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[Michael Beech]

Michael didn’t know much about his birth family with just scraps of information that he couldn't really trust. He had no photographs, no memories and no one who could really tell him anything of value. But he had a name. And one item that was a small locket with a family crest on it. That name and single possession had led him here to a shop. From what little he’d managed to piece together, this was where his mother might’ve worked and maybe still did for all he knew. Or maybe it was nothing at all. It was hard to let himself hope, and even harder to stay calm now that he was here.

Wrapped in a coat to protect from the cold afternoon, Michael hovered outside the door. His fingers reached for reassurance in his pocket, finding the locket as he decided what to do. He could go in. Just open the door and ask. But the nerves held him outside for at least a little longer.

 

[James Michaels]

James was pretty insistent on keeping up his weekly visits with his uncle Chal. He loved the tea, he worshipped the man, it was all around just a great time. He'd just finished one of his visits, humming to himself as he strolled back down the steps and out the front door- only to find a kid on the doorstep. James stopped himself just in time, keeping himself from running into the poor boy. "Oh!" He stepped back, an easy smile slipping onto his face. The kid looked mildly familiar, but he couldn't place it. "Sorry bout that," James apologized, his Irish accent thick. "You lookin' for uncle Chal? He's upstairs," He stepped back to let the kid in.

 

[Michael Beech]

Michael looked down sheepishly as a man opened the shop door and nearly ran into him. He seemed friendly enough and even stood letting him enter. He was holding the door open for him. Michael hesitated, still not entirely sure he was ready to go in yet. "Oh uh, no. I’m actually looking for Myra. Is she here?"

 

[James Michaels]

James froze, unable to help the dark scowl that crossed his face. "No," He cleared his throat, shaking his head to clear it. "My sister is not here, she will never be here, or anywhere near this family again." He offered a little harsher than he meant to. He cleared his throat. "Sorry, sorry, I'm just- sorry," He decided on, not wanting to push his hate of that vile woman onto some innocent kid. He cleared his throat again, took a breath, and looked a little closer at the kid. "Why... are you looking for my sister?" He asked, taking a small step closer. James' brow furrowed, warmth coming over his face and chasing away the cold of before. "Kid?" He asked softly.

 

[Michael Beech]

Michael flinched at the tone at first, he didn’t know what to say to this man who could be relative, an uncle if Myra was who he thought. He shrugged, unable to meet his eye at first and replied, “I think she might be my mother.” It came out quieter than he meant it to, maybe because the man clearly hated her, but it was a relief in some ways that he did know her and this visit was not a complete waste of time. He met the man's eye for a moment then managed to explain a little better. "I’ve got her name. That’s all I’ve ever had. And something she left behind.” He pulled his hand out of his coat pocket and offered him the locket he'd been gripping. “It’s not much. But it led me here."

 

[James Michaels]

-godmods approved-

James was silent for several long moments, shock clear on his face. Myra had... she'd what? She'd had a three year old and she'd still attacked the twins? James moved abruptly, taking several long strides forward. He grabbed the boy roughly, yanking him into a tight hug. One arm locked around the boys back and the other hand gripped the back of his head, holding him in tightly against James. "I'm so sorry," He whispered. "We didn't know. She didn't- I would have come for you," His voice was rough, thick with tears. "You're ours now, A leanbh*, and we're not letting you go," He promised fiercely, heart thundering in his chest.

*my child

 

[Michael Beech]

Michael stood stiffly with his arms hanging awkwardly at his sides as he was hugged suddenly. It was overwhelming but at the same time he did not pull away and nor did he want to. He tried to talk but his throat burned. And even though his arms didn’t lift, his chin dipped slightly, forehead resting gently against the man's shoulder, his uncle's shoulder. "Thank you!" He muttered finally.

 

[James Michaels]

James stayed there for several long moments, keeping the boy close, before eventually pulling back. He looked the boy over- gods, it was so obvious he was Myras' boy- and gave him a shaky smile, keeping his hands on his shoulders. "What's your name, kid?" He asked softly, thinkinng that was the best place to start.

 

[Michael Beech]

Michael pulled away and wiped his damp eyes with his sleeve. "Michael," he replied, looking up at the man uncertain if his last name would mean anything to him. “Michael Beech.” He hesitated on the next question but it had to be asked. “Do you know my dad?” he asked after a short pause. Michael had always known almost nothing about his mother, but that was vastly more than his father who he knew nothing about. He didn't even know if the last name he had was a family name, or just one that has been chosen for him.

 

[James Michaels]

James blinked. Michael? That was sweet, almost. His smile faded at the question, and he shook his head. "I'm sorry, no. Myra was- well, notorious for keeping secrets." He grimaced. "Often terrible ones. But we can find him," He stepped back, motioning for Michael to come inside. "Come on, kid. Let's go meet your great-uncle. Chalcedony is your grandmothers' brother. He raised us- your mother, our brothers, and I. Ruby- our mother- she built a shipping empire from the ground up, and Chal supported her." His cheeky smile returned. "Chal is going to love you to pieces."

 

[Michael Beech]

Michael hadn't pinned much on him knowing about his dad but it was still disappointing. He listened to him reel off names but Michael hadn't heard his yet, "What's your name?" He asked, then started to feel a bit anxious about meeting these people and wondering if they were going to like him really, he couldn't even imagine them loving him. "Uh no, I wouldn't want to intrude. Maybe I should come back later?" He replied nervously.

 

[James Michaels]

-godmods approved-

James smiled, taking the boys hand and pulling him gently along. "James. I promise, Chal is the sweetest man in the world. It'll be alright." He squeezed Michaels' hand and led him back through the dusty, disheveled shop with its peek into the massive greenhouse and the greenery that seemed to be everywhere but was yet somehow the most orderly part of it all.

James opened the door, pulling Michael into the apartment with him. "Uncle Chal," He called, shifting to put a hand on the boys back and gently guiding him forward. "Look who I found outside," He gave his uncle a sad smile. "Michael, this is Chalcedony. Uncle Chal, this is Michael. Myra's son,"

 

[Chalcedony Michaels]

-godmods approved-

Chalcedony always enjoyed a good visit with any of his family. Jai was at work, leaving Chal alone now that James had gone. Soft classical music played in the apartment as he hand washed the tea cups he and James had used during their visit. He had just finished cleaning up and putting everything away when he heard the door open again.

Brow furrowed, Chal turned. "James?" He began, but paused as he saw the boy by his nephews side. Chal's brow furrowed. The boy looked like... no, he must be mistaken. He looked to James with the question clear. And at the mans answer, Chal thought his heart had stopped. He staggered, a hand shooting to the counter to support him. "No," He whispered. No. Myra couldn't- she hadn't...

Chal was already in tears. With a soft sob, he strode forward quickly, catching the boy into his arms and hugging him tightly. "My sweeet boy, no," He whispered, wrapping Michael into a fierce, protective hug.

 

[Michael Beech]

Michael hesitated feeling unsure of how to react to James. He believed him when he said it would be alright, but he had only just met him, and the idea of meeting others was overwhelming. He nodded and decided to stay, trying to stop the anxiety in his chest as they climbed the stairs to the apartment where Michael met Chalcedony. He was even more nervous now, more people meant more opinions, and not everyone might take as kindly to Michael turning up at their doorstep as James had.

When Chal spoke, Michael’s nerves grew as he worried he might ruin it. "I don’t know what to..." He trailed off without actually finishing his sentence. He gave a small smile, feeling embarrassed. "I wasn’t expecting this," he admitted quietly as he was hugged by the older man.