Chapter 4

Liam was just sitting on the couch in the lounge letting Lucas arrange his room. It was decorated with everything Liam wanted. He had his personal TV and a wide range of movies and plush toys.

Lucas had asked him if he liked games and he did. So he had arranged a gaming station in the lounge for them. Lucas arranged the last set of clothes in the closet before coming to the lounge.

"What happened, Boy? Are you hungry"? He asked him gently. But Liam shook his head without changing his sitting position. He pulled his legs close to his chest supporting his chin on his knees.

"Liam. You have to tell me if something is bothering you. How would I work on it otherwise"? Lucas held his hand that was wrapped tightly around his legs. Liam lifted his head to meet the warm eyes and Lucas saw him sad.

"Do you miss your brother Jeffery"? Lucas asked carefully. He saw his eyes lit for a moment but he shook his head pursing his lips strictly.

"Liam. Your brother is suffering more than you. He is constantly blaming himself for everything that happened to you, only if he had taken you with him. But I swear he didnt do it intentionally. He wanted to keep you safe. But he failed and he regrets it every day.

He had searched for you day and night. He had slept himself crying over your name. You are all he has, Liam. Won’t you give him one chance? I won’t impose on you; it would be your decision at the end. But to be honest, you both are the only family you have. Trust me". Lucas said and stood up to go to the kitchen to fix lunch for them.

He wanted Liam to think over it. He could see Liam missing Jeffery. He was his family after all and no matter what. Blood is thicker than water.

Though Lucas had told Jeffery that he won’t let Liam stay with him, but yes he won’t forbid Liam if he wanted to spend some time with him. He wanted to know Liam fully. Everything that broke him to mend him. To make him strong.

He was just dishing out the pasta, hash browns and few fries with juice when he felt Liam standing behind him. It was like a silent communication between them. Liam would just stand behind him and Lucas could sense him just by his scent.

He turned to see Liam contemplating. Lucas has started to recognize his habit to tug the hem of his shirt.

"You want me to call Jeffery"? Lucas asked. Liam kept his head low but nodded. "It’s okay Liam. It’s nothing unusual". Lucas side hugged him encouraging.

"Will… Will he come"? Liam asked in a low tone.

"He will run to you, Liam. Now come have lunch then we will call your brother Jeffery and is it okay if he comes with his boyfriend, Parker? He wants to meet you". Lucas asked him and he nodded.

Liam finished his lunch without creating a mess and was patiently waiting for Lucas to finish his work and then call Jeffery over dinner.

He sat silently looking at Lucas who wanted to talk but seems like Jeffery was so hyper excited to meet Liam that he didn’t hear what Lucas was saying. At the end Lucas hang up the call laughing out loud. It was so good to watch him laughing for the first time that a small smile appeared on Liam's lips too.

"He is really crazy you know. I was asking him to visit at Dinner but you know what he was running to get his keys while screaming at Parker to get ready. They will be here in maximum half hour". Lucas informed him.

Liam was listening to him with amused expressions but he was nervous. And Lucas knew. He went to sit with Liam on the couch. Without imposing, he let Liam comfortably put his head on his shoulder.

"Everything will be okay Liam".

"I know. I know you are here. You won’t let anything happen to me". Liam confessed in low but confident voice. Lucas was surprised for a moment. He saw Liam holding his one hand, clasping in his both soft ones. "I trust you, sir".

It was the very first time Liam called him by any honorific. He wanted Liam to call him Lucas instead of sir, but he let him be. He wanted Liam to do whatever he wanted to do without any pressure.

"I will make sure nothing will hurt you Liam. I promise". That promise was enough to put Liam to ease. They spent their time less talking, more basking in each other's company.

Liam was watching TV but his mind was wandering towards Jeffery. Sir Lucas had told they would take half an hour but it was more than that. Or maybe the clock wasn’t working at all. He huffed looking at the clock arms stuck at their place. Unconsciously he pouted and got embarrassed to hear a little chuckle behind him. 

He didn’t know Lucas was watching him.

"They will be ......." Just then they both snapped towards the door as they heard the bell ringing continuously. "They are here". Lucas said with a little laughter and went to open the door while Liam stood up nervously.

His palms were sweaty and for a moment he thought to run and hide in his bedroom under the blankets.

"Oh my god... Liam. My babyyyyy". Jeffery rushed inside as he pushed Lucas aside and ran to Liam. Without thinking for a second he hugged him tightly.

Liam was stiff. He didn’t know how to respond. His arms were hanging at his side while Jeffery was trying to mold him inside.

"Liam. My little baby bro". He peppered his face with kisses before hugging him back. This time Lucas saw Liam slightly squirming. He wasn’t comfortable with the hugs and kisses.

"Jeffery". Lucas called Jeffery who pulled off to see Lucas in irritation but instantly knew as he saw Lucas's expressions. He turned to see Liam controlling himself not to trigger off.

"Ohhh. I am sorry. I am sorry baby. I am so sorry. I... am sorry". He quickly pulled off keeping a distance between them but Liam was still not calm.

"It’s okay Liam. He is happy to see you. He is your brother, Liam, he won’t hurt you. Calm down". Lucas walked and slightly pulled him to his side. Jeffery saw how Lucas didn’t push him but waited until Liam snuggled to his side as Lucas enveloped him in his arms.

"Boss..."

"Sit down Jeffery. We will have a detailed talk". 

*********

They all settled on the couches with beers while Liam opted for fresh juice.

"Stop Scowling Jeffery". Parker growled at Jeffery who was almost shooting daggers at Lucas. The reason... Simple. He was jealous.

"Jeffery, he is your brother, your family. I have no intentions to snatch him away. You know I could have hid him anywhere if I wanted to and you also know that you wouldn’t be able to even touch his dust.

I made him agree to meet you because he misses you too. He might be angry or upset but he knows you are his brother. The reason I asked you to step away, because he is still uncomfortable with skin ship. The doctor said he is improving bit by bit but we have to work according to his pace.

Give him space to approach you himself. I didn’t initiate anything. It was his comfort zone that he felt comfortable to hold my hand and all.

I am not controlling him. He is adult and can decide the best for himself, but for now we have to set some boundaries. Are you getting me"? He asked Jeffery who nodded with a sigh. Lucas was right.

"I will leave you too to talk. Clear the doubts and misunderstandings. I am sure you have a lot to catch. Go for it. While Parker, would you like to help me with the dinner"? He asked and Parker stood up.

He turned to face Liam who was looking at him biting his lips. He smiled his warm smile to make him relax.

"I repeat Jeffery, don’t push him to his limits okay"!! He said in a stern tone and went to the kitchen with Parker on his toes.

"Can I sit with you"? Jeffery asked breaking the awkward silence. Liam nodded and muttered a small Yes.

Jeffery went to sit with him, keeping an arm distance. He wanted to see how far Liam can go.

"What are you studying"? He asked Liam.

"I have started first semester of Mechanical Engineering". He told in a tiny voice. Although Lucas had told him he was surely proud.

"When will you continue your studies"? Jeffery asked him with excitement.

"As soon as Sir Lucas allows me, I will start my studies". Liam said simply.

"And why would boss not allow you"? Jeffery said with a raised eyebrow.

"I... I don’t want to study in my previous university. The boys... They... They..." Liam was stuttering and that wasn’t a good sign.

"Okay okay. I got it. So Boss wants you to change the institution right"? This time Jeffery got the reason behind Lucas's actions. Liam nodded his head again, confirming it.

"Do let me know if you need anything kiddo". Jeffery stretched his hand to ruffle his hair slightly. How he wished he could hug his baby bro. But he clenched his fists to keep himself in control.

"Tha... Thank you Jeffery". Liam said and that was a call for Jeffery to hold him. So he did. Gently but securely he held Liam in his embrace. He waited for Liam to push him away but he didn’t. He didnt return the hug either. But it was all Jeffery needed for now.

Lucas saw it all with Parker, standing in the door of the kitchen but didnt interfere. He was happy Liam was opening up to Jeffery.

The dinner was lively. Parker was attracted to Liam too. Like his own little brother. And Liam felt good in his company too. Lucas forbade Jeffery to bring anything from the past as long as Liam doesn’t want to. And they all had fun time talking and cracking jokes.

It was around midnight when Jeffery and Parker left, promising Liam to come again later.

"Oh Liam, I have told Boss, he will sign the documents as your guardian. I am sure you will do great in your University". Jeffery caressed his cheeks with fond and smiled to see Liam leaning in his touch.

*************

"Sir".

"Yes Dear".

"Why didn’t Phi Jeffery sign the documents for guardianship"? Liam asked the question he wanted to since Jeffery left.

"You want him to"? Lucas asked calmly.

"It’s not that, sir. But..."

"I told him to do himself, but he said I should do it. He has given me the rights to be your guardian. He has permitted me to keep you here and help to let you adjust. You can have your study room here, your library. Your car with driver will arrive once you start your University, from next month. The driver and one guard will stay in the University premises.

Your phone with all required numbers will arrive tomorrow. I want you to write me down everything you need for your study. And don’t hesitate a bit. I won’t compromise on your studies and necessary items. We will go shopping for everything you need". Lucas told him calmly.

"And... And what do I have to do"? Liam asked biting his lower lip.

"You have to study hard. Achieve your target. Set your goals. Be confident. Explore the world. I will be here at every step you take.

Make new friends but don’t let them take advantage of you. Help them in study but keep a distance. I don’t say not to trust anyone, but don’t trust blindly. Okay"? Lucas looked into his eyes with seriousness and Liam understood it all.

"That’s great. Now sleep. Tomorrow we will plan about shopping okay"? Lucas flashed his warm smile and Liam smiled too.

He was finally relaxed. Finally he breathed in relief. Finally he was free.

He felt his burden lifting off his shoulders, his soul and mind. After so many days he didn’t sleep the night. But it wasn’t because he was afraid or scared about anything. It was because he was thinking about his life had changed in a span of short time since he met Lucas.

He was a stranger, a no-one. He was his brother's boss. And he didn’t know what did he do for living, considering his residence and being the owner of the most expensive apartment complex in the city.

Was he trustworthy enough? Or was he a danger himself? Was it okay to live here with him? For now Lucas had never crossed the lines. He had always given him margin to move accordingly to his comfort level.

So far Lucas had not initiated any skin-ship. Just his warm smile was enough for Liam to come to him. And now he had signed the documents as his guardian, although Liam was adult.  He was ready to take care of him. He was ready to give him everything. Why?

Although the doctor had advised Lucas to appoint a psychiatrist, Lucas strictly opposed the idea to leave Liam alone with anyone, even if it was a psychiatrist.

He opted to talk to Liam himself. There could be nothing better than a conversation in a friendly environment. And that Lucas had provided Liam.

He gave Liam the time and space to open up to Jeffery. They had cleared so many misunderstandings at dinner. Liam was disappointed in the beginning but he realized whatever Jeffery did was not evil intended. He himself was 9 10 years old at that time, a kid himself. How could he be blamed for everything?

But yes they knew Liam's childhood was so traumatized that it would take time and care to take him out of the pit-hole.

It was a home to Liam, a place where he could be who and how he wanted to be. Lucas knew Liam would be back to life again. Strong and confident. And it would need just a little time. And that, Lucas was ready to give him.

----

Tabby