and got close: “Keep your voice down!” he wanted to make sure she wouldn’t start crying again. Kale was gritting his teeth with anger as Chai continued: “I think we are done for today. Please take care of your sister, will you?”

“But I was going to defeat you!”

“Sure, you really were big guy.” Chai said in a dismissive way.

Peppermint ended up getting next to them and holding shily Kale’s hand, she looked up at him and asked politely: “Could you read me a nap time story big brother...?”

It was noticeable that Kale was about to refuse it, but Chai grinned and commented in a passive-aggressive tone as he only made eye contact with Peppermint: “He will! Because if he won’t, me and him will never play again.”. That ultimatum made Kale look with wide eyes at Chai, he was ready to stop trying their fights just for a child: “You wouldn’t!”

Chai smile and finally looked at Kale: “Oh I would. And you know I will. So, if you want to continue our-” he looked at Peppermint and then back at Kale while clearing his throat: “our ‘play dates’, take care of your sister first and make sure she is safe. Talk to your mom or get her a babysitter, got it?” Chai had played him, Kale hated it so much and yet, there was nothing he could do, he just ended up looking at his sister and making a forced fake smile.

Peppermint gave him a bright happy smile back.

Chapter Text

The plan was simple. He just had to call him mom and ship Peppermint back to her. Once she was out of the way, he could go back to fight and destroy Chai in a blaze of glory as he had envisioned. He tried to call her once, twice and thrice, but no answer at all. His mom didn’t even bother to call him back! He had tried to get his sister to talk about what was going on but talking to a seven-year-old proved to be a very unreliable source of information.

“I don’t know where mom is.” or “Mom said to come live with Kale for a while.”

After a while, he managed to get a different answer from his sister:

“Mom said Macaron would babysit me.”

That was finally a step forward. He would only have to find this Macaron person and he could go back to dueling with arch-nemesis like in the old good times. He pulled his laptop as Peppermint pulled his coat and talked nonsense, he started typing on his laptop about this employee to only get to a dim realization: he had been fired long ago.

He got up and started growling as he called for his employees to find him right away, there was no way this was happening! He would find Macaron, get rid of Peppermint and go back to dueling!

“Big brother!!!” A yell broke his focusing.

Her voice was loud and annoying, it gave Kale headaches when she started doing this, he looked at her and glared: “What?!”

Her eyes, big as marbles shined as she said holding his coat close: “I want to play!”

“Play?!” Kale scoffed as she had said the worst thing ever. He looked around to realize that all the employees had left the office, he was all alone to entertain his demanding sister. He ended up looking at her, he had better things to do and there was no chance this would happen. He glared and replied: “Then go play! Get some of your toys and play in the corner.”

She blinked and then looked away, her hand squeezed his black coat: “I don’t have any toys...”

This was infuriating, Kale massaged the temples of his nose and just blurt out: “Then go play against the wall or something! Just let me be!”

And with that brute sentence, Peppermint released his coat and her eyes started to get teary. She started hiccupping and Kale just closed his eyes out of frustration. But what she was about to demand would be the worst: “I want Chai!” she protested and stepped her feet on the floor loudly: “Chai! Chai! Chai!”

Kale couldn’t believe this, his sister had an affinity for Chai?! Every time he tried to speak, his sister would scream even louder, cutting him off completely. No matter what he tried or said, the answer would be an agonizing: “CHAI!!”

He clenched his hands and turned on the monitor. He had registered his number just in case, even if it was useless to try to locate him since he had been careful enough to encrypt all about the call. It revolted him to do this, but he called Chai. The phone only rang once until it was picked up, Chai looked punchable as always as he said: “Oh lookie look! Mr. Vandelay on the phone! What a pleasure!”

And then he quickly realized the loud begs of Peppermint on the background, how miserable Kale was looking (it was hilarious), the mess around his office and Kale’s annoyed and pleading look.

There was only a deep breath until Chai asked: “Go on.”

Kale held Peppermint that looked at the screen and waved her arms frantically: “Chai! Big brother yelled at me! I want to play with you Chai!!”

Chai slowly looked at Kale, there was a frown on his face as he did so. Kale glared at him but didn’t dare to answer, to have so peace of mind, he would sacrifice some of his pride. Peppermint sniffed and asked again: “P-please... Mom said to say please.” that cute sentence was all that Chai needed to hear. He let out a sigh and replied: “Will be there in five.” and ended the call.

Kale finally put Peppermint down and glared: “You had to tell him that I yelled at you?!” he placed his hands on his hips, it was incredible that she had sold him out like that. She crossed her tiny arms and replied at him while looking away and sniffling: “Big brother doesn’t like me... Chai is going to be my new big brother.”

“Wait, what?!”

She glared at Kale and sticked her tongue out: “Chai is my new big brother!”

It was like a knife had been carved on his chest and twisted! How could his own sister disown him like that?! To Chai no less! A betrayal from his own sister that he took incredibly personally. He said quickly: “I-I could play with you!”

She turned her back and only commented: “Mom hates liars.”

Those words only got him more frustrated. This little self-righteous brat was really getting on his nerves. He could play with her right? Well, he knew that he never would do it but still! It irked him to no end that Chai was the one that she liked instead of him.

And to talk about the devil, he entered his office uninvited, opened his arms and declared happily: “I’m here Peppermint!”

She saw him and her face brighten up with a smile, she ran towards him and jumped into his arms. Chai chuckled and held her close: “I miss you too!” he ended up grinning. She wrapped her arms around his neck and smiled happily as she announced: “Chai! You’re my big brother now!”

Kale choked on his own spit, Chai looked at Kale and smirked at him, he gave a pet on Peppermint’s head and declared: “From this moment on, I am your big brother!” He walked towards Kale’s desk and sat her there, he started looking around and grabbed a white paper, he placed it in front of Peppermint and then started looking around Kale’s desk. He stopped and looked at Kale: “Crayons?”

“Do you think I have crayons?” Kale scoffed at him and refused to cooperate.

Peppermint ended up stretching her arm and grabbing some highlighters that were in a box without asking, she used them to start drawing. Chai smiled watching her entertained and drew something himself, he finished rather quickly and showed a crude drawing of a cat to Peppermint, she seemed to love it.

While Peppermint was doing her thing, Chai made his way to Kale and commented: “Dude, you really gotta try at least. You could play with her a little. She just wanted to draw a bit.” he explained simply. It was so weird to be having a normal conversation with Chai, there was no malice on his voice as he explained it. Kale still looked upset:

“Easy for you to say. I don’t know anything about her.” he crossed his arms upset: “Do you think I ever babysat a child?” he scoffed and waited for Chai to start belittling him. There was a moment of silent, it was filled by Peppermint humming as she drew. Rubbing the back of his head, Chai replied: “That’s... rather sad. You never played with your sister? She looks like a good kid.”

Once again, weirdly enough, they were just talking and not trying to kill each other. They were actively tolerating one another for Peppermint’s sake. Kale rolled his eyes a bit and commented: “Well, I don’t have to. All I must do is find her babysitter, this Macaron person.”

“Oh.”

Kale glared: “What is ‘Oh’?”

“Well... I know your guy.” Chai commented.

Another imaginary stab on his wound as Kale realized the situation: “He’s your hacker.”

“He’s my hacker.”

Another awkward silence. Peppermint jumped off the table and holding the drawing on her hands, she held it close and looked shily at both men. She announced with a shy look: “I finished my drawing.”

Chai poked kale with his elbow and raised his eyebrows at him. He took a deep breath, forced a smile and asked his sister ‘nicely’: “Can I see your drawing, Peppermint?”

The little girl looked at Chai a bit waiting for him to give her a sign that she could do it, he gave her a nod that gave a smile back to her face. She then looked at both and showed them her drawing: it was a simple drawing with three people on it, to Chai’s trained eye, he could understand what this piece of art was, letting out a smile: “Is that me and Kale holding your hand?”

There was a large smile on Peppermint’s face as she described her drawing: “Yes! It’s a drawing of me walking in the park with my big brothers! We are going to get ice cream and adopt a kitty!” she explained the little scenario on her head and then got closer to Kale. He felt crisp, feeling that this could easily backfired, but to his surprised, Peppermint offered him the drawing: “For you, big brother Kale...”

He looked at Chai, almost confused about what this could meant. Chai only gestured for him to accept the drawing. He got on one knee and said genuinely: “Thank you Peppermint, it’s a beautiful drawing.” he complimented her. She gave him the drawing delighted about the situation, then jumped on the couch announcing: “Time for my snack and nap!” which was followed by a more desperate look by Kale.

“Fine, Fine... I will talk with Macaron.” Chai sighed, unable to avoid Kale’s scary stares. But he was about to present a catch as an exchange: “-If you stop brainwashing people.”

“WHAT?!”

With a jump Peppermint looked scared at him. Kale was fast to catch himself with a crocked smile and looked back at Chai with a glare and angry whispers: “Are you out of mind?! Do you think I will accept that?!”

“Then no babysitter.” Chai simply said.

It was frustrating, infuriating, but he was about to give in: “I... will think about it.” he gritted his teeth. Chai playfully placed his robotic limb around his shoulder and commented: “You’re the best ‘big brother’!”

If Kale could, he would punch Chai across the face.

Chapter Text

“So?!”

“So... he said... That he hated your guts, that you are trying to trick me and other things that I can’t repeat right now because Peppermint is here.”

The last days had been ridiculous. Chai had made Kale’s office his second home. It was easier to let his enemy hang around if it meant that his sister wasn’t throwing a tantrum. She always sat between them in the couch as they tried to find a way to solve the Peppermint situation. Vandelay’s workforce found weird that suddenly Chai was bunking with them, just hanging in the office, eating at the cafeteria and even sharing a three-person room with Kale. All because he had become stupidly attached to the little girl.

But when Chai played with her, Kale could focus on his paperwork, well-deserved peace of mind and a break from the winning and crying she was capable off. Chai just told him that she was a good kid that needed attention, of course Kale had no clue how to give her that attention. There had been small gestures like him buying her a box of crayons and a coloring book. But he remained clueless about what to do.

They spoke about the situation as Peppermint played with her feet and sang a song.

“But I need to go back to my old life! I have plenty to do!” Kale said.

Chai, letting Peppermint inspect his robot hand, replied: “So do I Kale. I am aware of the situation, but we are doing this together so we can go back to our ‘play dates’.”

It was always ridiculous when Chai spoke about their battles that way. He refused to use any kind of violent words in Peppermint’s presence, it was ridiculous when he called their battles ‘play dates’, and them arguing ‘holding hands’.

“What can you have that is more important than taking care of my sister? I have a company to run! What do you have?” Kale scoffed and crossed his leg. He had piles of paperwork to update, but he had to be here because Peppermint had asked if they could play as a family with her and Chai forced him to. There was no way Kale was the mother!

“What I do on my free time is none of your business.” Chai just glared. These past days had been mentally exhausting for them, he didn’t want to expose Peppermint to their fight, not feeling it was his place to show her the awful person Kale was. They were family after all.

Peppermint finishing the song, held Kale’s hand and Chai’s, she pulled them together making them touch and announced happily: “Mom and dad are going to hold hands now!”

Both looked down at her, at their hands touching and then looked at each other very alarmed, this was NOT something they had thought that Peppermint could pull in a million years. They wanted to flee but at the same time, they didn’t want to upset her. Kale felt Chai’s metal hand touching his own, almost magnetism between them, he didn’t dare to move. Chai’s eyes were even more wide as he looked at Kale, there was a gentle tremble from nervousness...? A faint blush could be seen on Chai’s cheek as he tried to formulate any words: “Hum... Dad and mom shouldn’t hold hands in front of their children...”

Peppermint pouted and just pushed their hands closer: “No! I want mom and dad to stop fighting! I know you are fighting! I can hear you!”

It was a complete defeat from their part, they just stayed like that, holding hands as Peppermint glared at them, her small hands now crossed as she looked at them from time to time: “No arguing while we play! I want to have a tea party!”

“O-of course Peppermint!” Chai got up right away, free from the hand holding and rushed around Kale’s mini fridge to find some glasses for an improvised tea party. He told himself that there was something wrong with him, there was no way that just happened, he never expected to babysit Kale’s sister or his hand holding Kale’s, the ridiculous nature of the ordeal finally dawning on him.

Kale, still letting Peppermint hold his hand, commented: “Peppermint, next time you have to ask if me and Chai want to hold hands.”

Chai looked rather surprised that Kale was having a normal conversation with his sister, he placed the cups in the small table in front of them. Something about this new Kale that tried for his sister was a sight to behold. She poked the palm of his hand with her finger and asked: “Why?”

“Well, unlike children, adults don’t want to hold hands all the time. You only hold hands with special people when you are an adult.” he put in simple terms.

There was some silent from Peppermint as she looked at Kale, it seemed like the cogs oh her head were making sense of the sentence that was told to her, she gave him a nod but still asked: “But can I hold your hands?”

Chai gave her a sweet smile and answered himself this time: “Of course, we are your big brothers, so you can hold our hands without asking.”

She smiled and got up, getting next to Chai and asking him if there would be cookies for their tea party, explaining that her mom always had cookies. Both looked at Kale that rolled his eyes, he got on his intercom and ordered to get some cookies to be sent to his office as soon as possible. While Kale was occupied, Chai asked Peppermint something that had been on the back of his mind:

“Hey Peppermint, where is your mom?”

She grabbed the spoons and placed them nicely on the table to help Chai, humming at the same time: “I don’t know.”

If Peppermint was aware that her mother told her to stay with Kale, he could probably get more information about her by kindly asking. He smiled and helped her setting the table: “Where was your mom when she told you that?”

Peppermint grabbed a chair and pulled it next to the table Chai’s help, she thought about it a bit and finally replied: “She was in a bed. It was a big white building with lots of beds and doctors. Everyone was nice to me and mom.”

A cold sensation of worry crept up Chai’s spine, he started to understand that the reason Roxanne had asked for Kale to take care of her was probably because she was getting medical care and hoped that Macaron could take care of her daughter... He felt... awful knowing this information, but observing Peppermint’s carefree expression, it was obvious she wasn’t aware of the situation, he petted her head and commented: “I am sure she is in good hands. And so are you! Big brother Kale and me will take care of you!”

She gave him a grin back and rushed to Kale as he got the cookies and some tea for their tea party, she jumped excitedly as she followed him to the table. Chai got another chair and Kale’s office chair (after a hard glare from Kale) and placed it around the table. Peppermint grinned and sat comfortably at Kale’s chair. He was about to protest but Chai cleared his throat cutting him off.

Everyone got serve with warm tea and delicious cookies, they all ate it in bliss.

After that, Chai took a sleepy Peppermint to the bedroom and Kale FINALLY started doing his long overdue paperwork, he had a week worth of papers to read and sign. He started taking his time for each document that needed approval for his enterprise, all was great with his afternoon until Chai came back. Kale raised an eyebrow because why would be here when Peppermint wasn’t here?

“Why are you here?”

“What? You assumed I was gonna babysit her during her sleep too? I also need a break. I will be returning to my hideout and be back if you need me tomorrow or something.” Chai said.

Alarm bells rang on Kale’s head: “Wait! You have to go back?!”

Chai looked at him tired and confused, he let out a dragged sigh and crossed his arms: “Kale, this isn’t my place. I have been here for three days now. I have to go back and talk to Macaron, not to say that I have stuff to do to stop your stupid schemes, remember?”

For a split-second Kale had forgotten that they had this rivalry going on. This made things worse for him. He couldn’t get Macaron, but he could get another babysitter for sure! He scoffed at Chai and commented: “Pity, I could pay you to be her babysitter if you wanted.”

“Do you think I want your dirty money?!” Chai glared pointing at his face.

The reply was a smirk and a chuckle: “It’s not off the table, ‘big brother’.”

Now it was Chai that could punch Kale across the face, he raised his hand and moved it quickly in a fist, Kale was fast to grab it as his paperwork flew all over the place, he chuckled in delight and only commented: “Been a while since we got this warmed up, hasn’t it?”

He used his free hand to punch his stomach, Kale let out a gasp and then grabbed his arm, he twisted it against his back and pinned Chai against his desk, leaning against his back: “It seems like I have the upper hand.” he felt in an all-time high to see that he had this power over his rival, he didn’t let go as Chai squirmed to try to get himself free, he refused to make eye contact as he pointed out:

“What now? You gonna toss me away in your little deluded victory? And after that? Stay there to pick up the pieces for your sister?” His words were vicious but accurate.

Kale glared at him and his grip got loose, Chai too that chance to turn around and push Kale against the wall, he pinned him with his arms and still looked down, avoiding all eye contact, there was anger in his voice as he decided to confess his knowledge: “Your mom is sick Kale, that is why Peppermint is here. She wanted Macaron to take care of her because she trusts him! You were the last one to be part of this plan and yet I am the one doing all the work!”

First Kale felt anger, but then it finally dawned on him: “What did you say... about my mother?”

Chai sighed, he hated to be the one to bring bad news to anyone, but Kale needed to know the reason why this was all happening: “Peppermint told me last time she spoke with your mom that she was in a hospital.” he explained and finally looked up at him, he looked incredibly upset with this situation. He still wanted to beat up Kale, he still wanted to get his revenge, but when he saw his rival's shocked expression, he knew that something had changed. There were no ugly words or rage, just a silent Kale asking himself what to do next.

He always took his family for granted, even when he cut ties, he told himself that it didn’t matter because they would be there, they were too big to fail, and now... the weight of the situation that mis mother could be sick hit him. If his mother was no longer there, then Peppermint would only have him... He would never see his mother again.

“I see...” he only replied, feeling vulnerable for the first time in years. “I... will look for her name in local hospitals then...” Kale only said, remaining stiff against the wall. He looked away and then commented: “Go on, I will see you tomorrow then.” he needed time and space to organize his thoughts.

And then he felt a touch. It was Chai touching his arm, but it wasn’t the kind of touch he was used to. It wasn’t harsh and painful, but tender and comforting. He felt it was important to give him this affection before leaving for the day, he didn’t want to overdo it, but he was bigger than this, bigger than fights, right now he was a person that needed someone there: “Kale... Let’s put this aside until you have solved this issue, okay?”

He shouldn’t accept this helping hand from his biggest rival, but at this point... who else he had? His compassion was genuine, it was... soothing.

“Okay...”

Chapter Text

The last few days had been spent by doing several phone calls to hospitals around the area. He knew that his mother probably wouldn’t want to see him, that he would just be bothering her with his vile presence, but he needed answers for himself, but mostly for Peppermint. This twist of fate had messed part of his life so unexpectedly that he had eons of work to do. He had dispatched the paperwork to other branches but wasn’t happy about it.

Chai had promised to take care of Peppermint for the time being, he also finally said that Macaron would appear there from time to time to make sure this wasn’t a trap and met Peppermint, but for the time being it was Chai that had decided to babysit her until Kale got a proper answer.

After a few hours on the phone, finally a light at the end of the tunnel as he got a positive answer from a nurse on the other side of the line:

“Yes, miss Roxanne Vandelay is in our care.”

“Is she okay? How sick she is?” the frustration was starting to kick in.

There was a second of silence followed by an apologetic voice: “I am terribly sorry, sir. We are not allowed to disclose our patient's health without their consent.”

It was like he had hit a brick wall, annoyed that his mother would do such a thing, he rubbed the sides of his nose, he took a deep breath and tried to somehow plead with the nurse: “Please, I am her son, Kale Vandelay. All I need to know is how serious it is, how long she will be in your care.”

Once again, silence. He waited one, two, three seconds for the reply, not wanting to get enraged since that would not help in this situation. Finally, the lady replied: “Mr. Vandelay, I can feel the worry in your voice. I can’t further explain about her sickness since it is our policy but... I can assure you she is in good hands for the next five to six months. We are doing all we can to get her back to full health.”

It was... an answer. His mother was indeed sick and she wouldn’t be back anytime soon. He would have to step up and be the one to take care of his sister. He accepted it, there was no sighs or frowns, there was only one sentence: “Thank you. Please tell my mother that I will take good care of my sister.”

He hanged up the phone and rubbed his face. He had cut all ties with his mom, it had been her decision once he had finished his hostile takeover of the company. He had accepted it, he didn’t need family he told himself, but... he didn’t wish them harm. He didn’t wish them to get sick or worse... He was not expecting that this would hit him as hard, and it bothered him since he thought that he was better than that.

He got up and started thinking how to break it up to Chai. He would not tell it to Peppermint, she was too young to be dealing with stuff like that. He took a deep breath and entered the bedroom.

It was absolute chaos.

Chai was screeching, Peppermint laughed loudly as she ran around Kale’s large bed running away from Chai.

Kale’s observing eye could see that Peppermint’s hair looked... different. It was like half of it was missing somehow. Chai laid eyes on Kale and started panicking, he was quick to grab Peppermint and put a hat on her head. He then held her like a bag under his arm and tried to play it cool: “Sup Kale.”

“What did you do?” Kale walked towards him.

“Me? Nothing at all! All is fine-”

Kale held Peppermint that was giggling and took the hat off from her head, he was appalled to see that left part of her hair was missing, he looked with wide eyes at Chai as he waited for a reply to why she looked like this. Chai’s lips formed a line and he played with his own fingers, a deep sigh later, he confessed: “She was in the bathroom to pee. Then, I noticed she had been there for a while, and when I opened the door... she had cut part of her hair.”

It was shocking that this had happened! What if she had gotten hurt while messing with the scissors: “Who left those scissors there?!” he glared.

Peppermint grinned and pointed at Kale’s face: “Big brother Kale did!”

There was another silence.

So, both were at fault. None of them dared to say anything, Peppermint played with the hair on the left side of her head and said proudly: “I look like a cool grown up!”

Chai looked apologetic at Kale and said: “I could... try to trim it a bit so it looks a bit better... Man... You mom is going to kill us.”

“Yeah.” He put Peppermint down. He could get angry or frustrated at her, but in the end of the day it would only make her cry and not make her learn that she shouldn’t do this. The more time Kale passed with Peppermint, the more he had learnt to deal with these little situations: “Peppermint, scissors are dangerous. You can have hurt yourself with it. Even if I shouldn’t have left my scissors laying around, it is better not to touch them, I don’t want you to cut yourself.”

She listened to his words, then looked at Chai that also gave her a nod. She apologized: “Sorry. I won’t do it again.”

Maybe Chai was right, Peppermint was a good kid, she just needed attention. Chai trimmed her hair to the best of his abilities, it didn’t look pretty, but most importantly, Peppermint liked the asymmetric cut. Kale looked at them, all still fresh on his mind, thinking if this was how his family would get along when he wasn’t there. He didn’t need his family, he didn’t!

Peppermint thanked Chai and went back to Kale grabbing his coat, she grinned at him: “I wanna play!”

And back to being less nostalgic. Kale looked at Chai and announced happily: “Actually, I have some news! Macaron said he would babysit her for two hours as a test.”

Those were amazing news! Finally, he could focus on his paperwork as he had envisioned for a week now! He was quick to asked Chai about further details in a desperate way: “Just spill it, what is the test?!”

“Well, first off, it has to be in a big open area, like the patio or something. He also wants his robot friend CNMN to be there”

“Yeah, done and done.” Kale dismissed him, he grabbed his phone and started texting all the concerned services to announce that he would be doing this. He got several confused replies that he was fast to ignore. He looked at Chai and announced: “Done. Make it happen.” and when Peppermint was occupied getting one of her dolls, he frowned at Chai: “If this is a trap Chai, I would stop until I hunt you down.”

“It isn’t, Kale.” Chai glared and smirked afterwards: “What a doting ‘big brother’.”

“Can it.”

[…]

It was a dream come true, Macaron arrived with CNMN and quickly connecter with small Peppermint. He had toys, books and stories to entertain her. It was obvious that he really was found of children, his mother had been right all along to suggest him as a babysitter. Even if having so many of his enemies walk around the place freely bothered him and worried everyone else, his guards had a close eye on them, Kale knew he could trust them.

He entered his office, the moment he placed a foot inside he let out a deep sigh. His frustrations and worries finally could be shown since he was alone. It came down like a flood: his mother sickness, having to take care of his sister that he had neglected, taking care of his company... All at the same time resonating on his head, echoing non-stop. He sat in his chair, grabbed his head and with closed eyes sighed. He was being a fool by trusting his own enemies out of desperation, why couldn’t things go back to what they were before?

“Kale?”

It broke his concentration as he looked at the door, Chai closed it behind him and asked a bit concerned: “What’s wrong?”

There he was, Chai, the one he wanted to defeat once and for all so he could use spectra and have this all end. He removed his hand from his face, sat normally and asked: “Why do you ask?”

Chai got close carefully, his face looked concerned. He looked rather awkward when he stopped in front of his desk and explained: “I just came by to tell you I was gonna dip until tomorrow but then... saw you like that... You look... worried.” he explained.

Why was Chai concerned? Why was he still here? Why was he talking to him? Was this another vile plan to throw him down? He didn’t have to stay cordial when his sister was not around. He gritted his teeth and barked: “I don’t need your worry. Peppermint isn’t here, you don’t have to pretend.”

There was a couple of blinks: “... I am not pretending. I do worry.”

Those words were so alien to him that he couldn’t barely grasp them. Why would someone worry for him? Why would Chai worry for him? Why did it matter how he was feeling?

“Corporate issues Chai. Something that you wouldn’t understand.” He leaned his elbows on his desk and commented: “I will get that babysitter and then you will never have to see me again.” he finished. He expected Chai’s reaction to be a snarky one, spitting out insults at him as usually. But once again, he was surprised:

“I... kinda want to keep in touch with Peppermint.” Chai rubbed the nape of his neck. He continued: “Even if that means that you will be around and... I don’t want to see you sad. I noticed that you looked destroyed when you entered the bedroom earlier today. You’re my rival and all, but I don’t like seeing you like that.” Chai looked at his own fingers as he tried to formulate his sentences: “Maybe... You would feel better if you opened up to me.”

Kale let out a deep frustrated sigh, he didn’t want to do this with Chai, why was he one caring for his well-being? He was going to push him away like he did countless times: “Why would I open up to you Chai? You know it already! All that is spoiling my plans is you! Like taking care of Peppermint! Like my mother being sick-”

“Roxanne is really sick?!” Chai got alarmed.

Oh.

Kale had spoken too much... He looked slowly at Chai and closed his eyes to restrain himself, to make the feelings stay inside, not letting them get out. He would not show that he was concerned and vulnerable. He was a rock that would not be moved by the current that was Chai.

“Is... it serious...?” Chai got closer to him, coming around his desk.

He wanted to keep him away, to tell him to leave him. He was the great Kale Vandelay, he didn’t need anyone, even less Chai.

“It explains why you are acting like this... Kale, let’s put this fight aside for the time being.”

“No!”

Kale got up, Chai stopped on his tracks. He was gritting his teeth, clinching his fists, he refused to make eye contact: “I don’t need anymore! I never did! My mother is sick b-ut I do-on't care...!” His voice cracked. Chai started once again to walk towards him, he could see it from the corner of his eye.

Slowly, Chai held his arm, Kale felt foolish for letting it happen. Chai pulled him close, he touched him, got him into a close hug. Kale felt so incredibly stupid for letting it happen... And yet... he felt his hands touching Chai’s back slowly, savoring this touch, something that came so rarely by.

He ended up burying his face against his shoulder, silently getting all in his head. Recalling that this would be his life for the next six months, that he would have to work even harder for his uncertain future. At one point he heard Chai’s voice, sweet as honey ringing tenderly on is ear: “Let it out... It’s okay...”

There wasn’t an ugly cry, just a couple of tears on his shoulder silently.

“I... never wanted her to be sick...” he confessed finally opening his heart: “She’s in the hospital for six months... I don’t know why....” he took a break, his hands gripped on Chai’s jacket. “I will take care of Peppermint but... I am lost... unsure of what to do...”

Chai would have been the one to fight him on the spot but this... didn’t put him at ease. He touched the back of Kale’s head and said softly: “I’m here... I will help...”

“Why Chai... Why do you care?”

“I... just do.” Chai kept it short as he whispered on his ear.

They stood like that for a while. There were no words, just comfort. Kale would end up to be the one breaking the hug, his hands slide to Chai’s shoulders, he looked down at him, his expression had a hint of smile, Chai felt genuine worry and care for him right now. His hands were touching his arms, he ended up looking down, bashfully: “So... Don’t worry, I am here to help with Peppermint, okay?”

“Okay Chai...”

“But...” he said “I can’t turn a blind eye to your spectra shenanigans.” he confessed.

Annoying.

“If you want me here... You will have to compromise.” Chai explained.

“I’ll think about it.” Kale released his shoulder, but Chai didn’t move an inch, his hands just gripped more on his coat.

It felt that Chai had something else to get out of his chest but was holding himself from doing so. He waited for something else to happen without talking, he looked away so his tears would stop, he couldn’t face him like this. Chai opened his mouth and then closed it, unable to formulate any more words. And then, with a brusque movement, he pulled Kale closer to him and gave a fast kiss on his cheek.

Dumbfounded Kale only looked at him. Chai released him then and ran away from the office while waving quickly: “S-see you tomorrow!”

What. The. Hell?!

Chapter Text

It had been a month, a full month since this song and dance had started!

Macaron would come occasionally to babysit Peppermint, the little girl was over the moon every time he came by, she did many drawings of him and CNMN once she knew he was coming by. She had been gifted toys by Kale with time, that she took care of, enjoying racing with small wooden cars around the hallways of the Vandelay building. With time, employees had warmed up to her presence, doting on her and almost spoiling her rotten (which Kale had to forbid!). Chai and Kale remained her favorite play mates that she loved from the bottom of her tiny heart.

Kale had gotten a tall chair so she could sit next to him. He had gotten to the conclusion that it was easier to have her next to him while he worked. He filled his usual paperwork and she drew next to him, she enjoyed to mimic her big brother and pretend she was also filling paperwork, Mimosa usually played along once she repeated after her brother: “Here you go, have it at my desk at 3pm.” she said with a grin, the answer would be a playful: “Yes, miss Peppermint.”

There was something that Kale noticed, things had gotten less professional but everyone looked happier around the enterprise. Things were strangely taking a turn for the better after all... except for, of course, Chai.

Lately he had be actively avoiding to be in the same room as Kale alone. It didn't take too long to understand that after the kiss incident that Chai had probably ended up regretting it. Most likely a crush that in the end didn’t pan out. Kale didn’t really care, he was uncapable to understand how the guy that he was fighting so often would even see him that way... Well, maybe he did, Chai looked rather cute in his eyes, but he knew there wouldn’t be a chance in a million years such opposites could be together.

“Mr. Big brother!” Peppermint said trying to mimic him, she grabbed a piece of paper and announced: “It seems it’s time for my scheduled play date with Macaron.” she looked adorable when she did this little play of her. Kale, now that was capable of smiling towards her, said:

“You are dismissed Peppermint.” he said, he knew playing along would make her happy.

She giggled jumping from the chair and asked: “Is big brother Chai going to visit this week?”

It was an important question since Chai’s visits had become rarer. Kale had understood that he was not Peppermint’s babysitter and technically he didn’t own him anything, but... She had become attached to him. It went from her seeing him every day, even having him sleep on the premises, to a quick visit once a week. Chai was actively avoiding to see them, it was understandable but upsetting, Kale had to get to heart of the situation for his siter.

“I think he will.” Kale put her worries aside. “Let’s go see Macaron?”

Peppermint held her big brother’s hand and walked to the usual patio were Macaron and CNMN waited. She ran towards them happily, giving a big bear hug to Macaron’s leg, he petted her head with a smile: “Hello princess, how have you been?”

She giggled in glee, loving to be called that: “I am fine!” she then made her way to CNMN greeting him too.

Things were still strained between Kale and Chai’s gang. It was hard for him to be cordial when Macaron glared half of the time, this time wasn’t an exception as he crossed his arms and asked Kale almost spiting: “Can we talk?”

“Sure.” Kale wasn’t happy about it either.

He arranged his glasses, it seems that he was putting in order his thought about how to interrogate the villain about this matter, he finally said: “Lately Chai has been... weird and down, but mostly down. This happened when he was with you. I don’t know what you pulled on him, but I will stop you for sure.”

His eyes widen, he couldn’t believe it! How was this ANY of his fault? He rolled his eyes and crossed his arms, he tried to stay cordial for his sister’s sake: “Well, good luck doing that, because for once it isn’t my fault.” Macaron still glared at him, Kale continued: “If you must know, Chai decided it would be a great idea to smooch me in the cheek and then chicken out. Tell me how that is my fault?”

Macaron didn’t answer, he had a surprised look on his face. It was clear that Chai had not told him that detail. He only ended up answering awkwardly: “Indeed... he didn’t share that information with me. I will take care of Peppermint now.” he made his way back.

It was infuriating how everyone was so fast to turn against Kale! Well, he had brainwashed people and almost enslaved his employees, but still! For once it wasn’t his fault and it pissed him off that this was seen as his fault. For once he stayed to see Peppermint play, it looked like she was having a blast drawing on CNMN’s leg. At one point he looked from the corner of his eye Mimosa waving and walking towards them with a small red-haired girl by her hand.

“Korsica!” Peppermint shouted and ran towards her to give her a bear hug.

The girl, Korsica, ended up smiling and hugging back Peppermint. It seemed that they knew each other. Kale raised an eyebrow and looked at Mimosa, she got close and commented: “My niece. I was asked to take care of her for a week, they played together yesterday and Macaron said she could come today, I just stay here just in case.”

“You’re telling me... That you are just bringing a kid to work without telling me??” Kale glared at her.

“I didn’t have a choice darling. My brother is in post-op. It was a sudden appendicitis.” she paused: “But yes, you’re my boss and I should have told you, but all was very sudden.”

Kale could relate to the fact of having a child being threw to their care suddenly. He just ended up agreeing with this exception: “Fine. But yes, you should have told me.”

With a smile, Mimosa sat on a bench as she saw her niece having a good time, she got her snacks ready with her toys, Kale was surprised that she had readied up everything so neatly, a stark contrast to what he did with his sister, but in his defense Chai- Oh. Yeah, Chai had not been seen for a week. He decided that this was the next thing he had to do.

As he made his way to his office, he started rehearsing on his head a speech to make things less awkward, but no matter how much he tried, it didn’t quite pan out, it was frustrating to say the least.

He closed the door behind him, got on the encrypted line and started dialing Chai’s number. Unlike previous times, this time the phone had to ring at least five times until Chai finally picked it up. No little greeting stabs or funny jokes, Chai looked a bit on edge as he greeted: “Kale.”

“Where have you been?” it was not at all how he had rehearsed, but he was upset about his absence.

“What do you mean? Just around and all, doing my thing.” Chai said rather awkwardly.

Letting a sigh out, Kale leaned against his desk with folded arms, he wasn’t angry, but there was clear disappointment on his face, he ended up commenting: “You know she misses you. She asked if you will come to play with her this week.”

Chai’s lips formed a line and looked away slightly, there seemed to be a hint of regret on his face. Kale guessed that this was his fault somehow (even if he did nothing this time), he tried to compromise about the matter: “We could... talk while getting some coffee about what happened last time if it makes you more comfortable.”

Chai, not looking at him, replied: “Why? Aren’t we rivals that were always at each other throats? Now we are going out for coffee?”

An out of character reply since Chai had always been the one to put Peppermint’s needs before their own, Kale rolled his eyes, he was trying not to read Chai like a book but his clinical eye was too good at it, he sighed and replied: “You were always the one to put our thing aside for her. Don’t act like that because I know it’s now how you truly feel.” Chai didn’t answer, Kale continued: “... We have to talk about the kiss, Chai.”

His cheeks were now red as he finally looked into the screen, there was an alarmed look as he tried to talk and miserably failed to do so. After a sigh and just gave Kale a not: “Met you in five...” he ended the call.

[…]

More like in an hour. Kale was getting impatient over little awkward Chai, he was taping his feet on the floor upset as he waited.

Finally, after all the wait, Chai opened the door gracing him with his presence. Kale glared, time was money: “You’re late.”

“I’m late.” Chai just said as he got closer. Kale, sitting on the couch, eyed the place next to him and cleared his throat. Chai looked like he was walking on thin ice as he sat next to him, he did his best to put as much space as possible between them. Kale gave him a tired look and said: “Go on.”

Chai stared at his own hands and started playing with his fingers: “Sorry for kissing you, running away and avoiding you for a week.” he mumbled his words.

“Chai, do you like me?” Kale looked at him, Chai almost jumped on his seat and looked at Kale, a blushing mess, he then quickly avoided his gaze and played with his fingers more, there was a long awkward silence between them, Kale asked himself if it was too direct about his questioning but didn’t really care in the end.

Chai took a deep breath: “It would be wrong to find your arch-nemesis extremely attractive since you decided to take care of their little sister like the three of you were family.”

It... made sense. Kale had thought in the past that Chai was a bit cute, but he hadn’t explored those feelings in depth. He just lingered on them and focused on his work, but now... Maybe things weren’t as black and white, and for his sister's sake, they should work their damn feelings out. Kale relaxed a bit on the couch and commented: “It would, but it happened and it’s okay.”

“It is?” Chai looked at him.

“I think you’re cute.” Kale commented.

Chai’s eyes went wide open, he opened his mouth in shock and pointed at himself. There was a spark of hope in his chest, he was quick to ask again: “Me? Cute?”

“Yeah, but like you, I left those feelings inside because we are enemies... but now that this truce is around...” he hoped that Chai could fills the blanks on his sentence. He wasn’t that dense.

Getting a bit close to Kale, Chai poked both his index fingers and looked shily at him: “So... you’re telling me... that you’re okay with us being a family?”

It wasn’t quite what Kale meant, but it was an acceptable enough answer to him if it meant that things would go back to normal, he also didn’t mind being just a bit closer to Chai. He allowed him to approach him and gave him an earnest smile: “I am okay with that.” He could see Chai having the biggest dorky smile on his lips, it was sweet in a way.

“And with... a kiss?”

Now things were going a bit faster than usual. Kale looked at him, shocked by his boldness, he gave it some thought... It had happened before, so did it really matter if another peck on the cheek happened between them. He gave Chai a nod.

Chai glued himself to him, he held Kale’s hand, it was shaking nervously. He looked at Kale and touched his chin, he got closer and closer until his lips started touching his rivals.

“On the cheek?!” Kale told himself, blow away that Chai had the guts to kiss him in the lips like that. At first, he was over conscious and alarmed that THIS was happening, his eyes were open and he stared at Chai’s expression... He was really into this, he really wanted this... Kale’s hands slowly touched Chai’s arms, he relaxed finally and closed his eyes accepting his kiss.

Breaking the kiss slowly, Chai looked at him and smiled blushing: “How was that?”

What could he even answer to that, he couldn’t even keep his eye contact because how flustered he was feeling, he tried his best to be honest: “It was... interesting.” he then looked at Chai: “But next time specify where you are kissing!”

Chai blinked a couple of times and let out a large grin: “Shy much?”

He threw a pillow at his face: “Shut it.”

Chapter Text

“Pleaaaaase!!” Peppermint pulled Kale’s coat and Chai’s scarf at the same time.

“P-Peppermint! Your big brother is busy with work-” Chai intervened.

“But I want to gooooo!!” she started throwing a tantrum as she threw herself on the floor, her tiny hands in a fist hitting the red rug. It was miserable to be like this.

It all had started with small talk between Peppermint and Korsica. The red-haired girl had shared with Peppermint, Macaron and CNMN that last month her parents had taken her to an amusement park. The small serious girl has talked one full hour talking about all the attractions she had done, that she had gotten some ice cream and had a blast with her parents. Ever since the two girls had this conversation, Peppermint had been pestering her big brothers.

Chai looked miserable as Peppermint screeched on the floor, he looked at Kale with puppy eyes to give in. The reply was a glare as he held his paperwork close, he always had a bad time sharing his work with other employees, so he didn’t want to take a day off.

“I am busy-”

“Kale, she needs to go out, she is always at the campus.” Chai crossed his arms, he wanted to give Peppermint her little day out with them. “And you should take a day off! When was the last time you did? How can you even focus with all that noise.”

“Enough!”

Chai shat up, Peppermint stopped screaming and just sniffled as both looked at Kale.

“Fine. Tomorrow, we will do it.”

There were cheers of joy, Chai grinned happily, Peppermint got up with a jump and hugged Kale. ‘How can something so simple bring so much joy?’ Kale told himself as he looked how excited they were about their outing, he gave Peppermint a pet on the head that replied to him with the biggest grin on her face.

Little rascal.

[…]

“Her hat?”

“It’s in the backpack.”

“And the water bottle?”

“It is also in the backpack.”

There was a hint of stress coming from Kale, he needed to be sure that everything was perfect. Meanwhile, Chai and Peppermint walked holding hands and jumped around giggling, they had yet not decided which carrousel they would start with, it seemed this decision was very important for some reason. In the end they decided that the carrousel with the teacups would be the best decision. Peppermint went back and grabbed Kale’s hand: “There are only teacups, no coffee mugs, sorry big brother.” she grinned.

“Wait... I have to go too?”

“Yes!” Chai and Peppermint replied at the same time.

Wasn’t it embarrassing for a grown-up man to go in such a kiddy ride? Why was Chai so carefree about the situation? He told himself that he probably did this to please Peppermint, it was probably to do these activities as a family... That word still rang weirdly on Kale’s mind... here he was, in an amusement park with his sister, his arch-nemesis and they were all holding hands. To everyone else, they would be the spitting image of a happy family, at least that was what Chai probably wanted, as for him... he was still warming up to that.

Specially after that kiss... That memory still lingered fresh in his mind...

After five minutes queuing, the ended up all getting in a big teacup, sitting and getting ready for the ride to start.

As the ride started moving, Peppermint sat down and behaved, the cup would rotate on itself from time to time, when that happened, she would let out a happy laugh. Chai grinned seeing her having so much fun, he then looked at Kale...

It was like the man didn’t learn to smile on his life! He has this permanent frown as he had a grip on the handle in the middle of the teacup, Chai felt it was weird, but he expected no less from Kale. At one point he lost his balance as the turn became faster and he leaned against Kale, he was quick to look at his face, Kale did the same.

Now they were both blushing with bashful expressions. Chai tried to move but he just got more against Kale’s chest, he was just whimpering how sorry he was about the situation, Kale looked away, he wasn’t used to have Chai be this close to him.

Peppermint was the only one having fun at this point, she stopped to look at her big brothers and observe them, her small eyes blinking as Chai tried to regain control but failed, at Kale moving his arm just to end up putting it around Chai's chest and pulling him close so he could stop flailing around. Once the teacup came to a halt, both took their time to put space between them, avoiding eye contact at all cost. Her eyes sparkled, she had a little secret now.

They finally left the carrousel, things were awkward. Even if they were officially dating, it was still weird to go all out in a relationship. Chai excused himself because he needed to urgently use the bathroom, he left flustered and taking a deep breath.

Peppermint held Kale’s hand humming and told Kale that they should all get ice cream now.

“Fine, we will wait for Chai to come back.” He replied.

Little Peppermint was quick to nod no, she hummed and said loudly: “Chai’s favorite is strawberry! Get it for him as a surprised.”

After those little cunning words, Kale’s eyes blinked. There was no way that she understood what was going on between him and Chai... And yet... that was a cute idea. He gave her a tender pet and thanked her: “I will get you a double scoop.” which made her cheer happily.

Chai came back, grumpy that he had to wait so long in a queue just to go to the bathroom, he looked around and finally saw Kale in the middle of the crowd, it helped that Kale was so stupidly tall compared to everyone else. As he got closer, he quickly realized that Kale was holding two ice creams, he offered the strawberry one to Chai.

“Strawberry! It’s my favorite! Did you know that?” he smiled at him, he was a bit bashful about this little action.

“Well...” Kale looked at Peppermint, but she was quick to cut him off “Yes! Big brother Kale knew that because he loves you so much!”

Both stood there looking at her, in shock that she had pronounced such words! They looked at each other and now they realized that things had gotten just a tiny bit more complicated. Kales ice cream started to melt under his grasp, but he needed to make sure that Peppermint knew what she was talking about!

“Peppermint, who told you that?”

She ate her ice cream and grinned “I just know! I am super smart! Are you going to get married? Mom said boys can marry boys, and girls can marry girls! I am going to marry Korsica because she is my best friend!”

Once more, so much to unpack there! Chai rushed to eat his ice cream, clearly flustered about having this conversation with a seven years old. He left Kale the pleasure of talking to her about it. He glared at Chai and then got in one knee next to Peppermint: “I know you are happy about your big brothers, and mom is right, boys can marry boys and girls can marry girls, but you need to ask people about their feelings because doing little plans like this, okay?” he decided to add “Also you are too young to marry Korsica.”

She pouted upset, stuffed her face with ice cream and pointed at Kale’s face: “Does big brother Kale like big brother Chai?”

Chai’s heart started beating quickly with the question, he glimpsed slowly at Kale, even he was eager to hear that answer. But Kale knew this was neither the time or place for that. He got a handkerchief and cleaned Peppermint’s cheek “Peppermint, that is a personal question. It’s only between me and big brother Chai to know about that. And once we have a proper answer, we will tell you. But for the time being, what if we do another attraction?”

Peppermint kept pouting but understood what her brother was talking about. Chai was surprised at how mature Kale had gotten with time, he really was a doting big brother that took his time explaining things, it was an amazing upgrade from the petty person he was. He couldn’t avoid not to smile at the situation.

The rest of the day went by a flash, they did several rides, at one point Chai got splashed at the water roller-coaster because he got his arms out of the ride, Kale had called him an irresponsible buffoon, Peppermint thought it was funny.

As they came back to the Vandelay campus, Peppermint was already fast asleep on Chai’s arms. He hummed happily, in a great mood.

Seeing that, Kale silently understood how important was for Peppermint to go out of the house, that by not being involved in her life as he should, that she probably... Needed a bit more freedom to do things a child would. He remained silent as Chai excused himself to lay her in her bed and change his clothes.

He went to his office and made a call to Mimosa with a couple of key questions, the woman was delighted and replied quickly to them, aiding him in this matter.

Chai knocked at the door and got inside. It was at the exact same time Kale ended his phone call. He looked at Chai and expected for him to say that he was going to leave for the day. He just needed to tell Chai something beforehand, he knew this could make or break whatever they had going on... He got up:

“I was in a call with Mimosa.”

“Cool?” Chai replied confused.

“Today made me realize that Peppermint can’t be stuck here until my mother recovers... She needs to go to school and meet other children. I am going to contact the school Korsica attends so she can start studying there.” He explained Chai, he knew what this could mean.

There was some silence in the room, both knew that it was for Peppermint’s best interest, but with having her a bit more absent... Did that mean that things between them would go back to be... what they used to? Fighting, arguing and hating each other? It was a hard pill to swallow.

“I understand...” Chai said silently. He was so caught on this little babysitter duty that he forgot that they were enemies... But he... was still in love with Kale. He stayed silent, not sure how to process all of it, but one thing was certain “I bet she will be happy to have more friends.”

Kale let out a nod. He was also lost for words... He saw how conflicted Chai was, he also noticed how he still tried to force a smile. He looked up at Kale, putting his hands on his pockets and saying casually “So that means we are going to be back to be at each other’s throats?” he let out a nervous chuckle.

Moving his hand slightly, Kale wanted to touch Chai’s. He nodded negatively “It doesn’t mean we have to...”

“Well-” Chai glared “It does, because I know you, and I know you ain’t stopping your brainwashing any time soon!”

Silently, Kale took his hand back, he walked towards the door, his pride was too big to say anything else as he opened the door and stood next to it “Have a good night, Chai.”

Hurt with that sentence, Chai glared and walked out of the office.

Chapter Text

After a week and a half, Peppermint’s papers were accepted, and she would start school. Kale made sure he bought her cute blue kitty themed stationary that she had asked for. He combed her asymmetric hair and started giving her guidelines so her first day would go smoothly:

“Do what the teacher tells you.”

Peppermint gave him a nod.

“And eat your food at lunch time, no playing with it.”

Another silent nod.

It didn’t help that Kale was a nervous wreck over everything, he knew the silence was not a good omen. He sighed and asked Peppermint what was bothering her: “Aren’t you happy about going to school? Korsica will be there. And you will make so many friends.” Kale explained.

“But I will miss my big brothers.” she said with a tiny voice.

Kale let out a sigh and petted her head. He would never imagine two months ago that he would be doing this, willingly caring for his dear sister, tending to her needs and enjoying her company. He also felt his heart squeeze because him and Chai... was rocky to say the least. His sister was too small to understand that, he just smiled at her “Your big brothers will be here when you come back from school and every weekend.” he explained “And you will have more friends your age and learn many wonderful things at school!”

She looked at Kale, her thin lips gave way to a tiny smile.

It was better to see her like this, his heart felt slightly lighter.

“I will study hard and work at Vandelay when I grow up!” she said with so much pride that Kale’s heart sank again.

“...Why?” he had to ask. There was no way his sister would want to work in such a place if she knew what Kale was aiming to do...

She smiled and grabbed her backpack with her little hands “Big brother Chai said that big brother Kale helps people that are missing an arm or a leg! That you help people become even more special! I want to help people too and work at Vandelay.”

Many years ago, that was true... But now... With a nefarious scheme. That technology would allow him to brainwash people and make his life easier. Chai knew that, Chai was fighting that, and still... he lied to Peppermint to make him look like the good guy...

“Then... You will have to study very hard Peppermint.” he said, guilt eating him.

Peppermint grabbed Kale’s hand and pushed him to the door of the campus where the bus would pick her up. She hummed all the way there and got excited when she saw the bus, rushing inside after saying goodbye to Kale and promising once more she would behave. The bus door close and left, Kale saw it leave, another chapter of his life had taken of.

Now he could FINALLY go back to his office and focus on his paperwork. He made his way back, the first thing that happened was some of his employees looking around with a tray of cookies, tea and a box of chocolates. Kale rolled his eyes a big and said loudly “Peppermint is attending school now.” to which the employees quickly scrammed to their offices. He had no clue that Peppermint was so pampered.

He closed the door of his office and started working on the silent room. He could focus and work to his heart content, nobody to bother him and he did it, for the first time in two months, he caught up to the paperwork he had to do! He kicked back, relaxed after a day’s work well done and... realized it was only 11 am.

“Oh.” he said and sat at his chair. He probably had picked up doing his job faster and more efficiently so he could have extra time to be with Peppermint and Chai. He actually had free time on his hands and nothing to do. He started thinking on what he used to do back before all of this started, a little light of memory sparkled on his mind! He used to work on his battle armor to defeat Chai.

Chai...

He never imagined that he would even not be eager to defeat Chai. He had seen both of what his life could be... He would be a powerful, but lonely man, or he could live a normal life but with a family. He never expected to be torn apart like this... All his life, he always alone by choice and ever since he had been forced not to be alone... He had to admit it was good...

Opening an internet webpage, he checked websites to get Peppermint some cute clothes and toys. Maybe his employees were not the only ones that pampered his sister... He then saw something and sighed... A guitar.

All the fights he had done with Chai, the weapon of choice would have been a makeshift guitar. In between grunts and taunting, Kale could recall Chai throwing around words like being a rock star or something... So, a guitar would be a good present, right? He added it to his cart just to stop on his tracks... Did he just get Chai a present by impulse?!

He groaned in frustration loudly, his face falling on his keyboard. He was pathetic and felt pathetic...

“Sir?”

Kale’s eyes rose up to see Mimosa “If you tell anyone-”

“I will get fired, I know.” she grabbed her phone “Korsica’s teacher shared with me tan app where she posts photos and videos of the kids working.” she turned her phone towards Kale “Look!”

It was a cute photo of Peppermint grinning as she worked on a drawing with some paints. Her face was a mess, but she seemed to be having fun... He smiled looking at the photo, this had been the right choice for her. “I need to ask her to share that with me too...” he looked at Mimosa “Are you here to talk about your current document?”

“No. I just thought it would be nice to show you the photos, darling.” She simply said.

It was great, it had lifted Kale’s spirit a bit.

“I bet you miss her a lot.” she looked around “And it has been awfully quiet here... Sir...” she looked at Kale “Since you put a break on your current plan and Peppermint isn’t here... Everyone has been asking me well... What’s next?”

He didn’t need this all...! Not his employees asking him what to do! Couldn’t they just go- “Go back to work on what you had pre-Peppermint.” Even he had a hard time recalling that.

Mimosa cleared her throat “That’s the thing sir, since Spectra has been put on halt, everyon-”

“Can we not do this! Okay, fine, I have no clue! I don’t know what to do!” Kale raised his hands and crossed his arms, almost throwing a tantrum over the fact that he didn’t know what would be the next step.

It was weird to see her boss acting like this. Mimosa looked left and right and then back at Kale “Do you... Need to get the board in a meeting to eventually talk about a change of strategy?”

“Yes.” Kale said without any hesitation. He looked at her with wide eyes “...Would it be weird? I need to crunch the numbers to see if-”

Without a flicker of a hand, Mimosa touched her tablet and said “This afternoon sir.”

“What?! Already?!”

“You told me that time is money, sir.”

“Of course I did.” Kale groaned.

[...]

The reunion room erupted in chaos as they understood that the company was having a hard time. Economically, they were stable, but without a plan for what would come next... The responsibility fell on Kale’s shoulders. He had been the one putting forward Spectra and showing all that the profits they could have after dissolving the purpose of the Vandelay company... After ripping it away from his mother.

As the board looked at him waiting for guidance, he knew what had to be done.

[...]

“Chai.”

The screen of the video call turned back to life as Chai picked up the call. He didn’t look at the screen “Kale.”

“How are you?”

“... How was Peppermint’s first day at school?”

“Why would you have dinner with us and ask her?” it was an invitation that Kale hoped Chai would agree to but... There was some hesitation from Chai... That was not what Kale wanted to see. “I am not sure if I should...”

It hurt Kale to hear that, but deep down he understood why Chai felt this way... They had gotten close because of Peppermint, they had put their fight apart because of her sake, and on the way there, found about feelings that both had hide from each other... And not having Peppermint there like before could mean the end of everything... Past Kale would have smirked in victory, trying to bring Chai down faster and harder, victorious but... Things had changed too much...

“We are her big brothers, she would love to have you there... I...” Kale choked a bit at the end.

Chai looked at the screen, a glimmer of hope in his eyes.

“... Tonight at 8pm.”

“... Tonight at 8pm.” Chai sighed and ended the call.

[...]

When Chai entered the room, he got a tackle hug from Peppermint that had the biggest grin on her lips “Big brother Chai, I went to school! And I am doing a drawing for you!” he sounded so excited and then covered her mouth “Oh no that was a surprise! I mean uh... I went to school, only that.” it was cute to see her this happy about a new experience. Chai held her up on his arms and grinned “I am glad that school and only that was great!”

Kale looked at them from far away, he was... conflicted, but more than sure that this was the best decision for all of them. He got closer: “Chai.”

“Kale.” Chai said not very enthusiastic.

Little Peppermint looked left and right, giving a stare to each of her big brothers just to ask “Are you two fighting again?”

“No!” Both replied at the same time. Why did things have to be so awkward... Kale dismissed everything and said “Let’s get something to eat. I asked the chef to do some pizza.”

A big grin appeared on Peppermint’s face, same with Chai as they high fived each other. No vegetables for once. Kale crossed his arms seeing them and rolled his eyes with a smile. There was a knock on the door at the same time and Mimosa poked her head inside “Sir, I have the documents you asked for.” she got a folder to Kale, both could see Chai’s curious expression.

“Good luck.” She made her exit not before waving a bit at Peppermint that waved back happily at her.

Not too late, they got their pizzas and even ice cream for dessert. Peppermint as feeling a little sleepy after such a long day. Chai held her carefully on his arms and walked towards the door... Kale had to do this now...

“Put her on the couch... I need to talk to you.”

A silent sigh left Chai’s mouth as he carefully laid the sleeping child on the couch. He sat at the table with crossed arms and a frown, it was obvious that he was still upset about the entire ordeal... He could be so immature sometimes. Kale grabbed the folder with the documents, but before he could say anything, Chai snorted in a mocking way:

“What is that? Now I have to sign a document so we go back to fighting or something? Schedule so we do it when Peppermint is at school? If you think that I won’t stop you because of the little thing we had going on, you are sourly mistaken-”

Kale opened the document and slide it in front of Chai. He read the title and looked up at Kale “... Spectra... rejection notice...?” he opened the folder eager to read it... And not understand much of it. Had Kale lost his mind? He looked up at him “I don’t... get it?”

Of course he didn’t. “I know you’re not the most... enterprise savvy-”

“Did you just call me stup-”

“No.” Kale opened another page of the document “... Vandelay’s goal before I finished the hostile take over was to help people with disabilities...” he took a break “... Peppermint wants to study hard and work here to help other people...” he looked at Chai “... And I can’t deny her that.”

“Y-you’re... ending the Spectra project and reverting back the company... for your sister?” Chai had the biggest smile on his face, he never imagined that such a scenario would be possible.

“Yes.”

“Kale!!” Chai got up from his seat, he looked so darn happy “So many people need help and doing this, you will be a hero, a philanthropist! I could kiss you-” Chai stopped on his tracks, his cheeks getting red from what he just said. His prosthetic arm reaching the back of his head as he rubbed it embarrassed “hum... I...”

Kale got up, he touched Chai’s cheek and took a deep breath “... I don’t want to fight anymore... I want to... Us...”

“Us...” Chai smiled “... Yes.”

Their faces got closer, leaning their forehead’s together and they looked each other in the eyes... This was right, finally... They slowly kissed, savoring the quiet moment... It was even better than all the fighting, they were finally together.

A pair of pale green eyes looked up at them and had a big grin on her face “My big brothers are dating!” she let out a giggle as she covered her mouth.

“P-peppermint!” Chai broke the kiss quickly.

“Yes, we are dating.” Kale said.

“D-don’t I have a saying on this!” Chai was too embarrassed.

No reply from the Vandelay siblings, Kale grabbed Peppermint on her arms as he walked to the door, announcing that it was time for her to go sleep, just to have Peppermint let out a disappointed ‘awwww!”. Chai followed them, a bit dumbfounded “D-dating just like that?!” he got next to Kale: “It can’t be that simple!”

Just to have Kale lean his face against his lips and kiss him once more. Peppermint covered her eyes and let out a giggle.

“It can. Move in. Let’s be a real family.”

Chai had the biggest smile on his lips “O-okay...!”

[...]

As the company restructured, things were weird at first, but ended up falling in place as they had before. Macaron came back to his old job in research, sharing it with a very energetic and stravagant Zanzo. CNMN became the company’s babysitter.

Peppermint was running around as Chai tried to get a blue bow on her hair “Come here! Don’t you want to look pretty for your party?!”

“But- but- but-” Peppermint looked under her bed for a small notebook “I need to find my drawings! I did one for everyone that was invited to my party!”

Classic Peppermint, always loving to give her cute drawings away. Chai smiled and finally fixed her hair with a bow. “You did a drawing for everyone?! You were hard at work!” Chai hummed as he made sure she looked with a robot princess, as she had requested for the occasion and birthday party theme.

Peppermint raised the notebook filled with drawings in the air “Yes! And Korsica has the prettiest one because she is my best friend!!” she grinned in bliss and looked at Chai “You will get one too big brother Chai! And big brother Kale, Macaron, CNMN, Mimosa-” she kept going on and on about everyone she had done a drawing for. Chai could barely contain himself: “Even if you have a surprise guest?”

She gasped, her eyes twinkling with that and nodded quickly “Y-yes! I did an extra one!”

“Perfect!” Chai grinned and looked out the bedroom window where he could see Kale telling everyone how to make the birthday party perfect, in charge of the decoration. It was clear that he was hard at work and very, very stressed out. Chai told him several times that all would be okay but... On this matter, he just wouldn’t listen.

The children from Peppermint’s class started arriving with their parents, in awe with the decoration. Peppermint ran out from her bedroom to the garden area to greet all of her friends. Chai followed her and stood next to Kale while looking around “It looks amazing, she is so happy.”

Kale seemed a bit silent, he sighed nervously “... Is it enough?”

“Of course it is, relax.” Chai grinned at him.

“... Did I do enough, Chai?”

“Kale-”

The company’s personnel started talking as a special guest arrived, they seemed in shock and happy to see a special someone making their way slowly inside the venue with the help of a cane. Peppermint’s attention diverted towards the person arriving, her eyes widen and started getting teary at the realization of who this mysterious guest was all along:

“Mommy?!” she ran towards Roxanne Vandelay and hugged her mother’s leg. The older woman smiled as she did her best not to lose balance.

Kale rushed nervously to hold Peppermint on his arms so she could get high up next to Roxanne. The child smiled with tears falling down her face and she hugged her. Roxanne sat down slowly after Macaron rushed to give her a chair and Peppermint sat on her lap.

“I am so happy to be back my little butterfly.” Roxanne hugged Peppermint back, finally reunited with her daughter. Then she looked at her son and touched his face “I knew you would set things right Kale...”

“Mother...” Kale felt that he still had a long way to go but... It was comforting to know that his mother was healthy and here.

The party started, Peppermint seemed to be so happy with everything, robots in princess dresses paraded around the place, the children clapped and played with CNMN. Kale managed to have a small moment with his mother, things were still estranged between them, but they decided to work on their relationship.

As the party died down and the children went home, Chai held a tired Peppermint on his arms “A story and a nap?”

Peppermint smiled and grinned “Yes!” she then looked at Roxanne “... Mommy will come back, right?”

“Sure will!” Chai was aware that Roxanne was still getting treatment, but that she would visit from now on until she would fully recover and come back to the Vandelay campus... He didn’t know if she would take her old job back but no matter what would happen, he knew that Kale had changed, that they would talk it out and find a solution for both.

After a sleepy Peppermint fell asleep, Kale said his goodbyes to his mother, she promised to visit soon. Once she left the venue, Kale finally relaxed, it had been an emotionally charged day for sure. He was exhausted and ready to get some rest.

“See? You were worried for nothing.” Chai stood next to him.

“You’re right.”

“I’m right?! No way! Say it again! I want to record it on my phone and put it as a ringtone!”

“You are insufferable.” Kale rolled his eyes.

“And you love me!” Chai teased him.

Instead of messing back with Chai, Kale held his hand, he squeezed his metal fingers, his eyes leaning against Chai’s hazel ones. He replied only “I do. I love you Chai.”

Those words got a flustered reaction from his former rival, his cheeks scarlet as he looked away, still holding back Kale’s hand “Don’t get all mushy on me! It’s so not like you.”

Kale didn’t care, he turned his body towards Chai and touched his cheeks “... I love you Chai. Thank you for opening my eyes.”

Chai smiled tenderly “Thank you for not giving up Kale... I love you so much.”

They shared a kiss, happy that they got this far.