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Rook guess he will never get used to it. In fact he never imagined he will ever need this in his life. He has always been living free, perhaps a little bit too care free, he does whatever he wants for the day and even back in the school, he never needs one of these to remind him of things.
Now he had a habit of reading off the reminder board that was hanging over the door of the kitchen every single morning to see if today had any big important stuff that need him.
He does not write in there, of course. A hunter had exceptional good memory, to those things that he pay attention to. Unfortunately, some day-to-day stuff is the one that he often missed out on.
The board is always filled with beautiful cursive handwriting, there could be the emergency groceries that needed him, or the doctor's appointment, it was always about their home, never personal things. He knows his husband has a calendar and schedules on his phone, he writes on this reminder board so the rest of the family members can see.
And today, there is a bigger than usual reminder that is written 'Parent-Teacher Conference 13 October 10am'.
"Ah. " Rook makes some noise while drinking his coffee. So that is why his beautiful Vil is still in the bed, not waking up and readied himself to work.
Rook had his today clear off too, but he do not remember why until the moment he reads that board, guess he was wrong before. He really did need that board now. He checked the time, it was still fairly early for a PTA Meeting that starts at 10am, so he put down his coffee and continued his breakfast preparation for the day.
As he was cooking breakfast, he heard a door cracking open, in a very slow and quiet way two small footsteps is coming to the kitchen - of course it did not escape his hearing. He pretends to not hear it and continues until the two little storm decide to speed up and crashing on his legs trying to scare him.
"Bah! Bonjour! Papa!" Rook pretends he's been surprised while turning around and hugging his two little treasures.
"Bonjour, mon petit trésors, I believe that you two had a good sleep? " Stand in front of him is his two son, the famous twins from the Hunt and Shoenheit family.
"I have, but Albrecht stay up until 12! " One purple-eyed boy decided to complain first, and that immediately gets rebuked by another green-eyed boy: "I am not... You are awake too... "
"Ooh La La, slow down. Albrecht, Jules, you both know your daddy is still sleeping right? " Rook put up both his hands to try to ease the boy's fight in the early morning.
The boys take a look at each other, then slightly bow their heads down to show their apology: "We know, sorry Papa. "
"How about you two help to set up the dishes? " With that, the boys are happily working around the table trying to setup, they are still 7 years old after all, it is an age that's rather easy to coax with.
When he finishes the breakfast and smoothies - one of Vil's favourite flavour, it is already 7am and it is about time that Vil wakes up from the bed. Just as he setup the eggs, tomatoes, breads and berries on the dining table with the help of twins, a figure walks in the kitchen.
Talk about right on the time. The slender figure just looks as shiny as all those years ago when they first met, more than a decade had passed since then, but he still looks the same.
"Good Morning Daddy!" The twins greet him with a big hug too, and Vil smiles while greeting back: "Good Morning Albrecht, Jules. I trust that you two knows what day it is today? " And cut to the theme of the day.
"Yes, today is PTC!" "The day where you and Papa will come to school with us!" The boys are very excited, this is the first time they have a PTC in their school.
"That is correct. I am glad you two remember. " Vil gave each of his boy a kiss - that makes them giggles, and move towards Rook.
"Bonjour, mon amour! You look stunning today. " Among them, Rook was the one initiated the morning kiss. That didn't last long as their two little kids are still watching.
"Good Morning, Rook. I had tried out that new eye shadow and the results has been extraordinary. " They begin the chatters and the Hunt and Schoenheit family finally started their breakfast time.
***
The morning is normally mild hectic in the Hunt and Shoenheit family household. After the boys had finally finished their breakfast and ready to hop on the car, it is already 9am. The trip to the school was uneventful and they finally made to the school ground before the meeting.
"Okay, you go to Jules class I will go to Albrecht, is that okay? " Vil keep his two boys close and was trying to read the school map that was setup temporarily just past the school entrance.
"Oui, come on Jules. Where is your class? " Jules takes the lead to the path and say goodbye to Vil. Vil waved back and lead Albrecht to his class. Albrecht is the more quiet one between the twins and so he was always more worried about him. His academic wasn't great as Jules, and sometimes seems to have difficulty to express his needs and wants.
Vil thought about getting a therapist but Rook gives his objection. He rarely ever object to any of Vil's idea so that is how Vil knew he was being serious. At first he doesn't explain more but Vil demand him an explanation, so he started to give some of his childhood stories. And unexpectedly, at least Vil will never thought about it, that Rook was just as difficult to express his emotion back when he was a kid. It was theater and performing arts who 'lighten his way' and shape him to be who he is today.
"Give him time, my beautiful Vil. " Rook extend his hands on his other shoulder and makes him closer to him: "He will come around, and someday he will find what he loves. "
"He will find his own etoile. " Rook is very good at sweet talk ever since... no even before they were together. But... Vil trust him so he ditch the therapist idea and just let Albrecht experience stuff in his pace.
On the other hand, Jules is much more easier to understand. His dad once said to him that Jules is almost like Vil when he's younger. His likes and dislikes are very clear since he shows it, he's stubborn and wants people to fulfill his needs right away. He likes all the attention and being the center of it. Sometimes Vil was feeling headache about his stubborness and Rook has been very good at handling him.
"He's much easier to handle than you. " Rook once said.
"Hooh? Does that means you think that I am difficult? " Someday sometimes, Vil likes to tease his husband.
"Non, never. I am here to serve you, my queen. " Maybe there is a time to admit that he actually likes to see how Rook swore his loyalty to him in different fashion ways, but now is not the time.
Back to reality, Vil is a little worried about this first PTC of the twins. This is the first time that Jules and Albrecht has been in different class since they always been together when they are in kindergarten. But with primary school, the students are much more than a kindergarten even if this is a private school.
They got to the class swiftly and Vil was paying no attention at all to the people who literally gasps at the show up of a big celebrity.
Speaking of this, Vil got his breakout role in a dark fantasy movie as the antihero after he graduates from NRC and had become a well known name to the movie industry.
He's more picky now ever since he had the boys in his life though he still works a fair share of amount, he do not wish to leave the boys too long in their life. On the other side, Rook has been very successful at being a commissioned hunter and photographer as a hobbyist, he opted for a more freelance work not only because of that is what he likes, but also it allows for more flexible time for him to take care of the boys if ever needed. He did not gave up his archeology studies but both of them agrees that Rook will continue this line of work once the boys are old enough.
Vil was extremely grateful to have a supportive partner and he has been able to balance between his work and his family. His friends more than often make jokes at him being so family-oriented but to him, he's not even catching up to his husband.
Even with that, he is still a well known model and actor in Twisted Wonderland that people will gasps and chats about if they saw him on the schoolground.
Albrecht was clearly uneasy on all those attention to him and his daddy so he clutch harder on Vil. Vil instantly knew something was wrong and lower down himself to his son's height.
"Hey, Albrecht. Is everything okay? " Despite opted out for a therapist for his son, Vil himself had went to the therapist for a few times a year. The trigger was a fight between him and Rook before they had the boys and dad has been making suggestion of the couple therapy.
He's going to admit, that was actually helpful and eventually he got his own therapist not just the couple one. The things that he learn from the therapist, is proven has been useful to not only his husband, but his son as well.
Albrecht here is not talking, he holds his hands harder and start biting his lips and frown. He can sees that he is very nervous being with so many adult strangers (outside for his classmates) that is either talking about them or pointing fingers at them.
Vil waited patiently, like sometimes he will wait for Rook to collect his thoughts and emotions about how he feels and speak about them to him. He also sometimes asked Yuu about advice of being a therapist as the prefect of the Ramshackle stays in Twisted Wonderland and eventually become a reowned therapist.
Eventually Albrecht comes around it, at about 2 minutes later. He shakes his head and blinked his beautiful green eyes that reminds Vil too much of a certain hunter, and said: "No... I don't like that everyone is looking at daddy. "
"I see, thank you for telling me. While daddy cannot control how other people acts, I can keep holding your hands so that you know I am here with you. Is that okay? " Vil remains the eye contact and showing his hand to the boy.
Albrecht reached out to his hand and nodded his head. Vil smiles and hug his son before standing back up again and enter the classroom.
***
It was always a hassle when waiting is needed, especially in a room full of kids and their gossip parents. At least they were decent enough not to take his photos secretly or talking about him loudly. Vil and Albrecht finds a place to sit down to wait, while he prompt Albrecht to talk about his school life which he realize at this point not knowing much.
It's not that Vil doesn't care about his child, it is just that he barely had time at home for a dinner since he usually comes back really late and the boys were sleeping. Also Rook will shares everything with him no matter big or small about them. But still, Vil rarely hears his child talking about their life, and he wanted to.
Finally it was their turn, Ms. Howard was Albrecht's class teacher, she is a very gentle and patient professional from how she is handling the kids. Of course Rook had done all his background checks where Vil do not want to know where he gets his intel from to this school and all the teaching professionals so Vil trusted them.
"Good Morning Albrecht! And Mr Shoenheit, welcome to Class 1-C! "
"It was nice to meet you Ms. Howard. " They greeted each other and sit down across her.
They started with report card where Ms. Howard explains how the score has been given and what are Albrecht's weaknesses in academics. Then they talked about behaviors in class and overall...
Vil do not think this is good.
While he was not the sort of parents who hope their child must be the top 1 in class or anything like that, he has his expectations set for the boys. He never told them so that they won't felt pressure, and of course he isn't going to set an unlikely expectations, but this result is still far lower than what he expects from Albrecht.
Sure he was never been good at academics since before but he was average and Vil had set his expectations around average too. He did not wish to pressure the boys like how he feel pressure when he was a child, he wants his boys to have a happy childhood.
But this is declining, and he need to know the reason why. Albrecht does not show any anomaly at home, he does his homework together with Jules, there were never complaints from the school.
"Albrecht, Ms Howard need your daddy for a little while longer, can you help me take this and share with your classmates? " Ms Howard brings up a basket of candy, this is when Vil knows there was something the teacher want to discuss with him without the boy knew.
"Mr Schoenheit, I am sure you are aware that Albrecht's grades are declining. But this is not the only thing that I am concern about. " Ms. Howard lower her voice until Albrecht was far enough, which Vil appreciates it.
"Albrecht is a sweet, sweet boy. He helps me with a lot of small things in the class, but I also observe that he did not get along well with anyone in the class. When there is reccess time, he always ran to find Jules in other class. The kids were trying to include him a few times in their games but he always rejects them. "
"I am afraid that his isolation in the class had affect his enthusiasm to learn and thus causing the declines in his grades. "
Vil understand how it feels when it was the new environment without anyone you know before. As a child actor he had been through countless sets full of strangers. Adela came sometimes when dropping off and picking him up, but she don't always have time to stay and watch him over.
"I understand. Albrecht has been normal at home but he isn't exactly easy to see through. I appreciates your concern and I will address them with my husband and discuss on how we can help. "
With that, they end their session and Vil brought Albrecht back to the school entrance that they agreed to meet with Rook and Jules.
"Alright we are having our lunch here, and then you two are having afternoon class. " They met up with Jules and Rook, Rook flash him a smiles to indicate that Jules was alright in his PTC meeting and that lighten Vil a little. They were going to talk about this soon when they get home, but as of now, they show nothing and enjoys the lunch as a family first.
"Awww, are you guys going back home? " Jules was disappointed that they couldn't stay for the whole day, Albrecht said nothing but both Vil and Rook knew he was too.
"Yes, the PTC meeting had ended so we won't stay. But daddy and I will wait in the house when you two come back. " Rook reassures the kid and honestly he was good with his soothing deep voice.
Jules is still pouting but he had accept nonetheless, he knew when his papa said it it was final.
"Okay... Can we have macarons for dessert today? " Jules loved Vil's home made macaron and Vil always felt he took the right step when he takes that master chef program about dessert back in the NRC.
"You two done really good in the PTC. So yes you can have your macaron and Albrecht can have the Panna Cotta too. " Of course Vil is the nutritionist in the house and he had absolute power in saying yes or no to what the kids have in their food. That being said, occasionally Rook does let him loosen a bit and allows them to enjoy some comfort foods.
They hurried the kids to finish their meal and ready for the class. After that, Vil and Rook got on the car and ready to go home.
"We need to talk about the PTC. " "Oui, sure. "
As usual, Rook already knows what was on his mind. They look at each other and smile, while taking the drive back home.
***
A windy afternoon is perfect for some hot tea and a book, or in their case, hot tea and a parenting discussion.
"I am worried about Albrech. " Vil express his concern after explaining what happened in the PTC meeting.
"He will come around with it, do not worried much, Vil. " Rook on the other hand seems unaffected which kind of irritates Vil.
"Don't treat this lightly, he's going to be in this class for a whole 6 years. 6 years, Rook! " Vil emphasizes the number in hope to press his husband to realize how important this is.
"And it is not even 6 months now, my dear. Everyone got their own pace when try to fit in to a new environment. Sure Jules fit it right away but we have two very different boys, I think you are forgetting that. " Rook takes his hand and lightly stroke on his palm intend to calm him down.
"... I supposed you are right. " Vil loosen up a little, maybe he is overthinking it, kids will get around eventually, right?
"You are worrying too much. " Rook continues to stroke his palms.
Vil doesn't agree or disagree, he just put his head on Rook's shoulder intend to relax.
"I just want them to have a better childhood than I am. Not that mine was bad but... it wasn't always pleasant especially in the school. " The bullying, the constant talks behind his back, he's sick of it.
"And I am not forgetting they are two very different boy, they stated their difference very clearly even when they are in here. " He pointed to his abdomen, where once there were two little angels inside.
"I know... My dear, I know. " Rook rolled up his husband shirt and look at that scar. A signature for something that happened here.
"I thought you will remove this. " He caress over the scar, so lightly like it still hurts.
"I thought that too but... then I decide it's a souvenir. " Vil giggles for the scar becomes itchy when Rook touches it. The lighten soft touch is the worst to this.
"Do you still remember? When we know about them? " Vil asked this but he knows the answer.
"Oui, I will never forget. " They are now shifting to a more comfortable position, where Vil sits between Rook's leg in front of him. It is, ironically their favourite position because Rook feels that he had 'caught' Vil.
"You cried like a baby when staring at the test result. " Vil laid back on his chest, and mindlessly caressing his own now-flat belly, and lose in memory.
"I was simply too happy. It was happy tears. " Rook loved this, he loved how they are able to be lovely to each other in a quiet afternoon, which is not that often happened after the boys came.
"Mmm, yeah. Though I was feeling really dreadful at the time. " Vil reminisces back those sweet, sour and bitter memory, he can't say that he is in good mood for most of the time.
"You were just scared, it is normal. " This is not the first male pregnancy in Twisted Wonderland, but certainly not common enough.
"And feeling awful. I remember the constant cramps, always tiring, wanted to eat something at the same time also want to throw up. " He halts all his work the moment those symptoms shows themselves up. If he couldn't give his best on his performance, he would rather not do it.
And if he was being honest, staying all day at home was the worst period of time he have experienced. He works in this industry since he was 5 years old, he never even have that many of time to stay in one place before.
"... I'm sorry, my Vil. I know you had a hard time, yet I could do nothing to help. " Sometimes Rook felt remorse for putting his queen through this. Sometimes.
"No, don't apologize again, Rook Hunt. We talked this many times. It is a surprise, an out of plan thing, but it is a good one. And you did everything you can to help, you spoil me rotten at that time, won't even let me do anything. "
"I am still spoiling you now, non? "
"Yes you are. " Then they shared a soft but lingering kiss.
"I still remember your panic when we know there were two babies, and you had to buy everything again but matching them. " Vil laughed at Rook's shopping spree among the 10 months they had. He never knew Rook would deal with anxiety with shopping.
"I want to give them the best thing that we can give. " Rook remember his credit card bills at that few months, it was astonishingly high and Vil had to limit his expenses at one point.
"Trust me, they already have. " They shared another kiss, which triggers something in Rook.
"My dear Vil, how about we move this to... "
And of course, a phone call had to interrupt this moment.
***
"It's not even two hours after we left! " The anxious in Vil's voice almost makes Rook flinched. This is the first time they gets called to the school by the principal after all, not to mention this is because their son had just involve in a group fight in school.
"My dear, please calm down. Let's listen to what they have to say first, you know them. Our son will not fight without a reason. " Rook was driving fast but keep his steady, he knows he had nothing to worry about those boys. He taught them well, they will fight well.
"Rook Hunt, don't tell me you are secretly happy about this?! " Vil sense the somewhat joy out of Rook. Don't get him wrong, he is all for self defense and he did send the boys to a self defense class. But that does not means he will tolerate violence at any rate, especially in school.
Violence is never the answer, he learns this real fast in his life.
"Non, Vil. I just think that we should hear their reason before we... put our words on it. " Rook is more or less the lubricant between Vil and the boys in their family relationships. In fact he has been doing this ever since in Night Raven College days, when Vil and Epel had a tense relationship.
Thinking of the apple boy makes Vil kind of calm down a bit. It's been some times since he saw Epel in person, they do group calls in weekend to chat but ever since he had the boys, he rarely had time to travel to Epel's and Epel is busy enough with him apple orchard business.
Maybe now that the boys are old enough to take an airplane - most importantly behaved on it, he can take them to a small trip to Harveston. He does miss the atmosphere in that village.
"Alright... Let's get down with it. " Once Rook parked the car, Vil got outside and take a deep breath. The boys better have good reason for this.
***
The principal office is tense, as it should be. The parents of the other few kids are already arrived, Vil apologized for their tardiness despite they came as fast as they can. The boys are sitting on the chairs across from the principal, with a different set of face expressions. Albrecht was lowering his head and pursing his lips, looking like crying, while Jules is obviously mad and cross his hands around his chest.
... Maybe Albrecht got bullied and Jules is just helping his brother? Seeing his child was making Vil calm down a bit, Rook gave him a reassuring smile that indicate he had scans through the boys with his eyes, there is no big or critical wounds, just some small bruises here and there on their limbs.
"Mr Schoenheit and Mr Hunt, thank you for coming this quickly. The situation is that we found Albrecht and Jules are fighting with Mike, Clarence and Fel here... " The principal stated in a calm manners, he wants to resolve this quickly but rightfully.
"Albrecht started it? " The children, mainly those three that obviously gets beaten up quite a bit, tell the story while sniffing a lot. From their pieces of words, Vil and Rook were able to picture the whole story.
"Albrecht, did you jump on your friend first? " Vil kneeled down so he can see his son properly, but Albrecht kept his head low and wouldn't say a word. Vil turned to Rook, feeling a little helpless at this point, frankly he didn't spend that much time with the boys like Rook, he's less experience when it comes to dealing with their emotion.
"Jules, can you help? " Jules was staying beside Albrecht, their hands were linking, but Jules suspiciously didn't say anything and just look angry during the whole time. Now with Rook asking, he can't wait to spill it all out.
"Albrecht told me not to tell! Mike and Clarence started it first! They are being mean to Albrecht, mocking him being the chicken in the class, and they mocked Daddy too! " Jules had all his ammo stocked and ready to fire, he tells the story in a much easier to understand way and also the timeline. Somehow Vil is proud of the boy skills of telling a story, he is going to be a great actor someday.
"Albrecht didn't care about them first! But then they said Daddy look like a chicken too, no wonder Albrecht is so chicken---" Jules got cut off by the Albrecht, he finally stands up and drag Jules uniform to let him know to shut up.
"I'm sorry Daddy and Papa... I didn't mean to jump on Mike, I was just too angry. I know I shouldn't start a fight. " Albrecht lift his head up, he had tears in his eyes but they are not rolling down, he is holding them, and then he apologize to the other 3 boys and their parents.
It is hard to describe what Vil was feeling right now. Happy? Touching? Heartache? Perhaps it was all of them. Knowing the boys, especially Albrecht started a fight because of him. That silent, shy and sweet boy who worries him so much but also was being a little sweetheart in his life.
"I think Albrecht is not the only one who needs to apologize here. " He takes a deep breath and decides to hug his boys so close later. But before that, he had to deal with the rude kids and their parents.
Fortunately the parents seems to be well educated and know that their kids are at fault too. Vil and Albrecht accepted the kids apologize and the principal promise to have a lecture in the school about nickname calling and being rude to people.
They walked out of the school silently and heading to the car. Vil don't want to express his emotions in a public spaces, where so many people could see him. Their ride to home is also silently, Rook and Jules was trying to say a few things to lighten things up, but Albrecht and Vil had been muted all the way, eventually they took the hint and quiet down.
"Daddy... " They finally reached home and Vil was walking into the house when he hears a small voice calling out to him at the entrance. He turned around and saw Albrecht was hesitating there.
"Daddy, are you mad at me? I'm sorry... " Albrecht seems finally not holding his tears anymore, the rolling tears that falls on his cheeks is like a metal ball that hits on Vil's heart.
"No... No, Albrecht. " Vil took a big step and hug his sensitive son. It was wrong for him to only think of himself and want to save his emotion from the public space. He forgot that a sensitive soul is easily affected by the person that they valued and cherishes... Just like Rook. How can he forget that?
"Daddy is sorry, I only not hugging you sooner because I am selfish. I don't want to let other people outside see me cry. But Albrecht... Daddy is not mad at you. Daddy loves you very much and I am happy to know that you are defending me. " He hugged his son close to his chest, it seems like a really long time since he last hug them. Why had he spend so much time on work and so less time on the person that loves him?
"I want a hug from Daddy too! " Jules yelled at the side and Vil was signaling him to come, and bring the two little angels in his life into his arms.
"Oh magnifique! I can't wait to join! " And lastly, Rook was joining the group hug. They hug each other so long, until someone started giggling and they let each other out.
Albrecht and Jules are laughing now, it was something that Vil would be willing to see all day long.
"Alright, who want to help Papa to prepare a simple dinner? " Rook knows that Vil will need some time to tidy up his emotion, so he distract the boys to the dinner. He and Rook exchange a glance and was grateful to have Rook by his side. How lucky he is to have a supportive husband and two wonderful child.
***
That night, when the two boys had finally settled down to bed - took a longer time than usual for sure. Rook and Vil both relaxing on their bed, and they both know a talk is coming.
"Thank you, Rook. " Vil thought, he really never show his gratitude to his dear husband despite he should, long time ago.
"Oh? " Rook was looking at him, as always with his observant stare but lovingly. He was curious.
"I just thought... that I am so busy with my work, I barely knows how to handle the boy's emotion. Then I realize, I relies on you a lot to take care of the boys, even though I am the one who brings them to this world. " He caress through his scars on the abdomen mindlessly.
"So thank you. For being supportive ever since we are in Night Raven. Thank you for being there for me, and the boys. " It was a rare occasion to see him so honest with how he feels, but, that is perhaps something he needs to work on in his life.
"Oh my dear Vil... You know I am so willing to support you. And in a way, you supported us too. Every time we saw you in the screens, we are so proud and happy. So don't cry... Mon Étoile. " Rook gently wipes his tears away, and chuckled like he remembers something.
"... What? " Vil sniffed.
"I just think that... You are being three people's Étoile now. Albrecht and Jules will fight for you too, dear. Especially Albrecht consider how he shock you today. "
"It is just a phase. They will find someone someday. "
"Yeah... Like how once you wish to marry your dad. "
"Rook Hunt! I knew Dad told you this! "
"Ooh La La. Your secrets is safe with me. " Rook laughed and that makes Vil laughed too. Their cheery voice filling in the room, like two stars are playing with each other.
"... I will cut off some of my work and have a family day at least once a week. That way... we can going out or stay in the house, like a family. " Vil picked up Rook's hand and looked him in the eye, letting him know that this is his decision and promise to stay at home more.
"I'm sure the two little angels will be so happy. " Rook lifted his hand and kissed his knuckles lightly, he still fond of these grand gesture.
"Only them will be happy? " Vil raised his eyebrows, despite fully knowing the answer.
"Non, I will be happy too. Of course... " The kiss was finding his lips and it become deeper and deeper.
"Vil... Oh my Étoile... " Then it slowly develop to something more... intimate.
"Rook, did you use protection?! "
"Non... Vil, I was thinking... What about a third little one? "
"What?!"
It seems that, the night is still long.
FIN