Chapter 31 - 31 - To Learn

"Fang?" Ren asked, softly. "What do you think?"

Fang was in a dilemma. He loved the idea of going on a holiday with Ren, naturally, and learning to drive was just an additional benefit. However, he really wanted to learn from Wolf as well. He was quite interested in combat training himself, and he enjoyed learning the ropes very much. Further, he had come to know that Ren was often the target of abduction or assassination, but the man himself, despite his other talents, was pretty poor at fighting. So Fang was determined to learn as much as he could so that he could protect Ren properly. Until now, it had always been Ren protecting him and looking after him...but he wanted to protect Ren, too. That's why he wanted to grow as strong as possible.

But would Ren feel bad if he rejected his holiday plans...? From what Pax said just now, it looked like Ren had already made all the arrangements. Didn't that mean that his boyfriend had already spent a lot of money on it? Fang knew that Ren was rich, but he didn't like wasting Ren's money at all.

So he didn't know what to say.

Pax was the one who ultimately figured out Fang's dilemma.

"How's Fang's motor coordination?" Pax asked his brother. While he'd seen Fang train occasionally, Wolf was the one who knew the details. Pax just had a general idea that Fang was pretty good.

"Excellent," Wolf said proudly.

"Then...do you think he can pick up driving quickly?" Pax asked.

"Of course he can. Three days at most, I'd say!" Wolf announced.

"Then why don't we let Ren take him to Ray Country for a week? Fang can learn to drive and keep up with some training by himself. Once they're back on Cosmopolis, you can take over his training for the rest of the holidays," Pax suggested.

Wolf shrugged. "All right by me."

Ren shrugged as well. "I'm ok with whatever Fang chooses," he said.

Fang bit his lip. "Would it...would it waste a lot of money if we cut the trip short?" he asked Pax anxiously.

Pax chuckled and shook his head. "Don't worry, your man is a rich guy. But no, it won't waste any money at all, since we're just rescheduling."

Fang was visibly relieved. He turned to Ren nervously. "Then...is it ok if we do it the way Pax suggested?" he asked, looking down at the floor.

Ren sighed and rubbed the boy's hair. "Of course it's fine, Fang," he said gently. "It is also perfectly fine if you want to cancel the Ray Country trip altogether. I'm terribly sorry I didn't consult with you before making my plans - next time, I'll check with you first, ok? Forgive me this time, please?"

Fang shook his head quickly, feeling awful. He had never been on a holiday in his life, and here Ren had planned a nice surprise for him...and here he was, letting down the one man he never wanted to disappoint. And Ren even apologised to him! That wasn't right...

Fang looked up at Wolf. "Can we increase my training hours instead of cutting short the holiday?" he asked. "I promise I'll work hard and catch up!"

Wolf was startled by the pleading look in the boy's eyes. He recognised the emotion...hadn't he himself been like that when he was young? Desperate to learn and grow strong, but reluctant to give up family time with Pax and their adoptive father? He felt a little guilty. Fang had probably never been on a holiday before...he should just let Ren take the boy out and have a pleasant time. He'd gotten carried away in his zeal upon discovering a rare talent like Fang.

"Er...I can try to adjust your schedule a little," Wolf told his pupil.

"No," Ren said firmly. "Fang wants to learn martial arts, so he should learn properly. Wolf, do you want to join us for our trip to Ray Country for a week? You can continue his training - but go light on him while he's learning to drive - and then you can have him for the rest of the holidays for proper training." He smiled. "I can see how much Fang enjoys this - isn't it best to let him do what he likes to do? Plus, there isn't that much to see in Ray Country anyway; a week is more than enough for us to enjoy sightseeing and other stuff."

Wolf grinned. "I like the idea!"

Fang looked at Ren gratefully. "Is that really all right?" he asked softly.

Ren pulled him into a hug. "Of course it is. Would I let Wolf steal you away otherwise?" He stroked Fang's hair again. "You're not annoyed, are you?"

Fang shook his head. "I'm sorry," he murmured. "I ruined your plans."

"Not at all," Ren said immediately. "In fact, Pax will probably take you out for a treat for getting me to work early instead of goofing off!"

"Damn right I will," Pax said. "Fang, I'll give you a percentage from my bonus everytime you manage to cut short this moron CEO's plans to run away and hide from work!"

"No!" Ren wailed. "Fang! Don't be lured away by his offer!" He made a pitiful face and clung to Fang's arm. "You won't let Pax bully me, will you? You won't abandon me, will you?"

Pax threw a crumpled sheet of paper at his boss. "You're already slacking off too much!" he complained furiously. As the right hand man of the famous CEO Ren, it was part of Pax's job to keep CEO Ren functional and efficient! And that's why, while Pax was quite relieved and happy that Ren had found himself a little treasure like Fang, he wouldn't stand for goofing off at work!

Wolf burst into a hearty laugh.

Fang, too, giggled softly. Ren was quite relieved and shot the two brothers a grateful look.

The three adults realised that Fang was not as stable as they thought him to be.. They'd need to be a little more careful in the future.