Chapter 1
The room felt quiet, eerily so, the only sound that could reach his ears and remind him of his breathing status was the gentle drops of rain that caressed more than hit the windows. It felt too quiet, yet too loud.
Sunday wasn't supposed to be here, he didn't think so atleast, laying in bed as the only light that came through was from the window. A glance outside confirmed his suspicions of the weather being quite awful, gloomy and devoid of any sightings of the sun. Yet another part of him felt comforted by it, how contrasting.
He didn't know how long he had spent simply facing the ceiling, body numb to its core, and Sunday couldn't tell whether it was due to the sheer cold or not. The room didn't have heating.
Still, he didn't exactly mind, the familiarity of the room, his room, bringing forth enough sense of comfort for him to simply ignore how cold the air in the room felt against his pale skin, regardless of it being hidden away by the covers. As if it was simply untouched by the sun, as cold as winter mornings, as distant as his mind.
He wasn't supposed to be here.
The loud opening of his bedroom's door gave him enough reason to shift his gaze away from the spiderwebs surrounding the corners of the ceiling, instead studying the steady frame of none other than his beloved sister. Robin, who was clearly worried.
His sister sighed in relief once she noticed he was awake, walking over in long but elegant strides, her weight causing the wooden floor to creak in a familiar announcement of her arrival. She was sitting on the edge of the bed before he could even blink.
''How are you feeling?'' Her voice was as soft as the clouds that hid the sun from his eyesight, hesitant as if uncertain on whether she should even speak at all, the silence causing the both of them to naturally bask in it.
Why was she asking him that?
''I don't know.'' The admittance slipped through his chapped lips before he could process and think her sentence all the way through, licking his lips in an awkward manner as he took in her dress, surprised to see her wearing black instead of her favourite white.
He felt as if the room had suddenly gotten even colder, as if the loss of the color caused reality to sink in, breaking Sunday's imagination of mistaken warmth due to comfort.
Robin didn't seem pleased with his answer, and for a spare moment he wondered whether he should have said he was fine to appease her, cease her worrying and comfort her. It was too late to take back his words though, for one more time, it seemed.
The two of them stayed quiet for a bit after that, the distance between them being short enough to the point Sunday could hear her breathing, noting the way sadness seemed to cling to her. Yet, it felt as if they were miles apart, and he didn't know how to bridge the gap that had formed between them, not anymore.
He slowly sat up, the covers pooling on his lap as he took in his sickly looking hands, his skin looking unnaturally ashen, nothing like it's usual glowing appearance. A soft hand gently placed itself on top of his, Robin's soft skin showcasing the contrast further. Her hand felt boiling hot against his own, but he knew better.
''Do you want to eat something? Should I call for a maid?'' He didn't have an appetite, so he shook his head, visibly pausing at the mention of further company.
''No. I'm quite alright, let's not make this a bigger deal than it is.'' His words were sincere, Sunday firmly believing in them, but he couldn't tell whether he actually felt as alright as he promised to be. *Everyone is so busy, they shouldn't waste time checking up on me.*
Sunday could tell Robin doubted his reply, her eyes studying him intently in a way that confirmed to him that she was concerned, something he could understand. He simply needed rest to feel better, he was certain of that much, not feeling unwell in any particular sense.
Except from how cold it felt. But that was to be expected given the fact the heating was off.
''Brother..Are you sure?'' Sunday simply shook his head in denial, standing by his point rather firmly. He didn't wish to burden the people around him any more than he already was, he had already put off a lot of his duties due to his bedridden state.
Robin, for all her uncertainty, seemed to realize his feelings on the matter, and didn't push further, nodding her head in a show of understanding. ''Okay..I'll go get changed, call me if you need anything.''
She sent him a sympathetic look and a squeeze of his hand before getting up and walking out his room in relaxed movements, her worry decreasing after his reassurances. The door closed behind her with a soft click, but Sunday felt like he'd lost something once she was out of his sight.
Perhaps he needed to rest more.
He layed back down, his back being comforted by the soft matress and in a show of boredom he glanced slowly around his room, noting with some curious a stray lighter resting on the right sidetable of his bed. He reached over, grabbing it after stretching his body slightly, frowning at the specks of either blood or dirt, maybe even dilapidation.
He flicked it open, eyes softening at the gentle fire, providing a comforting sense of warmth. The only consolation in the lonely room, his only solace in the now meaningless world. As his eyes slowly came to a close, he wondered what he felt like he was forgetting.
-
Sunday wasn't supposed to run late, knowing full well of the expectations his father held for him, the other making it painfully clear that he couldn't be anything less than perfect in this meeting. And yet here he was, perfect son Sunday, running late to the one meeting he had promised his father he'd be the most proper for.
He hadn't planned for things to happen this way, his stress having ensured he'd be prepared an hour early, no flaws to be spotted anywhere. And he still somehow managed to run late.
Sunday truly wasn't to blame, not directly atleast, having gotten caught up with a woman who desperately needed directions around the building, her mental state so poor she could barely form sentences, something about her husband gambling away their life expenses. Sunday had taken way too long trying to console her, his golden heart unable to simply brush her off and let someone else deal with her.
She could barely hold a conversation and her thoughts were all over the place, not that Sunday could blame her given what he'd put together from her words. A part of him regretted the decision to entertain her for this long, remembrance of his father's disappointed voice causing dread to well up in his chest.
He knew his father would not care for such excuses.
Sunday didn't dare waste more time to mentally prepare himself for the lecturing that would ensue once father saw him, rightfully upset given the fact he had fully emphasized how important today was. He entered the room without thinking about it twice, not having the luxury of procastinating.
As the door creaked and closed behind him, the sound muted to his own ears, he felt the way his shoulders' tensed on instinct at the sight of his father's apathetic expression, his face not betraying a single thought as he stared at his son. Sunday knew better though, those cold eyes screaming of the disappointment their owner held, a promise of brutal repriminding clear as day.
Sunday barely managed to hold back a wince as he averted his gaze and took a seat by his father's side, swallowing dryly once he noticed the way his father's fingers drummed on the table's surface. Ena help him, he had truly pissed the other man off this time.
A nod was the only gesture he received in acknowledge to his late appearance, the people in the meeting barely glancing at him as they continued on with their conversation, too busy arguing to properly greet him. Not that he particularly minded, having found that sort of hypocritical gesture rather disgusting.
He glanced at his father, just barely leaning towards him to be able to whisper more freely, his voice coming out as apologetic as he felt, ''Father, forgive me I-''
''Not here Sunday.'' The other's cold voice felt whipping against Sunday's skin, Gopher Wood not looking at him once, as if too enraged with him, ''We'll talk later.''
Sunday nodded mutely, straightening back up in his seat and trying his best to focus on the on going conversation, doing his best to ignore the sense of dread that was causing him to feel uneasy. He knew no excuses would help his case this time.
''It's irrational to simply let the matter go, we've been played for fools by the lot of them!'' Sunday's gaze focused on one of the older family heads that had attended the meeting, the old man barely able to walk if Sunday remembered correctly. Yet he'd never miss a single meeting.
How greedy old men were for power.
He took the opportunity to look around, familiar old and wrinkled faces the only thing that greeted him, not that he expected anything else. He could tell everyone in the room was angry, but Sunday couldn't remember if there had been any mentions of the reason after he arrived.
''It's irrational to damage our relationships with the IPC for something as unimportant as security meassures. So what if the Grand Theater was broken into during one of Robin's performances? The culprit was dealt with smoothly. We should focus on the results.''
Sunday would deny the way those words caught his attention, his head snapping up rather suddenly at the mention of his sister. How had he not caught word of this?
A glance at his father, who still hadn't looked at him, didn't help answer any of his questions, worry growing the more he let his thoughts foster with no one to reassure him that nothing had happened. His eyes narrowed at the reminder of the IPC being involved, his dislike for the organisation growing further.
Sunday didn't know how long he took before he focused back on the meeting, mind too busy trying to organize itself and hands occupied with gripping at his pants, a gesture he stopped once he realized.
''The solution is simple, we will replace the current security team with people better suited for the job. We'll let the matter go this once, and simply ensure it isn't repeated again.'' His father's polite smile made him relax momentarily, having always felt comforted by the other's presence ever since he was a kid. Sunday knew he never had a thing to worry about when his father was in charge.
Still, he couldn't help the unease that arose when he noticed the tightness around the corner of his father's eyes, a clear sign of his displeasure and irritation. Had the matter truly proven so difficult to overcome?
''With all due respect..I firmly believe we must show the IPC we aren't to be messed with. They will take us for pushovers if we don't show them they can't brush us off so easily!'' One of the more annoying elders spoke up, his short stature and ugly appearance failing at being intimidating, especially to someone as apathetic as Gopher Wood.
His father could just barely hide his irritation, his hands gripping at the arm chair a little bit too tight, ''I fear I did not ask for stupid comments. If you are unable to comprehend the flaws in your logic then you shouldn't be in this meeting, with all due respect.'' The mocking tone in the other man's tone did not go unnoticed by the elder, an expression of surprise overwritten the previous determination that clouded his eyes.
''If that is all then I believe we are done here for today.'' Gopher Wood got up, pushing his chair back and moving towards the exit in relaxed and graceful movements, stopping to raise an eyebrow only when he heard someone clear their throat.
''..Excuse me..but who will handle the responsibility of interviewing the new security staff..?'' A meak voice came from a guard, the young man trembling slightly as he voiced the question that plagued everyone's mind, minus Sunday's.
Sunday could barely contain a scoff at the question, finding it rather stupid given the fact his father wouldn't be the one to deal with that minor matter, simply because his father was too busy.
Gopher Wood, much to his son's silent surprise, took a moment to act as if he genuinely thought over the question, a ridiculous thought in Sunday's opinion. His father would never entertain dealing with such unimportant matters afterall.
His father's cold eyes met Sunday's shocked ones and a shiver ran down his spine, not liking what that look promised at all.
''Sunday will be the one to interview the new bodyguards. This meeting is over.'' The resolution in the older man's tone left no room for any more questions, and Gopher Wood turned on his way and exited the room, but not without gesturing to Sunday to follow him.
Sunday's mind was frozen as he processed his father's words, surprised at the task he was assigned, especially given how out of his field of interest it was, and the fact it wasn't important enough compared to his other responsibilities.
He couldn't go against his father's orders though, the older man's word was law and that was a fact. So Sunday, ignoring how shocked he still was, got up and left the room after his father, ears clogged to all the whispering he left behind.
It wasn't long before Sunday found himself following his father down the empty corridor. Mind running a mile per hour as he tried his best not to stray too far behind the other.
''I'll be nice, why were you late Sunday?'' His father didn't stop walking nor turn to look at him as he broke the silence.
Sunday hesitated for a second, knowing his father would find out the truth anyway, ''My..apologies, I was helping a woman at the lobby. She was distraught.''
''All I hear is excuses.'' The other stopped abruptly, almost causing Sunday to crash into Gopher Wood's back, ''I'm pretty certain I highlighted multiple times how you had to be there on time. Does my memory fail me, son?"
Sunday ducked his head in shame, throat having gone dry due to the nerves, ''It does not.''
His father sighed in resignation and turned around, placing a gentle hand on the top of his head, Sunday rather hesitant to look him in the eye. In truth, he wasn't scared of his father's anger, but his disappointment.
''I'll forgive it this once. You've never been anything less of trustworthy afterall, but do me a favour and not let this get repeated.''
Sunday could only nod, shame threatening to burn him to dust.
''Good.'' His father's gentle hand strayed from the top of his head to his cheek, tilting his head so they could make eye contact, Sunday finding nothing but apathy behind his father's eyes, ''I expect amazing results from your newest assignment. Your sister's protection depends on your work afterall. We wouldn't want Robin to get hurt, correct?"
He nodded, and his head was released, a satisfied hum leaving Gopher Wood as he turned back around again and kept walking, seemingly not having anything else to say.
That was also a silent sign of dismissal for Sunday. He let out a breath he wasn't aware he was holding once his father was out of sight. But never out of mind, Sunday knew his father had ears everywhere.
He simply retreated back to his bedroom, mentally making a list of the things he'd have to push back to take care of the new and unexpected assignment, anxiety eating him up inside. He couldn't mess this up.
Before he could stop himself, he found his feet carrying him to the kitchen instead of his room, entering quietly and looking around in search of his sister, knowing that she was supposedly going to be baking muffins for the orphanage downtown right about this hour.
His beloved sister had been kind enough to offer him the opportunity to help her out. Sunday had initually rejected it, assuming the meeting might take longer than originally expected. Something that had turned out true, excluding the fact he had ran late.
He still found himself hoping she was still there.
''They'll love the sprinkles, good idea! What if we add a few biscuit crumbs too?'' an unfamiliar voice had Sunday pausing in his step, wings fluttering gently in nervousness.
''Sounds good! They already look so tasty, all thanks to your hard work Miss March.'' His sister's sweet voice had him momentarily relaxing as he stepped further inside the kitchen, eyes widening at the sight of another female basically attached by the hip with Robin, the duo looking way too comfortable in each other's space.
Sunday hesitated for quite a few moments, eyes tracking their movements with a hint of unease, the actions rather inappropriate in his eyes.
In the end he couldn't help clearing his throat in an attempt at announcing his arrival, trying and failing not to feel too awkward. As if he walked in on something.
He had to supress a scoff at that thought, what utter nonsense.
The two girls basically jumped away from one another, failing to hide how close they previously were, and making it even more awkward for Sunday, who couldn't stop shuffling his feet in nervousness.
He had to remind himself there was nothing to worry about as he stepped closer, his uncertainty masked with a smile as he regarded his sister who looked like she'd seen a ghost, ''My apologies, I didn't mean to interrupt.''
''Brother..!'' Robin breathed a sigh of relief as her shoulders slumped, a hand resting on her chest right above her heart in a show of getting spooked, ''Don't sneak up on me like that! I almost had a heart attack.'' For all her pouting, her eyes shined with happiness at seeing Sunday.
''That wasn't my intention.'' He smiled apologetically at her before his eyes turned to stare rather coldly at the girl Robin had called 'March', ''And who may this be?"
March seemed nervous to be addressed, her hands occupying themselves by straightening out her skirt, Sunday's eyes narrowing at the sight of her appearance, a commoner then.
''I'm March 7th! Nice to meet you Mister Sunday!'' She laughed in a nervous manner, bowing her head in reply as if he was some kind of royal instead of a priest's son. Sure, they were a powerful family of high status, but that didn't mean such gestures were necessary.
He simply returned the nod with a tight smile, not wishing to appear rude but not finding it in himself to actually interact with her either. As long as she treated Robin right, it was alright.
''I came to help out but it appears you already have enough hands.'' He teased Robin softly, reaching out and wiping some flour off her cheek with a spare napkin he always carried around, face turning impossibly fonder at the sight of her grateful smile.
''The more the merrier.'' Robin's determined expression was enough to persuade her brother, who could never say no to her.
So he found himself helping the two girls in making muffins.