Chapter - 17

[A/N : Hi everyone! We are currently having some updating issues in, so I apologize for the variations in updating schedule. Please kindly wait for the updates and keep supporting your authors. Thank you and warm regards!]

____________________

We Have A Problem

"I told you I want to be alone Ric―" Neal stopped when he saw who entered his room. Hunter. Not in his earlier blood drenched shirt though.

He is wearing a light blue button up and black dress pants now. Hunter ran a hand through his damped locks, a gesture he does whenever he is tense. Neal unconsciously breathed in the fresh scent of body wash that hit his nose.

Neal was standing beside the window with folded arms. He was silent since the incident happened downstairs. Ricky tried to make conversations hoping some words out of Neal's mouth. But the guy courteously asked the young one to leave him alone for a while. After some whining and pouting Ricky granted his wish and left him alone.

He was looking out through the window at nothing in particular. Beau is asleep again in his own little bed.

Neal bolted towards the bathroom, wanting nothing to talk with the raven haired guy. But the other one grabbed his arm instantly stopping him. Neal snatched his hand from Hunter as if the touch burned him. Hunter clenched his jaw and fist, and urged himself to calm down.

He took a step towards Neal while the other took one step back. Hunter doesn't need to explain his acts and deeds to anyone. Ever. But he felt a need to explain his act earlier to the guy in front of him.

"Look, about what happened earl―" He started, reaching to cup Neal's right cheek in his palm, but the doctor dodged the touch leaving Hunter's hand in air and rudely cut him off,

"I want to be alone. Please.." He mumbled and looked away, when he got a glimpse of hurt on the other's face.

Hunter grind his teeth. He was angry, a little hurt too. But he didn't say anything, but nodded before stomping out of the room. But he didn't slam the door shut as he usually do when he is furious, for the sake of the peacefully sleeping puppy.

Neal let out a shaky breath. He knows it was rude. But he is not in his right mind now, neither Hunter. They need time to have this talk.

************

"Where are you going?" Kaiden asked his boss who just stomped past him. Hunter didn't answer as he rushed towards the stairs.

Drake grabbed Kaiden's shoulder when the guy started to follow their best friend.

"Leave him be. He needs to blow some steam off." The blonde said staring after Hunter.

Kaiden nodded and sighed, "I guess it didn't go well. Will he be okay?"

Drake hummed and patted the other's shoulder. "What they need now is time, Kai. You don't have to worry. He will come around." He muttered looking at where Hunter disappeared.

Ricky, who watched this whole interaction let out a heavy sigh. He wants to do something. No, he needs to do something, otherwise everyone in their household will suffer for as long as this goes on. They know Hunter's temper well. Nothing good will come out of it.

That night, Neal couldn't fall asleep. Whenever he close his eyes Hunter's hurtful face will appear. He doesn't remember when he fell asleep after turning and tossing around for hours, but he definitely remembers the soft touch of lips on his forehead just before the sleep engulfed him.

**********

"AHHHH... JESUS CHRIST! You scared me Ricky!" Neal screamed placing a hand on his pounding chest.

His mood was a little down when he woke up, but decided to have breakfast in kitchen despite the gloomy atmosphere. But he regretted his choice when he stepped inside the kitchen.

The kitchen was a mess. There were flour, opened packets and tins on the slab and floor. And the middle of these he spotted a crouched little frame on the floor. Ricky was picking up the scattered pieces of a broken mug, with flour all over his body and some in hair.

"Oh Neal! Don't worry haha."

"What happened? Are you okay?"

"Yeah, I'm fine. They put all these things where I can't reach, you know. I always end up like this." Ricky said annoyed.

"Are you hungry? Breakfast is there. You can start first." Ricky said standing up and disposed the trash in a bin. Neal nodded and walked towards the island and the young one started to clean the mess he made.

Neal was impressed when he took in the sight in front of him. There was bacon, eggs, pancakes ,sandwiches, waffles, toast, fresh fruits and the list goes on. Woah! Why so much food? When did he even got up to make these all? Neal wondered. His mouth salivated at the aromatic treat in front of him.

"It is edible. Don't worry, although it's warzone when he cooks, it's delicious whatever he makes." Kaiden said from Neal's behind, startling the guy.

Neal let out a yelp and frowned. What's up with everyone scaring him in the morning?

"Ricky, you have got fifteen minutes." Kaiden turned to the youngest tapping his watch.

Derrick rolled his eyes and made his way to the door. He paused beside Kaiden and scanned the guy head to toe.

"You are still the same. Are you going to anybody's funeral? I'm gonna burn your wardrobe someday." Ricky said scrunching his face at the other guy's attire.

Hearing the young one's comment, Neal, who was munching on his pancakes, looked up.

Come to think of it, whenever Neal saw Kaiden, he always wore black. Black jeans, shirts, t-shirts, hoodies and suits..the guy never wore anything colorful.

"You better go now or I will burn yours." Kaiden warned raising his brows. Ricky rushed out of the kitchen muttering something under his breath.

Kaiden shook his head and sauntered towards the island. He sat opposite to Neal.

"Good?" He asked pointing at the pancakes on Neal's plate. The doctor gave him a nod with a smile.

Kaiden poured himself some orange juice in a glass and fish out his phone to scroll through.

They sat in silence and Neal contemplated whether he should make a conversation. Thanks to Ricky who came in after a while, breaking the silence.

"Did you like it? Do you want anything else?" He asked cheerfully plopping beside Neal, who gave him a smile,

"Nah, I'm full. It was delicious. I didn't know you could cook."

The blonde blushed and smiled gratefully at the guy, "Where is Beau? I didn't see him."

"Brad took him for a walk." Neal answered.

Soon Drake joined the group, greeting everyone. He sat at the end of the island beside Kaiden, making small conversation with his friend.

It was first time Neal sat with them all for breakfast. He thought it would be rude if he exit the kitchen now. He lingered there for a while, sipping on a glass of juice. Neal felt someone's eyes on him, he looked up to find Drake's cold green eyes piercing his soul. He chocked on the drink and started to cough.

"What are you looking at? You are scary." Ricky scowled at his brother and patted the coughing guy's back.

Drake averted his gaze without saying anything, much to his little brother's disappointment. Guess the silent treatment is not over yet.

"Kai, I need the files―" Hunter, who just walked inside the kitchen halted in his steps when his eyes meet one specific person's. He promptly averted his gaze from the blue eyes and turned to his friend, "―Josh gave you." He completed his sentence and left without looking at anyone.

Three pair of eyes fell on a stunned Neal who immediately looked down. The air was tense. Ricky opened his mouth to say something but Drake's phone rang, distracting everyone.

Drake frowned gazing at the screen. It was unusual for Ian to call him at this time, and it made him a little anxious. Without any delay he picked up the call,

"Hello Ian." He heard some rustling and noise in the background.

"Drake, I'm at DEN. We have a problem. There is this..OW! WHAT THE FU―" And the line cut off.

"Hello? Ian? Ian? ADRIAN!?" Drake called out concerned. He rose to his feet, shoving the phone inside his pocket and took out the car key.

The three males watched him quizzically. Kaiden held Drake's hand, "What happened?" He enquired with knitted brows.

Drake's eyes flashed towards the other curious guys before turning to his friend,

"I don't know either. Something happened at the bar. I need to go."

"I'm coming with you." Kaiden also stood up but Drake put his hand on his chest, preventing him.

"I can handle whatever it is. Hunter needs you here. I will be back quick." He said before scurrying out.

Kaiden turned to the other guys, "Ricky, you are substituting Shino for today. Go to the training session after breakfast, okay?"

Ricky frowned but nodded and muttered an okay.

"As for you," Kai looked at the vet, "Stay inside your room." At Neal's nod he walked out of the kitchen.

_______________