Perception

Part 91

Owen POV

We finish lunch quickly; the restaurant, having been Sean's choice, only emphasizes his choice in yanking my chain. For once I'm not overdressed for such an establishment. While I was outside with Miss Sorenson dealing with the feline adoptions, Sean decided it would be hilarious to swipe my clothes out of the dryer to wear them himself and leaving me with his garments.

People, mostly college-aged...skaters, kept eyeing Sean like he's an oddity for being dressed as he is. He didn't mind. Instead of feeling discomfort, the oaf hammed it up and made the most of it to Miss Sorenson's and my dismay.

I glance at my watch and note that enough times has passed for our brothers to have completed their assignments and made their way to the hospital. Not knowing what type of sedative or sedation technique that Raven used on the men he "put to sleep", I have no way of knowing how long they'll be unconscious.

"If you're all set, we should head to the hospital for that appointment now," I tell Miss Sorenson and Sean.

We arrive at the hospital a short time later; the rest of the family is already waiting.

"If we have time, wanna look at the babies afterward, Pookie?" Sean's voice radiates hope as he asks Miss Sorenson.

"Of course," She says as her entire face lights up.

I feel a momentary twinge of envy that he can offer her something that is beyond my realm of expertise, but then shrug it off when I realize I have a greater understanding of music than Sean. We all have our knowledge bases which fulfill Sang's interests thus far. I'm looking forward to the day when her personal interests spark our own desires to learn new subjects. We just have to get to the point where she is confident enough to branch out on her own.

My internal ruminations end when we approach the door that conceals the others; all of my other functions while walking through the hospital thus far were completed without thought, by rote.

Sean performs the random knocks that our training demands, then pushes the door open. Glancing around I quickly note where all of my brothers are, where the familiar-yet unknown men my age are, and where a safe location to guide Miss Sorenson to are.

"Good afternoon, gentlemen," I make my cordial but chilly greeting after nodding incrementally to my family.

The two young men glare at me before turning their venomous gazes at Miss Sorenson. Seeing Kota place a restraining hand on North, I have only to struggle to contain my own protective reactions. For Miss Sorenson's part, she is attempting to maintain a neutral facial expression but is visibly shaking.

"Now, we have a very impatient Russian that would enjoy nothing more than to make an example of the two of you for having the nerve to follow him. You can either talk to us here, or you will find that Mr. Ravenstahl remembers much of his formative years. Who would like to begin?" I question calmly, almost hoping they'll refuse to talk.

The boys give each other a speaking glance seeming to come to some silent decision. I can see exactly when they decide to talk, even without knowing their exact eye speak. It's almost a shame. I have yet to see Raven work his 'magic'.

"We followed Raven because a team member of his was heard talking about the ghost bird. We've been trying to find her for a while," the younger of the two relates bitterly while still staring down Sang.

"Oy! If you don't fucking stop looking at her like that, I'll rip your damn eyes out," Gabriel declares hotly. I'm surprised he lasted that long.

"Well, if you're going to do it then here would be the place. We'd just pop them in a cup for him to carry and send him off to find a surgeon," Sean says with audibly false cheer.