JM BENAVIDEZ

Page 12

Music was blaring from the dance hall to our left and laughter filled the air all around us. We smiled as a Khittania and Nathanael walked past us towards the dance hall. Khittania practically squealed as her eyes met mine giddily. I nodded and Zuriel and I decided to head towards the kitchen. Amadeus was helping Sabrathan and Abasdarhon bring trays of food into the lounge as we made it to the kitchen and Zuriel grabbed the door for them. "Do you guys need any more help?" My uncles smiled and Sabrathan extended his tray to me. "Meira can you take this one so Zuriel and I can go grab the drinks?" I nodded, taking the tray. "Of course!" My uncle winked at me and wrapped his arm around Zuriel's shoulders. "It's so nice to have all this young muscle around." I shook my head as they headed into the kitchen and Amadeus smiled at me. "Are you having a good day so far?" I nodded and we followed our uncle Abasdarhon into the lounge. "I will be having an excellent day if I get to eat some of this food." My uncle laughed. "Have at! We made the trays up for you kids."

We set the trays on the bar next to several others and my uncle pointed towards some plates at the end. Amadeus grabbed a plate and handed it to me. I had filled my plate when Sabrathan and Zuriel returned with a large metal bucket filled with ice and canned drinks. They set the bucket on the end of the bar and I tried not to ogle Zuriel's flexed arms. My uncle Abasdarhon caught my gaze and held out Amadeus' arm. "Check out these guns." I giggled and Amadeus raised his eyebrows as I quickly looked down at the floor. Sabrathan laughed. "Caught you did he?" Zuriel looked down at his arm and then back at me before laughing. "I think Amadeus may have me beat." I bit my bottom lip trying not to embarrass myself in front of my uncles. Abasdarhon patted me on the shoulder playfully and then nodded for Sabrathan. "Let's leave these young bloods alone." Sabrathan chuckled. "I remember when we were calling you that not too long ago." Abasdarhon laughed. "Let's not gross out the kids." 

I cocked my head sideways. "Hey uncle Bas?" He turned back towards me. "Yeah?" I smiled. "Are we ever going to get to see your fire dance?" He grinned from ear to ear. "You should ask Lael, he knows how to do it." I shook my head smiling. "Yeah but I'd rather see you do it. Besides, I think he's pretty tied up with Aimi." Sabrathan raised an eyebrow. "Shit really? Is that who she's interested in?" I giggled. "Yeah, Lael and Zebulon." My uncle paled and shook his head. "I think I need to go find my daughter." Amadeus chuckled. "I think they're down at the dance hall." My uncles made a hasty exit and I burst out in laughter. "I'm glad I'm not her. She's got trouble on all sides." Zuriel raised an eyebrow. "How so?" I shook my head. "If you haven't heard the stories about Zaaz and Bas, I'm not telling you." Amadeus stepped closer to me. "And what stories of our father's would you put on us?" I wrinkled my face and looked down at my plate. "I think I need to eat before I have to put my foot in my mouth." Zuriel motioned towards a small sitting area in the back. "Have a seat and we'll wait. I'm sure this ought to be interesting."

I sighed and led the way to the back table sitting down. Amadeus touched my shoulder. "Would you like something to drink?" I nodded. "Sure, I'll have whatever you're getting." He nodded and turned towards Zuriel. "Want something?" Zuriel shrugged. "I'll come with you and check out what's there." I smiled sweetly. "I'll wait here and think of ways to change the subject." They chuckled and headed back to the drinks. Xoana quickly crossed the room and slid into the seat beside me. "How can you manage to look so comfortable? These guys won't give me a free second to myself!" I giggled. "It's not easy. Just threaten to maim them if they don't back off." Bao and Seosamh approached the table with Amadeus and Zuriel and I narrowed my eyes at them. "Are you guys giving Xoana a hard time? Because if you are I'm sure Tartys would love to swap your arms." Xoana squeaked and Bao laughed. "I didn't think we were." He looked down at Xoana and Seosamh nodded. "Apparently we have been." 

She blushed and I smiled innocently. "She's a person and a female not a toy. Give her space and don't fight over her. But remember to treat her like the treasure she is... or I'll break your legs. Got it?" Seosamh, being the equivalent of three years my junior nodded respectfully but Bao was right under Zuriel in age and he grinned at me. "Bring it you little squirt. I can take you." Zuriel put his hand on Bao's shoulder and looked down at him. "I think not." I tried not to be flattered, but part of me was. I slipped out of my chair, snaked between the two guys and pulled Bao's arm up behind his back in an arm bar. "What was that?" I asked, excited to stand up for myself when I had someone else willing to back me. 

Bao chuckled. "Alright you little sprite, you win. I would have anyway. I just like getting a rise out of you." I released his arm, ruffling his afro and he groaned. "Ah not the hair!" I quickly ducked behind Zuriel for protection from retaliation. Zuriel placed his drink on the table and crossed his arms across his chest, grinning at Bao. Bao snorted and hung his head in defeat. "That's not fair, pulling the big brother card." Zuriel puffed out his chest playfully and Bao held up his hands in defeat. "Alright, alright." Bao grinned and pulled Seosamh next to him. "What now? Huh punk? I got my brother too!" Everyone knew Amadeus could be arrogant and egotistical, but he always avoided confrontation. Amadeus was standing on the other side of the table and he set our drinks down. He cast me a mischievous grin and pulled his shirt over his head, flexing his arms; the ones that Zuriel had said looked better than his. 

Bao's mouth dropped open as Amadeus stepped in front of me. "I think she just pulled the big brother card on your little brother too." Xoana clasped her hands over her mouth laughing as several voices hooted and hollered from behind us. Seosamh shook his head smiling. "Sorry Bao, you're on your own on this one." Bao shook his head. "Traitor!" Seosamh winked at Xoana as he held his hand out to her. "Come on princess; let's leave mister macho to clean up his own mess." Bao hung his head. "Double damn." I squeezed in between Zuriel and Amadeus crossing my arms over my chest. "You better go catch your girl." Bao shook his head laughing and followed after Xoana and Seosamh. 

I grinned and quickly pecked a kiss on Zuriel's cheek before turning and throwing my arms around Amadeus, kissing his cheek a bit longer as I broke out in laughter. He hugged me back laughing as I looked up at him. "Where did that come from?" He curled up his arms, flexing his biceps and grinning. "Well, Zuriel said I had better arms so I figured I should put them to use." I shook my head grinning. "That was pretty good use." Zuriel chuckled shaking his head. "Geez." I turned my head sticking out my tongue playfully. "Jealous much Zuriel?" He smirked, biting back a comment and shook his head. "You shouldn't ask questions you don't really want me to answer." 

I looked up at Amadeus and placed a hand on his chest reassuringly before turning towards Zuriel. I puffed up my chest, still high on adrenaline. "Who said I didn't?" He stared down into my eyes, meeting my challenge with one of his own. "Baby, you couldn't handle me jealous." I smirked, wondering if it was wise to push him. "Says you." He quickly wrapped his hand around the back of my neck, pulling me to him in a highly possessive kiss. He wrapped his other arm around my waist crushing me against him as he took my breath away. There were a few catcalls from the other side of the room and Zuriel cupped my face in his hands as he eased his kiss and released me. I sputtered, slightly dumbfounded by his reaction and he cocked his eyebrow in an 'I told you so' expression before taking a seat at the table.

I scratched the back of my neck, fidgeting with my feet as I tried to recover. Amadeus wrapped his arm around my shoulders, pulling me down onto the bench seat next to Zuriel. "You shouldn't tempt him if you can't take what he dishes out." I shook my head, giggling as I found my tongue again. "It's not that I couldn't take it. It's just that I couldn't respond in present company." Amadeus chuckled. "I can leave if you'd like." I placed my palm on his thigh, patting him reassuringly. "I didn't mean you." Zuriel arched his brows. "I guess you'll just have to show me later then." I leaned my head on Amadeus' shoulder. "Perhaps, I think it depends on if hottie over here keeps trying to one up you." Amadeus placed his hand over his chest and smiled down at me with his million dollar smile. "Me? I would never do such a thing. You are talking about me right?" He winked and Zuriel laughed. "Would you just let the poor girl eat already?" 

I took a bite of lumpia, casting a glance at Amadeus through my lashes. He smiled and gave me a quick peck on the cheek. "That depends on if she's going to share." I held out the lumpia towards him and he raised an eyebrow taking a bite. I watched his mouth intently, he really was addicting. I popped the last bite into my mouth, closing my eyes and savoring the bite. Amadeus brought his lips to mine and I smiled as I swallowed the bite. Giving in to his temptation I ran my tongue across his lips, catching him by surprise. He grinned, pulling back and leaning back against the seat. "Alright, I'll let you eat now." I picked up another lumpia offering Zuriel a bite. He shook his head smiling, bypassing the food and leaning forward to kiss me. I leaned towards him and he slid his tongue across my lips, winking as he pulled away. I rolled my eyes, giggling as I took a bite. 

Aimi came squealing through the front door. She spotted me and bee lined across the room screaming at me. "MEIRA!" She reached over Amadeus grabbing my arm and pulling me out of my seat. "You have to save me!" She wailed pushing me towards the door and hiding behind me as Zebulon came through the door with an oversized water gun. I shrieked as I got blasted. "You wanted me to save you from a water gun fight? I thought you were in danger!" She squealed again, spinning me as Zebulon darted to my left. I broke free and dove to my right as Zebulon fired the gun again, hitting Aimi and missing me. Lael walked casually through the door, laughing as a soaked Aimi dashed towards him. He caught her, wrapping his arms around her and turning his back towards Zebulon as he blasted Lael in the back. Khittania jumped through the door with a matching gun and blasted Zebulon. A very drenched Nathanael dove in front of her as Zebulon open fired again. 

I turned towards my guys grinning. "Are you seeing this?" Zuriel and Amadeus looked at each other before springing out of their seats towards Zebulon. Zuriel reached him first and Amadeus headed towards Nathanael who has taken the gun from Khittania. I laughed hysterically as both Zuriel and Amadeus got blasted in the face as they wrestled for the water guns. It took me about five seconds to realize that my guys were getting the upper hand. I ran past them, grabbing Aimi and Khittania by the wrists and pulling them out the door after me. I let go of them and we ran towards our dorm out of habit. We heard laughter and shouts behind us and we kicked our run into a sprint. I was out in front of the girls and nearly past the dining room when Amadeus came around the kitchen, cutting me off. I skidded to a stop. I should have known he would beat me. About that time Zuriel came around my dad's house on my right. Both guys were soaked and grinning. 

I had about half a second to register him before the girls slammed into me from behind, knocking me off balance. Amadeus tossed his gun to Zuriel, diving in front of me and catching me just before I hit the ground. I shrieked as I collided with his solid body beneath a dog pile of Aimi and Khittania. I smiled down into his laughing face. "Are you alright down there?" He nodded, grunting. "I will be once I can breathe again." I glanced up at Zuriel winking and he fired both guns at the girls, sending them scattering in either directions. Amadeus inhaled sharply and I rose up off him. He hissed grabbing my wrists, knocking me off balance and down onto him again. He scrunched his face in pain and I sat still, afraid to hurt him again. I frowned miserably. "I'm so sorry." He shook his head, grimacing. "No, I shouldn't have pulled your arms out from under you like that." I brushed my cheek against his. "How do I fix it?" He clamped his knees around mine. "Don't use this knee." I gasped as I realized I had put all of my weight on that knee when I had tried to lift up the first time.

Zuriel set the water guns down and walked around behind me. "Stay put Meira." He reached down and lifted my calf towards him before slipping his arm around my chest and lifting me up. It was so weird, having him lift me up with such ease. He stood up, pulling me back against his body; his arm still wrapped firmly around my chest. Amadeus rolled over onto his hands and knees, grunting as he regained feeling in his nether regions. I gasped as I saw the blood dripping down his arm and Zuriel let me go. I knelt down beside Amadeus. "You're bleeding." He curled his wrist towards him, looking at the back of his forearm. "Ah, it's just a scrape, no big deal." I shook my head, lifting his elbow. "Come on, let's get you cleaned up." He stood up and I bent to knock the dirt off his back, noticing several more scrapes. "Why would you dive to catch me without a shirt on?" He shrugged. "I didn't think about it. I just know that I'm faster and you were going to hit hard." I wrapped my arms around his neck. "My hero." I ran my hand over the back of his head. "Are your other parts alright?" I cast a downward glance and he smirked. "They won't disappoint you." I blushed and dropped my hands. "Let's see if we can find Dardariel to fix you up."

We walked through the gardens, past the gazebo to our uncle Dardariel's house. I knocked softly on the door and Zuriel laughed at me. "Why are you knocking so lightly? It's not like he's going to be sleeping in the middle of the day." I shrugged. "I always feel weird knocking on their doors. Especially since I never know where mom is." Amadeus smirked and Zuriel scrunched his face. "I did not need to picture that." Dardariel opened the door. "But I did. What kind of trouble are you guys up to now?" I blushed and Amadeus held up his arm. "I lost a battle with the concrete, can you patch me up?" Dardariel shook his head. "Was it worth it?" Amadeus smiled at me. "It was either me or her, so I'd say yes." Dardariel smiled. "Good answer." He held his hands up chanting quietly. It always amazed me to watch him heal people. 

I wrinkled my face at my uncle. "Do you think you can heal the bruises that haven't shown up yet?" Zuriel rolled his eyes and Amadeus laughed. "I told you, I'm fine." I shook my head, looking at him sternly. "You didn't seem fine when you jerked my arms out from under me." He snorted. "You pinned my junk between your knee and the pavement, what did you expect me to do?" Dardariel rubbed his forehead and then waived his hands in the air. "Ok ok, I didn't need that." He chanted a few short words and then nodded. "All better, now go before you say something else I don't want to picture." I giggled. "Sorry. Thank you though." He nodded and then stepped back inside, closing the door behind him.

I looked down at my wet clothes and started heading back towards my house. "I need to change now. What do we want to do next?" They followed me, looking at each other over my head. Zuriel pointed towards Amadeus. "It's your turn." Amadeus smiled down at me. "Do you want to head over to the dance hall?" I smiled, knowing he knew how much I loved to dance. "That sounds great. Why don't you guys get changed and I'll meet you both there." They nodded and I smiled, waving at them before walking into my house and locking the door behind me with a click.