Chapter 7

Mari's POV

"Okay, who among you shits did it?" Ashton scowled as we all sat on the couch. He walked straight on one of the bean bags because a few of us were occupying the couch.

We were all gathered in the living room, Ashton's living room to be exact. This motherfucker has a living room inside his freaking bedroom, perks of being the first of our generation. All of our uncles have spoiled him when it's still just him. And then Alexander came, then Zamara. The rest just came like traffic after.

"Why do you even bother asking? It's either Y, or Latch," I scoffed. My eyes caught how he eyes the to warily.

"Or maybe Zamara," I added and I wanted to roll my eyes when I noticed how quickly Ashton's expression has changed.

This little adorable piece of shit.

Y laughed at what I said while he lay on the couch, throwing a stress ball upwards and catching it. His other foot resting on Dimitri's lap while the other just reads a book, typical of uncle Mono's child.

"I didn't do it. Why would I volunteer to organize such a hassle?" Y answered, a smirk now forming on his lips.

I lean a little and rested my head on Z's shoulder. I felt him adjust on his seat so that I would be comfortable. Muttering a small thanks that only him could have heard, I lifted my legs and tucked them closer making them rest on the couch.

I know why Ashton was being grumpy. It's the first Friday of the month and this is when each of our families finds time to dine and gather. It's past 8 in the evening and we're still waiting for the others.

According to his mom, someone volunteered to organize a party for our father's anniversary. I mean, their fans still celebrate that but we also celebrate with family. Though this would be the firat time that we would be the one organizing and uncle Hope is so excited.

I wonder who it is.

Back then, we used to eat in the backyard and dwell into everything the family host prepared but they got tired and just let us kids do our thing while they do their own.

So, we still meet on a certain family's house, this time it's Aunt Zanaya's turn so we have camped here in Ashton's room while the elders stay at the backyard, probably drinking.

"I'm starving," Elle piped in. She was sitting on the carpeted floor playing some game with Latch who was wearing a snapback.

"You're just saying that because I'm crushing you on this game," Elle immediately grabbed the cushion beside her and hit Latch straight in the face, soft chuckles escaped my lips.

"Go, girl," I whispered and Latch turned around to glare at me only to be hit again on the face by Elle.

"Focus, you idiot," she snarled. I knew Elle is a force Latch have to overcome in the future.

"Where's Louise?" Y asked and I smiled coyly. I watch as he slowly sat straight and parted his legs, an annoying smirk showing on his face. It amazes me sometimes how he and Z are twins.

"She won't be here. I heard she's finishing a project or something," I heard Atlantis mutter. She was lying on her brother's bed, in a fetal position, body covered with a huge blanket, and only her face showing. Alexander brought her here earlier, on his arms if I may add. 

"Really?" Y tilted his head as if thinking of something.

I just dismissed whatever thoughts in my head are and slid even more until my head is already resting on Z's lap. I grinned when our eyes met. He was on his phone playing games.

Just then, the room burst open revealing a grinning Zamara, her phone on her hand. 

"Ash!" she beamed and Ashton, the fucker was so quick to stand.

"Zammy?"

My eyes met Z's and we both shake our heads. Only Zamara doesn't realize how whipped Ashton is to her. It's basically disgusting I want to squeeze Ashton's face and feed it to the lions whenever he adorably smiles just by seeing Zamara.

"I ordered pizza and chicken, and it should be arriving at any minute. Can you lend me your card?" she muttered sweetly as she hops her way inside the room.

She didn't even have to ask twice. Ashton was already on his feet walking straight outside. But he pulled Zamara on her wrist to accompany him.

"Disgusting," I heard Alexander whispered. He was resting on the bay window seat, eyes fixed on Atlantis.

"You bet. Heck, I'm outta here," Y confidently made his way out of the room.

Z slow tapped my shoulder and I turned towards him. He tilted his head a little so I understood.

Slowly, I sat on the couch and watch as Z stood up, and followed his brother.

"Heron,"

Y turned around, his right hand in his pocket. His gaze met his brother's and not a minute passed and I saw Y raised an eyebrow.

"Bring Elle with you,"

Y turned towards Elle who was still playing before turning back to his twin.

"I'm not going home,"

This time, it was Z who tilted his head.

Y and Z exchange weird glances and to say that I was curious was an understatement.

Sometimes I wonder if what they say about twins having a link or connection is true. If it is, isn't that amazing? Like, I'd think about smacking Latch's head and my twin would do it for me.

"Text me if you're not coming home," Z turned around and walked back to my direction.

Right, you'd think that Y is older because his name comes first on the alphabet but it's actually Z. Though I'm pretty sure he doesn't exercise authority by that mere second age difference.

Z sat beside me and instead of lying down, I just lifted my feet and tucked it until I was already hugging my legs.

"Where is he going?" I can't help but ask. Z looked at my direction then shrugged his shoulders.

"Do we really have to do it?" Dimitri asked and I smiled at him. He's the youngest among us but every time I see him with Aunt Irene, I just can't help but be giddy. Aunt Irene treats Dim like a baby, it's so adorable.

"It's not like we still have a choice," Alexander answered and he stood up the moment the door opened, revealing Ashton and Zamara. Ashton was carrying three boxes of party size pizzas and three boxes of chicken on his hands.

"Ge'ez," I muttered when I saw how Zammy was bow carrying a big stuff toy.

Ashton is going to kill himself the moment Zammy falls in love with some guy. I just hope Zamara notice Ashton's feelings before Ashton gets himself in prison for killing a poor man.

"No!" Atlantis hissed at Alexander when the later woke her up to eat.

I didn't pay any attention to them as my eyes focus on the box of pizza in front of me.

"Give me one, Latch!"

"Na-ah, get your own Elle. You're not a baby!"

"Asshole!"

Z's gaze turned toward his younger sister and that made Elle shut up.

Even Latch kept quiet.

"Thank God, now can we eat in peace? Where is Irish?" I asked as Z gave me a slice of pizza. My eyes scanned the room and realized that Uncle Hope's daughter was not here.

"She's with her mom," Dim simply answered and I just nodded. Irish was too quiet and timid, much like Louise. That's why Atlantis and I ensure that they are included in every discussion. They are a part of this group as much as everyone.

"Okay, so I told aunt Zanaya were going to plan apart for our Dads!" Zamara cheered and the boys groaned in frustration. Only Ashton was stupid enough to grin, showing support to his baby.

Fuck this idiot.

"Zammy, don't you think they are a little too old for some party?" I tried asking but she was already engrossed in what she was searching on her phone.

Z gave me another slice when he realized that I already finished my pizza. I turned to him he just shakes his head.

"What?"

He leans a little, his lips almost touching my ears.

"Let her be. She'll probably do everything along with Ashton,"

For some reason, I felt shivers running down my spine.

Wait. What the hell?

I gulped.

I tilted my head and felt him pull away.

What the hell was that?

"Ash, the temperature in your room was too low. It's cold in here,"

Alexander looked at my direction and hissed.

"It's actually hot, missy. Dimitri turned the temp higher five minutes ago,"

My lips puckered at his words.

What?

"Was it because it's too hot then?" I asked myself.

With that in thought, I just leaned forward and grab another leg of chicken.

I didn't mind how Elle and Latch kept fighting. Or how Zamara and Ashton were too loud.

I was at my third leg when I felt Z's hand on my leg. I turned towards him and raised my eyebrow.

"I'm going first,"

"Why?"

Instead of answering, I watch as his brows furrowed. He grabs a tissue and wiped the side of my lips.

"I need to give something to my classmate,"

My lips parted. "You know someone in your room?"

I almost laughed when he scowled.

I was just teasing him. There was this rumor when some girl talked to him and said they were classmates but Z doesn't even remember. It turns out they were indeed classmates for four straight years and this snob never paid attention.

"I do. Wanna come with me?"

My mind drifted back on the pizza and weigh my options.

"I'm craving for dessert,"

Z laughed a little then nodded. In no time, the two of us were walking down the staircase. That's when Aunt Max came walking along with my mom.

"Sweetie..." aunt Max smiled at me. I moved forward and gave aunt Max a hug. From the corner of my eyes, I saw mom hugging Z too.

Aunt Max pulled away and glanced at my mom. "You're gonna have to pay me because half of Mari's wardrobe is my son's clothes. It's a pity your daughter doesn't approve of your taste in fashion,"

I stopped myself from grinning. I was wearing one of Z's shirt. It was a black Gucci printed tee that is big enough to cover my legs. I was wearing black shorts underneath.

My mom rolled her eyes and pulled aunt Max away.

"We both know you just love shopping so it's fine. It's not like my daughter..."

They were talking too fast with their voices too low that I didn't catch half what mom was talking about.

"Did they just ignored us?" I asked Z who already started walking in which I followed.

"Yeah. Let's go, Mari,"

He was walking ahead of me that a silly thought came into my mind.

Without giving a warning, I hop on his back and that caught him off-guard, his hand immediately resting on my leg to ensure that I don't fall.

Soft giggles escaped my lips when I heard Z groaned.

"How about we walk and you carry me?" I whispered behind his ear and I felt his shoulder stiffen.

Suddenly, he stopped on his tracks and I was confused at first.

"Devon?" my voice came out as a whisper and I felt him tilted his head away for a moment.

I clung on his shoulders even more. He's not thinking about dropping me, right?

"I'm not letting go Z. Don't even think about letting me go either or I'm going to kill you," I told him as I bury my face on his neck.

This is a little comfortable than I expected. My breath hitches as I smell his manly scent.

Yep, this is definitely comfortable.

I laughed when I heard Z cursing.

He's probably pissed.

My eyes closed for a moment. Maybe I ate too much that's why I am sleepy.

Goodluck to Z getting me inside the car.

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