𝐒𝐔𝐂𝐊𝐄𝐑 𝐏𝐔𝐍𝐂𝐇

XXXV

— RORI —

Upon leaving the apartment, Yakov slows himself to a snail's pace to allow me to keep up with him.

We do not speak as we step into the elevator, the two of us notably exhausted when i yawn and he immediately does the same.

The corner of my lips turns upwards at the sight, not used to him letting his guard down. I truly can't remember the last time i saw Yakov yawn. He is almost robotic in that way — straight-faced and professional at all times — even in the presence of his family.

I don't recall him, at my age, being boyish in the way that Seamus and Quentin are. In fact, i wouldn't at all be surprised to hear that, as a child, he never whined, cried, or threw a tantrum.

I choose not to comment on the fact he yawned, especially since i am sure he believes i didn't see him do so, and instead remain silent.

As we make our way to the lobby and leave the building, he doesn't once stop, though generously slows his pace once more when he catches me struggling to keep up with his unreasonably long strides. However, i don't fail to notice the subtle but meaningful glance he spares Martin, and can only assume that an unpleasant conversation with my brother awaits the man in the future.

An umbrella appears above my head as soon as we set foot outside, and i glance up at my brother, baffled by his typical preparedness, but, as he places his hand on my back and directs me towards his Aston Martin, with an air of impatience rather than urgency, i don't have time to make some smart comment.

Despite the umbrella, the stormy weather that ensued earlier on has begun to lessen to a light drizzle.

"Just remember, your doorman is not the enemy," i tell him.

Yakov opens the passenger door for me, still generously holding his umbrella over my head as i step into the car, and his eyebrows frown in confusion when he registers my words.

"What are you referring to?" he asks, looking down at me through
narrowed eyes, as though i might be making some pop culture reference he has yet to come across and is waiting for me to explain to him.

It wouldn't be the first time such a scenario has took place.

"Can't you shut the door?" i snap at my brother, rather than thanking him, completely ignoring his question all the while. He fixes me with a pointed stare and equally unimpressed raise of his eyebrow, and i find myself gazing up at him with a sheepish look on my face, as i mutter an unconfident conciliatory "Please?"

Without a word, he closes the door and rounds the vehicle. I wait until he has pulled out of the parking space before i speak again.

"I was referring to the fact Martin allowed Teddy to enter the building and you aren't happy about it," i explain, facing him though he focuses on the road.

Yakov sighs slightly, turning the car with one swift movement. He glances at me when i continue to stare at him in a scrutinising manner, and rolls his eyes before he refocuses on the road.

"Martin should be the least of your worries," he says.

I go to respond, but realise his statement is incontestable. He has a point, after all. There is no need to insert myself in matters that do not involve me.