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Wind huffed as he picked at the faux leather arm rest at the office chairs. His sleeve was stained from his fruitless attempts of wiping the steadily trickling blood from his nose. He inwardly cursed at himself while frustratingly shifting ever so often on the deceivingly soft chair. Comfortable as it was, it still wasn’t enough to fully alleviate the fear Wind had over Time’s reaction.
Wind was highly aware of Time’s lack of judgement, in which even if it didn’t work in Wind’s own favor every time, then he could at least respect Time for it, as the man always approached situations with logic and unbiased reasoning, unlike some people. He sneered.
When the receptionist looked at him, Wind shot her a crude scowl.
If the office’s atmosphere wasn’t stiflingly boring, then the wait definitely was. Wind had no option but to stare at the ticking clock, or follow the clouds graze by through the half-opened blinds.
And it wasn’t even as though Wind could busy himself, or even resort to any forms of entertainment, as his belongings were confiscated for obvious reasons that Wind would prefer to argue against.
He truly had no choice but to wait for his impending doom, one that he wished wouldn’t be even remotely as tragic as the near million possibilities that his monotonous mind conjured up.
Earlier on, about half an hour ago - if the clock was indeed working - they had asked Wind on who he wanted to choose to be called over. He thought it was weird, seeing that Wind literally had the choice to choose one of the more easy-going of his older siblings, that could quite literally bail him out.
But Wind didn’t want that. He didn’t want to go down without a fight of some sort, or to simply up and leave the problem at someone else's hands. He wanted Time to know, he wanted to relish the furiously shocked expression on Time’s face as Wind was proven right, as always. He jokingly added, ignoring how it was his desperate attempt to lighten the situation.
Though, Wind was rather miffed when the receptionist was clearly taking Wind’s words dubiously when he mentioned he lived with eight other people, in which not one of them were his actual parents. She thought he was joking , poking at the situation the same way that Wind had apparently said too much, and had made fun of his-
He was honestly too drained to express his offense to her, claiming that family was much more than blood relation , and that Time was a far better parent to him than his own.
But he didn’t say anything. Because opening his mouth is what got him into this situation in the first place. Because Wind’s unruly behaviour and his inability to brush such things off had got him into this trouble.
So what if he always got riled up too easily. So be it. It serves them right anyway. Call him reckless, Wind likes to refer to himself as fair.
Even if the thoughts of Time being at his aid and side were comforting, he knew that realistically, it was but a dream of Wind’s. Time is a man of expressing his morals, wearing his opinions on his sleeve. And after the many - yet few in number in comparison to some of his much older brothers - years that Wind had lived under Time’s custody, the man had made it extremely apparent on his dislike to violence.
Had it been in relation to bad past experiences, or a general abhor towards it, Wind didn’t know. But what he did know was that no light of justification had been shed on the others.
So either way, Time still had every right to be greatly disappointed in Wind. And that hurt much more than his likely-broken nose. And it was only a matter of time before Wind had to deal with the physical pain of his injury, and the emotional pain of Time’s disapproval.
And right now, Wind was seething in anger. It wasn’t fair.
And he was getting tired of it.
He was tired of being spoken about behind his own back, and laughed at as though he wasn’t the very star of it. Acting as though he had no feelings or thoughts of it either, and this wasn’t his life that they were poking fun at.
He’s glad he ended up here, because it means that he fought for himself. And Wind would do it again.
Wind honestly didn’t get how others could just let that happen. Perhaps that’s why it had taken him so long to build decent-enough ties with Warriors. At times, it really did feel like he aspired to become a doormat.
But as he grew older, and more accustomed to living with others, he soon realized that Warriors’ means of responding to situations - and everyone else's - never had to be the same as his. Because Hylia knows that some of his brothers may think of Wind that way, and may frown upon his recklessness the same way he scowls at their silence.
Although, slandering on others wasn’t what he needed. He needed to get out of here. Wind’s already-little patience was steadily waning, and Wind wasn’t so confident on how much longer he could keep himself from just running away.
Just as he slumped back once more, it had been the first time since he had entered that something finally happened, and surprisingly enough, Wind wished that it didn’t.
Straining slightly, Wind was able to register the two soft voices from the room adjacent were indeed, recognizable, and in possibly the worst way yet.
The moment that Time had received the call from the school, he already had his shoes half-on. Wind had been no stranger to getting sent to the office, or getting into usual trouble. This however, was far worse than his usual spats with others, or casual insults thrown at teachers alike. This had been the first time that Time had been called over due to a physical fight, in which they mulled over Wind’s injury and highlighted the fact that he had acted wrong.
Hating how that sounded, Time was quick to hang up and see the situation for himself. He was sure that Wind had some sort of justification. It was oddly endearing enough that Wind always persisted for what was right, and there was no way in all of Hyrule that Wind was planning on starting a fight for his own amusement. Alas, Time opted to make no conclusions until he was fully debriefed of it, ready to hear any and all sides.
Sky, being in the same room, had overheard the call, and offered to join. One part of Time would usually be quick to decline such a request, but another decided that perhaps the presence of someone Wind tolerated enough was probably for the best.
Din damn it.
Hearing his last name mentioned multiple times had indeed put his suspicions to rest, and confirmed that things were unfortunately in great risk of getting messy.
Wind quickly darted his focus to the ground between his legs as he heard the door creak open, and the other two seats next to him fill.
He groaned and pressed his nails into his arms as it wasn’t just Time with him. Sky had decided to join, and he was going to watch just how pathetic Wind’s self control was, and-
“So, how did it happen?” Sky’s voice cut through the tense silence like a sharp blade.
He was mad and probably hated Wind, and he was going to send him back to Outset-
“Hey, hey, it’s okay.” Wind looked up to find that Time was kneeled in front of him, hand on his shoulder, and oh- Wind hadn’t even realized he said that out loud.
Time exhaled a gentle laugh as he watched Wind promptly turn crimson in embarrassment.
“We aren’t mad. We promise.” Time assured. “We just want to know what happened, nobody hates you.” He exaggerated an inhale, gesturing for Wind to mimic it in hopes that Time could guide him into regulating his breathing again.
Time saw that Wind’s focus went from his eye to behind his head, in which Sky was no longer sitting down, instead standing against the chair and Hylia, he looked mad.
Wind had never seen this side of Sky. The man was soft spoken and the living definition of gentle. It really did take heaps of effort to rile him up. However, in the blue moon that one was able to genuinely anger Sky, it was as though they had walked into the violently unbridled currents of a storm.
“Yes- I understand it was a physical fight. And I don’t care if he gets an ‘equal penalty’ for it either. For the last time, all I’m asking is what caused it.”
She began. “Well, your ‘ brother’ over here-”
“Hey, Wind. Don’t worry about what’s going on.” Time shifted his head, so that he blocked the vision of Sky and the dean. “What did they do?”
“You… You’re asking me?”
“Of course I’m asking you. You’re the one with the bleeding nose, aren’t you?” Time said as he unpocketed a small pack of tissues and began wiping the worst of the mess away.
“Yeah, I guess you're right.” Wind weakly shrugged before flinching as he heard Sky slightly raise his voice, another terrifyingly seldom matter he did.
“So tell me. What got you in this mess in the first place?” There was a faint glint of mischievousness in Time’s eye, if it weren’t drowned in the concern he had fussing over Wind, the same he’s done so whenever he’d injure himself as a kid.
Even though Wind was much older and more independent, Time still never stopped caring for him the same way.
“They spoke about mom…” It seemed as though the moment Wind said it, the room had gone deafeningly silent once more.
“...What.” Sky dared to utter.
It was no secret to anyone that Wind loathed his parents. And while some may beg to differ, claiming that it’s undoubtedly horrible to say, Time wholeheartedly agrees.
Time had known Wind’s parents ever since the boy had been barely able to walk. They were close family friends and formal acquaintances. Though, as Wind grew older, and Time began to learn more of them, it was later found that Wind’s parents weren’t particularly great people, and mostly chased wealth over Wind’s own wellbeing. Time had been the first to know, as when Wind was younger, he felt obligated to love them, given their title. Yet as he matured over the years, so had Wind’s budding hatred towards them.
He was never truly cared for. He didn’t have the luxury of feeling as close to them as he should have, and the only times he actually held a conversation with them, circumstances were always cruel and disheartening.
But a few years back, Wind had opted to run away, searching for methods to get off the island. Time remembers the phone call as though it was yesterday.
Under the contact of a friend he learned to despise, it had been years since they had last spoken. Though, for the benefit of the doubt, Time answered the call, expecting his day to be utterly derailed.
What he didn’t expect was a high pitched voice, panting and broken by exhausted sobs alike. It had been Wind, the same Wind who Time remembered to still be in their arms. The same Wind who was now running as fast as he could, begging for Time’s help.
He remembered what it was like. The countless nights staying up late, fighting relentlessly for custody over Wind, to give the boy a chance and a home. Time remembered the weight of the stress, in which all was lifted by a single letter.
Even if it had been years since. Wind still shows agitation and wrath over it. The fact that he had been forced to make such a choice, the fact that such circumstances had to be put in place for Wind at such a young age.
He couldn’t even fathom the pain Wind must have felt everyday, slowly learning to adjust and love once more. The amount of patience Time needed to even converse with the boy.
Time was more than aware of Wind’s taboos. His disdain towards remarks of parental issues. Whether satirical or not, or even of his or of others. Time always watched how whenever Wind hears a story regarding a friend with unjust parents, it would cause him to spiral, grit his teeth, and hate the world. Time’s well aware of Wind’s projection on it, in hopes that he could avoid his own problems.
And if one was to mention his own parents, and his own issues. Then Time really had no control over Wind’s composure. Rowdy as he was, Wind always had a knack of fighting for what’s right. And if resorting to violence was absolutely necessary, then Time could only say so much.
“I had to.” Wind said. “They made fun of it.” He hissed through his teeth.
“Of… Your mother.” Sky said as though he had just admitted a sin.
Wind bashfully nodded.
“And you didn’t do anything about it?” Sky turned to the dean. “Seriously- Isn’t this your job??”
Wind shrunk back at Sky’s fury, even if it wasn’t directed at him.
“And look where that got us. You have an injured student, who had gotten blamed for defending himself. You should be ashamed.” Sky pointed an accusatory finger at the dean.
“There, this should be most of it.” Time leaned back, tossing away the tissue in a nearby trashcan. He appraised his work of clearing most of the blood from Wind’s still-red face.
When Wind reached over to check for any left, he hissed in pain as he accidentally touched his nose.
“Don’t touch that, we might need to get you checked up.” Time said, trying to remain perfectly calm lest Wind began to panic again.
Wind snarled again.
“Still mad?” Time asked, trying to lighten the situation. Wind's been through enough. The last thing he needs is to think Time’s mad at him. In promise of that, Time had been making efforts to try and cheer him up slightly.
Wind however, took it differently. “Of course I am! This isn’t fair. Why am I the one in trouble? I didn’t even start it!” He raised his hands up before dropping them at his sides in defeat. “ It’s fuckin’ stupid, what it is.” He muttered under his breath.
Time rested his hand on Wind’s back as the boy shook ever so slightly. In fear or anger, Time hadn’t known.
“And then- And then I’m the only one they called here! Because it’s always me.” Wind growled.
Unfortunately, it’s true- And Time wishes it wasn't. Wind is always the one called out for these issues, and Time had seen the dean more times than he would have pleased. Though the odd part is, Wind is usually always the one there alone. Normally, it would have made sense if Wind and the others involved were collectively called together, regardless who’s at fault in the situation.
But it seems that every time, those seats are always left empty besides for Wind.
“This is getting ridiculous.” Sky spat. “We’ve had it with your bias. It’s one thing to call Wind here in trouble for defending himself. But it’s a whole other issue when it’s just him in this room! What about the one who started it? What about -” Sky stopped himself, taking a deep breath, readjusting to his usual composure once more. There was no need in any more fighting, lest he scared Wind even further.
“You know what. We’re done here.”
Impeccable timing too, Time would have said the same thing frankly.
“Thank you for your time.” Time briskly said in an irate tone, ready to end this visit here and now as well. If nobody wanted to listen to Time and Sky, then neither were they. “Come on, Wind. Let’s get you home, and check up while we’re at it too, because the first thing you thought was to send him here instead of the nurse.”
“You can’t-” The dean's shrill voice was cut off by the slam of the door, courtesy of Sky.
The walk to the car was silent, yet tense. Sky’s heavy breathing slowly calmed as he did himself. Wind however, was a different story. The boy was still seething with anger, if the way he accentuated each of his stomped footsteps on the pavement had anything to say about it.
Wind had thrown himself in the back seat, and decidedly hadn't said anything else since after the office.
It was also quite fascinating to watch somebody wrestle a seatbelt on. Yet, Time would be endeared and fond of it if it weren’t for the circumstances.
Even though, Time could still feel his anger. And he was sure that Sky could too, because the other was just as conflicted. They wanted to both make it up to Wind. They wanted to
“It just isn’t fair!” Wind crossed his arms. “I didn’t do anything.”
“I know, I know.” Time said, looking at the boy from the car mirror.
“Let’s get home and take it easy for a bit. I’m sure it’s been a long-enough day for us all.” Sky said, followed by the click of his seatbelt.
“We can worry about the hospital visit. Just get some rest.” Time continued. He took the slight glance of Wind’s stone-cold expression to Time’s warm smile as a form of gratitude.
The moment that Time pulled over on the driveway, Wind slammed the car door behind, and ran in through the garage entrance, unwilling to even wait for Sky to open the front door.
Taking off their shoes in the kitchen door, Time heard a set of footsteps race up the stairs, slightly shake the roof, and pause before the loud bang of a recently shut door.
“It pains me to see that this all still bothers Wind. I wish there was something we could do.” Sky sighed, taking a mouthful of one of Wild’s pastries, still warm on the rack above the oven, on the stove.
“The fight?”
“That too. But I mean the situation of his… parents .” Sky lowered his voice, in fear that Wind was listening to the two.
“Ah. Right. Should we go talk to him?”
“It’s better to give him some space. He’ll need it.” Sky shook his head. “Besides, he’ll speak up about it later- He always does. But for now, let’s give him some time.”
Time hummed in agreement.
“But…Is he doing okay?” Sky asked. “His face I mean.” He added. “That looked like a nasty hit.”
“He said it hurt when he touched it.” Time said, watching as Sky unconsciously winced and brought his hand to his face in sympathy.
“We could always take him to Renado. I can call him right now.” Sky gestured to his phone.
“Thank you for the help.” Time nodded. “Let’s take Wind for a quick check up later.”
“Always, he’s my family just as much as he’s yours.” Sky smiled. “Also, that’s a good idea. We could even stop by his favourite fast-food joint on the way back. Maybe that would help cheer him up.”
“Telma’s? Definitely. He loves that place.”