It turned out better than he expected.

Jaejin was surprised by himself for being steady and welcoming to Shaun. Maybe its Eros's words of comfort that calmed him or his emotional growth over the hours. 

Whatever it is, he was thankful.

There was no awkwardness amongst the four. There was a tacit understanding to drop all their titles and differences at the park entrance.

There was no CEO or Mafia Prince.

No International lawyer.

No Champion MMA fighter.

No Company Boss.

Only four twenty plus year old guys enjoying the amusement park on a weekday.

~~~~~

Ironically all four experienced a lot first times that day. They lived moments of being kids, doing things that they never came across as kids. Each one of them had a childhood that was far from normal. They all matured earlier than others and their personalities were created according to their environment.

Whether it was a roller coaster ride, being scammed by stall owners, eating greasy junk food, it was a first for them. During this time, they bonded closer as friends. Shaun calmly gave Jaejin some insights about their particular life. 

When one says, 'their world', it covers a lot. Same-sex love has been a thing for decades, centuries, but have been covered by those in high ethical authority. It forced them to be something blasphemous, pushing them to be content as a hidden lover or into a life of loneliness. So 'their world' means the world outside of normal society. 

Things have changed over the years and with pride they revel in the 3/4 step into normal society. It may take some time to be fully accepted. 

Shaun concise his high school experience as a homosexual in a small town and told Jaejin about it bravely. He was no longer ashamed to say that he had a first love but was betrayed. That was a lesson to how the world is from his perspective. After leaving that town, his eyes opened gradually and his self-esteem was strengthened gradually.

Jaejin listened and sympathized with him and it pushed him to think about his future with Eros. Presently, he was happy in love with the guy and is protected 24/7. Eros won't allow him to be hurt nor be attacked which is why he has been complacent; but, awareness came in when Eros visited him on campus. 

That same awareness came again during their outing.

 Ryan as a doting partner to Shaun was helping him with his shoelace whose hands were full with their snacks. This was a typical thing happening in the park but between Ryan and Shaun, it looked too intimate. No one couldn't miss the soft look Shaun had in his eyes for Ryan.
A few passersby saw this and four out of five of them were bold in showing their disgust for the open affection even if it was a simple intimate moment.
Jaejin was affected by this, he felt uncomfortable under the mocking and disgusted gazes. It wasn't him it fell on but he felt it. He couldn't stop the miniscule shameful feeling. Unknowing to him, Eros saw this change in him and wanted to pull him away from the scene but stopped. This had to be endured.

The other instance that opened Jaejin's eyes to society was a shared hug between him and Rose. He was expressing how happy he was at that moment and Eros who loved to hold him, wasn't shy in hugging him in public. 
"This is a public place. Your disgusting behavior is not suitable for kids. Aren't you ashamed to be acting this way? You're going against the law of nature."

Eros shielded Jaejin from the scorn in that person's eyes but the disgust was heard.

It was then Jaejin truly experienced 'his world.'

Words can truly cut like glass. He wanted to run away and hide but he couldn't. He stayed in Eros's arms who allowed him to regain his confident self before letting him face the public once more. 

That episode was a lesson for him. It wasn't long before he returned to his happy self with a concerned Eros at his side.

Shaun comforted him with a look of 'It's okay.'

Not wanting the day to end on a sour note, Ryan suggested a change in scenery. Eros was quick to suggest a place and it was at the hotel where they currently residing.

The roof top bar will have few patrons and it will be a nice place to relax. Jaejin was silent throughout their plans. He simply held Eros's hand and leaned against his body. The warm support Rose gave him and the care were enough to bring him to tears. Its luck that placed this man in his path.

A heart shaking thought came to mind. 

If he wasn't so dangerously close to death that night, would he ever meet Eros Delacourde in this lifetime?

                                                              ~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Four Months Later
Boston

Salle Blanche was established eight years ago. The building and its popularity entered the eyes of the public slowly and silently then showcased its strong foundation by the esteemed guests.

White Hall which its name in English is as its called. This hall was built for the purpose of gathering together to have fun or for whatever occasion you deem important. Salle Blanche has its own restaurant, dance hall, private banquet rooms, conference halls with top of the line technology and security.

Five families contributed to this hall for one purpose - to gather their wayward family members.

On this night, the Delacourdes are hosting their gala. On the surface its a simple charity gala and auction but below everything that glitters, its the gathering of all families that serves the Delacourde.

Representatives were present along with their heirs. Their success were tied to the seal, they don't dare disrespect them nor turn their backs on their benefactor. Times were getting harder and its their descendants' time to carry the mantle, but are they ready?

In the greeting hall, Raizon Delacourde and his wife Arianna stood beside a striking couple. The young man's eyes were dark as coals and his hair as dark as the night. Side by side, one can see the five point resemblance to the past Patriarch Raizon. 

This was Lucifer Delacourde, the current head of the family.

Holding his hand with both of hers, was his wife, Amara Jackson-Delacourde. This curvaceous beauty held a strong aura as she stood by her man. This is all experience as a trauma doctor and trained under her mother-in-law Arianna. As the new Mafia Queen, no wilting flower can stand the pressure in the supporting role. A woman with a strong mentality like Amara is suited to be head of the household.

"Go. I will join you inside, soon." The soft voice of her husband tickled her ears. Amara turned to see those doting dark eyes resting on her. The once cold and indifferent look softened as he spoke. 

"Okay. Eros should be arriving soon. Don't put on your big brother cape for Jaejin. He might be nervous," Amara replied while fixing his tie then his hair.

Lucifer obediently stood still, allowing her free reign over his body. A small smile was on his lips as she left instructions for him to do. It was all about his twin brothers and a little about Nico. He listened attentively because she was the one closest to the three and understood their emotional level. This helps him in caring for them and not creating a wide gap between work and family.

"Yes, dear. I understand," he answered  like a hen-pecked husband.

Amara chuckled at his adorable performance and gifted him with a sweet kiss before leaving. Arianna was leaving her husband's side also and gently pulled Amara along. The older woman looked over her shoulder and smiled at her Raizon and her first born. Years apart in age yet so identical. 

The domineering look of the two was surely inherited. How can father and son be so alike. 

"Give it another hour. Most of the guests are here. Only those brats are taking their sweet time in coming," Arianna said firmly. She didn't wait for their response and led Amara away.

"Yes, mama." "Yes, love."

Hearing the loud affirmative responses, Arianna smiled with pride while Amara eyed her with full reverence. 
"A few more years paired with the title of mother, you will be as strong as me." 

The past queen gently patted Amara's slender hand with those words of encouragement. She believed in her darling daughter-in-law and blame it on an old woman's intuition, it won't be long before this girl makes her a grand mother.

Oh how have time passed.

                                                     ~~~~~~~

Back in the greeting hall, Lucifer and his father welcomed the dubbed second prince of the family. His entire being was different from previous visits. There was no need to ask what was wrong.

Eros proudly approached them with a warm smile on his face, gently holding the hand of a beautifully handsome Korean young man. The two were eye catching as they walked together. It may be a hallucination to many but there were pink bubbles surrounding this couple. 

Both were dressed in personally designed tailored suit from Pierre Cardin in matching colors of wine red and midnight blue. The style was of brocade and metallic sheen portraying its French foundation. 

The two were dazzling. 

Raizon gave a small nod of approval to his little boy after he judged Jaejin from his own perspective. Innocent but not naive; not too humble nor submissive; proud not arrogant.

"Father. Older brother. This is Jaejin, my partner." 

The straightforward introduction was expected. Lucifer stifled a laugh and offered a hand to Jaejin. "Welcome to Boston, and welcome to the family. Its good to see you without the help of a screen. Once again, I'm Lucifer."

"Thank you, Big Brother Lucifer." Jaejin accepted his hand shake and politely bowed in greeting to his elder and his in law.

Raizon took note of his new son-in-law's ties to his culture. It was a commendable trait as they too place family heritage at the fore front of their lives. 
He stepped forward and offered his hand. " Welcome. I'm Raizon. A fourth son is welcomed."

Jaejin's eyes brightened by those words.
"Father-in-law!"

Eros chuckled at how cute his Jaejin was. He was happy seeing how easy his father and brother accepted his lover. Jaejin had one more step to take to be fully recognized - to be accepted by his mama. 
He wasn't worried. He was happy and that's all that matter to his mother. She said these words to him when he revealed his sexuality to her. 

As long as he's happy, she won't interfere with his love life. 

"Oh~~ Its our brother in law!" The loud and playful voice cut through their introductions. 

Lucifer rolled his eyes and looked to the direction of the entrance. Strolling in was his mischievious little brother Ares and the big child Nico who using the former as an anchor while he walked and texted.

These two.

"Hello, Brother Ares!"

Ares's eyes lit up when Jaejin greeted him and called him brother. He finally have a younger brother who is so adorable. "Come. Come. Let me take take you to mama. Oh~ My design look so good on you. Hey, how about you being the new spokesperson for my next luxury line...." 
Jaejin had no way to speak as he was taken away by his new brother and into the hall.

Eros had a blank look on his face as he helplessly watched on. Ares is still a bundle of energy he can't handle. His mind is already tired and he was only in his twin's presence for a few seconds.

"This dude," he cursed under his breath.

"Rose. Nice pick. Exotic flavors are entering the Delacourde line. Good job!"

Smack!

Nico's head fell forward after receiving Lucifer's slap behind his head. He had a stupid grin on his face when he turned to his older cousin. "What? Isn't it grand to make a melting pot? Soon, their will be a bit of Italian flavor in the French pot."

Smack!

This time the slap came from Eros.

"Dammit, Lucy didn't hit me that hard," he pouted. The two began their bickering with Lucifer intervening at times.

Raizon sighed heavily and ran away from the noisy brats. Its much quieter by his wife's side.

                                                              ~~~~~~~~~

In the dance hall, Ares successfully led Jaejin to his mother. He didn't care about the guests nor his position in the family. All he cared about is reaching his mother who he haven't seen in months. 

Oh, there was his little sister and sister-in-law beside her but they were collateral damage. 

"Mama! I'm home and look I brought your new son!" His voice was heard clearly throughout the hall.

The eyes turned to see the third son of the French family dragging a blushing red face Korean behind him. 

New son? Is this an in-law?

Arianna on the other hand kept an expressionless look as her wild child came trotting up to her. "Really. Where did my training go? You're over twenty and an international designer, where is your decorum?" she admonished.

Ares enthusiasm didn't wane. His eyes were bright as he looked at his mother. "Its offline at the moment," he returned. 

His mother sighed deeply and opened her arms for her baby boy. The motherly smile on her face was wide and if one look closer you can see a sheen of tears in her eyes. Her twins have been away from home for a long time and it has been getting harder to see them because of their careers. She has to make do with their visits and video call.
"You're getting more handsome every time I see you. Worthy of being my baby," she said softly as she held him in her eyes. 

Ares hugged her tightly and listened to her doting words before releasing her. 
"Big Sis Ami. Grown up Brat. How are you?" That was his greetings to his sisters. Amara playfully pinched his cheek and Rejeanne gave him a white-eyed look.

Jaejin who was quietly watching the family dynamics, admiring their connection and also their high face value. Those are some great genes swimming in the Delacourde blood. While he was fantasizing the mechanics of having a child with Eros, Rejeanne noticed him behind her silly brother.

"Oh my god~ Reese, why did you leave him alone? Rose will deal with you appropriately. Do you remember me?" Rejeanne rushed up to Jaejin and held his hands with a questioning look but she got distracted. "Your hands are so white and soft. What moisturizer do you use? Oh and your face, so pretty. Is it true that adopting a face treatment plan sends away years from your age? You guys look way younger than your age. You look eighteen but is actually 23, so cool."

"Hello sister-in-law!" Jaejin had to cut in before she went into a new topic. He was right to do so plus his approach by calling her a treasured title and bowing in polite greeting awakened her love for Easter culture even more.

"Hi! Come. This our mother..." Rejeanne unceremoniously pushed Ares aside and introduced him to Arianna.

"Wow," Jaejin uttered when he saw Ares stumble to the side by one push from this little fairy. 
Little sister, can I be as strong as you?
"Sorry. Hello, mother-in-law, I am Jaejin, surnamed Min and I'm Eros's partner." He outstretched both hands with his right placed in his left waiting for Arianna to accept his greeting as he kept his head in a respectful bow. 

Rejeanne was taking photos and Amara had a gentle smile on her face, quietly admiring Jaejin. Most feared in meeting the in-laws but Jaejin was brave and respectful. His greeting was sincere and if one listened closely, you can hear the pride he spoke with when he mentioned his position.

Eros's partner.

He was happy and content to be with their Eros. This is what they wanted for the quiet Delacourde. Someone who will accept him wholly and proud to be at his side. This kid is already one of theirs.

Arianna watched the sweet looking boy and couldn't help but pull him into her arms and give him a tight hug. Eros told her all about his partner and his worries about this child. 

Who on earth can mistreat such a sweet and kind child? Her motherly instincts are flaring up.

"You're so adorable. Welcome to the family. Thank you for not giving up on my little Rose."

Jaejin was shocked at first but after hearing her heartfelt words, he softened gradually into her hug. "Its more thanks to him for saving me," he said softly.

Arianna understood his words and gently patted his back before releasing him. "It's all in the past. Now, you have to look towards your future. We are family now. Soon I will send for your parents so we can have  a chat. If I judge correctly by little Rose will want to marry you soon." She said these words and raised his hand with the bracelet, then placed it next to hers. 

Different in design but the same seal and same hidden promise were embedded in these bracelets. 

Amara touched hers subconsciously, resonating with Arianna's words of marriage. 

The acceptance of the Mafia side of things is a substitute engagement. A personalized ring is next. Then the wedding of their generation. 

The estate will be lively again.

                                                                 ~~~~~~~~~~

Ares escaped when his mother pulled Jaejin and the girls upstairs for some bonding time and met up with his brothers.

He didn't say much. He stood silently beside his twin and listen to Eros's conversation with Nico.

 Lucifer was the host and the current patriarch, he was currently mingling with guests on the other side of the hall. It was also his duty to meet each family representative and evaluate the next heir. Its a long process but with preliminary reports from his brothers it will go by smoothly. This evaluation will be done in a private banquet room while the auction goes on. His absence was justified and it leaves the twins and their father to talk to those who bravely approach them. 

Their father ignored a few and sought refuge by the uncles and the twins held a frosty look on their face, warding off guests. 

It was a terrible sight.

A waiter bravely approached them and offered some wine then hastily left. 

Nico became quiet and returned to his phone leaving the brothers to talk.

There was no big need to start a topic, the two knew each other well and will only speak if they can't figure it out themselves.
Eros sensed this with his twin.

"It won't be long for us to be uncles."

Ares's tense shoulders relaxed slightly.

"Jaejin and I have a long way to go. We have ways to be a family in the future. No hurry."

"Thank you brother," Ares said softly.

Eros knew his twin was feeling a bit of pressure in terms of finding a partner when his brothers are all successful in love. He too wanted to find that someone but no one caught his fancy. 

Not even the toys he usually play with.

"You should handle things directly in Europe."

Eros's statement was firm. No questions are to be asked. This is his way of saying 'I know what's good for you, take it.'

"Then Miami...." Ares wanted to protest but his brother cut him off.

Eros didn't know sugar coated words but he knows his brother needed a fresh environment to think about his future life partner. Europe has a lot of opportunities and he will be safe. He wants to see his brother happy and not married to his career.

He can only say a few words of reassurance to his twin.

"Handled. Spend a month with mama before you leave. All you have to do is focus on your business and relax. Maybe you'll be lucky on that side."

..... It is mentioned that he doesn't know any sugar coated words.

                                                               [TO BE CONTINUED......]

[End of Book 3 in the Dangerously Mafia Series. See you in 2024!]