4 YEARS LATER
My family, whom I loved with every part of my heart, and whom I was certain I would do everything to protect, were extremely chaotic. My family, which only ever seemed to be growing, were an absolute nightmare to corral together and that was why I left it solely to Calliope and Terence. But this was a different circumstance. Everyone had come to Bulgaria, to spend time with me and Viktor and to become more familiar with the country that had been my home for the last year. It was on me to look after them and to make sure that everything went smoothly. Salazar's soul it was a tough ask. Especially when the four additional tagalongs had come along with this being Blaise's first 'family' holiday.
Even now, as we all crowded into a booth that Viktor had specifically reserved for us all, I could hear the chatter going on around me. At my side, Polly was looking around eagerly, taking in the atmosphere of the busy stadium with the same innocent enthusiasm she always had. I hoped she never lost it. Linking my arm through my youngest sister's, I propped my head on her shoulder. Polly didn't pause in her perusal of the stadium but set her head on top of mine. Moving away from home gave me the silence and the space I had always sought after and had felt guilty for wanting, and yet I missed my sisters every day.
Just as I knew it would, the action prompted dozens of camera flashes to go off. By now, I was used to the scrutiny, and I certainly didn't enjoy it, but I hoped they would soon grow bored of paying attention to me. Although, it certainly helped that I knew none of the pictures would be released. Viktor had a pretty large influence on the newspaper firms and ensured we had our privacy and well, when it came to handling the UK-based and other international papers - Marcus was rather intimidating and when paired with Terence, Cassius and Blaise, the Selman adjacent men had formidable level of power the way most spoiled pureblood heirs tended to.
"Polly," I said as the commentator took to the stands, announcing that the game would begin in 10 minutes. My sister made an inquisitive sound. "I'll be back in a second."
Rising from my seat, I reassured my sisters that I was headed off to wish Viktor luck and pointedly ignored the jeering teasing words that were thrown in my direction. Thalia fell silent partway through a remark when I shot her a pointed look. Not that it stopped the sly grin from spreading across her face. Making my way through the box, I dodged between the outstretched legs. As I passed Clio, she held my hand briefly, offering me a squeeze and the entire action took me by such surprise that I almost forgot what I'd been planning on doing. Maybe Cali was right, and Clio did have a sensitive side.
Still, reaching the edge of the box, I made quick progress towards the player's tent where the team were preparing for the game. Greeting the passing players with a nod, I walked further inside, looking around in search of my man who was usually looking for me as well. I found him eventually, standing at the back of the tent, talking in hushed whispers with Blaise. The sight had me stopping a short distance from them, contemplating if I should continue on my way. My decision was cemented when I heard Blaise murmur Era's name. I held back a sigh, wondering just which of them had pissed the other off this time around. Merlin knew the pair took it in turns to be the aggravating one.
From over Blaise's shoulder, I caught Viktor's eye, and he shot me a look that I understood in a heartbeat. Resigning myself to having to go without a kiss, I blew him one instead. Still listening to whatever Blaise was saying, Viktor turned his head as if to make sure my kiss landed on his cheek and I made no attempt to hide my smile. My eyes drank in the sight of Viktor dressed in his quidditch uniform - an incredibly attractive sight at that - before I turned and retraced my steps back to my waiting family.
Climbing the stands to the box, I navigated my way towards Terence. Sitting between Calliope and Psi, Terence was saying something to Psi when I made my way towards him. Nudging him with my hand, I tried not to roll my eyes when he looked at me.
"Viktor will need your help, Mr peacekeeper," I warned him, gesturing in the vague direction of the player's tent.
Terence read easily into my words and sighed. Rolling his shoulders, he tipped his head silently towards the sky as if asking for help. Instead, he asked to no one in particular, "Which man is it this time?"
"Era's."
"Blaise fucking Zabini," Terence swore under his breath, pressing a lingering kiss to Cali's lips before he rose to his feet. "Not one day of peace since the two got together. I swear to Merlin."
As he walked through the box, Terence gathered the other men and together the group made their way. Clearly, it took the entire group to navigate the tricky waters of being involved with the women in our family. Maybe they needed to start a support club.
"Come on Cali," I said, taking my eldest sister by the hand and tugging her after me. "Let's go sort this out before the pair end up squabbling in my new house. That's not a vibe I want to bring back with us."
"And you don't know what's gone on?" Cali asked from behind me. When I shook my head, she murmured something that sounded vaguely like, "Aren't they supposed to be adults?"
I let myself feel bad for setting our pseudo-mother on Era, but only for a moment. The sooner the pair got a hold of themselves the better. Era, spying our approach, was quick to stand hoping to evade the inquisition that was coming toward her.
"Cali," Era started, drawing the name out, "there's no need to be getting so heated about this. He'll get over himself."
Salazar's soul, I wanted this match to be over already so I could tuck myself into Viktor's arms.
