The Jade Dragon, chapter 9

Brave
Summary: A little secret is unveiled. Vane thinks on his options, consults on the decision, and is one step closer to his decision.
Warnings: Possible left-field hit. Just go with me here.1

--2

Vane trudged along the ornate, empty main hall of the Nightroad wing in the Four-Tower Estate toward the main foyer, hands shoved into his pockets.3

There was a formal name for this place somewhere but Vane had always heard it called and himself referred to it as the ‘Four-Tower Estate’ because that was precisely what it was –a great and enormous sprawling domain where nearly half of the three main families of his clan still lived, a name to each tower. Three because the Nightroads had died out to a just himself and his late father’s estranged half sister –and she didn’t live here. 4

It was an ancient structure, square shaped, a building cornered by four tower-like structures from which their House, their clan, had been named. It had been built hundreds of years ago of solid stone, sporting enormous front and rear courtyards, numerous side buildings, caretaker cottages and various gardens.5

This was the place where Michael, his dad, had taken him to be raised for the first few years of his life as soon as the adoption had come through. It was here he had cultivated his sense of direction, where he’d learned to run, jump and skip steps. Where he’d had the fortune to be able to sneak off to the property river and come home to be scolded because he was soaking wet. It was here he had run the distance few children ever had to in order to have his morning meal in a breakfast room before school, played hide and seek with his cousins, and listened to the echoing quiet each night. 6

The weekends always made this home noisy, Vane thought, beginning to hear the echoing bustle of the main foyer. But then again it was to be expected with full sets of families living in each of the four towers save the Nightroad’s. There were just so many people here despite the well-appointed space.7

Nosy people.8

He was almost glad he didn’t live here anymore.9

Pausing at the landing at the top of the steps, he looked down into the main foyer and at the noisy crowd of people. The hall side-tables had been laid out with refreshments, groups here and there of chatting adults, children playing games around and between the adults’ legs. Servers and caters bustled back and forth, bringing equipment into the house and serving the guests.10

Family and extended had begun arriving for the Winter Solstice. Relatives were coming in for the extra long stay until the New Year. And if his Aunt had any say, there would be double the numbers this year.11

Vane sighed then started down, eyes skimming over everyone present and observing the changes. Skipping down the last few steps, he entered the melee of the front hall. His Aunt Beth spoke firmly and loudly over the noise, directing people, issuing orders. She spotted him, smiled, and he trotted over to her.12

“Oh good, you’re here. I’ve been keeping an eye out for you.” She smiled, “How are you doing? I’m sorry I’m so busy but do talk, I’m listening.”13

And she always did. Sometimes still called him every once in a while citing that without Michael someone certainly had to check up on him. “I’m fine, Auntie B. Grades are good, sports are alright, friends are wonderful, and I hide my relations like I’m embarrassed by them. I’m a well-balanced individual.”14

Flashing him a wry look she smiled and asked, “How was the trip over?”15

“Quick,” he answered dryly, sharing the smile.16

“It always is.” With a pointed look, “I don’t know why you don’t just live here when the distance makes no difference anyway.” She frowned slightly at someone behind him and pointed in answer to the silent question, whatever it was. “Both you and my son insisting on living at your schools Out There makes no sense to me at all.”17

Vane smiled then asked, “So why the extra big Solstice?”18

“I spoke to the Starburn boy,” Beth said quietly. “Now while he may be a young Seer, a Seer he is nonetheless. Also, a recent Vision of his corresponds to an Oracle’s reading from some years ago. It worries me.”19

“He must be getting good,” Vane murmured. “I don’t talk to him about family or his Sight when we’re not here amongst the rest of the House. I think I’ll keep to that, never mind the Vision.” He shook his head, “Poor kid probably has enough to deal with.”20

Beth gave him a kindly approving look, “Yes, dear, that would be best.” She nodded at him, “Do you draw the same line with my son?”21

“Yes,” Vane replied, and she nodded. “We’re friends but we keep a distance.”22

“Speaking of my son, would you go keep him company, dear?” Aunt Beth requested, a touch of pleading in her eyes. “He arrived not too long ago and has been sad when we said he couldn’t go to his boyfriend’s Winter Solstice celebrations.” Her eyes caught someone else’s over his shoulder and her face darkened, patting Vane’s shoulder absently.23

“Don’t worry, Auntie B,” he nodded and she nodded to him in thanks before turning away. 24

“Gay, you know, Beth’s son,” One of Vane’s uncles nearby muttered to his sister in law and the gaggle of relatives around them. “As in he has a boyfriend.” They frowned and shook their heads together. “Crying shame, I tell you. Such a well-behaved and polite young man ending up queer.”25

Vane gritted his teeth and tried to move slowly enough that they didn’t immediately notice him but fast enough to get out of there before they happened to.26

“Vane, darling.”27

No luck. He stopped but didn’t remove his hands from his pockets and he didn’t bother to smile, “Hi Aunt Carol.” He spared a nod for her foppish brother in law.28

“Darling,” Aunt Carol gushed, bussing him on each cheek. “How are you?”29

“Very well, thanks.” So may I go now? “How about you?”30

“Oh! Marvelous, dear.” Carol fluttered a hand at herself, smiling at the polite question. “Just peachy, thanks for asking. Now, do tell,” she leaned over, volume going down, “is Beth’s son still seeing that… that boy of his?”31

“Yes, Aunt Carol,” Vane managed to speak normally, “He still is.”32

“Oh dear,” she sighed, disappointed. She patted him on his shoulder, “Sorry to hear so.”33

“They’re happy together,” Vane added, just to annoy her but half out of hope she might reconsider her stand on the romance.34

She held true to habit however, her long elfin face immediately wrinkled into a frown, “Now, now, that’s not good at all.”35

“I see,” Vane’s temper snapped. His abrupt scowl made them pause.36

Suddenly, he knew he had to say something. This would be his first chance at taking a stand… and he found he didn’t want to pass it up. It was time to take the initiative at standing by the decision his heart seemed to have already made for him. 37

Taking a deep breath, he spoke the words he had never quite dared to utter, “I see you seem to find it’s not good at all for two people to love each other and be happy together.” He shook his head, stepping a half pace away from her and her little group. He was done wanting them to accept him, the adopted one; he had his family. “I’m sorry you don’t appreciate his contentment and happiness nor respect his decision.” He nodded to them in general, “Good afternoon Aunts, Uncles.”38

And he left.39

Aunt Beth positively grinned at him as he passed, and he smiled back, albeit a little strained.40

Vane wandered out to the rear gardens and chose a path that led to a pond near the West wing, trotted down the stone steps and further along to where he knew he’d find his cousin. He glanced back over his shoulder when exploding sparks of light erupted behind him, casting a strange glow over the trees in the twilight. But he merely shook his head and kept going, eventually finding a moping bundle of sulk sitting on a bench.41

“Missing your hunny, cousin?” he asked companionably, slouching down next to the moping young man. He pulled out a cigarette and lit up.42

“I’m going to miss him again over Winter Solstice,” came the gloomy response. “Parents won’t let me miss the big family get together.”43

“We can keep each other company, eh?” With a roll of his eyes, Vane relayed, “You probably know this already but the ‘grown-ups’ have already started arguing. There were sky-bound colours just was I was leaving.”44

“Hm? Oh… yeah…” He slouched, completely disinterested.45

“I’m sorry you’re away from him.” Vane considered the listless movements and dull eyes but in the end couldn’t resist and rolled his eyes at his cousin’s theatrical brooding. He sat back and enjoyed being this far away from the commotion of the party, “I don’t exactly have someone in my life but you know I completely sympathise, Marcus.”46

“Thanks.” Marcus Rutherfox sat up and watched the sun set, the colours painting a lovely soft glare over what Imrad liked to call chocolate curls and butterscotch eyes. “Hey, you think about what Imrad and I said yesterday, speaking of people in our lives?”47

Vane sighed. He was growing frustrated and weary with their nagging. “Yes.”48

“And?”49

“I… I’ve missed him,” Vane admitted. “I haven’t seen him since Tuesday.”50

“Day after the lunchie thing with everyone?” Startled, Marcus glanced over, a brow raised.51

“Yeah,” he took a drag off his cigarette, “he came over to Tuesday practice. We talked.” He scooted and leaned his head on Marcus’ shoulder and ran through the conversation he’d had, memories bright and vivid in his head. A touch-telepath like Marcus could pick up the entire situation clearly without words; and this was a more complete telling. 52

An honest sharing.53

“You’re really in deep shit, aren’t you?” Marcus murmured when Vane was done and pulled away to sit up again. “Looks like you have a bit to make up there. And you better do it soon.”54

“I don’t know how,” admitted Vane softly. “I know I should talk to him before Leonora talks to me. I don’t want him to think he’s the rebound guy or my second choice.” Scrubbing a hand through his hair, “I just don’t know how.”55

“I’ll make you a deal,” Marcus murmured, sighing. “I’ll play interference with Leonora for a couple of days. A couple of days, you hear me? Not a long time. I’ll make it sound like I’m talking to her without you knowing.” He waved a hand, “insider information.”56

“Thanks.” Vane rolled his head back in sheer resignation, face upturned toward the sky. With heartfelt frustration he muttered, “This is so screwed up.”57

“Everyone but my mom is going to give you shit, you know,” Marcus reminded him.58

“Unnecessary to mention but thanks,” Vane grumbled, taking the last pull off his cig. “I know.” His thoughts derailed to what he had said earlier, recalled the shock in their expressions. What kind of ‘shit’ would they put him through? Would they even care since he wasn’t really one of them? 59

He ignored it when Marcus’ hand reached out to touch him wanting to understand because Marcus could sense his emotional turmoil. Words couldn’t be formed out of such complex thoughts and Vane didn’t mind sharing.60

“You idiot,” Marcus chided withdrawing, “You’re family, adopted or not. I can’t believe you’re still hung up on that.”61

Shrugging, “I always sort of thought I was different, not just adopted.” He gestured with a cigarette-laden hand, “You’re all mostly gifted, and those who aren’t have married in and have kids and wives or husbands.”62

“And what? Because Uncle Mike’s gone, that severed your link to us?” Marcus gave a snort and repeated, “Idiot.” He paused. “Don’t tell me you wanted Leonora for that reason. To be accepted?”63

“Maybe a little.” He sighed, stubbed his cig out and tossed it then tilted his head over toward his cousin with a guilty quirk on his lips. “Just a little.”64

“You brave enough?” Marcus asked quietly. “I’m proud of you for doing what you did, saying what you did. But Miguel’s going to need battling on all fronts. I already don’t envy you trying to win him over. Not to mention Imrad’s still pissed off at you for hurting him. Then the aunts and uncles on top of that?” He shuddered sympathetically; after all, he already suffered their disapproval.65

“For him, if he’ll have me,” Vane said quietly, closing his eyes and turning his face up to the sky again, “Yea. I’ll be brave enough.”66

TBC