Two Sides of the Same Coin (Kairi & Caston) NC-17

[Mimi]

"So you're Kairi?"asked the man behind the large mahogany desk. He nodded as the man set down the letter Valik and Anton had instructed he give to the man when he arrived on Zerca. He did not know the contents of letter but respected the Valkovs enough not to read it. They had assured him it was only to get him a job in Zerca since they worried for him and he was adamant about leaving them. They were so kind, they had taken care of Kairi for 3 years and asked nothing of him in return. As soon as he heard they were about to have their first child he could not...would not allow himself to be a burden to them and so he left. "It's a pleasure to meet you young man, The Valkovs are close friends of mine and the fact they sing praises of you only assures me that you will work hard and well here..." Kairi nodded, though he was unsure that comment required a nod. "My name is Abel, I will be your boss here at xxx..." Kairi stiffened imperceptibly. Abel.... the name of his Giver's true son...how ironic. He shook his head, no time to think of that, he was here to work. "Are you alright?" asked Abel. "...Yes..." he answered softly. "Good! Set your bag down and join me on the couch!" Abel gestured to to the 6 seater couch and coffee table set with cake and coffee. Abel made his way over and sat on a seat and Kairi sat across from him, setting his lone bag down at his side.

[Ninia]

Abel smiled reassuringly at Kairi, hoping to help the other relax “Don’t worry, I just want to get a feel of what you’re like. I trust the Valkovs opinion on people and you seem like a nice boy but since you’re going to be working I just need to get to know you a bit better.” He hoped his words calmed the other down a little but he didn’t know.

“So have you had any experience working in a restaurant before?” Straight to the business side, the boy seemed nice enough and had the trust of a close friend so Abel really only needed to know his work ethic and skills.

---

Caston opened the door to the restaurant, stretching his arms above his head. He was a little late today, having slept in but it looked like his dad wasn’t around. He grinned to himself and headed to the back to get things ready for later. He passed his dad’s office, pausing at the door, he could hear his dad talking to someone. Oh yeah, they were getting a new member of staff today. Caston grinned as he got back to what he was doing, they hadn’t had someone new in a while and when they did it always meant less work for him, it gave him more time to focus on other things.

[Mimi]

He looked worried? He seemed nice? How odd this man.... He had yet to say more than one word or nod more than twice yet this man already felt like he could read him. This Abel was so...friendly it was slightly disconcerting. He answered Abel softly and tonelessly "Yes. Over the past 3 years I have done everything from waiting on tables to being the Su(sp?)-Chef at the Volkovs restaurant. By chance, if I'm assigned to a job I don't know how to do, I'm fairly quick learner so I can learn on the job, no worries." There was an unnoticeable pause in his answer as his senses detected shifting from outside the door. He tensed himself ever so slightly in case of a need to fight. The person, whoever it was, walked by without much falter in their step. He/She must be another worker....Kairi still kept his guard up regardless. "Really? Confident aren't you?" asked Abel. He was slightly at ill-ease with the way the boy answered his question, so emotionlessly but he shrugged it off. Perhaps the boy was simply nervous. Kairi returned his attention to Abel, "Not really Sir, just stating facts. It's how I attained so many positions at the Volkovs...learning on the job."

[Ninia]

Abel leaned back in his seat, clearly impressed by the younger man. He was obviously skilled and picked things up easily. He had a good reference form a trusted friend, it was obvious he was a hard worker and from the little he spoke he didn’t seem like the type to cause trouble. The only way to truly judge him was get him working and see for himself. “Ok Kairi, we’ll give you a trial period. You’ll be paid full but it’s just to see if everything you’ve said and what the Volkovs have said is true and I have no doubt that it will be. You’ve just arrived right? Can you work tonight or is tomorrow better for you? I assume you’ll be wanting to unpack and settle down.”

---

Caston hung his coat up in the staff break area and dumped his bag on the floor. He tied his waist apron around him and headed to the kitchen where his Bearer would be. He smiled when he saw the small Zercan rushing around, making sure everything was in order. “Hey, mum.”

Mika spun to look at his youngest son and smiled softly before getting back to work “Hi sweetie.” Caston cringed at the pet name but didn’t say anything. “Can you go make sure things out front are ready for lunch?”

Caston nodded and pushed himself off the door “Sure.” He’d been hoping to ask about the new worker but he knew how Mika always got stressed before they opened even though they’d been doing this for years now. He headed out front to start setting tables, it was dull but at least he left early tonight.

[Mimi]

He watched Abel lean back and awaited his verdict. He let out a breath he didn't even know he was holding when Abel finally announced he would be on a "trial period". He didn't worry too much about it, Abel said he would be payed the normal wage and would simply have to work to prove that he could do what he had claimed. Nothing to stress over, he could easily deliver. When Abel asked whether or not he would like to start today he gave it not a second thought. He would start today, after all he needed the money to find a place to stay. Besides he was keen on proving himself to the beloved friends of his Beloved Foster Giver/Bearer. He spoke in a determined tone, "I'd love to start working tonight. I can wait to unpack, I first need to find a place to stay itself...."

He froze, he hadn't meant to say that it had just slipped out of his mouth. He sighed inwardly, knowing what he did of Abel he'd probably try do something about it....His problems were his own, he didn't like other people's interference. "Nowhere to stay?!" Abel exclaimed, "That just won't do...." He frowned, silently thinking about his dilemma. Kairi was about to open his mouth to tell Abel not concern himself when abruptly Abel came out of his musings and asserted, "We're about to open soon and I'd like to work in the kitchen with my mate. When it's time for closing we will finish this conversation. Don't even think about leaving this building before we've finished conversing about where you will be living. No employee of mine will stay on the streets!" Kairi grudgingly nodded.

He knew he could not argue with this man. Abel, seemingly pleased with his agreement, said a simple "Come" and walked out the room. Leaving Kairi to hurry after him. He followed until Abel stopped in front of door that in Zercan read 'Staff Only'. They walked in and Kairi spotted a bag dumped on the floor. He looked up questioningly at Abel only to find the man muttering something. He then picked up the bag shoved it into a locker. He then proceeded to walk over to a locker which read '787'. He opened it and stated rather jovially "This," gestured to the locker "will be your locker. You will come in here every morning, set down your things and change into the appropriate attire. I have a set here for you already, go ahead and change into that and keep your bag in there and we can continue on to where you'll be working tonight" He didn't have time to nod before Abel waltzed out of the room in large strides.

God that man was tall, he had to crane his neck through that whole explanation. He hadn't noticed as much when they were sitting on the couch or when Abel was sitting behind his desk. He shook his head in disbelief and started to change into the uniform: A pair of black slacks with matching black shoes and black vest along with a pair of maroon socks, maroon apron, and maroon shirt. Once he was dressed he closed his locker and made a mental note to ask for the lock code later. He walked out the front door and saw Abel staring absentmindedly at the wall, he coughed lightly to get his attention. "Oh Kairi!!! You were fast, okay off to the kitchen we go!" He stated excitedly and walked briskly to where Kairi assumed the kitchen would be. He jogged slightly to keep up with Abel's pace.

They arrived at the kitchen to see a slightly shorter but still taller than him Zercan bearer bustling about. Kairi looked up to see Abel's face soften and his eyes glow with some inexplicable emotion. "Hello Love" Abel said in what he assumed to be a tender loving tone. The bearer stopped what he was doing and looked up at his mate in unrestrained glee "Hello to you too dear, what brings you here this fine evening?" Abel responded with just as much happiness "I'd come everyday just to see you, but today I do have more of a reason. This," he pointed to Kairi "is Kairi he was referred to us by the Volkovs. He-" the bearer squealed. "Oh Valik and Anton? We haven't heard from them in ages!!!" Abel coughed..."Yes, well we can comm them tonight if it'll make you happy dear. Anyway, as I was saying, Kairi will be working in the kitchen helping you out tonight ok? Kairi, this is my mate Mika, he will show you the ropes around here." Kairi nodded. Abel nodded as well, looking accomplished and left the room. Mika turned to him and gave him what he supposed was a tender smile and said "Hi Sweetheart, I'm Mika." "It's a pleasure to be working with you." Kairi said politely. All of a sudden Mika squealed and pounced on him, " You're just so precious! Ok hun, go ahead over to the sink and wash the dishes for me" He walked stiffly over to the sink. He had not expected that..... he was moments away from attacking Mika until he realized it was simply his way of showing affection. He sighed, and began working.

[Ninia]

While Kairi got started on the dishes Mika carried on with his work but continued telling the other where everything was in the kitchen so he’d know his way around by tonight. Mika wasn’t too put out by how stiff Kairi was acting, he guessed he just surprised the boy. He glanced back at the door, thinking about Abel and wondering why Abel had left so soon. If it was anything like usual, it would probably have something to do with Caston. Mika sighed and shook his head, that boy would never learn.

---

While Kairi and Mika got to work in the kitchen, Caston was still working out front getting things ready for tonight. He didn’t notice Abel enter the room until he cleared his throat behind Caston. Caston jumped and spun round then relaxed instantly when he saw it was his Giver. “Jeez Dad, don’t sneak up on me like that.”

Abel only raised a brow. Caston stared back at Abel, slowly getting more and more nervous as Abel stayed silent. Eventually Abel spoke “You were late.” Caston silently cursed himself. He thought he hadn’t noticed, being preoccupied with the new guy and all. He laughed sheepishly “Yeah…I really don’t have any excuses.” He knew if he lied Abel would be able to see right through it. “I slept in and I’m sorry. My alarm didn’t go off. I’ll make it up”

Abel just sighed and sat down on one of the chairs. “And I know how. You’re staying longer tonight to make up the time.” Caston opened his mouth to protest but Abel just held up his hand, he really didn’t want to have an argument this early in the morning. “Besides it’ll give you time to meet Kairi properly. He’s the Volkovs adopted son.”

The Volkovs? Caston hadn’t heard from them in ages. He didn’t think they had a son. Caston shrugged, it wasn’t his business anyway, as long as this guy did his fair share of work than they’d get along fine. Caston started to get back to work, while Abel sat and watched. The two were silent for a while until Abel spoke again.

“Kieran’s coming down this weekend to visit. We’re having a family meal. Don’t make any plans or excuses like last time he’s your brother.” Caston paused before quickly continuing. He didn’t say anything a first, just focusing on his work. Great, weekend gone so he could sit and listen to what his brother has done now, just what he wanted.

"I won't and for the record. I wasn't making excuses, I was genuinely busy." He wasn't. He just got tired of Kieran and wanted to avoid him. They did get on but if he spent too much time with him Caston just felt inferior and he hated it.

[Mimi]

Kairi listened attentively as Mika pointed out various things across the room. He made sure the memorize everything that was said and washing the dishes skillfully, making sure not speck of dirt was on the dishes looking almost as good as new. Just the way Valik used to like it. Out of the corner of his eye he observed Mika sigh and look troubled. He wondered what could possibly be on his mind and was about to ask before he caught himself. It was none of his business, he didn't want them to pry into his life then he shouldn't pry into theirs.

"Kairi, once your done with the dishes come help me peel these tufts and earth potatoes" called Mika. He dried his last dish and proceeded to go help Mika with the vegetables. They worked in silence for a good 20 minutes until Mika began to speak. "You know, my eldest kit is coming home this weekend. We're all going to have a family meal." He blinked up from his task of chopping yerkna—a famous meat from Parinenai—in surprise. He had not expected to be spoken to again so soon when there was work to be done. He supposed Mika was not used to working in silence. He decided it would not hurt him to humor Mika, he tended to remind Kairi of Valik during his pregnant moods. "I didn't know you had a kit..." he replied almost inaudibly. He could tell by the smile that appeared on Mika's face after his reply he'd made the right decision in responding rather than nodding. "Oh yes, I have two kits actually. Though they're both fully grown and would not appreciate being called kits" Mika snickered.

Kairi couldn't help but look almost shocked. These Zercans, Mika and Abel were not much older than Valik and Anton and they already had two full grown kits. He had known Valik and Anton were heart broken after their first-born passed away in a tragic accident but he hadn't known they had waited so long.... He remembered Valik telling him fondly how between the two of them, Valik and Mika, Valik had been the first to birth his kit. He removed himself from his thoughts and asked the question that was incessantly rapping on the inside of his brain. "How old are your kits?"

"My first born is 25 cycles and my youngest kit is 22 cycles." Mika stated fondly. Kairi blinked once more in surprise. Valik and Anton had waited over 25 cycles to have their second child, technically first since their true first born had died so young. He shook his head of the depressing thoughts and looked to Mika who seemed to be eagerly awaiting another question. He racked his brain for anything else he could ask, "What are they like?" Mika brightened to an alarming degree and started babble " My first born is so bright and successful and can do anything he sets his mind to. You know he's the Shodan's personal adviser and he-" Kairi stopped listening and continued his work whilst watching Mika continue to talk so animatedly.

He could see how much pride and love Mika had for his first born kit. He was done with the yerkna when he noticed Mika's demeanor change slightly. Gone was the almost sickening amount of pride but in its place was concern disguised as annoyance. There was still an unbelievable amount of love shining in those eyes and evident in his actions but the concern/annoyance was the most prevalent emotion in his voice and on his face. Curious to change he listened to what Mika was saying, "...I just don't understand what we did wrong. My first kit was able to succeed so easily but my second kit still struggles and behaves like a lazy bum. I just want him to find his calling but all he does is sleep and work odd jobs and-...sigh, I'm sorry Kairi I shouldn't be burdening you with my emotional baggage. Any case, those are my kits" Kairi shook his head at the emotional baggage comment and Mika just grinned. They finished up the rest of the prep work and began to set pots on the stove.

Mika has explained earlier all the different dishes they would be making for lunch and the ingredients that would be in them. He also pointed out how much of each dish they'd be making based on the average traffic they get during lunch on a Monday morning. They began to get the ingredients in their necessary amounts and grouping them together by dish when Mika said "You keep going Kairi, I'll be right back." Thinking nothing of it he quickly and efficiently finished grouping the ingredients and got to cooking. He expertly put each dish together in the appropriate pan or pot at the appropriate temperature. He continued to watch all the dishes unmindful of what Mika was doing in the pantry.

---

Mika swiftly walked into the pantry and searched for the book of recipes they kept to show newcomers to help them get used to the dishes they cooked. It had been a while since they'd hired someone new so he was having a little trouble finding it. He smiled to himself.... He liked the new recruit, he was so sweet for listening to him babble and working so diligently. He even opened up to Mika! He spoke more with words than nods! Feeling accomplished he randomly looked up and was pleasantly surprised to find the recipe book. Smiling triumphantly he took the book and walked out of the pantry only to stop in shock to find Kairi finished with all the dishes and arranging them on the table for aesthetic appeal.

His jaw dropped, he had barely even explained how to cook each dish but it each looked expertly done. He rushed over to the table and took a taste of each dish... perfect. Everything was perfect. He looked at Kairi in disbelief. That tiny little kit finished everything in the short, he looked at the clock...45 minutes he spent looking for the recipes. The kit just stood there looking at him blankly as if waiting for further instruction.

"This is excellent Kairi" he gushed, still in slight awe. "Alright, now we have to put these in heated plates so that they stay warm for when the customers come." Kairi nodded and scurried over to where Mika had originally stated the heated plates would be. He climbed on the counter so he could reach the shelves and bring the adequate amount of plates.

He had to hide his smile behind a hand as he watched Kairi carefully climb down. Gosh that boy was so adorable, he reminded Mika of his own kits when they were younger, Caston especially. Kieran preferred to help his Giver with all the paper work and what-not while Caston loved to be of use to his bearer in the Kitchen. Though the boy had no skill what-so-ever when it came to cooking his aide was still appreciated. Kairi scurried back to the table and put each dish in a heated plate. He then closed each plate with a glass cover that the kit had the foresight to bring from the cupboard next to the one he got the plates from. Once Kairi was done he looked to Mika for more instruction.

Mika smiled calmly and said "Come Kairi, let's sit. We're done for now. We just have to wait for the store to open and we'll get back to work." Kairi obediently followed Mika to sit on the stools by the bar. "Kairi, would you come to my home this weekend and join us for the family meal?" he asked with no hidden amount of pleading. He could tell by the minute wrinkling of his forehead that Kairi was about to say no and so he interrupted. "It would mean the world to me and is a bit of a tradition for new employees. They always come over for dinner..." he couldn't help but lie, he wanted this kit to become a part of his family. Kairi was just too adorable to be left alone. He watched Kairi sigh and know he had won the argument. "....Fine..." He giggled gleefully. "Great!" With perfect timing, he heard the tell-tale ding that indicated a customer. "We should get ready now, I think I just heard a customer come in." Kairi nodded and arose from his seat.

[Ninia]

Abel had headed back to his office once he’d finished talking/scolding Caston about leaving his stuff carelessly on the floor where anyone could trip over it. Caston had just continued working agreeing with everything Abel said, it was the easiet thing to do. Caston had finished cleaning the main area when the bell rung, he glanced up to see a young couple enter the restaurant. Caston put on his work smile and walked over to the two. “Welcome, How many of you are there tonight?”

“It’s just the two of us tonight.” They were a young couple, probably newly mated judging by the loved up looks they shared with each other. Caston refrained from rolling his eyes and just nodded, leading the two to a table by the window. They got a lot of couples coming here and after a while it just feels like they’re rubbing it in your face. Caston kept up his façade of a happy waiter and handed the two the menus. “Let me know when you’re ready to order. Can I get you any drinks while you wait?” The two ordered and Caston left to go get there drinks. It was a slow start to the evening but no doubt it would pick up later on. Hopefully it’d get busier, anything to get his mind of Kieran.

He returned with their drinks “Are you ready to order yet?” It was almost like a machine, he’d memorised everything he needed to do. He jotted down their orders and headed to the kitchen where Mika should be working. He walked in and noticed a smaller male in the kitchen with Mika. The first thing that caught his attention was the boy’s red hair, t just stood out in the kitchen. Then it was his height, he was a lot shorter than any of the people working here. Before he could get a better look at the new guy, Kairi was it, Mika was by his side looking expectantly at him. “First order.” He handed Mika the order and headed back out ready for any more customers.

His thoughts drifted to small boy in the kitchen. From first glance he certainly wasn’t what he’d expected. He smirked to himself, he didn’t know why but it amused him greatly that the guy was so short. Caston stood near the kitchen waiting for the food, mentally preparing himself to deal with annoying customers that where destined to be here tonight.

[Mimi]

Mika snorted as he took the order from his kit's hand. That boy had been so obviously oogling Kairi from behind, no doubt trying to find a way to bother him. He shook his head and sighed, when would that kit learn. He walked over to Kairi and said "First order: Two bowl of kerflan soup, one order of verchiv rice, and one order of yerkna rikta. Got it?" Kairi nodded and set to work. Mika started working on the deserts and special beverages they had ordered.

---

Kairi tensed as he felt a gaze on the back of his head. He felt and urge to turn around but he fought it. He was working on a desert that Mika assigned to him and it wouldn't do to be careless. He made quick work as he heard the stranger murmur "First Order" He shivered. For some reason that voice sent shivers down his spine and invoked a strange feeling inside of him. He shook his head and put the final touches on the desert he was working on. Setting the desert aside he gave Mika his full attention when he stated what food he must get ready and its quantity. He rushed off to get the food on the appropriate plates and bring them out to the serving tray in the front of the kitchen. When he finished he joined Mika in preparing the miscellaneous items the customers had ordered. When everything was complete Mika asked "Kairi would you be a dear and check those earthen dishes that are in the oven." He pointed to the other end of the kitchen as he asked. Kairi nodded and went to check the oven.

[Ninia]

Caston had been right. As the evening progressed the restaurant got busier and busier. Caston was rushing from table to table, taking orders, giving people their food, cleaning the mess they leave. He sighed in relief when the other waiter on tonight came through the doors, he was younger the Caston, working here as a part time job. Finally the work load would be spread and Caston could relax slightly. If only he hadn’t slept in, then he could leave now. But that wouldn’t be fair; Abel was already annoyed at him so it was the least he could do to make it up to him.

The other waiter came out from the back and headed over to Caston. “You take the left half, I’ll do the right. But right now I’m going for a break.” The buy nodded and left to work while Caston went to the back. He collapsed on the old couch resting his feet on the small coffee table. He sighed in content glad to be off his feet for a bit. As he sat alone in the little room he couldn’t help but feel bored. Was this what his life was going to be? Stuck working here. Probably. He closed his eyes and let his head rest against the back of the couch. Ah well, at least it was a job, and his work times let him have a lot of free time to actually do what he actually enjoyed and was fairly good at if he said so himself.

He knew he could only rest for a short while but he really didn’t want to go back out just yet. He’d been kind tonight and given the other guy the quieter half, so Caston was stuck with the loud obnoxious table who were starting to give him a headache.

[Mimi]

Kairi rushed to get the dishes in the sink washed and put back into circulation. As the evening progressed the kitchen just got busier and busier. Which, of course, resulted in dishes piling up every which way until someone washed them. Usually it was him doing the washing—not that he minded doing it by himself, in fact he was glad Mika trusted him enough to be able to get it done without help—and then rushing off to finish some other task Mika asked of him. Sometimes however, when there were insane piles of dishes on every counter—something that happened twice so far—Mika helped him for the sake of efficiency (or so he assumed). Through the course of the evening, Mika had dropped the small talk in favor of issuing orders as there was no time for anything else. Kairi took no offense, if anything he was relieved that he didn't have to think of appropriate answers to everything Mika said. With orders he just needed to nod—sometimes not even that—and complete the task. Everything was going swimmingly.

There was only one peculiar contingent: he noticed anytime that waiter came in with dirty dishes or an order, Mika sent him in the opposite direction. It couldn't be a coincidence because it happened every time he came in. Kairi couldn't help but wonder why Mika was so obviously trying to keep him away. Puzzled but not overly so, he decided to keep quiet about it until an opportunity to talk to Mika privately and uninterrupted arrived.

---

"Get three plates of Steak, one bowl of kerflan soup, a bowl of tomato soup, a bowl of mashed potatoes, and one plate of yerkna tufts." Mika ordered smoothly. He watched as Kairi scurried to get the earthen dishes first while Mika got the Zercan and Parinenai dishes. They both expertly set them on the serving tray and then Mika sent Kairi on some menial task to get him away from the order pick-up station. He sighed, he knew Kairi had noticed, he hadn't been inconspicuous enough for him not to. He couldn't help it, Mika was trying his best to keep Caston from bothering Kairi like he tended to do to all new employees. Well, at least Kairi didn't look annoyed or upset in the slightest. He just looked ever so slightly curious as Mika sent him off.

Oddly enough the more they worked together, here in the kitchen, the better he was getting at reading the boy. Mika was absolutely delighted that the boy was becoming less and less of a conundrum. He was also pleasantly surprised with how well they were working with each other. Usually, as the stress of getting orders done on time mounted and Mika started growing less polite, opting to simply order about kitchen-hands like there was no tomorrow, they tended to take offense. Kairi on the other hand just happily listened to what he had to say and expertly executed whatever needed to be done without so much as a peep. What's more, the young kit washed dishes so adroitly without a single complaint that it had Mika wishing that the kit was one of his own.

He was just so obedient, well-behaved and clearly adorable Mika just couldn't help but want him. Mika did, however, feel guilty leaving the kit to wash so many large piles of dishes by himself. He yearned to help but he could tell by the look on his face that Kairi wouldn't have appreciated it. Kairi would've likely felt more insulted than relieved. However when the babe was faced with seemingly endless rows of dishes that were twice his height, Mika just couldn't keep away any longer. He would rush over and help the little thing with the dishes. He was happy to note that Kairi wore a look of understanding and not a single ounce of insult since it was so obviously evident that there was no way he could finish all those dishes by himself efficiently. He was brought out of his musings as their part-time waiter came in to place the newest order instead of Caston. He took the order and stopped the young kit from leaving by holding his forearm and then asked "Where's Caston?" the kit answered "He's on break, he'll probably be back in another 15 or so minutes" Nodding, Mika let go of him and let him continue his job. Shaking his head of any other thoughts, he focused on the next order at hand.

---

Abel sat in his office pondering what he could do about that new employee of his. Kairi seemed like such a good boy and he worked for Anton and Valik for three years without a single complaint to be heard from them. That meant a lot considering how strict the Valkovs could be when it came to running their business. They only liked to be the best, they accepted only the best employees and expected the very best from them; they only bought the best ingredients and used the best recipes; and they only liked to present the best service and food nothing less. Many new employees quit and/or got fired within the first hour and those who did last past that usually only stayed for a year before they quit.

Being fired from or quitting the Valkovs was generally not a bad career move. Even an hour of being under their strict guidelines created better chefs and waiters than any school or academy could produce so many did apply to get into their store but few even met their beginning criteria for being hired. It was almost unheard of for someone to be praised by the Valkovs. Yet here was this kit, younger than both his own, and had already become praised by the Valkovs, working under them for 3 years. He could not let this, as the Valkovs put it, diamond in the rough escape his grasp. The Valkovs had said that the boy showed great aptitude for restaurant industry in every aspect but was simply lacking passion. They hoped that he could do them the favor of helping this boy grow and blossom into his full potential.

He had, at first, felt honor bound to fulfill their request until he laid his eyes on the little kit. The child invoked feelings similar to that of his own kits did and he felt that he could not grant Kairi the same professional relationship he had with all his other employees. No, this one was family and as such required the same amount of attention. So when he heard that the child had yet to find a place to stay he couldn't help the protective need to help him find somewhere safe to stay that arose. He had thought about it the entire time he took Kairi to the locker room until now. Of course there had been a slight reprieve to his thoughts when he had seen Caston's bag carelessly thrown on the floor and when he spoke to Caston about Kieran's return. Other than that he had spent the entire time studiously thinking up solutions.

And then it hit him. Caston lived in a rather large flat by himself he could easily house Kairi and it would keep him under watch of the family. No matter what Caston said he knew after the teasing phase wore off he would be the perfect big brother to Kairi and would do his best to bring Kairi out of his self-imposed shell. Happy that the issue was finally resolved he glanced up at the clock. 7 o'clock. Perfect time to check how everyone was fairing. He walked out into the hallway. He was surprised to see Caston lying on the couch in the break room with his eyes closed looking quite tired and stressed. Frowning he went to check the front of the store where the customers were. He was relieved to see that there was someone out there waiting tables. It was their part-time help, Chris. As Chris neared his area he called out lowly "Chris, come here for a second." The boy quickly adhered to his request and gave polite "Yes, Sir?" he didn't want to waste too much time so he got straight to the point, "How long has Caston been on his break?" the boy didn't even bat an eye-lash before answering "About 10 minutes Sir." He nodded and left.

So the boy hadn't been gone too long. He still worried, if he was that tired and stressed then maybe he should work in the kitchen. Not that would be any less hectic but Mika was back there and maybe he could figure out what was wrong with the kit. He walked to the kitchen only to stop abruptly as a small blur of red zipped by him to put plates on a tray. He blinked in surprise and amusement as he watched Kairi scurry around the kitchen to perform each task called out by the melodious voice of his mate. He smirked and caught the attention of his mate and gestured for him to meet Abel outside.

---

"I'll be back in a moment Kairi. Do you think you could man the fort for me?" when Mika received a nod in affirmative he joined Abel outside. He wondered what Abel needed for him to interrupt Mika's work in the kitchen. "What is it dear?" he asked. "It seems our kit is feeling rather overwhelmed. I wouldn't credit it all to the rush of customers out front either. Would mind terribly if I moved Kairi to help Chris manage the front so you can work your nurturing magic on him?" He frowned in concern. "Of course not love. Kairi is doing excellently in here, I have no doubt that Kairi will do just as well out in the front" He smiled softly at the relieved look on Abel's face. Truly they both worried endlessly for their youngest. He walked back into the kitchen to see Kairi hand an order to Chris. 'Perfect timing' he thought. "Kairi, come here a second." Kairi obediently came over. "Hey hun, do you mind working the front? One of the guys that working out front is going to come work here in the kitchen. That makes us short one guy to manage the front so we need someone to fill in. Do you think you could do it?" He watched Kairi mull it over for millisecond before responding with a soft "Of course." He grinned, "Great! Go out front and watch Chris work, I'm sure you'll easily get the hang of it."

---

He rushed to get the plate on the tray ready to be taken out. He absently noticed he passed Abel on his way there. He gave it no mind until he was directly addressed. He could just barely contain his excitement when Mika asked him to take care of the kitchen by himself. He eagerly worked as hard as he could. He heard a strange voice yell "new order" and hurried over to receive the order. He took it from the waiter, a little disappointed to see that it wasn't the stranger with the enticing and seductive voice. Removing those thoughts from his head he hurried to get the order fulfilled.

Just as he gave the order to the server Mika walked back into the kitchen with a slightly troubled look on his face. He immediately went to Mika as he was summoned. At first when he heard that Mika wanted him to work the front he thought he had performed something inadequately but was soothed by the reassurance it was only because there were not enough people out front. It took him less than a millisecond to realize Mika had finished asking his question and for him to agree with a soft "Of course". Mika grinned in a relieved fashion before sending him off to the front. He walked to the front to see the server he had just given an order to. "Hi, I'm Chris you must be new guy Abel said would be filling in." he said. "Kairi" he answered. "You take the right half, I'm in charge of the left" Chris left before he could even nod. He looked at the left side of the restaurant and then the right and raised an eye-brow. The left was so obviously more well-behaved and contained compared the obnoxious right. Shrugging he got to work.

[Ninia]

Caston didn’t know how long he just sat there, relaxing but knowing what usually happens it probably wasn’t that long. He was always late for important things but when he wanted to be he was always on time. He opened one eye glancing over at the clock and sighed, sitting up straight. He was right; it’d been about 15 minutes. He stood and stretched his arms above his head before turning to leave, heading back out front. He was stopped when Abel appeared in the door way. “Hey old man, shouldn’t you be working away in your office.” Caston grinned at Abel, pushing away his fatigue.

Abel was used to seeing through Caston’s façade’s and could easily tell his youngest kit was exhausted for some reason. Usually working one night out front was fine for Caston but today was different. He cut straight to the point “You’re working in the kitchen with Mika for now.” Caston opened his mouth to protest and say he was fine, he didn’t need any special treatment, but Abel cut him off “I know what you’re going to say, we’re only doing this because we’re worried. Kairi’s going to take your place out front and if you’re upset just think of it as a way for us to see how he copes.”

Caston knew there was no point arguing so he reluctantly nodded and headed to the kitchen where Mika was. He sighed realising he was just causing everyone problems, now Kairi was gone and Caston was replacing him Mika would have to work harder as Caston was a lousy cook, anything he touched just burnt. He sighed and decided he just help out as much as he could, at least the evening was coming to an end and the busiest tie was out of the way. Pushing the door open he grinned at the sight of his flustered Bearer rushing around the kitchen “Don’t worry, I’m here now. What do you need me to do?”

Mika spun around and smiled softly at his youngest “Just start on the dishes, please.” It was short and straight to the point but he was too busy to really say anything else. He knew Caston’s lack of cooking skill so this was probably the best task for him. Caston nodded and rolled up his sleeves heading over to the sink ready to try and be of some help to his Bearer.

[Mimi]

Kairi took a deep breath and steeled himself as he approached his first table. It was a pair of Zercan Mates and their 3 young kits, "Are you all ready to order?" he asked as cordially as he could. As they spoke he jotted down their order and left with a polite "I'll be right back with your order." He quickly made his way to 3 more tables and jotted down their orders with the same lines before making his way to the kitchen. He reached up so he could place the order on the counter and firmly stated "New Order." Not bothering to wait for a response, he was out the doors and into the shop looking for tables that needed to be cleaned. He spotted two and quickly picked up their dishes and wiped down the tables. It wasn't good for business to look unsightly in any way of a prolonged amount of time. It showed bad service. He rushed back to the kitchen to dispose of the dishes.

Inside the kitchen his orders were ready to be picked up so with unbelievable balance—and a little help from Mika and Chris since reaching the counter was already a bit of challenge, with hands full it was another beast entirely. He hated to admit it but he was shorter than the counter, even if it was by a few inches—he held all three orders. He then waltzed out the doors, expertly placing the orders on their corresponding tables. Each dish was placed in a purposeful manner that accented the entree's aesthetic appeal. He made sure to ask each table whether they needed anything else to promote the feel of good service. Each table, except his first, declined and said they were fine. The first table— the one with the 3 kits—asked to keep the menu so that they could order later. He, of course, acquiesced to their request.

He was about to pick up more plates when he noticed new customers at the door. Checking discreetly to see that there was a clean table available for them, he walked briskly towards them with a business smile plastered on his face. "Hello, welcome to xxx I will be your waiter tonight. How many of you is it tonight?" He used his words carefully, subtly hinting that they should make coming here a common occurrence. He calmly listened to them and led them to an appropriate table which intentionally was as far from the dirty tables as they could be. After seating them he stated calmly, "Here are your menus. Can I get anything for you while you decide? Drinks perhaps?" he asked, wincing inwardly as that came out a little too pushy. He happily noted the customers paid it no mind, they simply stated what drinks they wanted and he jotted it down.

On his way to the kitchens to get the beverages he covertly wiped down and cleaned the dirty tables. Carrying both the dishes and the customers' order. Once inside the kitchen he quickly deposited the dirty dishes to their designated area and picked up the necessary beverages. Heading back out into the shop he gave the customers their drinks. Remembering who exactly ordered what, earning some brownie points by making the customer feel like they are important. He couldn't help the fond smile that appeared on his face as he thought that. Valik had told him that when he was teaching Kairi how to be a proper server. The whole night he had been reciting and performing every rule the Valkovs had taught him would make a restaurant successful. It made him happy to feel so close, Valik was like the bearer he never had and Anton was like the giver he always wanted. He shook his head slightly, focusing back on the task at hand. If he were back on Jesarka, Anton would be scolding him for being so absent-minded even if on the surface it appeared as though there was nothing to do. There was always something to do. Determined to perform in a way that would make the Valkovs proud, he went back to work.

---

Mika smiled to himself. It seemed Kairi was doing well as a waiter. He seemed to be constantly buzzing around, zipping in and out of the kitchen to get whatever mission he was on, done with so he could move to the next one. He was single-handedly providing for more than half the customers in their shop. He was providing excellent service without looking too overwhelmed. It was also adorable the way the young kit had to get on his tippy-toes just to reach the counter. He had to hide a smile he and/or Chris had to help Kairi get the orders off the counter so he could carry them to the tables. It was good to see that someone was happy and full of energy since the same could not be said about Caston. As Caston worked in the kitchen he could easily see the emotional and physical fatigue his mate had been so worried about. He sighed, he had yet to find a way to broach the subject with Caston....

Kairi zipped into the kitchen as a blur of red, stopping only to carefully place the order on the counter and boldly and audibly state "New order!". He watched Caston stiffen and once again try to turn around to (what Mika assumed ) catch glimpse of Kairi to no avail. The kit had already flashed out of the kitchen the moment those words left his lips. Then it hit him, this was it. This was his opening to start conversation with Caston without it being dreadfully obvious what his main goal was. Every single time that little red head came into the kitchen and said those two words, Caston would stiffen and attempt to look at Kairi with no luck. Mika assumed he wanted to look because Kairi's voice was an unfamiliar one and he simply wanted to put a voice to a face. He realized that speaking on the innocent topic of Kairi could possibly open a way for him to see what was really wrong with his kit. Taking a chance, he stepped closer to Caston and spoke, "Is something wrong Caston?"


Ninia: I was going to make it longer and had a different Mika pov scene in mind but then I realized I could prolong the "now" (you see my previous idea was going to make it seem like the night was coming to an end making less time for Mika to attempt to figure out what is wrong with Caston).... I thought we'd put off Caston and Kairi meeting a little tiny bit longer.... I'm going to put my previously deleted scene in the next response...

[Ninia]

As the night continued Caston’s mood didn’t improve, instead it did the opposite. He spent most of his time in the kitchen doing odd jobs for Mika, usually washing and clearing plates away, but he just felt annoyed for some reason and he-

“New order!” Caston tensed, Ah that’s why. The first few time Kairi brought in an order Caston had ignored him and just focused on what he was doing but as he kept bringing them he’d got curious about what the new guy actually looked like but every time Kairi brought in the next order and Caston would try to catch a glimpse of him he missed him. It was seriously starting to get annoying; he’d lost count how many times he’d tried now. So far all he knew about him was his name, the sound of his voice, colour of his hair and that he was very very short. He was sure he’d heard Mika try to stifle a little giggle when Kairi tried to reach the counter and Caston was missing it, missing out on chances to tease the new kid. He sighed and continued to wash the dishes. He was too focused in his work that he didn’t hear Mika come closer to him until he was standing next to Caston. He jumped when Mika asked him if something was wrong.

He glanced over at his bearer and grinned at him “No, I’m fine, why’d you ask?” He really hoped Mika hadn’t noticed that he wasn’t in the best of moods but knowing his bearer he probably did, but that wasn’t going to stop Caston from trying to hide it. Mika just gave his youngest a look that clearly said he wasn’t going to believe that. “What?”

“I know when you’re lying Caston. Now come on, what’s really bugging you?” Mika wasn’t going to let Caston get away that easily. It was clear to anyone that something was wrong and it was his job to figure out what.

Caston began to deny it, saying he was fine when Kairi once again came to give the next order. Caston visibly stiffen and quickly turned to try and see Kairi but once again he’d missed the petite redhead. Mika raised brow at Caston’s reaction, silently asking for an explanation. “Is it something to do with Kairi?”

Caston was silent for a while befoe he sighed again and ran a hand through his already messy hair. “No-Yes…I don’t really know. It just keeps bugging me. I…” He trailed of realising how stupid it seemed.

“Go on…” Mika pushed a little, wanting to hear the whole thing but at the same time not wanting to pressure Caston into telling him.”

Caston looked away, an embarrassed blush on his face “I want to see his face.” There he’d said it…and it even sounded silly out loud. Caston didn't look back at Mika, knowing his bearer would probably tease him about it.

[Mimi]

Mika smiled, feeling a little amused at how Caston pouted over not being able to see Kairi's face. He decided to save teasing Caston for when Kairi was actually around. He however responded, "Don't worry sweetie, you'll get to meet Kairi today after work. Abel wanted us—You, Me and your Giver—to have a discussion with him after work today for some reason. That aside, what's bothering you my kit? You not only came into work late today, but have been sluggish all evening! We worry about you kit, and what with Kieran coming home this weekend it would just be horrible if the whole family couldn't spend time together because you ended up getting sick." Mika had said and meant this in a loving fashion. He really just wanted some quality family time and thought that Caston would miss his older brother. "Now, sweetie, tell beba what's the matter"