Shady

(Completely valid. I also have a new job and have to at least pretend to be doing work most of the time lol but maybe someday) "Mm... I imagine so, ...

(haha all good I think we are totally capable of doing a thread in a single-digit number of days but 4 would be pushing it even for us xD that's ...

(You're forgetting the whole month of April lmao)(I think our quickest was 11 days in my recollection, can't remember which one) "Oh gods." Derik rubbed his face. "I apologize if ...

(hecking hecc) "I... am not sure they'll ever meet," Derik said with a cringe. "Well, other than Jerica. Hell, I haven't even met the other kids. But... Jer is... she's ...

Derik nodded thoughtfully. That was a surprisingly well-thought-through sentiment. "...I will let Zander answer that question when he gets here. He's been managing all the girls their whole lives; I ...

Derik nodded in agreement. Good. At least Ash was making one good decision at the very least. “I’m sorry. I know how frustrating it is to be left in the ...

(Haha) Derik was quiet for a moment. It didn’t seem wise to share names, given Ash seemed hell bent on getting Ky killed. But then again, would it really be ...

“You are. One of them,” Derik said carefully. This was going to crush Ky and Jer but it seemed Tomhas needed gentleness, too. It was understandable. “Your love for her ...

“Yes.” Derik dipped his head. “He pissed off a lot of people who have a lot of resources they’re willing to throw at him. He’s gonna be running til he ...

Derik let out a little sigh. “It’s complicated and messy and dangerous to share too many details… but a threat was made on their lives shortly after they were born. ...

He looked positively unwell. Derik remained standing a polite distance away. “…I’m sorry. I know this is a lot.”

“Ky… has lots of siblings, in fact,” Derik said hesitantly. “Both the niece that I raised and Ky are my eldest brother’s. Not Zander’s.”

“Also Zander’s—? What?” Derik blinked at him. Did he think he was saying Zander was Ky’s father? How absurd. Zander was fantastic but he wasn’t fit to be anyone’s parent.

“Ah, yes, uh—“ Derik grimaced. “About that. I also have my niece. Who I raised. Who… also isn’t aware…”

“I do.” Derik nodded. “His name is Rek. He’s sixteen.”