"And how did you do that?" she asked.
The brothers were being brotherly, and I brought up my brothers and how they would have loved to be friends with them, and I kinda ruined the mood and used the washroom excuse. Now I'm here trying not to cry due to my screw up.
"I don't see how that's a screw up. You shouldn't feel embarrassed," Sia said with a relaxed voice.
But...I made it awkward. Not to mention I'm hiding in the washroom. How am I going to act normal?
"I have a hunch you'll be fine. If one of the brothers knocks on the door, let them in."
Why would I let the guy come into the washroom?
"It’s not like you’re using it, and because you’re hiding there and probably didn't lock the door," Sia sighed.
Aww shit! I'll lock-
A knocking sound interrupted my mental sentence. "Arielle. Are you actually using the washroom or hiding?" Gabriel's soothing voice questioned.
I blushed. SIA! Gabriel knocked on the door and knew I was hiding!
"Open the door and just relax, Arielle. I'll be awake if you need me," Sia replied. I gulped, waiting a few seconds before I answered.
"Hiding," I squeaked, seeing no point in lying now that I was technically caught.
"Can I come in?" he asked.
"Sure," I replied, moving away from the door and further in the spacious bathroom. I didn't have time to notice the major details, aside from the washroom being white, clean, and spacious.
The door opened, and Gabriel slid through the space. He closed the door but didn't lock it. My eyes lingered on his gold necklace that was now visibly resting on his white shirt, the stone a shimmering pink color with hints of gold and orange that reminded me of his eyes.
"You okay?"
"Yes and no?" I replied with a sheepish smile.
"Noah would be in my place, but he doesn't do well with these types of conversations," Gabriel pointed out with a small smile. He relaxed against the marble countertop where the sink was. "You can sit on the hamper box. It's clean since none of the guys knows how to actually put their clothes in there." Gabriel rolled his eyes, making me giggle.
"You like things really neat?" I asked, moving over to sit on the white hamper box that was woven in thick white and black wood. I made sure it was sturdy before I comfortably sat down and looked at Gabriel, who nodded.
"I'm a phoenix-dove hybrid," he revealed. I had to take a moment to try and understand how that even worked.
He chuckled and continued. "Our mother was married to two familiars. One raven, one dove. Yes, interesting combo, but they met in hard times and connected rather quickly and, well, before long we were born," Gabriel summarized with a shrug.
"Noah looked like he didn't want to talk about it when I asked about you guys having a master, so I didn't know if I could ask about your background," I admitted.
"Noah uses humor to hide his insecurities and nerves. He doesn't like talking about things that make him sad because it contributes to his anxiety. That's why he sent me to check on you even though he's probably more worried than I am," Gabriel explained.
"You're worried too? Why? You just met me," I pointed out.
"Don't know, to be honest. I'm not the type to take a liking to something or someone, especially so quickly. I won't say love at first sight because I honestly haven't experienced what love is aside from family love, or I guess friendships, but when I look at you my heart goes all weird. Though I don't really show it like Noah, it’s hard to think properly and think of something cool to say to impress you...and I don't think I should have revealed that," Gabriel mumbled the last part, his face growing slightly red, which made him look exactly like Noah when he had been embarrassed earlier.
"I like how you’re very straight up," I complimented with a smile. His pink eyes twinkled at my praise and he smiled back at me.
"It's a habit that doesn't get a lot of praise, but I do it because I don't want to be in a situation where I don't speak my mind again," Gabriel admitted.
"Again?" I asked.
"Three years ago, our nest was attacked by Dark birds," Gabriel revealed. I gawked at him, and my heart dropped at his revelations. He merely nodded in understanding and continued.
"When you said your brothers weren't here anymore and left for the washroom, Noah and I figured your family had the same fate as ours. It was our three parents, our older sister, Noah, and me. My brother and I always had the ability to tell when something bad was about to happen, but Noah was really shy to say anything, and I didn't want to speak up about how we felt. "
Gabriel paused, looking at the floor for a moment before he continued. "My sister ended up pestering us until we told her, and she immediately went to tell our parents and the nest. We were away from the nest at the time, and she hid us in a little opening in a willow tree. It was storm season, and she didn't want us flying out in the rain. We waited and waited, but our sister never came back. When we returned to the nest after the rain had stopped..." he trailed off.
I bit my lip and felt a tear roll down my cheek. Gabriel noticed and pushed off the counter to walk over to me. He crouched down and wiped the next tears that escaped my eyes.
"I figure you know the ending. We found our Dads first. They died protecting my Mom, who was pregnant at the time. She died a bit after we arrived and blessed us with her flame and both our father's energy. Since then, I vowed to say how I felt, even if it's not everyone's cup of tea. As for Noah, it was really hard on him and that's why he avoids sad topics. Kinda just switches something inside him and he gets into a down mood. That's why he has me, I guess. A bit difficult when you're trying to comfort your new girlfriend, but since he's my older brother, I'll do him this one favor," Gabriel smiled.
"You’re a kind brother," I whispered.
His smile widened. "Thanks, Arielle." He rose back up and walked to where he previously stood. "After that, we went off to find what was called the hybrid nest."
"You found it?!" I asked.
He nodded. "Yes, but I guess you can say it wasn't the best place for a safe haven. None of the familiars wanted to help. They had the impression that if they helped us, Dark birds would come and attack their nest next, so we were rejected."
"What?! They...they rejected you?!" I snapped, feeling outraged.
"Ya. Being homeless sucked." Gabriel shrugged. "It was basically every familiar for themselves."
"Why aren't you mad?" I asked.
"Guess I lost hope in older familiars long before it happened. We weren't very loved outside our family in our nest, so when they rejected us, I just sucked it up. Noah took it harder and was outraged, but we just decided we'd leave it for karma."
"What happened after that?" I asked.
"We traveled a few days, but Noah got really sick. We took refuge in a tree near a house and that's when we met our Master," Gabriel explained.
He lifted his hand to play with the pink stone of his necklace. "Our Master was strong and could manage to keep both Noah and me as familiars, but physically he was weak and dying from a human disease. Before his death, he'd contacted Othello and requested we be transferred into his care and brought to Aslan. That way, we'd eventually find new Masters. He died right before Othello arrived to pick us up. That was two years ago, and we've been here since."
"I'm sorry," I whispered, unsure what else to say.
"It's the cycle of life. It hurt back then, but I guess I've accepted that he's better where he is and out of pain," Gabriel replied.
"So, Noah and you...and the others can't get Masters or Mistresses who match your energy level," I clarified.
"Hmm. Yes and No. To be honest, Noah has found five matches that would have been perfect Masters for him, but he rejected them," Gabriel revealed.
"He rejected?" I asked.
Gabriel nodded before he sighed, looking up at the white ceiling. "He doesn't want to leave me. I can guarantee that's the reason. First few times were little things like he didn't like their hair, or they
had a cocky attitude. But after the third, fourth, and fifth, I realized he just didn't want to leave me behind. The chances of us both getting Masters or Mistresses that are close friends or family is pretty impossible here, so we've been fine with just staying here. The others also have their reasons, but we've been such close friends, I guess none of us want to be so far apart that we'll never see each other again."
"This may be a longshot...and I don't know if my Mistress or her boyfriends would go along with it...but maybe you can try her group? I mean, Noah said you guys would participate in the familiar test soon, right? So my Mistress' boyfriends would have to decide. It's a shot?" I suggested. "Noah likes Hunter."
"You mean the guy who lent him clothes?" Gabriel asked.
"Yup. Personally, for me, I think you'd probably match Orion. Your auras are similar," I pointed out.
He grinned. "I guess we'll see when the familiar choosing class comes, but thanks for having such a big heart, Arielle."
There was a knock on the door, and we turned to see Noah pop his head in to glance at both of us. "You two were taking too long, so I came to check on you," Noah admitted.
"Meaning he was afraid I swept you off your feet with my amazing communication skills and he'd lost his girlfriend in less than an hour," Gabriel elaborated.
"Fuck off," Noah huffed, opening the door to try and kick Gabriel again who merely dodged the attack.
"You suck at trying to hit me and just admit I'm the better communicator. Now go hug your girlfriend so we can introduce her to the others before they come to think we're having a threesome in here."
Noah and I both froze and looked at Gabriel with opened mouths and flushed expressions. "Threesome?!" we squeaked.
"I KNEW THEY WERE HAVING A THREESOME!"
We turned to the door to see the remaining four guys in the doorway. "Dammit, Axel, shut the fuck up!" the blonde male exclaimed.
"Fuck you, Rainer. If Gabriel and Noah get first dibs I want in!" the blue-haired male named Axel argued.
"Third," a redhead with long hair and gold highlights declared.
"Fourth," the male with red locks and silver highlights standing next to the one with gold highlights stated.
"Fifth?" the familiar named Rainer looked confused but joined the counting.
"Oh, hell nah. I said I wanted dibs, how did I get sixth?!" Axel exclaimed.
"Axel, Rainer, Griffin, and Asher! Stop being nosey familiars and get your asses back in the living room!" Faelia's annoyed voice shouted. They all flinched and looked over their shoulders.
"But, Faelia! Gabriel and Noah are having a threesome with the pretty familiar!" Axel shouted back, and I blushed even harder, glancing at Gabriel, whose face was turning red, and Noah, whose face was so red I thought he'd pass out.
"I don't care! Stop interrupting them! Don't make me count to 5! ONE!" she exclaimed.
"Shit!" All four of them yelled, and in a flash, they raced down the hall. I heard approaching footsteps, and Faelia showed up at the door. She glanced at the three of us and smiled.
"I never reach five. You guys never give me enough entertainment anymore. Anyways, we'll be in the living room when you three are done. Have fun." She winked and closed the door. We were all silent until Noah fell forward.
"EEP, Noah Bru!" I exclaimed, reaching out to catch him. Gabriel was already at his side, helping me stop Noah from crashing to the white tiled floor.
"Is he okay?!" I asked.
"Ya, he probably forgot to breathe and passed out. He does that when he doesn't know how to respond in embarrassing moments," Gabriel explained. "He'll be awake in a few minutes."
"Totally acts like the older brother," I mumbled. We lowered Noah to the ground, and I moved to sit on my knees while Gabriel rested Noah's head on my lap after he turned him over.
"When I need to. Sometimes I like to sit back and let him work things out on his own but seeing as he had enough guts to ask you out, I'll be nice." Gabriel smiled and ruffled his brother's hair.
"You think the others would mind if I stay a bit longer?" I asked.
"They won't mind. They're really excited to meet a pretty familiar who hasn't been scared off by their weirdness," Gabriel laughed.
I smiled, feeling my heart flutter at the melodic sound. "Okay. I'll stay a bit longer. I don’t think my Mistress would mind," I replied.
"Good. I'm really happy to meet you, Arielle. If you do end up dating more than one of us, I'm second." He winked at me. I grinned and nodded.
The thought of dating both brothers was really inviting. Even though I'd just met Gabriel, I liked him. He may look like Noah due to them being twins, but he had a unique personality.
Sia?
"Yes, Arielle?" Sia asked.
Can I stay a bit longer?
"Sure. Just let me know when you're tired. Hunter will come to pick you up," Sia replied.
Thanks, Sia.
"Anything for you, Arielle. Have fun," she replied. I smiled at her words, excited to be introduced to the four other familiars.
Rainer, Axel, Griffin, and Asher. I wonder what familiar races they are?
"This is awesome! We get to have dinner with Noah's crush!" Axel hummed.
"Girlfriend," Noah and Gabriel said together.
"Same thing!" Axel huffed.
"It's not the same," Rainer sighed.
"Crush means-" Griffin began, but Asher cut him off.
"Griffin, we don't want the dictionary explanation of what crush and girlfriend mean please."
"Hmph. You need to appreciate knowledge more," Griffin mumbled.
"Can you pass the bowl of mash potatoes?" Gabriel asked.
"You didn't use please so you’re not getting any," Axel teased.
"Really?" Gabriel rolled his eyes.
"You’ve got to use your MANNERS when a lady is at the table. Right, Faelia?" Axel asked.
Faelia huffed. "Don't insult my ass while trying to be all classy in front of Arielle. You never say please when I'm here!" Faelia snapped.
"Because she acts more like a guy than a girl," Griffin whispered to Asher.
"True," he replied, nodding.
"All three of you aren't getting dessert," Faelia huffed.
"WHAT!" They exclaimed, and Rainer and Noah laughed.
"Serves them right." Noah sighed before a grin formed on his lips. "Arielle wanted the mashed potatoes so pass them over."
"Gabriel could have said that," Axel grumbled, passing over the clear bowl of mashed potatoes without a second thought.
"I like making you suffer," Gabriel replied, not a hint of remorse in his voice.
"Faelia. See? I told you he's the devil twin!" Axel exclaimed.
"Gabriel's half dove. He can't be the devil twin," Rainer pointed out.
"Noah can't be the devil twin. The moment he gets embarrassed, he faints," Axel countered.
Noah blushed. "Don't bring up my flaws at the dinner table," Noah complained.
"Can we just eat in peace for five minutes. I need concentration to eat properly," Asher whined.
"Me too. I'm already missing dessert. Might as well eat while the food is warm," Griffin added.
"Not my fault," Axel mumbled.
"IT IS YOUR FAULT!" Griffin and Asher snapped.
"Ignore them, Arielle. Here are some more mashed potatoes," Gabriel hummed.
"Thanks," I replied.
The table went quiet as we all focused on eating, giving me some time to digest everything that happened prior to me staying longer and ending up joining them in a late dinner.
After Noah woke up and said he was okay, he had quickly changed into a freshly cleaned pair of clothes and put the clothing he borrowed from Hunter in the wash, so he could return them later on when Hunter arrived to pick me up.
We then moved to the living room where I was introduced to the rest of Noah and Gabriel's friends.
Rainer was first to introduce himself. He liked to be called Rain for short and was a fairy familiar. I thought fairie
s weren't real, but I guess after finding out that Finn was a pixie shifter, anything was possible. Especially when my Mistress was a unicorn shifter.
He was 6'4" with short blonde hair styled in a pixie cut, and it glowed at random intervals. Rain didn't know why and gave up trying to figure it out.
Apparently, there were very few fairy familiars left just like phoenix shifters, so he was still figuring things out. I loved his emerald eyes. They reminded me of jewels, making it hard for me not to stare at him for too long. His gold necklace held a dark gold stone with a pink glimmer to it.
Axel was next to introduce himself. He was also 6'4" and had short blue hair, the color more of a dark neon blue. His hair, which he liked to style to one side, made his eyes seem to pop out more. The contrast with his vibrant red eyes made him another person I’d have to be careful not to stare at all day long.
He revealed he was a dragon familiar. He had a small form which he used when he wasn't in human form and a large form similar to the dragons who seemed as big as this entire house that we watched in shows. He had a blue stone that shifted to purple depending on how the light hit it and stated the two-toned color matched the scales of his dragon form.
Next up was Griffin. He had long hair that he made sure to emphasize was one inch longer than Asher's, the red locks having gold highlights. He liked to wear it down unless he had to fight or workout and was the tallest of the group, standing at 6'6".
He was an eagle familiar with gold eyes. He loved to read and was really wise. The others made sure to emphasize that it was Griffin's mission to memorize the human dictionary and encyclopedia. Not to forget he had an obsession with pens. His stone was orange with hints of red.
Finally, there was Asher, the owl familiar. He had long red hair with silver highlights, which was why the guys teased him and Griffin for looking alike. He was 6'4" and had silver eyes with a hint of blue in the bottom half. He normally kept his hair up just so people wouldn't ask if he and Griffin were related, but they did anyway.
I asked why they didn't just change their hair colors, but both of them refused, which left me intrigued as to the reasoning behind it. He had a red stone with a spec of orange and was obsessed with paperclips.
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