11- Unity

Unity was never one to talk much about his family. When it came to that, he could easily gush on and on about how much he adores Infinity and Ghoul. But if the topic of conversation ever drifted to his parents and his brother, he'd be quick to shut that one down. Unity never got along with his brother, being the younger, less successful child while his brother thrived effortlessly with his parent's unconditional support. One part of him envied his brother for not having to achieve anything in his life by himself, yet another part couldn't bring himself to hate him because despite all Vanity's faults - yes, his name really is VANITY - he was there for Unity when the people that should've been, his parents, weren't.

That still didn't mean Unity was thrilled about going to his hotel to see him. There was a color-bender by the name of Capricorn working there, so of course they had to take a look at this hostel. That logic didn't stop Unity from losing it at his husband when he told him the news. The kids were asleep in the back, so he tried with all his might to contain his shouting while also making his anger VERY clear in his tone.

"I have not spoken to my brother in TEN years! The last thing I said to him was that I didn't need him, I didn't owe him anything and I would never be so desperate as to ask him a favor! I meant those words, Finnie. I don't intend on breaking them."

Infinity spoke back in a much calmer, but firm tone. "I know the relationship with you and Vanity had it's ups and downs-"

"I have never heard such a bold understatement."

"-But I did pre-plan most of this. I'm not dumb, Uni. One step out of line for him and we leave, with or without Capricorn."

Unity's face softened. Despite this silly plan he did trust Infinity and believed in his good intentions. "Alright," he replied finally "Just don't expect me to talk to him when we get there."

Infinity smiled. "That's good enough for me."

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"Hot diggity damn..." Was all Vortex managed to say the next morning. The six stood outside the hotel. Even at sunrise it was still glowing with the golden light show that spelt out: VANITY HOTEL AND CASINO. Unity wanted to go blind "They can't dim these lights during the day or something?"

Shimmer's eyes were as bright as the sign "I LOVE IT! It's so shiny!"

Dicentra tugged on her sleeve nervously "They don't have any plants around here do they? This place looks...expensive."

"I guarantee they're all fake," Unity grumbled before leaning in and adding "If any are real though, don't be scared to at least pet one."

"Uni." Infinity said in a warning tone.

"Hey! It's not like there's anything organic about this place anyway. Right, Ghoul?"

Ghoul had an entirely different point of view. If Shimmer's eyes were like the lights used for the sign, Ghoul's were the sun. His child-like smile was equally endearing and unbearable to Unity. He turned to his parents while bouncing in his place. "We're visiting Uncle Vanity? We never visit Uncle Vanity! Oh geez how's my face? Oh my god why did you guys let me dress shitty today?!"

"Language." Unity said. He looked over at all the kids and realized, one's missing. "Vortex? Where is he?"

"Over here!" the portal-bender called from the open door. "Enough standing around. Let's go!"

Inside was decorated with a polka-dotted midnight blue carpet. To the left were staircases leading up to the rooms on the second floor. The whole ground floor had a receptionist desk next to the stairs with glass double doors leading to the casino. On the right was a hall leading to presumably a breakfast restaurant and other places. But what stepped out of that hall into the foyer almost made Unity step out of the building. A tall, muscular plant-bender with a blinding smile and sharp tuxedo stole the spotlight. "Well do my eyes really deceive me or has the king finally decided to see true royalty?"

Infinity rolled his eyes playfully before shaking Vanity's hand. "How have you been, Van?"

"The usual, thriving." The hotel manager said with a tired yet satisfied sigh. His eyes drifted from Infinity's to see a homeless man, two nervous and starry-eyed girls, a kid with his mouth agape like he's in wonderland and the strangest sight, his brother.

"Unity?" He said in amusement. Unity knew the tone, he knew his brother too well when it came to bragging. He even subconsciously said what his brother said next. Golly, brother when was the last time I saw you? We had a pretty interesting talk then didn't we?

"Golly, brother! When was the last time I saw you?"

"About ten years, eight months, three weeks, and five days ago."

"Ah, yes. We had a pretty interesting talk back then didn't we?"

"Yep, and I'm not looking to have one now. You got my husband's call. We just came for Capricorn."

"Actually," Ghoul just had to chime in "I wouldn't mind a talk uncle."

"Uncle?" Vanity said baffled. It took him a few moments to recognize his nephew, but when he did the man's face lit up like his sign outside. "Ghoul!" He exclaimed, pulling the prince into a tight hug. "God you're so much taller than I imagined! Or maybe it's because the last time I saw you you were five." He gave Unity a dirty look at that last part. "Who're your friends here?"

"Shimmer, Dicentra and Vortex. Meet my Uncle Vanity." Ghoul stepped aside so his uncle could shake all their hands.

"God, I used to daydream about spending a night here all my life." Vortex sighed.

"Well, why not spend the night? Why not two, you look like you need it. No offence." Vanity said offensively.

The four kids looked up to Infinity and Unity with hope in their eyes. Infinity shrugged. "I mean, no point lookin' for another hotel to stay at after this."

"No." Unity said firmly and flatly. "We came for Capricorn. That was all. Right, Finnie?"

Infinity and Unity shared a tense look. They held each others gaze like that for a few moments before Vortex asked if the legends about showering here were true.

"Geez kid you really need a makeover." Vanity said patting the young adult's shoulder. "I'll offer breakfast, spare rooms and free time at the arcade. No charge, just cause you're family."

A series of cheers came from the four kids as they followed their new idol up the stairs, bombarding him with silly and interesting questions like:

"So do you know any methods to neutralize plant-bending?"

"How long has this place been running?"

"Can I get your autograph on my trench coat?"

"Can I just live here?"

The kings watched them until they were out of sight. Once they were, Unity let his husband have it. "No point looking for another hotel after this?!" Unity mocked in a harsh tone.

Infinity didn't react. "You know I'm right. One night is what we need after travelling and sleeping in the carriage."

"I just.. Finnie I don't-"

"Trust me?" Infinity interjected sadly "You don't trust me?"

"I don't trust HIM!" Unity replied. "He's all charm but underneath that...just too dark to predict."

"You're basing this off of what? Mild childhood bullying?"

"It's more than that! Vanity has everything but can't be satisfied until I'm not. Here we have an example: A perfect opportunity to get back at his brother who only contacted him once to make terrible food for the coronation."

"Yeah, him getting along with his nephew who he hasn't seen in ten years thanks to his estranged brother is definitely all just a scheme to get back at you." Infinity's words were sarcastic and struck Unity hard, but when he looked at him he could see Infinity only wanted the best for Ghoul and the others on this trip. So although a part of him was still sure he was right, Unity said "You've got a point. I'm sorry."

"Me too. That was rude of me."

The two shared a smile before intertwining hands "Wanna check out the rooms?"

"Yeah, sounds good."