A/N: I'm continuing my streak of posting every 2-3 days here. Haha. I don't know if I'll be able to keep that streak up though, because I have work the next few days, but we'll see. Either way, it's been fun and there's definitely more to come. This chapter focuses on meeting their families, with the exception of Savannah and Blake's. They can have their turn in another chapter…

~~ Blake ~~

The man stared at him for a moment longer. "I'm her boyfriend."

Blake froze and narrowed his eyes, confused and apprehensive. Was he an old boyfriend, or had she met him after she'd met Blake? Was she cheating on him? It just didn't make any sense. Why would she be stringing two guys along? He'd thought that she'd seemed happy with him.

He couldn't help but think that the guy looked much richer and more impressive than himself. They didn't seem alike at all, so he wondered what her type was. Surely it would be him, if he was her DNA Match…

Still at a loss for what to say, he hesitated, and the man who claimed to be her boyfriend pushed inside past him, glancing around the room. "Savannah?" he called out, and he'd seemingly decided to ignore Blake.

Blake folded his arms. "She's asleep," he muttered, still annoyed that she'd be woken up, even if he didn't quite know what was going on.

After a pause, Savannah started out of the bedroom, still partly undressed as she slipped on a dressing gown, tying it up at the side. She glanced between the two of them, and Blake thought she looked decidedly calm and unruffled. He supposed that suited her well in her job.

"James, what are you doing here?" she asked, her gaze going to him, and her tone gave nothing away. Blake sighed inwardly. So she did know him.

"You haven't answered any of my calls or texts," the man – James – defended. "I didn't know if you were okay or if something had happened."

She raised an eyebrow and walked towards him slowly. "Oh? So you couldn't take the hint after I ignored you for months?" Once she reached him, she set her fingers lightly under his chin, raising it. She was taller than him, which in another situation, Blake might have found amusing. "You didn't think that maybe, I didn't want you here?"

"Savannah-…" He inhaled, looking a mixture of embarrassed and hurt. "I don't know what happened. I mean, I thought we were going fine, until you just stopped seeing me, or even answering my calls. I don't even know what I did wrong."

Blake glanced to the side for a moment, feeling awkward to be watching such a thing. While he felt a just a hint of sympathy for the guy, he couldn't bring himself to care too much more than that.

Lowering her hand to his chest, she then pushed him away, causing him to stumble backwards. "Darling, you have to learn how to take a hint. And that was a big one." Watching him, she exhaled slowly. "Let me spell it out for you. I don't want to see you anymore." Her eyes flickered sidelong to Blake, the first time that she'd looked his way. "I've found my Match now, and I'm afraid that's not you. You're not much competition, either."

James looked over at him, finally appraising him, and Blake could see the obvious annoyance in his eyes. Great, he'd probably blame him, now.

"He's your Match?" James laughed, finally. His anger was turning to his words, now, as they became bitter. "Oh, Savannah, I feel for you, I really do. I thought he was just a one-night kind of thing."

Savannah looked unamused, her expression hardening. "You question my taste, and you insult my Match," she said, her voice leaving no room for argument. "Get out, now. You can leave the key here, too," she added on the end, holding out her hand for it.

James scoffed at her words in outrage. He looked as if he was about to argue some more, before he finally turned away. Walking to the door he pulled the key card out of his pocket, tossing it to the ground. "Have a nice life, Savannah," he said sarcastically, before leaving and slamming the door shut behind him.

Blake stared at the door once he'd left, still not sure what to think. It seemed that he was an earlier boyfriend, although she'd never mentioned him before.

"I'm sorry you had to witness that," she sighed, finally turning back to him. "Sometimes people can't take a hint." Making her way to the couch, she sat down, beckoning him over to join her.

Running a hand through his hair, Blake hesitated, before walking to sit on the couch, near her, although not too close. Looking over at her, he tried to order his thoughts. Having been cheated on by his ex, he was cautious, not wanting a repeat of the past. "…So you were dating him before you met me?" he asked, finally.

She nodded, before rolling her eyes a little. "Sometimes guys think they're your 'boyfriend' just because you hang out with them a number of times. He was boring, anyway. I wasn't interested in him for long."

"Then what am I?" he asked, hesitantly. They'd never really discussed it in such terms. Everything had just… happened.

She met his gaze, with a slight laugh, reaching out to set her hand on his, where it rested on the couch. "You're my Match, of course. That means something. And I'm much more interested in you."

Glancing to the side, he did not allow himself to relax yet, although neither did he push her hand away. "Do you have any other 'boyfriends' that I don't know about?"

Savannah sat up straighter, drawing her hand back. "No, not boyfriends, as such. But there's something you should understand about me, Blake," she replied, slowly. "I didn't get to where I am without giving some of my self away. I flirt with some guys, yes, enough to hold their attention, but it doesn't mean anything to me. That's just the way it is. But you are the one I choose to spend my evenings with. And, you're the only one to hold my key card, now."

Listening carefully, he wasn't sure what to think. He valued loyalty, and he didn't particularly like the idea of her flirting with other guys. She seemed genuine about what she'd said about him, however. "But haven't you already got everything you want, with your job and everything? Why do you still have to do that?"

"Oh, Blake, you're naive to think everything is so simple," she responded, resting her arm across the top of the couch. "I may have it now, but it could all be taken from me just as quickly." She studied him for a moment longer. "Like I said, it doesn't mean anything, though; I have my preferences. And I will endeavour to be honest with you, about it. I want to make this work."

"I need to think about it," he said, still averting his gaze. He realised he didn't really understand her life at all, as it was so different from his own.

He heard her shift, before she was suddenly sitting right beside him, her hand pressing against his cheek, and he inhaled, as her lips drew closer to his. "Then let me help convince you."

~~ Cole ~~

Sitting among one of the library's book collections, Cole glanced up every so often to glance at Stephanie. This was the first time he'd visited the library with her knowledge. She'd asked if he'd wanted to see it, and he'd agreed, promising to come and visit one day she was working. It was easy to say that he had that day off – claiming to have an erratic work roster at the bank. She was working on putting some books away that had been previously borrowed out, and she smiled whenever she passed him, looking glad to have his presence. She wore a simple outfit to work, with a jumper over the top, as it was often quite cool, especially over the first few months of the year.

The London Library had an impressive collection, he had to admit, with something on seemingly every topic. He'd seen books on topics such as the rigging of pirate cutters in the Napoleonic era, to the history of Tupperware, to the care and uses of camels. The current book in his hand was a study of some of the older murders in London, in particular, focusing on Jack the Ripper.

The sound of books dropping to the floor interrupted him mid-sentence, and he looked up. A couple of bookshelves away, a man knocked some books to the ground, sweeping his hand across the rows which had been carefully placed there. Steff looked on in horror, and he wondered for a moment why she didn't stop him. Another glance at the guy, and Cole realised he looked familiar. It was obviously her brother. There were some noticeable features between them – he had the same honey blonde hair, although his was shaggy and unkempt. His eyes though, were a dark brown, and he looked a few years older, or so.

"Loki," she said, lowering her voice, and Cole could only just make out her words, from where he was sitting. "What are you doing here?"

"Just coming to visit my little sis. Is that okay with you?" Her brother replied in a languid manner, pushing a few more books from the shelves. One of the books he grabbed made a ripping sound, before he released it.

"Don't," she protested, reaching out to catch his arm. "You can't just come in here and take your anger out on the books. If you want to see me, then you'll have to-… to text me, or something."

He looked annoyed when she caught his arm, pushing her away roughly. "We both know you won't answer, now don't we?"

She caught herself against a bookshelf nearby, before straightening slowly. He raised his hand, drawing it away from the bookshelf, and she flinched, as if expecting him to hit her.

Cole was up and out of his seat before he'd even realised what he was doing. Strolling over, he stood beside her, narrowing his eyes as he watched her brother lower his hand.

"Cole-…" Steff said, glancing at him, and looking embarrassed. Cole supposed he'd be embarrassed as well, if he had a brother like that.

Loki stared at him for a moment. "Who have you got here? Someone you roped into being your friend? Or your boyfriend?"

"I'm her Match," Cole replied, coolly. He found the best way to annoy people so quick to anger, was to act as if their reactions and their words meant nothing. "Do you have a problem with that?"

It seemed it had worked, as Loki looked more annoyed than before, shifting his gaze back to Stephanie. "You went out and found your Match? Huh, that doesn't surprise me at all. Hopefully he's just what you deserve," he said, and his tone was bitter and twisted. Cole found he had an immediate dislike for him.

"I don't really think it's any of your business, now is it?" Cole replied, leaning against a bookshelf casually. "Now if I were you, I'd stop annoying your sister while she's trying to work. Otherwise I might be inclined to report you to the security guards. I'm sure they'd enjoy escorting you out." Of course, he had no idea where the security guards were, or if there even was any. He guessed that there would be some, however, at such a large and well-known library.

Loki looked as if he might argue some more, before he made a sound of annoyance, instead. "I was only dropping in for a visit. I'll see you around, sis."

As he left, Cole exhaled, watching his back. He was glad he didn't have any siblings, if that's what they could turn out like.

Steff stared for a moment as well, before she finally glanced over at him. "I'm sorry," she said, still looking a little ashamed. "I wish you didn't have to meet my brother that way. Or at all, really."

"It's hardly your fault," he responded, dismissing her concerns. "He's an embarrassment to himself."

She nodded, her fingers fiddling with her plait for a moment, before she lowered herself to her knees, starting to pick up the books that Loki had knocked over. "I'd better get this cleaned up, before anyone sees."

Her hand held one of the books carefully – the one that he'd ripped some of the pages of – and she looked sad as she checked it over. As if every book held some kind of meaning to her.

She sighed, setting it aside, and he could tell what she was thinking – that the damages would have to come out of her next paycheck.

"I'll pay for it," he said, impulsively, before he'd had a chance to think it over. It was just money to him, after all, and he had plenty of it.

"You don't have to-…" She said quickly, but he'd already bent down to pick it up, before straightening.

"You don't need to worry about it," he replied, simply, and he thought that perhaps it was the nicest thing he'd ever done for anyone.

~~ Kellan ~~

It was a little surreal, having Ethos at his childhood home. It was a modest home, nothing too flashy, although it was comfortable, and filled with photos of their family. He passed a photo of Grace at a soccer championship, and one of Kellan and Zach smiling as they tried – and failed – at fishing. The house had a decent size backyard, which had been his favourite part, as they'd built a cubby-house in the trees. The backyard was where they were sitting that day, and he walked out with some cans of drink as he joined them on the patio. Grace was enthusiastically talking to Ethos about something, while Zach and his fiancé, Gabby, listened on in amusement, along with his dad.

Setting the drinks down on the table for them, he passed one to Ethos. "I do hope you're not telling him anything embarrassing, Gracie," he said to her, giving a look of mock worry.

Humour glittered in Ethos' eyes, as he glanced over at Kellan, with a smile.

"Only about the time you insisted on rescuing a spider from the shower," Grace grinned, devilishly. "Even if it took you like half an hour, because it was such a dumb spider."

Kellan sighed, resisting the urge to laugh. "How soft you make me look," he jokingly lamented.

Grace gave a 'what can I say?' kind of shrug. "We all know you're a big softie at heart."

Glancing over at Zach, he appealed to him. "Zach, back me up, will you?"

"Sorry," Zach laughed. "It's better if I keep my mouth shut. You know I can never win a debate against her, anyway." Zach glanced at his fiancé with a content smile, and Kellan couldn't help but smile, himself. He was glad that his brother had found the one for him. Even Grace approved of her, and that was a hard thing to achieve.

"It's fine," Ethos replied, speaking up. "I quite enjoy hearing such stories about you. Your sister is a fine storyteller."

Grace beamed, and Kellan could tell that she had warmed up to Ethos quickly. "Kellan, did you know that he can speak like six languages?"

Kellan nodded, easily. "I did. I bet he's fluent in all of them, too. He's much smarter than me, I think."

Ethos opened his mouth to protest, but Grace beat him to it, agreeing instead. "Yep. I mean, you teach kids in grade three. They aren't exactly the smartest," she said, jokingly.

"Ah, perhaps you'll have to adopt him as your brother then," Kellan suggested.

"I won't have to, if you marry him. He'll be my brother in law," she pointed out. Kellan couldn't help but glance at Ethos, and when their eyes met, they both looked embarrassed, glancing away.

"Planning my wedding already?" Kellan said, shaking his head, with his tone remaining amused.

He glanced over at his dad, who watched on with a smile. They were lucky that it was one of his good days. His dad had been diagnosed with dementia, even though he was still young for such a disease. His good days came and went, but it was still relatively early in the progression, so he still had many lucid days.

"Ethos," his dad said, and Ethos turned his gaze to him. Kellan thought he looked a little nervous. "You are welcome here, anytime. I can tell that you make my son happy, and that is all that I could ask for."

Ethos inclined his head in acknowledgement, his expression growing lighter. "I appreciate that. I could not ask for a warmer welcome than what I have received here."

They settled into an easy conversation again, with Grace eager to find out more about Iceland. She had always been keen to travel in between her studies. Eventually, the rest of his family had moved inside to clean up after the lunch they'd eaten together. Usually, Kellan would have helped with such a thing, but they'd insisted he spend time with Ethos, instead.

Walking to join Ethos at the edge of the patio, where he looked out at the backyard, Kellan swallowed. He couldn't help but think that there had been something on Ethos' mind that day, as if something was worrying him. He hoped it didn't have anything to do with his family.

"They really like you, I think," Kellan remarked, glancing at him sidelong. "And Grace doesn't like everyone that easily, trust me."

"I like them too," Ethos replied, and he smiled slightly, although Kellan was sure there was something still plaguing him. "I am not used to having siblings, but I think you are lucky to have siblings like them."

Kellan nodded, trying to work up the courage to ask what was on his mind. "… Is there something wrong?" he asked finally, hoping he would not offend him. "I just sensed that maybe something was off."

Ethos hesitated, his gaze still focused on the trees in his backyard, as if avoiding Kellan's gaze. "There is something I have not yet told you," he started, slowly.

"Oh?" Kellan replied, hoping he would continue. "Whatever it is, you know I'll listen."

"I have been summoned back to Iceland, for my job," Ethos revealed. "I'm not sure how long I will be gone for, only that I must leave in a week. But it could be… a long time."

Kellan swallowed, taking a moment to consider his words. The thought of not seeing him as often made him feel a little sick. As if a part of him was not quite right. "We could still visit each other. I mean, whenever we have a chance…"

Ethos nodded, although he remained silent. They both knew that it was a long flight, and that things were always harder at such a distance.

An idea formed in his mind, and he was unable to dismiss it. Turning to Ethos, he said, a little recklessly, "How about I come to Iceland? The school term ends soon, and summer break goes for a decent time. I could join you there the following week, after you leave."

Ethos's eyes widened just slightly, and he finally met Kellan's gaze. "I would not ask such a thing of you. You have family and friends here, I know."

"Really, I'll do it," Kellan said firmly, having already made up his mind. "I want to. It'll be nice to travel for a while, and once the holidays end… we can see how things go."

Ethos did not argue any further on the matter, seeming relieved. "Then, it is time for me to show you my home."

~~ Aspen ~~

It was not exactly how he'd envisioned meeting Caspian's parents.

Aspen swallowed, glancing over at Caspian's parents. Caspian definitely looked the most like his dad – they had the same hair colour and similar features, although they had different coloured eyes. His mother moved to take the reins of her horse from Caspian, drawing it away from him.

"Who exactly is this?" his mother asked, raising an eyebrow as she glanced at Aspen. "And why is he riding my horse?"

"Don't you know who he is?" Caspian asked, in a nonchalant manner. His horse however, nickered and stomped its hoof, as if picking up on its owner's emotions. "I think you can work it out yourselves."

His mother narrowed her eyes, and Aspen resisted the urge to take a step backwards. She didn't look like someone to cross.

"Caspian-…" She started, but she was interrupted before she could continue.

"Don't try and explain yourselves," Caspian retorted, his fingers knotted in his horse's mane tightly. "I think it's pretty obvious. You sent my DNA away to be tested, but you didn't like the result. So you decided to sweep it under the doormat, like anything else. Better that I didn't know, right? Unfortunately for you, he's rather stubborn and managed to find me himself."

"That doesn't explain why he's still here," his mother replied, and her voice was calm, but her gaze was sharp. "You should have sent him away. You know this isn't the kind of thing you can afford."

"You shouldn't be so reckless," his father berated. "I understand if you are mad at us, but to pull a stunt like this… It's careless."

"I'm sorry to disappoint you," Caspian started, sarcastically, "Just as much as you've disappointed me."

His mother shifted her gaze to study Aspen again, and he tried to meet it carefully. "You realise this isn't good for his image, right? You're doing him more harm than good."

Puzzled, Aspen pondered over her words. Did she say that because he was a guy, or because he was obviously not rich? He wasn't sure. "I don't think I'm doing any harm," he replied, finally speaking up. He was a little sick of being talked about, but being unable to contribute. "I'm his Match, so genetically, we're meant to work. I-… I should be in his life."

"Just because you're his Match, it doesn't mean you have any rights," she said, coolly. "It doesn't make you entitled to any of his money." She glanced at Caspian. "You don't believe any of this bullshit, do you? The results were probably wrong, anyway."

Caspian remained silent, and Aspen felt the urge to speak again. "It wouldn't have mattered if he was rich, or not. I didn't even know. Anyway, the results don't lie."

"Well, you're going to ruin his reputation. It won't be long before this gets out, and it'll be all over the papers. Are you ready for that? You'll ruin any chance for him to have kids."

He couldn't bite his tongue hard enough to keep quiet. "But he doesn't even want them. Maybe you'd know that if you talked to him."

He could feel Caspian's gaze on him, however, he didn't dare meet it. Would he be angry at him for speaking out? Most likely.

It was a surprise then, when Caspian took a step towards him, and reached out to curl his fingers around his wrist. He tugged him, back towards the stables, with his horse following alongside, ignoring his parents pointedly. "Come on, let's go," he muttered under his breath, and Aspen was a little stunned, letting himself be pulled.

Maybe he… wasn't angry with him after all?