After the whole mess of June passed away, September found itself rolling in. The days spent between the three were as usual. School, part time jobs here and there as well as even more bonding.

Roxas spent most of his time in and out of the hospital so work for him was nonexistent.

For Albel, he spent time bringing in money through being a barista at the nearby cafe. It was nowhere near a livable income, but it was enough for him to pile away for his younger brother, Lyx. Despite everything going on within his own makeshift family, the stress of his blood relatives haunted him daily.

On that end of the spectrum, things had been quiet recently. Until a cool Tuesday morning he was met with a notice affront Roxas’ door meant for himself. His father unfortunately knew he lived there due to having snatched a few of the letters mailed meant for Lyx.

The notice read:

Al, either take the kid or pay me upfront 1 grand. Brats expensive. Sick and tired of hearing all this complaining lately. You owe me at least that for for having raised you. I’ll give you a week and I’m kicking him out.

Not even a signature added to this pathetic excuse of a money grab. Figures he’d do something like this now, of all times.

Now when he was already stripped for cash because he had nearly no time to work due to Roxas’ declining health as the days grew on.

Frustrated, he let out a loud scream, spooking the being whom happened to be floating nearby.

Frantically, Orion scribbled a worried message. ‘Is everything okay?’ Erase. ‘Is it too much to ask what that note is about?’ The handwriting reminded him of that of a child. Messy and difficult to decipher.

Albel shook his head, sighed, and took a seat on the front steps. He urged the other to rest beside. “‘Ts just the old man begging for money. I guess you want the story from the beginning though? I’ll spare time and give just a summary. Moms dead, pa’s an ass and because of CPS my brother is stuck with the old man. I don’t trust foster care enough to leave him with someone else, and I can’t take care of him without a proper job. That and being Roxas’ nanny is a full time job. It's just…” He sighed roughly, brought his legs up and burrowed his face in his knees.

“I just want time to stop. I feel like I’m being buried under all this responsibility. I’m what, 21? I shouldn’t have to deal with this crap!” The last outburst surprised Orion again; enough to send his whiteboard soaring out of his grip...and right smack into the face of their ‘guest’ whom had just opened the door behind.

“First off, Ori, that hurt. Second, would you like to take your screaming inside for the day? I don’t think my neighbors could quite hear you.” The irritated blond had his arms crossed over his chest, his voice oozed sarcasm.

“Right, sorry about that…” Albel nervously chuckled, scratching at his cheek before hoisting himself up and on in the house. Orion scooped his board and marker off the floor and hurried behind.

Unfortunately for him, he was forced to hide his communication device, for Roxas’ family was home. For once.

Inside, Mr. and Mrs. Lien sat atop the living room couch. The news they were previously watching was on mute once the others filed in. “Albel! Wonderful to see you! I say that, but you pretty much live here too, silly me. Welcome home!” Mrs. Lien, a petite middle-aged woman smiled from her seat.

Mr. Lien shot a worried look towards the boys. “Albel, I read the note this morning...I know I should have ripped it up the moment I saw it but I was unsure.” He looked to the ground, disappointed in himself. Without raising his head, he continued on. “I wish I could say we’d help more but I’m afraid with all the hospital bills lately we’re rather strapped for cash-”

“No problem. I’ll figure this out eventually. I always do.” If only his tone of voice were more cheerful. If it were, it might have been believable. Turning away from the group, Albel rushed off to find solace in the room of one of his now beloveds.

Apparently, neither Ori nor Roxas got that memo, for they followed swiftly behind.

Once inside the room, Albel propelled himself onto the bed, immediately smothering himself with pillows. “How the fuck does he think I’ll magically come up with one grand?!”

“He probably doesn’t. Knowing him, he set the bar high so he had an excuse to be rid of poor Lyx.” The blond sat down beside and began to run reassuring fingers through the troubled man’s hair.

Orion, beside them contemplated a thought. While doing so, his body flipped upside down, and he hovered around until his face drew close by the others. “Wait! I have an idea! Not a very good one...but an idea nonetheless!”

Albel lifted his face from the bed and nodded, urging the other to continue after the words were translated.

“My parents? Their credit card hasn’t needed to be renewed yet, and I know the pin by heart.” His face was fully taken over by a huge grin. He had never wished for harm to his parents, but certainly they deserved something after all he had been through.

“Orion…” Roxas started. His tone of voice stayed neutral, set to worry the ghost and let some tension build up for dramatic effect. “You’re a genius!”