The Family [Finished]

[accalia]

"Can't having them find out where one hides the....." Tony begins before pausing "Non fermented bubbly fruit beverages?"

[yamikuronue]

Kate laughs harder. "You're awful at this," she jokes.

[accalia]

"it's new to me, give me time to get used to it." Tony complains halfheartedly

[yamikuronue]

"How long have you two been together?"

[accalia]

Tony thinks for a moment then shrugs "bout as long as Vic's been working for the department, maybe a couple of weeks longer."

[yamikuronue]

"I wasn't living here this whole time," Vic protests.

[accalia]

Tony nods "True, but you were here for most of it."

[yamikuronue]

Kate nods. "Groovy."

[yamikuronue]

Later, after Kate has gone, Vic grows quiet... too quiet. There's definitely something on his mind; he keeps acting like he's about to say something, but then thinking better of it.

[accalia]

"Out with it." Tony says evenly "otherwise it will just eat at you." and there's a hint of 'i've been there, i know that.' in his voice.

[yamikuronue]

"...What am I to you?" he asks, quietly.

[accalia]

"Family." The answer is instant without hesitation. "Not by blood, no. And not by the law it is true, but in every measure that actually matters you are part of my family."

[yamikuronue]

"Yeah but... Am I like..." He shuffles. "Like a kid brother or what...?"

[accalia]

Tony thinks for a moment before answering, trying to get the right answer. After a long and uncomfortable moment the answer finally comes.

"I don't know." Tony admits softly "I've never had a good home life so i don't really know what that feels like, and with you i never tried to qualify it more than 'he's family.' because that's all i needed to know."

[yamikuronue]

Vic is quiet for a bit. "Am I like... a little kid to you? Or... an adult?"