Another Fate | Rebirth | BxB [Hiatus]

22: Meanwhile, Back Home

"Ander? Are there more children now than there was this morning?" Alex asked with some uncertainty.

"Huh? Is there? Not sure." His shrug was noncommittal. As soon as Alex turned and walked off he let out a relieved sigh and wiped a bit of nervous sweat away. "Dang he already noticed."

Ander herded some kids over to warn them about the overly observant Alex. Ander felt guilty about abusing the goodwill of his friends while they are gone but he was really worried about the remaining kids in the slums. 

The scouts had begun scooping up more to replace their recent losses. They weren't even trying to be sneaky anymore. Younger and younger children were being snatched at every opportunity.

Ander started to gather and shuffle in kids as fast as he could. It didn't occur to him that Lenix would already know via his beasts what he was doing. Of course, Lenix could have made the beasts stop him if he wanted at any time. If Ander realized he would have been much bolder and simply opened the gates and let the slum's residents pour right in.

It seemed their home was being seen as an oasis of safety within the slums. Only children were added to the oasis though. No one wanted to push the "kind" owner of the courtyard to far. The slum population had witnessed the brutal deaths of the thugs and assassins sent to harass the estate's occupants.

After helping Ander serve dinner he was certain there were a lot more people. He looked at Ander with narrowed eyes all through the meal. Did this guy think he was blind? Alex was certain Ander was only trying to be kind and protect these people, but it might end up getting the fool in trouble. 

Alex tried to do his own work and not worry about the other boy. After all, it wasn't really his problem if Lenix got angry. 

He couldn't stop thinking of how the older boy always treated him well and helped him at every chance. Alex couldn't think about anything else soon and decided he had to make sure the dummy knew what he was doing at least. He set off to the front courtyard where Ander was sparring with some of the older kids.

As soon as Ander saw Alex coming his way with a determined expression he shooed the kids away.

"Ander, I know there are far more people than there were when Lord Lenix left. How will we explain this to him when he returns?" Alex stood with his arms crossed, a very serious expression on his face.

Ander tried to pacify Alex with a smile as he scratched his head. "Do you really think he'll mind?"

"Why wouldn't he? He only kept us or allowed anyone here at all to look good in front of Imogen."

"Exactly! So isn't it even better to have more?" He looked at Alex with bright hopeful eyes.

This naive dummy. I don't even know how to get through to him.  Alex pinched the bridge of his nose leaning forward a bit. His bangs falling into his eyes. He shoved them back with irritation.

"Hey, Alex your hair seems to annoy you. Would you like me to cut it? I always cut Fran's and my own hair." Ander asked, eager to change the subject.

Alex peeked up at him through his bangs. "Fran actually lets you near her with scissors?" 

"Yep, all the time." Ander patted his chest, proud of his ability.

Well, her hair looks fine so I guess he won't do a terrible job at least. It is very annoying and long. He pulled some of his platinum blond and white hair in front of his face.

"Since you want to so much, I suppose I'll allow it." Alex stood up straight, a haughty look on his face.

Ander was getting used to dealing with this proud young man. Thankful that his ploy to distract him had worked he quickly ushered the boy to leave with him.