xp_logs | Mommy Dearest Redux: the summons home

In the afternoon, Kurt gets a visitor.

Kurt had seen his brother from the window, walking up the drive, and knew that this was more than just a family visit. He didn't go out to meet him, however, just waited quietly in his room for Stefan to find him.

Stefan left curiosity about the mansion for another less stressful time. He had hoped that his first visit there would have been less troubled. But Kurt had been located, unharmed, and that was all that mattered. Thanking the young girl who had led him to the correct room, he knocked.

"Come in, Stefan", Kurt called through the door, assuming no one else was likely to have chosen to visit in the few minutes it would have taken Stefan to find his way upstairs.

Shutting the door behind him, he took a few seconds to look his brother over. "You look…tired," Stefan said finally, in his normally soft tone. He came over and took a seat near Kurt, folding his hands.

"That would be one way to put it", Kurt answered with a touch of wryness. "It has been... a testing few months."

Reaching up, Stefan rubbed his chin thoughtfully and gave Kurt a look. "So I have heard but only in bits and pieces. We went from simply thinking you had become overwhelmed with work to finding out you had gone missing. What happened, Kurt?"

Kurt looked deliberately away from him, towards the window, face carefully empty. "A lot of things. Overwhelmed with work was a part of it, and... I have done things I am not proud of, brother, and let down my team."

There was silence for a few moments and then a sigh. "I know you too well, Kurt, so I will not pry unless you allow me too. We were all very worried, though, and I would like to hear your story if you would tell it." A hint of a smile ghosted his face. "And then I can always worm the rest of the information out of our little sister. Amanda always did have a soft spot for me." He would know one way or another but he preferred that it be from Kurt.

Kurt sighed, head dropping. "I wish I knew how to begin telling you, Stefan. But it is... a very, very long story. Perhaps a year long, or more."

"Perhaps you will have time to tell it?" Stefan ventured. "Mother wishes for you to come home, I think she is anxious to talk to you about what happened." He frowned. "She's been closed off about it but she asked me to see if I could bring you back home with me. Even if she had not asked, I would suggest because, certainly brother, if anyone needs to come home and unwind, it would be you."

That got more of a reaction. "Our mother is calling me home? And has not told you why?" He frowned slightly at that - it could be the obvious reason, of course, but Margali often had more below the surface than the obvious.

At that, Stefan gave Kurt a wry look. "How often does mother explain her decisions to anyone?" he asked but he was slightly concerned as well. Reaching over, he clasped Kurt on the shoulder. "It will be alright, Kurt."

"I hope so", he said quietly, leaning into his brother's hand. "One way or another, I do. And I will go back with you."

"Come what may, we're brothers. We will weather this storm like any other. Now, let us tell Amanda…I fear she would have our heads if we were to just up and disappear on her again."

That got a rueful smile. "Yes, she would. And I do not think she would be the only one." He was fairly sure his teammates wouldn't be happy about him leaving unless they knew Stefan had gone with him.

Stefan squeezed his shoulder and then stood up. "I will get in touch with mother to let her know to expect both of us while you prepare, yes?"

Kurt looked up at him and nodded. "I do not have much to pack. I will be ready soon."

“Good, I will be back shortly.” Stefan offered him a warm smile. “Home, Kurt, just focus on the fact that we are going home.” Turning around, he headed back out again, remembering where he had spotted a phone tucked away in the front area.