Here is what I thought was a cool interpretation of a White Hat Hacker (also known as an ethical hacker) ^^

Kai's POV

My dad left this morning since he needs to prepare for a stockholders meeting being held tomorrow. Before he left, he promised to visit next weekend and take us to an all you can buffet which Raziel is really excited about.

My father already called to tell me that he arrived safely and I can't explain just how much even this tiny gesture means to me. It does seem like he'll be putting a bit more effort into our relationship and that fills me with joy.

I wander down the hallway, heading in the direction of Zorander's office. Raziel sent me a text, during my last class of the day, saying that he would be there. Not that he really needed to because that's the place I look for him.

"Kai!" I spin towards the voice and find the curly haired giant that is my older brother rushing towards me.

"Hi Declan!" I exclaim, releasing a tiny shriek when he lifts me off the ground, squishing me against his chest.

Lance who pops out from behind him giggles and greets me, and Declan finally sets me on my feet, still wearing a huge smile. "My mom had the surgery yesterday! It went really well. Thank you so much for helping me." Declan once again crushes me into a hug, causing me to giggle.

"That's what family's for," I tell him, patting his arm, and he grins. "I know we agreed to play Zombie Panda today, but is it okay if I visit your mom to see how she's doing?" 

"That would be great!" Declan instantly agrees and I giggle at his excitement.

I shoot Raziel a text telling him that I'm going to the hospital with Declan and he responds telling me to have fun and that he'll see me at home later.

Declan, Lance and I head to the car and once we get it, I turn towards Declan. "I have a question." My voice comes out hesitant and in a higher pitch than usual. Declan shifts to face me after he buckles his seat belt. "Did our dad call you?"

It seems to take forever before Declan begins to respond. "Your dad called, yes," he replies. His voice carries a note of finality, as if telling me to drop this topic.

However, I'm more persistent than he thinks. "And?" I prompt, studying his face.

He lets out an exasperated sigh and runs his hand through his hair. "I didn't answer. I'm not ready to forgive him. I'm not blaming him for my stupid choices but I can't get his harsh words out of my head. He didn't want me and I'm not sure if he would ever have called if it wasn't for you. So I really don't think I can talk to him. I've already decided that I'll pay back the money-"

"Nonsense!" I quickly interject. "You're his son too and he should be providing for you financially. If you want, you can think that it comes from me. I learnt a lot about my dad's work and stock. They were the only things we talked about after my mom died," I pause and suck in a shaky breath.

After all these years, I thought the sadness that accompanies any thoughts of my mom would fade, but it didn't. I still miss her. I would love to see her one last time, just to say goodbye. She was taken from me too suddenly.

A tentative pat on my back helps me refocus and I smile at Declan, the owner of the hand. "My point is, I have investments of my own, I just don't have full access to them until I turn eighteen. Keep track of any expenses and I'll pay back dad for you. That way it comes from me," I conclude.

Declan furrows his eyebrows as he ponders my proposition. "Okay, but do you think you can teach me about investments and stuff?"

"Of course!" I giggle and bob my head up and down. "But only if you teach me how to hack! That's so cool!"

Declan wasn't in school today since he wanted to wait at the hospital with his mother, but he came at the end of the day to collect some class notes from his peers. The two of us messaged a lot throughout the day today and he mentioned that he was really into coding and hacking. 

"Yeah I can!" Declan responds with a smile before it changes into a frown. "I think Lance is a better hacker than I am, and I still have a lot to learn, but I'd be thrilled to teach you what I know!"

Lance giggles from the backseat. "He's being modest. He's really good!"

"Not really," Declan mumbles, his cheeks growing a more vibrant shade of red with each passing moment.

Lance and I giggle at his obvious embarrassment. "What do you want to do when you graduate?" I ask. If Lance says he's good at hacking, maybe he can do something in that field.

Declan grins widely. "I eventually want to be a White Hat Hacker so I would like to do a first degree in Computer Science. Lance and I always planned on going to university and studying together. He's the reason I got into hacking in the first place!"

A sad smile spreads across Lance's face. "It's all up to you now. I'm sure you'll do well."

"I can see you, remember! We can still do it together! We'll still sit through classes, study together and hang out together all the time. I promise not to ignore you ever again!" Declan exclaims, shifting to face Lance.

Lance smiles wider but I can see the pain in his eyes and I'm suddenly reminded of how little time he actually has before fully transitioning to a hollow and losing his sense of self. "You're right!" He says in a chirpy voice and Declan grins wider and turns back around. As soon as he is no longer looking, Lance's face falls and he claws at the lone tear running down his cheek.

"What about you Kai?" Declan inquires, oblivious to the somber atmosphere in the car.

I plaster a smile to my face. It's not my place to tell Declan what's going on with Lance. "I want to invest some more money and use it to start my own non-profit. Something to support those less fortunate and in difficult situations. I haven't exactly figured it out but other than emotional and financial support, I know it must also offer life skill classes. Stuff like living on a budget, self defense and investment classes, that type of thing. I don't want to just give help, I want them to be able to fend for themselves afterwards."

By the time I'm finished talking, I'm genuinely excited. This is something I've always wanted to do and I think it's the best way to honour my mom. She was always so kind and giving, I'm sure this would have made her proud.

"Woah!" Both Declan and Lance exclaim simultaneously and I giggle and decide this is the perfect time to start the ignition and set off to see Marian, Declan's mom. On the way to the hospital, we continue to talk about our futures.

"My Prince," Marian croaks once we enter her hospital room. "Kai, sweet child, how are you?" She greets me as soon as she spots me.

I smile and hurry to her. Declan has already given her a kiss on the forehead and is now gently stroking her hair. "Hello Auntie," I beam and lightly squeeze her hand.

"Oh Auntie, I love that." Marian nods and smiles approvingly. "Declan told me he was going to play video games with you this evening," she says, coughing violently once she stops talking.

"Mom, are you okay? Are you uncomfortable? Should I call a doctor?" Declan questions, with worry etched on his face as he pours her a glass of water.

He tilts the glass to her head and she takes a few sips before indicating that she doesn't want any more. "Stop making a fuss. I'm alright. I'm through the worst so stop worrying." She smiles and reaches up to pat Declan's face and he bends down so that she can reach him easily.

"I just wanted to see how your surgery went and make sure you were alright," I say, replying to her earlier question.

"Such a sweet child. I'll be up and running in no time, cupcake, don't you worry. Now I'm sure you both have more fun things to be doing so get on your way. Thanks for the visit," Marian says, flinging her frail arms as she tries to shoo us.

Declan frowns, seeming not quite ready to leave his mother. "How about we do our homework here. That way we can spend some more time with you, Auntie," I suggest looking at Marian. "And when we get to my house we won't have to spend time doing that, we can just have fun. We'll just sit in the corner and study quietly," I add after seeing her frown.

"Alright then. Have at it. I'll put on my soaps, will the noise distract you?" She asks, smiling at us.

I giggle and shake my head, and Declan and I move to the corner of the room while Marian turns on the television. We spend the next two hours, mostly studying, but I do get distracted a few times by Marian's engrossing soap opera. 

What did you think of the chapter? And Kai and Declan's ideal jobs? 

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