I didn't know what had happened. All I could really think about was the darkness that had enveloped my body, and how my world had seemed to fade around me. It was as if I was just floating in emptiness, and I could feel or move nothing around. Soon enough, though, I felt something warm wrapped around my body, the material resembling silk. I felt my body register finally, and I unconsciously moved my head, groaning against the pillow that was conveniently under me. I tried opening my eyes, my lashes fluttering open as my sight got used to the light of the lamp next to me. Tiredness still ached at my bones, and it was strange why I would still be so tired. I wanted to still lie in bed, to sleep my worries away, but I knew I couldn't. As I finally looked around in front of me, I knew this wasn't my home. Which meant I was still in this.. Strange world. Maybe the boys were just a dream.. Just.. A.. As I finally sat up and rubbed my eyes tiredly, my vision cleared enough to reveal one of the boys in front of me in a chair, looking over at me in worry. "Gah!" I jumped, surprised by the fact he was in here. Instantly he shot up his own face expression showing surprise, and also worry. I noticed his orange hair and calm demeanor, then realizing that it was Damien. The one who could read minds. Instantly, I calmed down, holding my hand over my heart, calming my breathing. "H-Hey! Are you okay? You fainted and I wanted to make sure you were okay, and, uh…" He spoke quickly, as if flustered or embarrassed. In that moment, I realized that he was just as flustered as me, probably more self conscious, and I calmed down.
Showing him I was alright, a shot up a quick smile and a thumbs up, sticking my tongue out. I wanted to try and ease the tension, so why not be playful? It seemed to work as he let out a relieved sigh, and returned a hesitant smile. He ruffled his orange hair slightly, looking over me wearily. "Are you.. Still gonna choke me with a marshmellow?" I remembered my threat from before, and instantly sat up, crossing my arms and throwing him a smirk. "Depends. Are you gonna tell the others anything if I think about something personal?" With this question, he seemed to ponder on it for a few seconds, eyes closed in concentration. When he opened them again, his violet-blue eyes showed a sense of calmness and ease. "Not until I discuss it with you. If it is something that needs to be said, then I will say it. Marshmellow or not." At this I scowled, but reasoned that it was reasonable enough. If it was something serious enough, then it would have to be said. From what I can gather, the boys seemed to care immensely about my well being, only meeting me a few minutes ago. A chuckle escaped Damiens lips, his usual clear expression showing slight humor. I tilted my head to the side, curious. My thought wasn't anything untrue, was it? Damien stood up and walked over to my side of the bed, glancing down at me. "You said a few minutes, when it's really been hours.. My brothers are currently making you supper while also cleaning up the blood in the lobby.." A nervous laugh left his lips. "Sorry about that.. Anyways, do you feel okay enough to stand up?" Before I could answer, I felt air surround me, then two strong weights.
"W-Woah!" I exclaimed, my hands immediately going to his body as one clenched onto the shirt covering his chest, the fabric balling in my hand. I never really favored anyone carrying me, since it showed me how small I really was. But at the same time, I didn't mind the feeling. He picked me up as if I was a feather, which wasn't exactly normal. I placed my head on his chest, closing my eyes shut as I held onto him. He shifted his hands to where one was under the bend of my knees, and the other was on my back. What made me hesitant the most was that his hand on my back was placed right where the clipping of my bra was, and it made me feel.. Vulnerable. And I hated that. Damien carried me out of the door with ease, and he glanced down at me and smiled softly, and the smile sent shivers down my spine whether I wanted it to or not. "It's easy for me to carry you since you're so small." There was a teasing tone to his face, and it made me scowl and cross my arms, my cheeks turning a bright shade of pink. "No I'm not!" But my voice failed me as it went an octave higher, only causing him to chuckle. His blue tinted eyes looked to the stairs and back at me, and his expression softened. Concern was once again apparent. "Do you want to be carried down the stairs? I can let you go now if you want." His voice was gentle once again, and it irritated me how easily he could make me relax. I grumbled, eyes looking to the stairs. "I'm not a princess… So.. yea. Put me down, dummy." It was obvious by my voice that I had only called him dummy so I'd regain a little bit more self pride. Damien, I could tell, smiled broadly and gently let me down. "I'll go to the kitchen and help my brothers with the food."
Once he was out of sight, I let out a breath of relief, and realized my hands were trembling. I swore that after Jake, I'd let no other guy touch me or hit on me, yet here I was, blushing because Damien had picked me up. My heart was racing, and my cheeks were flushed. I closed my eyes, and flinched as I remembered my ex's last words, causing me to wrap my arms around myself, as if shielding myself from the others. Not only had I gotten carried, I was kissed within the first few minutes of being here! The memory made me tremble for a few seconds, a heavy feeling of dread weighing on my shoulders. I never faltered with what I had swore, I stayed away from guys all together. But in this world, I was failing miserably. I didn't want to catch feelings. I didn't want any of this. But.. I had to accept that I was going to be around five guys, all of them brothers. Surely, none of them would make a move on me, I wasn't even that much of a catch. I began to walk down the stairs, and as I met the last step, I watched a familiar brother walk by me, and noticed the childish look to him and smiled upon realizing it was Matthew. I started to approach him and rose my hand up in a wave. " Hey Matthew." He turned his baby blue gaze in my direction, and instantly beamed. He began to walk over to me, but froze and narrowed his gaze, as if observing my facial movements. I was initially creeped out, but then confused as he looked at me with worry. "Are you okay, miss? Your eyes look watery." Instantly, his eyebrows shot up. "Were you crying??" My own eyes widened and I held my hands up. "No, I wasn't crying." Matthew didn't seem to believe me, even after I tried explaining I wasn't crying.
"Hm.." He looked me up and down, unknowingly added to that vulnerable feeling I still loathed. Of course, I didn't tell him that, it would make him feel awkward, maybe even make him feel ashamed. That was the last thing I wanted, and I didn't want him to think that it was his fault. It was entirely my own fault, why I wasn't able to deal with things like that. Before I could think anymore, Matthew's eyes lightened up and a smile appeared on his face once more. "I know what can help you cheer up! Wait just a second." My curious side began to show once more as he reached into his pocket, his hands shifting around as he stuck his tongue out in concentration. The image made me smile in amusement, almost laughing at how adorable he looked concentrating. Finally, he pulled out a… What the hell is that? It was a white squirrel looking thing, and a high pitched laugh left the stuffed creature, it's swirling red eyes and plastic knife in hand making me stare back to Matthew, wondering if he had noticed it. After a few moments, Matthew looked down at what he created, and he let out a short scream as he dropped the tiny creature, stepping away. "What is that thing?? I just wanted to create something to make you happy! This… this never happened! Why did I make that, out of anything??" His fearful eyes and comical expression increased. "Is it possessed by a demon?!" his exclamation caused me to laugh aloud, and he looked to me with his same fearful, but now confused gaze. "Why are you laughing?" I slowly stopped and pointed at him, then to the furry creature. "Because you said possessed by a demon, even though you're a demon yourself." Slowly realizing his irony, he let out a hesitant chuckle. "Well.. I'm glad you had a laugh. But.. What about that thing?"
He pointed to the little creature, that was now toying with the tip of the knife. I sighed, not really knowing what to do with it myself. Well, he had tried making me feel better, even if he didn't know what was wrong in the first place. Knowing that, it made me decide to keep the little creature. Looking to Matthew, I let out a soft chuckle. "I'd like to keep him." Matthew looked at me with shock, and his first few words were stuttered. "Bu-But it's so creepy looking!" I rested my hand on his shoulder, and from that he seemed to visibly calm down. "You wanted to make me feel better even when you didn't know what was wrong, and I appreciate that. So, I'll keep him!" Matthew was weary at first, but he let out a breath of relief and looked to me with appreciation and happiness. "Well, thank you! I'm glad you liked my.. creepy.. doll.. thing." I chuckled slightly as he began to lead me to the dining room, where I saw Sam standing near the doorway. It seemed like he was becoming impatient, his face rested in an irritated expression. Once he looked over at me, though, he immediately looked disinterested. "Oh. It's here." I snarled slightly, eyes narrowing. "This it has a name, jackass." Sam only rolled his eyes as he looked down at me. "Does it matter?" I let a deep breath both in and out of my body, calming down. But before I could answer, James interfered with a cold glare towards Sam. "Sam, I will roast your tongue for dinner if it doesn't stop flapping in that idiotic mouth of yours. Speaking of which… what is your name?" The rest of the boys had slowly walked in, while Sam only grumbled under his breath, and turned to me with expectant expressions, as if they were planning to evaluate my name and what it came with. My throat tightened, and it seemed harder to breath. I closed my eyes as I tried to ignore their gazes, and looked back to James with a barely noticeable smile on my own lips. "My name is Hope, thanks for asking." Matthew had smiled brightly when he heard my name, which only made me flustered and confused. "That's a really pretty name!" His blue eyes sparkled, and once again I felt myself calm down.
Erik's purple colored gaze looked over at mine and his mouth shot up in a dazzling grin, sure to make any other woman swoon. His peach colored bangs were swept to the side to cover one side, as if trying to make himself look more dashing. "A pretty name for a pretty lady. I'm not surprised." Sam groaned in annoyance, sending a glare at his brother with his piercing green gaze. "Can you stop that?" Erik tried to appear innocent, his lips shaped in an oblivious o shape. "Yea.. I agree." Matthew spoke up, but appeared shyer at admitting it than his brothers. "All you seem to do is act like you wanna get in her pants." My eyes widened at Sam's words, both irritation and embarrassment flickering in my silver hazel hues. Erik almost spoke up to speak against his brothers words, but his voice seemed to fail him. A sigh left his lips, both stubbornness and flirtation obvious in his face. "She had to deal with all five of us barging in her house, blood, and the fact she's the only woman here. She deserves the best treatment we can give her." James only shook his head, his light whiskey colored eyes narrowed. "There's a difference in being a gentleman and an obnoxious flirt." A chuckle left my lips at his words, and even the other brothers got a good laugh. After that, James had walked over to me and offered his arm to me, his smile calm and serene. After that display, it was hard not to say yes. Though, I hesitated. I didn't want them to touch me, knowing they could use their mind power thing to make me feel all dizzy again. But something in his eyes told me I could trust him. So I decided to loop my arm through his open one, and felt the warmth of him. For some reason, it comforted me. How the boys were able to make me feel so welcome, I don't know. But… it felt nice.
As he began to lead me over to my chair, he spoke. "I apologize for his attitude." I shrugged, not really caring at the moment as I looked up to meet his guilt ridden gaze. "It's fine. I don't really care. I probably have the same attitude, just more mellow." James smiled at my words, pleased that I didn't take it harshly. "Well, I'm glad. I hope you'll enjoy the meal we planned for you." One of my brows quirked up in interest. "A meal, you say.." A chuckle left his lips. "It's the least we can do for you." I hummed slightly, pretending to be in deep thought as I smiled and nodded my head slightly. "Well, thank you. I think I can speak for all of us when I saw we're starving!" Another laugh erupted from him, and I felt at ease, knowing that I was lightening the tension from when the two boys were going against Erik. Matthew soon came in after as he placed the plates on the table, almost looking graceful as each one was placed with ease. A one sided smile appeared on his features as he looked proudly at his handiwork. "Dinner is served!" So many plates began to appear on the table, and honestly, it made my mouth water. Looking at the food, I realized just how hungry I was. Erik appeared on the other side of me, sending a charming smile my way. "We hope you enjoy it my sweet." James sent him a glare, and Erik simply shrugged it off and walked back into the kitchen, probably to receive drinks or something. As I was about to sit down, I noticed a question forming in James' whiskey brown eyes, and I stayed standing up, waiting. "Miss.. I do have to ask, why do you live alone? I understand it is your first day moving in, but you don't strike me as an older woman." I pretended to be offended, placing my hand over my chest in a mock gasp. "Well I never!"
Though, James seemed to take it seriously as his eyes widened, but before he could speak I began to laugh, patting him on the shoulder. "I'm kidding James. But you're right, I'm not an older woman, per say. I'm really.." I didn't know how to answer. In this game world, I was eighteen, but really, I was fifteen. "Well.. I am a senior in high school, meaning I'm eighteen. A legal adult!" I chuckled at my own words, but felt bad for partially lying. They all knew I was sucked into this game world, that I wasn't from here, but they didn't seem to question in. James slowly nodded his head, taking in what I had said. "That explains the luggage, which we put in the room you were sleeping in. I presumed it was the master bedroom." I was relieved that my bags were taken care of, since I honestly didn't want to drag them up the staircase. Too much effort, in my eyes. "Thanks. To be honest, I've… never been here before today. I mean, I don't remember if I had or not. I don't recognize anything." I sighed softly, knowing that everything I was saying would be confusing. It was true, I didn't know anything, and it looked like a huge house. "You're all so nice to me, yet you don't even know me that well.. It's nice, but I wonder why. I mean.. I did curse at you all the first chance I got. Even punched Sam!" The man standing behind my chair looked to me again, his expression softening. "And you had every right to do those actions. It's obvious you've been through a lot, Miss. Please, take a seat." Before he could offer me my chair, however, Erik swooped in and galiently scooted my seat back. "Allow me, pretty lady." I instantly felt myself mentally groan in annoyance, but red appearing on my cheeks from the sudden complement. "Um.. Thanks.." I instantly took my seat.
It was true.. All of them were incredibly nice, even Sam with his attitude. At least he got what he deserved, and didn't seem all that upset with me. Damien forgave me for my marshmallow threat, and helped carry me. Matthew noticed I wasn't feeling okay, so he tried to make me happy by making some type of stuffed creature. And Erik, even though his compliments were constant and old fashioned, I appreciated the fact he wanted to make me feel welcome and good about myself. While James made sure all of his brothers were acting accordingly, I found it nice he wanted so hard to earn my forgiveness by helping make this amazing meal. James and Damien both were the nicest, while Matthew and Erik were sweet to me. Though Sam.. He both confused and appealed to me. He acted like a jerk, but maybe he wasn't all bad. I would just have to get to know him. Maybe it wouldn't be all bad if they were around more.
