Playing the 'If' game
Early the next morning, Flash and Brook left their home and headed down the mountain towards the village.
Blaze had agreed to tell their father they went down to the village to explore, when he finally woke up.
Flash followed his sister down to the bridge where she had been at the other day. Brook grinned when she saw Paolo was already there.
Paolo waved her over to the other side and she went over without hesitating. Flash on the other hand, paused before heading over.
Paolo smiled. "Good morning." He greeted. He looked over her shoulder at her brother. "Who's this?"
Brook looked at Flash and rolled her eyes good humouredly when she saw how slowly he was walking. "Come on!" She turned to Paolo. "This is my younger brother, Flash!" She turned to her brother. "Flash, this is Paolo." She turned back to Paolo. "He controls light."
Paolo's mouth formed an 'oh' as he nodded. "I get it." He gave Flash a smile. "Hey there. I guess your sister told you how she saved my life last night?"
Flash nodded. "Yup. She told us all about it."
Paolo beckoned for the two siblings to follow him as he walked. Brook followed eagerly but Flash stood where he was standing.
Brook realized this and gave her brother an annoyed look. "Geez Flash! He's not going to hurt us. Stop being so paranoid!"
Flash gave his sister his own impatient look. "I'm not worried about getting attacked! I'm worried about father finding out!"
Paolo was confused. "Your father?"
Brook rolled her eyes. "We used to never be allowed to leave our home because of our powers, but he's recently agreed to let us come down to the village."
Paolo instantly understood. "Ah! I understand." He nodded as they kept walking. "So do you have any other siblings?"
Brook nodded. "Yah. One older brother, Blaze, and a younger brother, Gust. Blaze controls fire and Gust controls the wind."
Paolo seemed intrigued. "So you all control one of the elements then?"
Brook nodded. "Yup! That's right."
The two chatted to each other all morning, walking around the village aimlessly. Flash followed them around everywhere, a bored expression on his face.
Brook seemed to notice this and finally in the afternoon she decided they had better go home. She turned to Paolo. "Look, I should probably head home. Flash is probably getting tired of following us around."
Paolo gave Flash an amused look. "Yah. Anyways... Do you think I could see you again? Maybe tomorrow around the same time?"
Brook beamed. "Yes! I'd love too!"
Flash's jaw dropped open. "Hey! No! You can't! You promised Gust!" He objected.
Brook shook her head. "I did not! All I said will be able to keep this a secret."
Flash's only reaction was to cross his arms and turn his head away pointedly.
Somewhat satisfied, Brook turned back to Paolo. "Yes. I'll see you tomorrow by the bridge. Bye!"
With that said, she turned and left the village, Flash leading the way. Flash was grumbling to himself.
Brook shook her head. "I hope you're happy!"
Flash gave her a sarcastic look. "Happy? Why would I be happy?!"
Brook shook her head again, this time in a baffled manner. "You weren't attacked..."
Flash snorted. "Oh yah, that."
Brook sighed. "I don't see what the big deal is with Paolo. He's so kind and-"
Flash cut her off. "Oh, he's nice enough... but Brook, he's from the village and he knows about your powers. Hell, he knows about all our powers! Father will throw a fit if he finds out."
Brook sped up so she was alongside her brother. "If! The keyword is 'if.' If he never finds out, we have nothing to worry about!" She chirped.
Flash gave her a hard look. "If he never finds out." He stressed the word if and sped up again so Brook was left behind.
A moment later they were plunged into darkness. Brook run up to Flash and stood behind him. "Don't do that! I hate it!" She muttered as it lit back up again.
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Blaze, Gust and Flora were about us unpleased as Flash was when he and Brook told the other about her plans to meet Paolo again.
Gust rubbed his forehead. "We told you to decline his invitation!"
Brook shook her head. "No you didn't! You asked me too, but then I told you guys we could keep it a secret."
"Brook... you don't seem to understand." Blaze pleaded. "Father, he'll be furious if he finds out about you meeting Paolo."
Brook shook her head. "He won't find out."
Gust snapped. "Not all secrets are left untold!"
Brook looked at her four siblings. "Please... promise me you won't tell."
"Why?" Flora asked. "Why is it so important for you to meet this Paolo guy. You've only know him for two days! I mean, it's not like you're in love or something..." Brook bowed her head and Flora's eyes widened. "You do love him!"
Flash smacked his forehead. "Idiot!" He hissed.
Brook looked up at her four siblings. "Look, I'm sorry. I didn't mean too."
Gust shook his head, exhaling loudly. "I can't believe it. You're in love. Now what are we supposed to do?" The answer seemed obvious.
Blaze growled. "Fine! We'll keep your secret."
A/N: Dun Duunn Duuunnn, What's going to happen to Brook next? . . . . . . Is this story still good? I wanna know XP...