They where still in the kitchen, laughing and cleaning up when Xavier arrived- Vaughan caught sight of his reflection in the microwave and knew that it would be quite the task to remove all the cookie dough and flour from his messy curls.

They hadn't heard the crunch of gravel, and nor had there been a call forewarning their early arrival, but one of the butlers strode into the kitchen, unphased by the mess to announce the cars approach from the main gates.

"OH!" Elliot pulled away from where Vaughan had been attempting to wipe the flour from the boys cheeks, which only seemed to succeed in smearing the powder to a thick plaster across his face," Their here! Their HERE!"

"Calm down Ell," Myles strolled forward while Vaughan gave him a firm," Not with your face like that!"

"But I have been waiting so looong!" whined the younger boy

"Elliot please calm down," his mother said lightly, a hint of warning in her tone ," They will be here in a moment. Erroll came to us when they reached the gate, so their not here yet. Lets clean up and bring your favorite cookies to Mr. Xavier."

Keaton rolled his eyes, the mirth that had been there only moments before undetectable as he went to the sink to clean himself off.

"Come on," he said glaring over his shoulder at Elliot," come clean up!"

Elliot ran up to his older brother while Myles handed Vaughan, Bradly and his sister facial wipes.

"Oh, thanks," Vaughan said taking the small packet," You sure are prepared."

Myles quirked a brow at him," I hardly find it so, you where all making quite the mess and I figured eventually you would like to clean."

"Quit being such a stick in the mud already and just say 'thank you' for once in your life Myles!" groaned Amelia as she passed her wipes over to Keaton to get some flour out of his ear,"We all know you are thirsty for compliments."

Myles sputtered," Thank you? What-I didn't-"

He turned to Vaughan.

The elder of the McClellan house did not like conflict of any sort- in fact his natural response to arguing was to try his best to avoid it. As such he did his best to focus on cleaning himself.

Myles, seeing the shorter man had unbuttoned the top three buttons to his shirt to wipe off the flour stuck to his chest, stopped talking.

It really had gotten everywhere.

"Didn't what," came Amelia's jeer and the change of tone pulled at Vaughans attention, and he blinked up catching sight of the other mans face.

"Are-are you okay Myles?" his brows knit and he stopped cleaning his neck and chest in favor of cocking his head to the side frowning," You look..."

'constipated' or' unwell' came to mind but he bit his tongue.

"Yes, why wouldn't I be," the taller man coughed and shook his head," I'm going to change."

Vaughan watched Myles leave turning his confusion to Bradly and Amelia who bent over one another in peels of laughter.

"Um. Am I missing something?" He questioned as they attempted to catch their breath.

Wiping tears from her eyes Amelia waved a hand at him," No, no don't worry. It's. . "

"An inside joke," sputtered Bradly," you wouldn't get it."

"We're so mean," Amelia broke into another peal of laughter as she leaned back on Bradly and Vaughan shook his head.

"Mom quit being weird," Elliot whined as he pulled gently on her sleeve," Xavier is here!"

"Yes, yes," she fought the laughter as she patted his head and took his hand," Lets go."

"It's not THAT funny," Keatons face was in a deeper scowl than normal.

Bradly threw an arm around the taller of the boy's shoulders as they all began making their way to the entrance," Oh my lad, when you are older you will understand."

"I understand perfectly 'now', I'm not a baby," Keaton groaned as Bradly laughed at him.

By the time they had made it to the entrance, the car was already parked, and the occupants had already filed out. Xavier was running around bouncing on his toes with excitement. Vaughan worried about the energy and the cookies Elliot currently held in his hand.

He wasn't surprised to see Morrowe with the ensemble, and Reko was expected to be with Xavier. It was the fact that in all his bulk stood Graham that made him blink- he had thought the cook would relish in some free time back at the McClellan estate. Though at Bradlys hollered welcome he supposed he shouldn't have been surprised to see the brother here.

Sighing he stepped forward," Xavier. Please, calm-"

He was winded as the boy threw himself forward like a bullet into his midsection with a joyful cry.

The week had been the longest Vaughan had left the boy since he had underwent the process of adopting the orphan.

And, he thought, it clearly had been a strain on the young one.

How undeserving adults where, of the children that forgave without question and loved so simply and so strongly.

Vaughan wasn't going to deny that he had missed the boy, and found himself dropping his coat to the ground, his shoulders and chest lifting a weight he hadn't fully realized he was holding onto, he chortled, finding strength to squeeze Xavier back and spin them in a circle.

"I missed you too!" he found himself saying with laughter in his voice as the boy pleaded," again, spin us again Uncle!"

"No no I can't," he chuckled cheeks red," I think I may pass out if I do much more! Come now, down you get and greet everyone- mind your manners!"

Vaughan had set him down, giving off a cheerful wave to the three men trailing behind and turned just in time to see both boys and their mother near him to greet Xavier, Elliot unsurprisingly reflecting Xaviers demeanor while Keaton looked genuinely interested and his mother amused if anything.

And, at the door, paused mid step, was Myles, who wore an expression Vaughan couldn't fully place but it was there just briefly before settling back into the stern appearance he generally wore.

Vaughan blinked at him, but was his attention was quickly drawn to the two younger boys as they began to quickly make friends.

"You like Spider-Man too!" Elliot was saying, having spied a hand full of the comics Xavier was clutching to him and Xaviers smile grew more if possible.

"Yes! I love superheroes! Spider-Man is my favorite!"

As Vaughan ushered them to follow and the adults greeted one another, Bryan obviously already knowing his brother and everyone knew Morrowe, they shuffled to the door to prepare for dinner, Xavier swinging from his arm while he carried some of the boys comics and Elliot was gushing over the Batman issue that Xavier was currently sharing with him.

As they went through the archway Vaughan felt as if his senses where heightened, his arms and neck prickling as he became acutely aware of Myles gaze on him.

He laughed to Xavier as the boy pulled him emphatically to follow Bradly and Graham down the hall faster, but it felt a bit forced as he allowed himself to look up to Myles as the man fell in step along side them.

The stern lines of the face where set as they normally where, and his gaze was focused forward, his cheeks already sporting a 5 o'clock shadow despite having been clean shaven that morning.

But, Vaughan thought to himself, he knew that the man smiled. Something that had slid away in the peripheral of Vaughan's gaze.

When he did, Vaughan reflected, it was as if a different person was there.

+++

"I didn't think you would mind , so I made the arrangements! With the fact that you will be residing here with Xavier for the following year, and the fall festival and holiday banquet both being held at the estate with more guests on the list than any year before, it was only natural for Graham to join he entourage in the kitchens," Morrowe was saying as they all sat around for dinner, Arjun, Kabir, Michael, Malachi, and Marcell all having joined the group for the meal and Bradly had left on some level of business or another.

"I am not against any of it," Vaughan frowned to Morrowe," I just was surprised was all. It is wonderful to have you join us Graham."

"Thank you Master Vaughan," thick accent and traditional monikers where used by the hard working cook, though thankfully he didn't address Vaughan by his last name with the title.

Small graces.

Vaughan waved a hand while fussing over Xaviers lack of eating and increase of conversation with Elliot and, surprisingly, Keaton.

"You will never get dessert, and it is about to be served! I knew I shouldn't have allowed you the cookies," grumbled the elder and Xavier quickly made a show of digging into his meal.

Arjun chuckled at the boys antics," We are so pleased to have you join us, we have heard so much from your uncle."

"I couldn't wait to be here!" the boy announced after a quick mouthful of potatoes was downed," I sometimes don't get Uncle. I could have came last week! It was the worst week of ever and I was so bored!"

"Why now," laughed Morrowe," I do not quite recall the same events it seems."

"Didn't we hold off your lectures 'and' go to the summer festival!"Reko was thumbing his pipe and Vaughan was aware that half the company most likely was thinking of a pipe, cigar or cigarette.

"We should hurry to dessert- I am certain some would like some tobacco to ease their evenings," he tried to redirect the conversation, motioning to the boys still full plate.

Xavier barely contained a groan," see! Uncle is always just so! So-"

"So what?" Marcell laughed pulling on his mustache.

"I don't know. But he is just so-whatever it is. And he always is after me because."

Arjun leaned back, settling his glass down empty," Seems as if, to me, you're uncle just is very good at being worried over you."

"Uncle Vaughan is always so scared of everything," Xavier said around a mouthful before taking a gulp of his milk, not noticing his uncles face as it became ripe with blush," Always has to meet EVERYONE before I do, and always is keeping me at home! Reko says he needs to- what did you say Reko? Find himself a squeeze? Mr. Morrowe said so as well, I don't know what that means, but Mr. Morrowe is always right. Maybe Uncle needs to hug more since he always says he likes his space and only hugs me- he is always so -so I donno -Uncle can be boring, but it's okay because he tells the best stories AND oh Elliot! You just have to see the kite Uncle bought me for my birthday last month!"

Vaughan was highly aware of the sniggers coming from around the table and, his plate being woefully empty he having finished well in time before engaging too much in conversation unlike his nephew, instead made a play of adjusting his fork, plate, downing the rest of his red wine in one swig.

'This boy,' he cried mentally' will be the death of me.'

"You're poor uncle looks like he is going to gain some white hair just from tonight," groused Michael from where he leaned back chewing on an unlit cigar.

Vaughan had seen him try to light a smoke once a few days prior and had been chewed out by Kiber, who quickly made him stub out the expensive cigar. The man tended to hold them in his mouth until after meals were finished where he would go outside to smoke them with Morrowe, when present, and Arjun in tow.

Until then, he would become increasingly mischievous and would poke fun at anyone he could. Normally it was his younger brother, Malachi, while their eldest bother Marcell would roll his eyes at a display he was not unused to.

The child hummed without concern," Yeah, he's always saying that I'm making him go white. I don't see how; his hair is always the same."

"Oh it is but something that children are meant to do to their elders, I fear," Arjun chuckled, eye trailing to Kabir, Myles and Amelia.

He frowned, setting down his beer as he did.

"Are you doing all right my dear?"

All eyes shot to Amelia who looked decidedly more pale than normal.

"Ah I think I'm just tired," she smiled, sipping at her tea a bit before setting her cup down," though I am not certain I will make dessert. I have had far too many sweets today."

"Lets get you to bed," Myles was already standing, as if the woman would disagree didn't cross his mind, though it didn't seem as if she was interested in doing such.

She stood, her sons who sat next to Xavier both now quiet and watchful as she bid them goodnight with kisses and gentle hugs, and she winced at the movement before meeting her brother to take his arm as they made their way to the staircase down the hall.

The mood at the table sobered and Xavier watched them all, a question in his eyes.

"What is-"

"shh," Xavier blinked to his uncle

"But wha--"

"Shh!" at the boys look of pure confusion Vaughan sighed," Just. Not now Xavier."

"Not now what?"

"We'll talk later."

"Why?" Xaviers brow furrowed," what is wrong with Elliots mama."

"She's sick!" the younger Arya boy looked genuinely put out as he sat back in his chair glaring at his plate.

Keaton sighed and stood," I'm going to bed."

"No kee! Don't! We were having so much fun!"

Elliot wasn't wrong.

The three boys had been chatting about cars, and fencing, football-Xavier wanted to practice with them and oh goodness Vaughan sensed his peace during practice time would come to an end- and every other subject young boys would prattle on about and were all in good spirits.

"If that's what you want to do," Vaughan found himself saying and the boy sent a fiery gaze his way.

"What's it to you?!?!" and he stomped away before Vaughan could respond, or anyone could possibly chastise.

Dessert came, Morrowe picking up a conversation with Kiber and Malachi about an assignment of one thing or another, Arjun leaning over to Graham to request they meet to plan for the fall festivals menu along with the two other chefs in charge of meal planning, and Xavier managed to lighten Elliots mood.

Vaughan poked at the cheesecake before pushing the plate away and excusing himself, Elliot and Morrowe ensuring that they would guarantee Elliot and Reko would find the room they were staying in and Vaughan didn't give debate.

Slipping up the stairs, the voices becoming distant Vaughan gave a great sigh, taking comfort in the silent emptiness of the hall, something releasing after the exchanges with the group. He rubbed his head at the memory of his fathers admonishments for his lack of socializing when he had been only in high school the reprimand a repeated echo through his years, and he wondered now as he often had, if something where wrong with him.

Dropping his hand he lifted his gaze and found himself pausing at the top of the second landing to peer to the upper floors where the Aryas resided, family photos spanning the wall along the steps.

In them Amelia looked healthy, and Myles. Not so hard.

Vaughan found himself gravitating from the landing to look at one photo in particular.

The baby in Kabir arms must have been Elliot, Kabir a few piercings short and not sporting the deep scar, Keaton was over his mothers' shoulders as she laughed, looking so full of life, her skin a dark olive and healthy, her hair long and thick black as her brothers and fathers both who where in the photo grinning arms over one another's shoulders.

Vaughan paused from inspecting the photo further, eyes caught to Myles. The lines of his face where not so harsh, his hair was not as long, not sporting any early silver, and was pulled into a half ponytail brushing his chin where it barely lay. He wasn't in a suit, instead he was in a regular shirt and shorts.

It had been often over his week stay that he had seen pictures such as this.

Some with the young blond fellow that he took to be the father of Keaton and Elliot. In many, it seemed Myles and the blond had been close. He wondered about the family, of the stories behind some of the photos, and at times wished to ask.

But after his first experience bringing the photos up, he did not attempt to do so again. It was hardly his business, he would chastise himself, and move on to an art piece that him and Arjun would admire together.

Vaughan wondered at the young man in this photo with a smile so easy to his face, to the one only a hand full of years older now with smiles that seemed so reserved and few in number.

"Can I help you?"

Vaughan did not yelp, but the jump couldn't be held back as he jerked his gaze to the man standing a couple steps above him. Already taller than Vaughan, the added height made it seem as if he was towering over him.

"No-no. sorry. I just-"

He floundered, waving his hands and pulling on his shirt sleeve nervously.

What was he doing?

"Ell had just been born," Myles said, descending until he stood one step below Vaughan, making their height nearly equal while he turned to the photo his gaze was on," It was. . .it was a good day. Amelia was 21months cancer free. I was-"

He cut himself off, shaking his head.

"You where? "Vaughan ventured, turning to him, releasing the shirt sleeve in his grasp to instead hover his hand awkwardly in the air before putting it down.

"Nothing. It- it is something I can not speak about to you."

The acid in his voice was distinctive, the scorching glare to the floor.

"Goodnight, Vaughan."

The man turned and made his way down the stairs.

Vaughan descended the few stairs they had been up, steps slow and heavy with thought before feeling a gaze on him.

Looking up, he saw Keaton quickly close his bedroom door.

Just what all was this family going through?

As he sat at his writing desk, pen tapping ink splatters until his hand moved on its own, he thought.

What was troubling Myles?

Something beyond Amelia's illness, he was certain.