More Than A Cheeseburger

He looked back over to Bi-Han instead, the young man glaring at Hanzo rather than eating his own burger. There were so many questions he had. Why was a 20 year old living in his car with his 14 year old brother? Where were their parents? Why had no one helped them?

“I have some questions I’d like you to answer, Bi-Han,” Hanzo started, watching as his employee’s eyes narrowed at him. “But first, I’d appreciate it if you could eat something.”

Bi-Han grunted, but thankfully took a bite.

It would take more than a cheeseburger to get to the bottom of this.

Bi-Han’s behaviour had been suspicious for a while now. Hanzo had noticed him sneaking the snacks left out for all employees into his bag. Initially believing he was just being greedy, Hanzo had scolded him for it. Then Bi-Han had started doing other odd things. Taking toiletries and stationary, getting extremely defensive about his after work plans, generally being snappy and unsociable to everyone around him.

Then, that morning, Hanzo had come in early, to find Bi-Han’s car already outside. It was unusual for Bi-Han to be in at such a time, and when Hanzo finally located him within the building, he found the man with his younger brother in the toilets, washing themselves using the sinks. It was Kuai Liang who admitted that the pair were living in Bi-Han’s car, seemingly much to Bi-Han’s disdain.

He hadn’t wanted anyone to know, clearly.

“So, how long exactly have you been homeless?” He asked and Bi-Han made a face.

“We’re not homeless,” he replied in an extremely sharp tone, narrowing his eyes at Hanzo.

“We kind of are, Bi-Han,” Kuai quietly added, flinching violently when Bi-Han turned his glare on him. That response didn’t exactly give Hanzo much hope regarding the full situation that the brothers were in.

“About a month after I started working for you,” Bi-Han admitted, turning his attention back to Hanzo. “I haven't saved up enough for an apartment yet, but I’m working on it.”

“Why didn’t you mention anything?” Hanzo glanced over to Kuai, the boy had finished his burger in record time, now licking his fingers as if he was still chasing after the nourishment. Hanzo would have brought him a second burger, but he didn’t want him accidentally eating too much and making himself ill. “If I had known, I would have been able to offer you assistance.”

“I don’t need your handouts,” Bi-Han hissed. He stared down at the burger with contempt, like the very fact he’d even accepted it disgusted him. It was at this moment he seemed to decide Kuai needed it more, passing it over to the boy who eagerly began to cram it into his face like he’d done with the previous one.

“Asking for help isn’t the same as asking for handouts.” Hanzo didn’t know how to explain that to him. Bi-Han seemed like a proud individual, accepting help was likely not easy for him. “How exactly did this happen? Your brother’s still a child, where are your parents?”

Bi-Han paused, his lips tight and straightening himself out. Kuai almost seemed to shrink at the question.

“Dead,” Bi-Han said, voice so void of emotion it made Hanzo himself falter. “Our parents are dead.” Blinking like he was breaking himself out of a haze, Bi-Han’s face suddenly got a lot angrier. “And our foster parents were shitty people.”

That was unfortunate. Hanzo had done his share of foster care, and his priority every time had been those kids. It was disgusting, how some only signed up for material gain. Those kids deserved far better, and Hanzo wished he could take in more.

“I am sorry to hear all that.” It really did put into perspective both of the brothers' reactions to this. Bi-Han’s anger and Kuai’s fear. Both were completely understandable.

“Yeah, well.” Bi-Han shrugged, acting like it was no big deal. “It’s just how it is.”

“I have a spare room,” Hanzo told him, hoping the statement would imply enough. Bi-Han just looked at him with an eyebrow raised. “You both would be welcome to stay in it for as long as you need.”

“No.” Bi-Han shook his head violently. “I already said no handouts.”

“Then you could give me some money towards expenses,” Hanzo tried. As much as Bi-Han probably wanted this to be dropped, Hanzo couldn’t, especially not when a minor was in a less than acceptable living condition. “It would be like renting, just at a reduced price.”

Bi-Han’s mouth twitched, like he was desperately trying to figure a way to turn down the offer. His eyes slowly drifted over to Kuai, who was looking at his brother with large pleading eyes. Hanzo prayed that would be enough to convince Bi-Han.

Finally Bi-Han gave a defeated sigh, closing his eyes as he said, “That… Would be appreciated, thank you.”

“Good.” Hanzo knew better than to think this momentary acceptance of help meant that he’d accept anymore, but it was progress. At the very least, it got Kuai Liang into a more stable home. The question of the boy's schooling was next, but he accepted that would be a battle for another day. “We can talk out the details later.”

Bi-Han nodded, looking somewhat dejected. His face lit up a little when he saw Kuai smiling, looking happy and excited about their new housing arrangements. Despite everything, it was clear Bi-Han priorities lay with his brother. Hopefully, that would be the key to helping them, trying to find what was best for Kuai Liang.

It was still early, but Hanzo had hope that things would get easier from here.

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