Ramses Atum's Story

---

Ram lefted his head and closed his green eyes, soaking up the early morning sun as it bet down on the lake. Cool water sprayed in his face and a constant breeze ruffled his hair. It was perfect sailing weather and Ram had been up since dawn to make the most of it. His one man boat, named 'The Falcon', raced across the lake, skimming across the waves.

Ram opened his eyes as he drew closer to the shore. Standing up in the boat he shielded his eyes from the sunlight glistening off the water and took in the view. There, pretty as a picture, sat Northbay. It fit snuggly between the lakeshore and the hills beyond. He could make out the main street with its small array of shows on either side. There was a large amount of activity in the street, surprising for such a small town and so early on a Saturday.

Then again it was the day of the Lantern Festival. No doubt every spare hand the Elder's could rope into helping was busy putting up decorations. Ram's father Ramsey was a member of the Elders' Council so Ramses was able to get all his information first hand and fresh. The festival was officially an overdue welcome to the Greeks. Unofficially it was to try and calm down the rising animosities between the different groups in the town. As Ram's father had said, if the town could come together and enjoy this one, simple event then they would be one step closer to regaining peace and order.

Ram thought it was a vain hope. He highly doubted that bringing together the whole town into one street would solve anything. Quite the opposite really. Ram knew little of the Greeks but he had grown up with the Norse and his own Egyptian pantheon. He knew enough to understand that there would always be certain individuals who do anything but try to ease tensions.

Shaking such thoughts from his head Ram aimed the boat to shore. A moment later he pulled into the docks, jumping onto the wooden jetty with the ease of practice. He anchored his boat to the jetty, tying it securely. The day may have been calm now but Ram knew enough about Irish weather to know to predict anything. Besides, when you lived in a town of power beings you could never be sure when someone's powers would cause a little mayhem.

Standing up Ram raised his arms above his head and stretched, before straightening out his clothes. With a pleased smile he set off down the wooden walkway, heading towards the Sailing Club rooms and a much needed shower.

---

Early morning carpentry was probably not the best way to deal with a hangover, but oddly enough Mack found the rhythmic thud of his hammer strangely calming. Or perhaps he was still drunk from last night.

He had visited Northbay's singular drinking hole, the pub, the previous night. It had started as a causal beer, but three bottles of beer, four shots of vodka and who knows what else later his night had ended up much larger than anticipated. He had woken up this morning still in his clothes, his light still on and his alarm cloak blaring from under a pile of clothes.

Mack had agreed to help set up for the Lantern Festival that night. He wasn't even getting paid, but doing it as a favour to the town. Not that he minded doing it for free. Mack didn't have too many expensive habits and the rent on his tiny apartment over the supermarket was relatively cheap.

"Mack! Can you move the lanterns slightly to the left?" Ebony Aset, aunt of the three Aset girls and member of the Elders, shouted from the street. Mack, standing up on a ladder, nodded down at the woman and moved the lanterns as desired. Satisfied Ebony nodded and wondered off to oversee another part of the preparations. Left to his own devices Mack returned to hammering.

Almost finished he gave one final hammer on the nail, only his attention must have slipped because the next thing he knew a sharp pain erupted in his thumb. With a yelp he jerked his hand back, making him lose his balance in the process. His legs went out from under him, his arms pinwheeling in circles as he tried to grab at anything to keep him from falling.
Unfortunately the ladder seemed to elude him and Mack quickly found himself falling. A gust of wind blew up the street, particles of sand held in the breeze. The wind increased in strength and pressure, directing itself around the falling man. Faster than the eye could follow it had formed into a miniature wind funnel, Mack being safely buoyed in the centre. Slowly he was lowered to the ground. Only when his feet had touched concrete did a movement of his hand send the winds away, leaving a thin layer of sand behind.

'Mack, as much as I'm glad you're not hurt...' The stern voice came from Ebony Aset, her foot tapping quickly as she surveyed the tiny beach of sand that his powers had called forth. She had a broom in her hand, 'I want all this sand gone before tonight.' Thrusting it into his grasp Ebony turned and left. Dusting the light sprinkling of sand off his clothes before beginning to sweep up the street, Mack wished - and not for the first time - that his winds didn't magically summon sand when he called them.

---

The view from the hills above the town was spectacular. Asta, pausing on her descent, couldn't help but grin at the landscape. The lake was sparkling in the early morning sun, light glistened off the town roofs and there was hardly a cloud in sight. She could have stayed on the thin track that ran up the hills beyond Northbay all day, but one glance at her watch told Asta that she'd need to open the shop soon. With a last glance across the lake Asta turned and made her way, half skipping, down the track.

Most likely it was the excitement of the coming festival that had seen Asta rise so early and head up into the hills. She often went for walks, but rarely so early in the morning. Coming back down she hit the main street at it's beginning. The entrance to Northbay was decorated with a simple sign which read 'Welcome to Northbay'. Asta passed the sign, entering the main street of the town. She passed people setting up stalls, others hanging decorations and more than one person shouting out loud instructions.

Asta waved happily at Mack as she passed him. Curiously he was sweeping up sand, although where the sand came from Asta couldn't be sure. Down the street she went, dodging in and out of the workers, until she reached the Bookstore.
"Key, key key... Oh, there you are!" She muttered to herself as she dug into her cardigan pockets. The Bookstore owner had given Asta the responsibility of opening the store today and she would have hated it if she'd lost the keys already.

She pushed the door open and stepped into the dark room. The light switch was unfortunately at the other end of the store and Asta didn't fancy wondering through the dark to find it. So, holding her hand out, she summoned a small sphere of light and used it to guide her through.

Ten minutes later, the store lit, open and ready for customers, Asta sat back at the counter with a sigh of relief. From here she had a good view of the festival preparations, but instead of watching the workers outside she picked up her book 'Catch-22' and began to read. The doorbell would jingle as soon as anyone entered, meaning until then she could happily lose herself in Joseph Heller.

Lincoln was the first American president to be assassinated, though an unsuccessful attempt had been made on Andrew Jackson 30 years before in 1835. The assassination was planned and carried out by the well-known stage actor John Wilkes Booth, as part of a larger conspiracy in a bid to revive the Confederate cause... Leslie already knew the information from his book, but he had an oral report for school today, which he couldn't wait for. School had always excited him and he had been up the whole night reading the biography of Abraham Lincoln. He had written about fifty note cards so far for each chapter he read of the one-thousand pages book. "I bet most don't know that William Shakespeare made up the word assassination." The only person that could hear Leslie at the time was Leslie, and that was the person that heard him the most. He was a sociable person, but he did find it hard to talk to most of the other people in town, a majority of them weren't all that bright.

Shutting his book he chuckled, I already know every last detail in this book, yet my teacher still request I read it all by today. Leslie had read the book before once when he was in one of his middle school grades, but his teacher that it would only be fair to the rest of the class if he were to read it again. "His vice presidents were Hannibal Hamlin and Andrew Johnson, he was preceded by James Buchanan and succeeded by Andrew Johnson. Oh! and let's not forget his wife was called Mary Todd Lincoln, who was brought up into a very wealthy family." He joked with himself as he got up and walked out if his bedroom. "I'm using the bathroom!" Leslie called to whom ever was listening in the house. He did have his own restroom in his room, but he didn't like dirtying his up so he just used the family one instead.

Once entering the bathroom he went over to the shower and turned the cold water on, Nothing like a cold shower to get the blood flowing. Some people found it strange he perfected cold showers over warm or hot, but it did, maybe because there was four good facts he knew about cold showers: it's better for circulation, your hair, healthier skin, and mental benefits. Taking off all his clothes in a paced fashion he felt goosebumps emerge as his skin adjusted to the cool air.

Entering the shower he let the cold water flush over his body as he shut the shower curtain. Picking up the shampoo/body wash bottle he squeezed enough in his hand that it started oozing through his fingers. Quickly shutting the bottle by pressing it against his skin he set it back down and tried catching the jell with his now free hand. First he rubbed it through his hair, making sure to scrub good, then on his body. After letting it sit for a minute or two he watched it all off, conditioned his hair, washed that out, then got out of the shower.

When he had gotten out of the shower he had dried off then got the clean clothes he kept stored underneath the sneak then out them on: a white v-neck underneath a black blazer, black pants, white no-shoe socks, and black shoes. When done stressing he looked into the mirror, Wrinkle free. Sliding the vanity mirror open he pulled out his blue tooth brush and tooth paste. Untwisting the lid he pushed out a pea sized amount of paste to his tooth brush and then began pushing.

Spitting into the sink when he was done he put back everything where he had gotten it and walked into the kitchen. "You want something to eat?" Unsure if his brother was home or not he yelled encase to be polite. Going to the fridge he opened it to find almost nothing expect a gallon of milk, bottled water, and Chinese food. I wonder what I choose. Grinning to himself he pulled out the container and placed it in the microwave setting it to three minutes.

Beep! Beep! Beep! Pulling it out he sat down at the kitchen table and began eating. Pulling his cell phone from his pocket he went to the text screen and began typing:

To: Ramses

Hey! I'm about to leave home soon, do you want me to bring you some food?!

From: Leslie

Out of everyone in town he had found his way to like Ramses the best, probably because he was so smart.

---

Pound! Pound! Pound!

"What do you want?" Screaming at who ever was pounding on the door he picked the pillow up next to him and put it on top of his right ear as he kept his eyes closed trying to go back to sleep. "Take the trash out for me please, sweety." The voice on the other side of the door was his mom's, soft spoken and kind. Groaning he scuffed at the thought of getting up, "Tell Ram to do it, Mom." This time he was kinder, but his voice still held on to it's irritation. "You know he's out on his boat, Lulu, you took your bath last night so all you have to do is take the trash out on your way to work." He rolled his eyes when he had been called Lulu. He had always hated being called that, but for some reason with him being the youngest his family found it cute to call him that, especially his mother. Even though it annoyed him he had given up complaining for them to stop years ago, for he knew it wouldn't work.

Lucas had been up for most of the night texting a girl that he had already forgotten the name to, clearly she wasn't important enough for him to bother to remember. He liked girls that left impression, she had not been one of them, but regardless he slowly slinkied out of bed. "Fine." Lifeless was his reply as he shuffled to the bathroom in his room to see how he appeared. "Thank you, Lulu." He could hear his mom say behind the door.

Sighing he didn't reply, but just stared at himself in the mirror. Looking himself over he gave himself approval. Every night before bed he'd always put on the clothes he was going to wear the next day and always managed to smell and look fresh and wrinkle free.

Picking up his brush and hairspray he stared brushing his hair back and with ever stroke a brush of a white cloud would follow to help him keep his beautiful golden locks of hair up in a perfect curved shape.

He was wearing a grey t-shirt, blue jeans, and tennis shoes, and in his mind he looked perfect. He was a vain person and he could probably had stood there all day looking at his perfections. "You better stop staring at yourself!" Calling most likely from the kitchen he gave the comment a smirk.

Walking out of the bathroom he walked over to his nightstand to get his cellphone then left his room. The hallways was decorated with floral painted walls and pictures of him and his family. The pictures were mainly when him and his brother were younger and he didn't understand why his mom didn't just put recent pictures, Lucas was so much much attractive now than then, but she just kept the old ones instead.

When entering the kitchen he walked over to his mother who was holding a plate of grape jelly covered toast. "You know me so well, and I don't mind if I do." He said as he walked up behind his mom and took a piece from over his shoulder. Kissing his mothers forehead she laughed, "I'm your mother, I have to know everything about you.". Not everything. Giving her a smile full of food and small wave he grabbed the garbage bags next to her then exited the house.

Going around to the back he deposited the trash into their rightful cans with a sigh; he had always hated taking out the trash. It was always to smelly and annoying. Time to go to work.

---

"You get the best of both worlds! Mix it all together and you know that it's the best of both worlds!" She sang loudly as she swung back and forth in her hammock for a bed singing into a cotton candy colored hair brush. The song was by Miley Cyrus, or Hannah Montana, Ariel might have been at little to old for it, but it happened to make her happy; she was a fan of upbeat songs with fluffy and fun messages, they just caused her joy.

She had woken up hours ago and had already gotten her shower, clothes, and hair out if the way. She had been wearing a pink crepe top, with a pair of black crepe shorts, grey cardigan, black circular sunglasses, and a good chained necklace. Ariel's outfit wasn't here though, but her sisters and she had borrowed it knowing her sister wouldn't mind. The only thing that was missing was make up, which she was going to ask her sister to do for her if she was still home.

"Breakfast girls!" A thick husky voice cut through Ariel's loud music and singing. "Food!" Exclaiming so she turned off her stereo and slipped her feet into light blue converse before skipping gracefully down the stairs humming to the kitchen to eat.

"That was a nice concert up there," commented her father, "how many fans showed up this time?" There was a child like twinkle in his eyes well he smiled down at his daughter as she pulled out a wooden chair then sat down. "Millions of people showed up this time!" Giggling and grinning she shrugged her shoulders in a cute way as her father began to join in on the laughter.

Her father placed a plate in front of her with cut up eggs, sausage, and pancakes. "I wanted to cut my own food this time." Sticking out her bottom lip as she picked up her fork then stabbed it into her pancake. "Your my baby, so let me baby you." Telling her this he kissed her forehead then poured maple syrup onto her cut up pancake including the piece on her fork. It didn't take long for the pucker to turn into a huge smile as she popped the tiny square into her mouth, chewed it up, then swallowed. "Is Alyssa still home?" Ariel shrugged her shoulders as she patted her mouth with her napkin, "I'm not sure, Daddy." Telling him this he ran his fingers through her hair, "Well, I hope she joins us for breakfast."

The food on her plate was gone soon, for a small girl she could eat. Ariel enjoyed everything she'd ever eaten, and from the small amount of memory she could recall she even liked grapes, but with her being allergic she wasn't allowed to eat them anymore. She could barely remember one time eating them as a kid then having a reaction to them where she almost died. The doctors had told her parents if she got to close to them she'd get really sick and eating them would be fatal, but she still liked the taste of them though.

Looking down at her empty plate another pucker sizzled to her face. "Would you like some more?" Asking her with a British accent mocking Oliver Twist Ariel did her best not to laugh even though she wanted to, all she did was nod her head with her lip still out. "Then here, honey." Setting another big plate of cut food in front of her she clapped her hands with joy and began eating again.

The walk to the sailing club, which sat right beside the docks, was short. Ram entered through a side door and flicked on the lights of the dark hall. The place was rather empty for a Saturday, most likely due to the festival. But Ram never minded having the place to himself. He showered quickly, dried and then dressed.

Picking up his bags Ram did a quick check of his cellphone. Finding it blinking, an indicator that he had a message, Ram unlocked the screen and tapped into his inbox to find a text message from Leslie.



Ram paused as he read the message, leaning against the door frame with his bag slung over one shoulder. He felt the sides of his mouth twitch into a smile. Leslie was one of those rare people that Ramses loved to be around. Ram quickly sent back a reply,



Ram assumed that Leslie would understand where he wanted to meet him, after all they often hung out at the docks. The main street of Northbay ran right down to the docks and where concrete turned to wooden planks a number of benches appeared, offering a fine view of town and lake. It was here that Ram now aimed himself, locking up the sailing club after himself and wondering past rows of boats.

It took all of five minutes to reach the spot. Ram took a seat where he could watch the street for Leslie's arrival, dumped his bag by his feet and stretching out to let the sun hit as much of him as possible. From here he also had a fine view of the lantern festival preparations and contented himself with watching as he waited for his friend to reply.

---

The sounds from the festival preparation were distracting. Asta, trying to concentrate on her book, found herself constantly glancing up and out to the street as workers walked by and supervisors shouted out instructions. She knew that the work was all for the festival tonight. She was beyond excited at the thought of the festival, after all it had been over ten years since the last one and she only had fond memories of it. But still, she wished that they would be slightly quieter, it wasn't easy to follow her book when shouts from the street kept making her glance up.

Not that all the distractions were bad. Bryce biked past the shop, giving Asta a wave as he whizzed by. Asta smiled and returned the gesture, although she thought that she might have been a bit too slow for him to see. A moment later Bobby entered the store, the opening door temporarily increasing the sounds from outside before shutting with the jingle of it's bell.

"Morning Bobby!" Asta greeted him brightly, finally giving up on her book. She marked the page and placed it back on the counter.
“Well someones up and early.” Bobby's voice was, as always, quiet, but he smiled as he passed the counter. Asta had known him for a month, the length of time he'd been in Northbay and a co-worker with her at the bookstore. She knew he was shy, but she was pleased that he'd began to open up a bit more around her.

“I could go up and get us some coffee if you’d like, it’d only be a minute and I’d get a discount because of my sister.” His suggestion was a good one. Asta, bouncing up from her seat at the counter, stuck her head into the back of the shop where Bobby was collecting books to restock the shelves,
"I don't drink coffee, but I'd be keen for a hot chocolate!" Asta responded happily. She stuck a hand into her pocket, certain that she'd put some spare change in there. Sure enough she pulled out a note. Waving it for Bobby to see Asta added, "Maybe get some lemon cakes too? My shout."

It may have still been early morning and not long after breakfast, but Asta had a sweet tooth. Her favourite treat? Lemon cakes. The cafe always did the best.

---

Broom in hand, Mack set to sweeping up the sand he had created. He didn't quite trust himself enough to call on his winds to blow the sand out of the street, after all there was as good a chance as any that he would just end up creating more sand. As he swept Mack's eye wondered over those working on the street. There was a mixture of volunteers, elders and people that had just come to have a quick look. Others were just passing through. Mack spotted Bryce cycling down the street. Where he was off to at such an early hour Mack couldn't say.

A bit further up the street Mack spotted Viona Jarlson, the descendent of Thor and apparently another festival helper. Of course he knew her, most people knew everyone in the town, but he wouldn't call them friends. In fact he tended to avoid her. It was a silly reason really, after all she couldn't help her ancestor as much as he could his. Still no matter how he looked at it there was little he could do to end his fear of lightning. And since she was able to control lightning, he naturally avoided her.
He turned away, his eyes landing on another new arrival to the festival helpers: Ava Apophis. Mack had never spoken to Apep's descendent so he didn't know her too well, but he was still surprised to see her here, offering help.
"I'm here. What do you want?" She announced. Mack glanced over his shoulder to see if one of the elders would direct her. Seeing no one nearby he took a step forward, beginning to draw out his hammer. Except before he could reach the girl Calypso appeared.

Mack wasn't able to catch what was said between the two as Fin Bacchus suddenly appeared on the street.
“I swear sleep in and you miss all the fun,” He said before sweeping a hand at the covering of sand, “What happened here?”
Mack shrugged, a sheepish smile appearing on his face.
"I almost fell off a ladder. Had to call some winds to save me and..." He nodded at the sand on the street. He couldn't help that his winds naturally wanted to turn into sandstorms, it was just a part of his power.

“Did you need any help cleaning it up?” Fin's offer brought a smile to Mack's face,
"Yeah, that'd be... Mack's sentence trailed off as Fin's attention was drawn to something over Mack's shoulder and a moment later Fin left with a promise to talk to him later. Shaking his head and giving a 'what can you do' shrug of his shoulders, Mack returned to his sweeping, hoping that next time someone offered help they weren't distracted by a pretty face.

While taking in over sized bites of food he picked up his drink to swallow it all down. Without paying attention he dug his fork back down into the bowl, but when brought it back up there was nothing, "Why am I such a pig?" Questioning himself with a laugh he looked over at his phone to see it vibrating. Immediately picking up his phone he slide it to unlock it and read the text from Lucas.



Pushing back from his seat with a pleased feeling threw the plastic food container away and washed the fork he had been using off. Now what would Lucas want to eat? With only having a very small collection of food he knew he must go out and get food for him, it wouldn't take to long though since everything in town was pretty much connected. I'll just figure out when I get there.

Placing his phone in his left pocket he got up and started going back to his room. He opened up a dresser door and pulled out his wallet, opened it up to make sure he had enough money in it to buy food, then plopped it into his right free pocket. Shutting the drew he picked up the black lenses glasses that had been placed onto of his mirror and laid them on their fitted fixture on his face. "Bye love you." Calling as if left to any risen or at home family members as he walked out the door. So my day officially begins.

Walking into the restaurant where he normally worked he went to the cashier and looked at the over head menu. There was such a large verity of food, so much delicious things. "I want two cheeseburgers, two chocolate frosties, a large order of onion rings, two cokes.... and um," biting his lower lip his eyes searched the mirror What does Ramses want? Questioning himself his mind rushed into a million different thoughts while behind his glasses his eyes were a burning bright blue. Is that really all he wanted? At times he doubted his powers, with a head shake of unsureness he completed his order, "A bottle of milk and a sausage egg biscuit." Before the man could answer with the price Leslie had already pulled a twenty twenty and a five. "Please keep the change." Telling the man so with a smile Leslie had received a Thank you.

After a five minute wait he finally got his food, I could have been at the pier by now! With a kind smile he excepted his food and cup holders. "Have a nice day." He told them with his back turned as he left to go meet Leslie.

When he had finally made it to where Ramses was he took a seat next to him grinning. Scooting a foot away from Ramses he placed the drinks in between them and the food. "I guessed on what you wanted." Refereeing more towards the biscuit than everything else, but said nothing. Leslie had picked up one of the frosties and put a few onion rings on a napkin for himself. Normally he didn't eat so unhealthy, but sometimes it was fun to eat deep fried things. Dipping the onion ring into the frosty as if it were sauce he then ate it. "You can have anything you want from this." He assumed Ram already knew all this food wasn't for himself, but he was just making sure the he was welcomed to pick from everything.

Mack had just about finished sweeping up the sand when someone bumped into him from behind. He turned just as the angry voice exclaimed, 'Um excuse me, but do you mind!' . He recognised the obnoxious voice and face of Izzy Dias, a Greek and the descendent of Zeus. Izzy was one of the few that Mack hadn't gotten to know. Really, there was something about her that put Mack off. She was just too... loud for him.

As if proving his point Izzy grabbed for his attention, eagerly saying 'Hey Mack, check this out!' before looking up at the blue sky. Before Mack could fully comprehend what she was doing a small lightning bolt lit up the sky. Its sudden appearance made Mack jump, his nerves getting the better of him. It wasn't something that Mack cared for much, in fact it freaked him out quite a bit. Luckily Izzy had only created one lightning bolt and it was gone in the blink of an eye. Still, as Izzy walked away laughing, Mack had to take a moment to steady his racing heart.

A moment later he was back to sweeping up the last of the sand. A voice, a much more welcome voice than Izzy's, called out across the street. Mack turned to see Jade cycling past and waving. Jade wasn't a close friend, but living in Northbay meant you rarely didn't know someone. He had spent years living down the street from the Aset girls so naturally he knew Jade well.
'Hey Mack! ... The decorations look great! I'll see you at the festival, yeah?'
Mack smiled and gave his own wave,
"Thanks Jade..." Mack began to reply when Jade, her attention focused on Mack, crashed into another person.

Jade stuttered out an apology to Antonio, a Greek Mack had yet to get to know well. Mack dropped the broom and trotted over to the pair. At the same time Dehlilah Cyprus joined them. Mack placed a gentle hand on Jade's shoulder, concern evident in his eyes as he caught the last of Tony's words, 'Listen, I've got friends waiting on me. So if you're okay...Then I'm gonna get going.'
"Are you hurt?" Mack asked the younger woman. He quickly studied her for signs of external wounds, "Do you want me to take you to the doctors?" As he asked the questions his eyes flicked down to the small swell of her belly.

---

Ram didn't seem to notice the time it took Leslie to arrive, he was happy enough to close his eyes for a time and let the sun soak into his skin. He thrived off the sun. Midday was his favoured time, after all his powers were strongest at midday and he always felt more invigorated then.

He cracked an eye open as his phone buzzed, a message from Leslie,



Ram didn't reply, knowing that Leslie would be there soon. Instead he settled back into his seat, patiently waiting for his friend to arrive.

Ramses opened his eyes a moment later when he heard footsteps approaching. A smile spread across his face as he spotted Leslie coming towards him, his arms laden with bags of delicious food. Leslie sat beside Ram, placing the food between the two.
"I guessed on what you wanted." Leslie said, picking up a piece of food, "You can have anything you want from this."
"You know me too well." Ramses told him with a wide smile as he picked up a coke and a cheese burger. Ram bit into the fatty goodness, a groan of pleasure escaping his lips. "I'll treat you something tonight at the festival." Ram said once he'd finished his first mouthful. "I could shout you a ride on the Ferris wheel." Ram joked, nudging Leslie's knee with his own. At 22 Ram was probably too old for carnival rides and he'd hate to be seen by some of the town layabouts in such a childish pursuit.

---

It seemed that Bobby had other ideas about who would pay for the treats. He refused her money and listed off the order,
“Sure thing, I’ll buy, one hot chocolate, a tea for myself and a bunch of lemon cakes coming right up, I’ll be back.”
Then, before Asta could put her foot down about paying, Bobby left.

With a promise to herself to pay Bobby back at some later time, she stuffed the money back into her pocket and took up her seat by the counter. The shop was empty and likely to stay that way for the remainder of the day. Asta didn't mind the quiet, it was always a good thing when she wanted to read, but having customers always helped make the time fly. On a day like today with the coming lantern festival Asta couldn't help but anxiously watch the hands of the shop clock slowly tick by.

With a sigh Asta stood up again, unsure what to do with herself. She wondered down the isles of books, slowly scanning the titles. She picked out a random book and flipped through the pages, not really paying attention to what she was doing. A moment later footsteps sounded outside and the doorbell rung as Bobby came back carrying their treats.

Asta returned to the counter, bouncing slightly as she sighted the lemon cakes.
“ And there you go Asta, a hot chocolate, two lemon cakes, and a ice tea.” Bobby announced, taking a seat on a box of books. Asta jumped up onto the counter, her legs swinging slightly as she picked up her hot chocolate.
"Thanks a bunch Bobby" Asta said, blowing softly on the drink before taking a sip.

Bobby seemed to be stealing himself to say something and Asta, knowing it was best not to rush Bobby, waited patiently for him to speak.
“ So um eh w-would you um m-mind going to the f-festival later tonight w-with some of my friends and siblings. I mean you don’t have to, I just thought m-maybe it’d settle some things and we could all get to know each other.” Bobby seemed to wince, as if expecting Asta to refuse him with a nasty remark. Instead Asta gave Bobby a happy smile, clearly delighted with the idea.
"That would be great!" Asta said as she grabbed a lemon cake and began picking at it, "And if we're there together I can pay you back for the hot chocolate and lemon cakes. It's useless to argue, I'm determined to pay you back" She playfully stuck her tongue out at Bobby before popping a piece of her lemon cake into her mouth.

---

---

Chione closed the book, rubbing her temples as she looked up and out of the cafe. She could a small group of people that had gathered there. With a sigh she placed her text book in her messenger and left the cafe, hands shoved into her pockets. Mack was down the street sweeping up the last of the sand when Izzy Dias bumped into him. Chione's lips thinned as she watched her blame him for the collision before summoning a fork of lightning. The Dias twin was easily one of the few Greeks that Chione had taken in instant dislike towards to. Her teeth clenched against each other she resisted the urge to yell at her. She didn't care if her ancestor was Zeus, blood did not excuse actions.

She shook her head and continued walking, making a beeline between the people towards her home. She watched as one of the Aset girls, Jade, came rushing past on her bike, calling out to Mack. Chione whirled around in shock as the sound of the crash reached her ears. In the time it took her a few steps towards the crash site Jade and the person she had crashed into were already surrounded by a small group of people. She could hear Jade's voice, profusely apologizing to the man. Seeing that all was under control Chione shrugged and made her way home, placing the messenger bag on her coffee table, she would have no need of it for now.

Checking her schedule she noted that she had to work from three till seven. That left the rest of the night open to her to enjoy the festival. The small smile that had worked its way onto her face during this thought suddenly vanished. To enjoy the night fully she would need to hang around people, she could only look at the stalls, games and bands for so long on her own. There weren't many people in the town he called 'friend'. It was almost certain that her brother already had something planned with his multitude of friends so she wasn't going to make herself a burden towards him.

She paced her living room, coming up with only three people she considered friends. Gwyn, Ronan and Ram. She smiled to herself as she pulled out her phone, chances were they were all going to be busy, but there was no harm in asking right?

To: Gwyn, Ronan, Ram
Hello, I was just wondering what everyone was up to for the festival tonight? Anyone want to meet up? I have to work from three to seven, but after that I'm free.

Pleased with her attempt at socializing she pocketed the phone and headed back outside with no particular destination in mind. Maybe she'd help set up. It was too nice to waist the day indoors.

Clicking the send button she winced. She didn't text him to often, but when she did it was always full of unsure statements, dots, and the ending love you. "I think I'm going to die!" She told herself quietly. Fear of the horrible word no rumbled within her, something she did not like, but with the two of then being kind of close friends, or at least she thought, he'd say yes and want to spend some time with her.

While Ariel had been typing she realized Alyssa was talking, missing most of it she caught the ending, "Step into my office." Quickly cheering up from her nervousness she did what her sister said with a smile and entered the bathroom. "Close your eyes." Being told so as she was sitting down on the stool. Shutting her eyes she felt relaxed as the brushes swooped here and patted there. I wonder what Antares will say... She wasn't the type that got nervous to often, but sometimes she did and she defiantly did not like the feeling.

"There you go, squirt. Whatcha think?" Looking into the mirror she saw how her eyes and cheeks were glowing from the pinks that's had been applied. ."Who am I kidding? It looks great, Ariel. Text me later if you want to hang out okay. In the meantime, text Antares. I'll see you later babe. Ariel giggled at her sisters reaction to what she had did, "Thank you, I look very pretty." She was pleased with what her sister had done, because Ariel knew she couldn't have done better, but soon her happy mellowed down, "Bye love you, Alyssa." Sometimes Ariel wished her sister didn't have any friends so they could spend more time together; Ariel just hated seeing her sister leave her, but she had a life.

---

---

"You know me too well." He watched as Ramses picked what he wanted and started to eat. Grinning he dipped another onion ring and took a bite. "As your best friend it's my duty to know you. If I knew nothing about you then well... I would be a terrible best friend." Leslie had known a lot about Ramses, they had become pretty close ever since they were kids, but Ramses had always been closer to Ronan until two years ago when Leslie had returned from America.

"I'll treat you something tonight at the festival." With food lodged in his mouth all he could do was shake his head no rapidly. "You know when I do something for you I want nothing in return, but your happiness." "I could shout you a ride on the Ferris wheel." Grinning he let the nudge push him over some before returning to his normal sitting potion. "You're talking to a guy that stayed like three days in the Cinderella castle... not the manliest thing I've ever done, but rides are always fun." Knowing his friend as well as he did he probably wouldn't want to ride any rides, but Leslie would force him to. "I haven't been to a festival since I was fourteen, so you have to ride every ride with me and at least pretend you're enjoying it." With a light hearted voice every word he said was true though, Ramses would ride all the rides.

Buzz, buzz! Reaching his pocket he pulled out his phone and read the text from his brother. Now you're awake. He thought to himself and began to type:



"It was Ronan asking if I was helping at the festival, are you?" As he asked he began taken off his jacketed and then his swear soaked v-neck. "I picked a horrible day to wear black. Joking as he fanned his shirtless self with a napkin. Looking out across the lake the water looked tempting, but he had no swim clothes with him, I could just swim in my underwear, it's not like I've never changed in front of him before. "I'm going for a swim." Standing up he began talking off his shoes, socks, and pants as he was walking towards the end of the pier. Stopping he took in a long breath before jumping in.

Splash! When first entering he opened his eyes to look underwater as a few fish swam by. It was calm and quiet down there, but he needed air so he popped his head back up to the surface. "Come in, the water feels amazing!" Shouting he pushes his arms to keep him afloat and maneuvered himself so he could see Ramses.

"As your best friend it's my duty to know you. If I knew nothing about you then well... I would be a terrible best friend." Leslie replied to Ram as he continued dipping his onion rings. Ram couldn't help but mirror Leslie's grin. Just as Leslie knew a lot about Ramses, Ram knew a lot about Leslie. They hadn't always been as close as they were now, in fact Ram had been better friends with Leslie's younger brother Ronan for most of his life. Then after Leslie's return from his travels the two had hit it off, moving from friends to best friends.

Knowing someone as well as Leslie knew Ram, he knew that his promise to pay Leslie back for the food would be refused. Leslie shook his head,
"You know when I do something for you I want nothing in return, but your happiness." Leslie's reply brought a smile to Ram's face, while his answer to Ram's suggestion about riding the Ferris Wheel brought on a large grin.
"You're talking to a guy that stayed like three days in the Cinderella castle... not the manliest thing I've ever done, but rides are always fun... I haven't been to a festival since I was fourteen, so you have to ride every ride with me and at least pretend you're enjoying it."
If the suggestion had come from anyone else Ram would have refused, but from Leslie all Ramses could do was shrug and shake his head. He could tell that Leslie was determined and perhaps Ram would let himself be dragged along onto all the rides.

A second later Leslie reached into his pocket, drawing out and checking his phone.
"It was Ronan asking if I was helping at the festival, are you?" Leslie asked. Ram nodded, his eyes subtly roving over Leslie's bare chest.
"Father has roped me into helping in one of the booths once the festival has started." He replied, "I'm on for an hour shift at the dunking stall." Ram rolled his eyes. He wasn't too happy with being forced into helping, especially given that the dunking stall meant he would be forced to sit above a tank of water as people aimed at a target. If they hit the target his seat would collapse and he would fall into the tank of water.

Still, it was slightly hard to concentrate on anything much with Leslie half naked beside him.
"I picked a horrible day to wear black." Leslie joked, fanning himself with a napkin. Ram grinned. His powers meant that the hotter and sunnier it was the better he felt.
A moment later Leslie announced that he was going swimming. Leslie stood and began stripping until he had reached the end of the pier.
Ramses, laughing at his friend, followed him down the pier. He stopped at the edge, watching as Leslie resurfaced from beneath the water.
"Come in, the water feels amazing!" Leslie shouted from the water. Ramses shook his head at his friend, a playful smile spread across his face.
"You know, I've just showered" Ram protested. A buzzing in his pocket drew his attention away from his friend and to the text message he'd just received from Chione.

'Hello, I was just wondering what everyone was up to for the festival tonight? Anyone want to meet up? I have to work from three to seven, but after that I'm free.'

Glancing quickly at the screen and then at his friend in the water, Ram hastily sent back a reply,


Text sent, Ram placed his phone onto the planks of the dock before pulling his shirt over his head. Next to come off were his shoes and socks, followed by pants. Then, only in his boxers, Ram moved to the edge of the pier. His toes curled around the edge of the plants before, in one graceful arch, he dove into the water. The liquid was cool against his warm skin and he was grinning as he come up for a breath.

"You know, I've just showered" Leslie watched the playful smile grow across his friends face. "So did I and I'm down here floating like a little fish! Just come get your butt down here!" Leslie tried splashing water to hit Ramses, but if course it failed which he imagined it would. The water felt so perfect compared to the heat of today. Keeping his eyes on Ramses he watched him pull out his phone and most likely start texting someone, "You don't have time for that," beginning to rush him he used a threat with a sing-song voice, "if you don't get in I'll get out and push you in!" Laughing Ramses laid his phone down and began stripping. "Woe." His response to a almost naked Ramses was a little louder than it shoulder have been, but he didn't care. Why does he have to be so libidinous to be the same age as my brother? Leslie had a strong metal liking for his best friend, but there was also a secret physical one too. With him and Ronan being the same age he would never think of him as a friend, even though sometimes he had the urge to.

Splash!

He was thrown from his thoughts when a wave over water rushed over head. "Took you long enough!" Splashing water in return at him. Wiping the water from his eyes he laughed looking at the now wet Ram. "What happened to 'I just took a shower'?" Using a mocking voice he splashed him again, "And also," he began giving him a questioning look, "for someone that I normally see only out here on a boat or studying somewhere how did you get muscles," swimming closer to him he pocked his chest, "like that?" Slowly flipping over to his back he began swimming circles around Ramses. "I can see how your leg muscles are so perfect from all the running you do, but your perfectly immaculate abs, what's your secret?" He was indeed curious about how he did stay in shape as he watched him the whole time and also questioning it gave him an excuse to stay at his body without seeming strange. "Like I play basketball a lot so I have to exercise to get strong arm muscles, my leg muscles from the running I have to do as well, and my abs from all the ab workout crap I do."

Sighing he ran his fingers through his hair and looked out towards the sun and the way it shines against the clear water. "I see why you want to live out here, it's so beautiful." Everything was at peace with the only sounds being the crashing waves and the distance songs of birds. Gentle waves made him bobble up and down as the warmth of the sun kissed his exposed body. Breathing softly he closed his eyes. Living out here does seen to be a pleasant idea. Ever since he had returned two years ago he stayed at home with his family, he wanted to move out, but the thought of being alone didn't seem as appetizing as it did years ago. He had learned that being with people you like makes everything more enjoyable. Even though the thought of living alone was to fun he was going to be leaving soon. "I've been looking at available places in town," saying so as his eyes settled back on Ramses, "it's going to be boring living alone, but it's also boring living at home." Giving a laugh he knew he was becoming to old to stay with his parents, he loved them, but he was twenty-four and in his mind he could support himself. He hasn't told anybody else this yet, mainly because if it got back to his parents so soon they'd be upset and sad he was living, but he knew he could trust Ram not to tell anyone else.

---

---

Jade stood quietly behind Alaura as she took control of the situation- like she did every situation."How can we ever repay you?" Alaura asked, and Jade looked to her with a bit of annoyance. It was over just a quick as it had flared, and she was back to staring at the ground. "No, nothing. I don't need to be repaid," Mack replied, adding "I'm glad you're alright Jade." Jade looked up at him and offered a shy, embarrassed smile. Not soon after, she felt a warmth on her hand and turned to notice Quincy, who she offered the same smile to. He leaned in towards Alaura, informing her that he was there to help if she needed. As always. Jade stared at Quincy for a moment as Liam walked up. Quincy was so in love with her sister, so willing and desperate to help or leap at her command. Jade wondered if Alaura even knew about the effect she had on Quincy.


"Okay... Hoping everything is alright. Maybe we should bring Jade back to her home... I know that she probably doesn't want to stay here at least," Liam offered, speaking to her sister as if she weren't there. Jade looked up at him then, but not to glare. She was too numb to be mad at anyone right now, even though she was feeling more and more claustrophobic by the second. Mack began to nod, which drew her attention back to him as he said, "Do you need anything? I can swing by the supermarket and pick up any supplies..." "I don't think there's--" "The doctor said I need prenatal vitamins," Jade cut in, speaking up as she took her hand away from her older sister. "And, I'm pregnant, not crippled. Alaura, don't you have festival decorations to be putting up?" She sighed, aware of the annoyed tone coming out in her voice. She didn't want all these people around-- she just wanted Gwyn. Right now, that's all she wanted- to curl up beside her and die if that'd make a smile lift Gwyn's cheeks.

Jade shook away the thoughts of her ex as she placed a hand on her steadily growing stomach. Just as the doctor had said; her womb was inflating steadily, even as she stood in front of her friends now. She could feel milimeter by milimeter expanding, and her shorts already starting to feel tighter. "Just go back to decorating for the festival, I'm sure they need the help. My house isn't far- I'll walk. I want to walk, Alaura. I need some time to think. Mack, if you could maybe bring the vitamins over later, or give them to me when you see me at the festival- yes, I'm still going, that'd be great." She glanced around once more to everyone standing, staring at her. "Thank you all for being so worried, but I'm healed now, and I'm okay. I was just a little shook up, but Mack totally took care of me so I'm good now, okay? I'll see you all at the festival." With that, and before anyone else could chime in to stop her, she walked out of the clinic and started up the sidewalk to go back to her townhouse, which was as she said fairly close by.

As her door closed behind her, she leaned up against the frame and slowly slid to the floor, sobbing as she held her growing stomach. This was not how she had wanted anyone to find out- at all. It was all just too much: the loss of her girlfriend, not knowing who the father was, everyone finding out that she was pregnant, the idea of facing everyone that night with a beach-ball for a stomach, but above everything else-- almost losing her children. All five of them. Five of them. The idea made her nauseous, and she curled into herself, holding her stomach gently as she wept for everything she had lost.

When she was finally done feeling sorry for herself, she clawed her way back up her door to walk into her bathroom. She slowly stripped down, still sniffling and crying a little as she stared at her naked reflection. Her stomach welled in front of her as her red, puffy, eyes trailed over her form. She had been so beautiful once- now she looked like a cartoon character that had swallowed a beach ball. With a sigh, she showed and dug through her clothes for a larger pair of shorts, and a loose enough top to flow over her new stomach. Luckily the butterfly print managed to cover all of her skin, but it was painfully evident that she was pregnant. There would be no hiding it now. Figuring that she should at least tell her father, Jade scooped up her car keys and headed out of the door. She was about to get in, when she changed her mind. She could walk there, too. She lived on the other side of main street as it was, so it would just be a short walk to the bakery. Before she left, she placed a postit note on her door, in case Mack tried to drop the vitamins off at her house.

With a heavy heart, she put her keys, wallet, and cell into her brown shoulder purse. Walking felt significantly different now that she had so much weight toward her front. She found herself having to lean back just slightly, and felt very comfortable with one hand on her stomach. As she walked down the street, she noticed that most of the decorations had been set up, and the road had officially been blocked off. Good thing she hadn't taken her car. As she entered the bakery, her father came around the counter with a very serious look on his face. "It's been a long time, Bella," he said, his accent still as heavy as the day she was born. She couldn't help but smile warmly, tears swelling in her eyes. "I know, Papa." "I see you bring good news," his tone lifted with his smile as he walked over to her and put his arms around her. "I bet Guinevere is very excited," he chuckled. Bella started to cry all over again at the mention of her ex, throwing her arms around her father in a tight embrace.

She spent the next thirty minutes filling him in on everything he had missed over the past year, and apologized for being so secretive and distant. Mr. Aset sat stone silent on the other end of the patio table, ignoring the coffee one of his helpers had brought them. "You mean you don't know who the father is?" His tone was gentle, but firm, and from years of listening to that combination she could also hear the underlining disappointment. "I've tried to remember, Papa... I really have, but I just... I can't remember at all. I'm scared, Papa. I don't know what to do." Mr. Aset nodded slowly, holding the ultrasound picture in his hand fondly. "That's exactly how I felt when I first found out your mother was pregnant with Alaura. I was terrified. But, I found a way, little bird. Just as you will. You said Alaura already knows of this? Yes, well, then you will certainly have a lot of support. I'm sure April will be happy to hear the news as well." Jade smiled in awe of her father's calm demeanor. He was always so cool- so collect. No wonder Alaura always had her head on her shoulders.

"I have to get back to the bakery, little bird. Lots of baking to be done, the festival is starting soon. You just try to have fun, and relax a little. All there is to be done now is prepare." Jade nodded and stood as her father did, accepting a kiss to each of her cheeks. She felt significantly better. With renewed hope for herself, she made her way through main street which was lined with rides, vendors and food stands now- all frantically trying to set up for the festival. She had been signed up to work the kissing booth by Alaura weeks ago, and she felt a small twist in her stomach. No one was going to want to kiss a pregnant girl. She helped herself to a large pretzel, as she stood on the side walk and pulled out her phone to text for emergency back-up. She couldn't tell Alaura that she wouldn't be able to make it- she'd have to find a replacement.

To: Ariel, Asta, Julian, Leslie, Ronan, Bryce, Chione, Ramses, Fin, Daphne, Izzy, Stephanie.
Message: [GROUP MESSAGE] Hey everyone! I know this is super last minute, but I was supposed to work the kissing booth and get it organized, but... something came up. I have the following time slots that need to be filled, and I would love you forever if you could take a shift? 6:00-6:30, 7:00-7:30, 8:00-8:30, 9:00-9:30, and 10:00-10:30. The thirty minutes between each time the booth will hold raffles- the money goes to the school playground! Martha ((NPC)) will be taking care of the raffles, so after your thirty minutes is up you're free (: Let me know, guys! Again, thanks so much!

Jeeze, what a long text. She sighed a little, and continued to text since she had nothing better to do- and because she was a little lonely.

To:Layla
Message: Thanks for checking on me earlier. I'm okay, by the way. (: I hope we can get to hang out tonight.

To:Gwyn
Message: We need to talk. Please. It's important. - Jbird.

To:Mack
Message: Hey, I don't know if you got my note on the door or not but I'm already downtown for the festival! I went to see my dad at the bakery. He took the news well. Thanks for being so cool earlier, and for taking me to the hospital. I'm glad I have a friend like you.

To: Quincy
Message: Hey... can you do me one more favor? Keep Alaura busy tonight at the festival. I really don't need her breathing down my neck, worried the whole night. I want to have some fun, and she needs to have some fun. I know you're the man for the job. Ps- Thanks again for today, Quincy... meant a lot.

Ram didn't miss the sound of appreciation that escaped Leslie and felt his cheeks redden slightly. Luckily Ram dove into the water, hiding any visible signs of his flushed cheeks.

"Took you long enough!" Leslie said, splashing Ram. Ram laughed, throwing an arm up to protect himself from the onslaught of water.
"The wait was worth it though." He replied once Leslie's playful attack had eased.

"What happened to 'I just took a shower'?... And also, for someone that I normally see only out here on a boat or studying somewhere how did you get muscles like that?" Leslie prodded Ram's chest as he asked his question, before he began to slowly swim in circles around him.
"I can see how your leg muscles are so perfect from all the running you do, but your perfectly immaculate abs, what's your secret? Leslie continued, "Like I play basketball a lot so I have to exercise to get strong arm muscles, my leg muscles from the running I have to do as well, and my abs from all the ab workout crap I do." Ramses had to agree that Leslie was in fine physical shape.

"Have you ever been sailing?" Ramses asked, his arms and legs beating against the lake water to keep himself above the surface. He turned himself around slowly, following Leslie, "There's ropes to pull, a boat to steer and sails to arrange. Believe me, I get plenty of opportunities to work on my abs." Ram patted his abdomen, before glancing a Leslie's,
"Although perhaps I should take up ab workouts, or else I'll never get a body like yours."

"I see why you want to live out here, it's so beautiful." Leslie remarked. He closed his eyes and relaxed in the water. Ram had to resist the urge to reach out and touch him. A moment later he reopened his eyes,
"I've been looking at available places in town... it's going to be boring living alone, but it's also boring living at home." He said. Ram, who had just moved out of home himself, could understand wanting some independence.
"You could always move in with me." Ram said casually. His place was small but there was room for another person. Then again perhaps Leslie already had an idea of where he wanted to live, or who he wanted to live with. Ram suddenly felt a pang of anxiety pierce through him. Perhaps his question had been too hasty and forward.

Thankfully a buzzing from his cellphone gave Ram a good excuse to turn from Leslie. He swum to the pier and pulled himself up. He sat with his legs hanging from the side of the pier and reached back to grab his phone, thinking it might be a message from Chione. Instead the message was from Bella Aset, asking if Ram could take on a shift at the kissing booth. Why she asked him, he couldn't say, given that the two hardly knew each other. Either way he wasn't inclined to volunteer his time, even if she had been a friends. The kissing booth was not his cup of tea.
Quickly he sent back a reply.

'No thanks. Already working the dunking booth'

"Jade Aset just asked if I wanted to work in the kissing booth tonight. I'm already booked in to help at father's stall though." Ram told Leslie, wondering if he had got the same message. He felt odd about the thought of Leslie kissing someone else. "Did she ask you too?

---

---

Tut walked aimlessly through the town, eventually ending up in the main street. People were buzzing about, setting up for the festival. He stopped at the end of the street, shoving his hands into his pockets. There wasn't anything to do today, he didn't have to work, but because of the festival everyone was either out helping or meeting up with the people they'd spend enjoying the festival with. Tut wasn't exactly most people's choice for an event like this, but this of course left him out in the cold a bit.

With nothing better to do than stand around looking at the people who set up the festival he decided he might as well pitch in... and perhaps start planning his fun of course. He smirked as he started walking towards the nearest elder, ready to ask where he could help when his phone buzzed in his pocket.

From: Bryce
Was gonna spend some of it with Layla, prob, but we can still meet up. Planning on chaos?

Tut nearly face palmed himself, how could he have forgotten? Bryce had a girlfriend, of course he'd be hanging out with her at the lantern festival. Idiot. He chuckled to himself and began his reply.

To: Bryce
Sorry man, didn't think of that. But yeah, maybe later. And you know it! Give me a buzz when you're free to hang. :)

With that sorted Tut continued to approach the nearest elder, "Uhh... Excuse me? Anywhere I could help out?"

The elder blinked at him, as if not believing her ears before pointing him towards one of the booths that had started being constructed. With a smile he walked over and helped set up. It was better than sitting his his apartment twiddling his thumbs, that's for sure.

---

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---

---

Chione had barely left the apartment building when her phone went off in her pocket. She fished it out only to have it buzz two more times before she even had the chance to unlock it to look at the first. She smiled as she spotted the first two names, her smile turning into a look of confusion upon seeing the third. She wasn't often texted by anyone beside her brother or her three friends, but here it was, clear as day, a message from Jade.

Curiosity getting the better of her she opened that one first.

From: Jade
Hey everyone! I know this is super last minute, but I was supposed to work the kissing booth and get it organized, but... something came up. I have the following time slots that need to be filled, and I would love you forever if you could take a shift? 6:00-6:30, 7:00-7:30, 8:00-8:30, 9:00-9:30, and 10:00-10:30. The thirty minutes between each time the booth will hold raffles- the money goes to the school playground! Martha will be taking care of the raffles, so after your thirty minutes is up you're free (: Let me know, guys! Again, thanks so much!

She blinked in surprise, a kissing booth? Under normal circumstances she would have ignored the message and let the other 11 people she'd messaged fill in the slots. After all, who'd want to kiss her? But remembering the accident from earlier in the morning Chione couldn't help but feel sorry for the poor girl. It seemed the accident had been worse than she'd thought, she should have gone over and helped, crowd or not.

With a sigh she replied.

To: Jade
I can take the 7:00-7:30 slot. Are you OK? I saw the accident earlier.

Her stomach churned as she sent it, that was probably the words idea she'd had all day. But she felt like she needed to make up for not helping out earlier. Even the scales as it were. With a sigh she opened the text from Gwyn.

From: Gwyn
I'm going- there's supposed to be an excellent Jazz band playing. We can hang out during it?

She smiled, quickly replying to the text. Of course Gwyn was going to be there if a Jazz band was present. She chuckled as she sent the text.

To: Gwyn
No worries. I just got roped into helping out with the kissing booth. Meet you by the Jazz band round about 7:30?

Her smile widened as she opened Ram's text, trying not to laugh at the image of him falling into the tank of water. If she was lucky, the kissing booth would be nearby and she'd get a look of him falling in. That would be priceless.

From: Ram
I'm at the dunking booth from six thirty to seven thirty. I can meet you after that.

To: Ram
Alright :) I told Jade I'd help out with the kissing booth from 7:00-7:30, so I guess we could meet after that?

With that sorted Chione made her way into the main street, since she was apparently in a helpful mood, might as well aid in the setting up.

"Have you ever been sailing?" "We both know I have a few times with you." Chortling he gave all his attention to him as the watched each other. "There's ropes to pull, a boat to steer and sails to arrange. Believe me, I get plenty of opportunities to work on my abs." He gave a playful roll of the eyes at Ramses' small gloat, he always found it cute when he bragged about himself in the smallest ways.
"Although perhaps I should take up ab workouts, or else I'll never get a body like yours." He liked the sound of that, Ramses thought he had a nice body, I love yours. There was always things Leslie would find himself thinking about Ramses but would never say, like how good he looked some days or how perfect he smelled when the wind blew his scent near Leslie, things like this he knew to keep to him. "Your bodies perfect, Ram. You don't need to change anything." Leslie had loved the way Ramses looked since they meet, he was also so mature looking to be his brothers age, breathtaking.

"You could always move in with me." With such a causally asking he knew he was just trying to be a good friend and the thought of living with him and being with him more often sounded good. Even though Leslie did have a handful of friends around town the way he liked them could never compare towards his feelings to Ramses, nothing really could. "That sounds good, but are you sure?" He knew the house boat wasn't the smallest, but it wasn't the biggest either and he wouldn't want to take up to much space. He had been in it a few times with Ramses, maybe even stayed a life, but he never thought of living with him. Squinting his eyes on Ramses he grinned, "I would love staying with you, it sounds fun!" By that time Ramses had excused him and started heading back to the pier Well then. Making a tsk noise at his departure it was followed by a sigh, then Leslie swimming after him. After Ramses was on the pier Lucas then placed both of his hands on the wood to pull himself up then rolled over to sit. Ramses then picked up his phone and started looking at something Another text from Chione I wonder. Knowing none of it was his business he just sat there and looked over Ramses as he did whatever. Watching over his body and he attention to how his chest slightly puffed up when he was breathing, the way water was dripping down his body, and on his chest was a small leaf that caused Leslie to snicker, Cute.

"Jade Aset just asked if I wanted to work in the kissing booth tonight. I'm already booked in to help at father's stall though." When he first heard the word kissing booth in the same sentences as referring to Ramses being in one he tensed up, he didn't like the thought of him kissing a lot of the other girls in town, It is uncomfortable to think about that with Ramses being my friend and all. Coaching himself in his mind he felt that way because they were friends he knew better, he knew that the thought of him kissing others would make him jealous, but that's another thing he would never say. When he then said he wasn't going to Leslie felt himself relax Thank the gods. "Did she ask you too?" Grinning he pointed to his pants that were a little but away, "How could I know if my phones over there and I'm over here," joking he pushed him lightly, "and besides I'd be a waste of money. I've never kissed anyone before, so if I were to do it I would have to have someone help me practice," getting inches away from Ramses' face he narrowed his eyes on his and started to talk in a fake Australian accent for whatever reason, "now doesn't that seen like a lot? Let alone the fake I'd have to hunt down someone that didn't mind to help and the last time I checked my brain the people that like me wouldn't be very willing to help or in fact admit their feelings." Referring to his powers at the end he was joking, he knew a lot of things by just thinking about them long enough, but something's he didn't want to know the answer before hand he just liked to wait it out. Without moving his head or gaze he ran his hand across Ramses' chest then causally down his abs, just so he could feel them, then held up the leaf he had collected, "Someone's not very observant."

"We both know I have a few times with you." Leslie replied. "Your bodies perfect, Ram. You don't need to change anything." He added a moment later, much to Ram's delight. There was nothing like getting a compliment from someone that made butterflies flutter in your stomach.

"That sounds good, but are you sure?... I would love staying with you, it sounds fun!" Leslie added a moment later in reply to Ramses' offer. Already pulling himself up onto the docks, Ram couldn't help the relieved smile that flitted across his face.
"It's small, but we could make it work" Ram said, "Besides, I couldn't think of anyone I'd rather live with."

Leslie pulled himself up onto the pier after Ramses, "How could I know if my phones over there and I'm over here," Leslie said, giving Ram a playful shove. Ram bit his lip, of course Leslie hadn't got the message yet. Ramses usually didn't make errors like that, but around Leslie his logic seemed to go out the window.
"and besides I'd be a waste of money. I've never kissed anyone before, so if I were to do it I would have to have someone help me practice," Leslie's face moved closer and his voice took on an Australian accent, "now doesn't that seem like a lot? Let alone the fact I'd have to hunt down someone that didn't mind to help and the last time I checked my brain the people that like me wouldn't be very willing to help or in fact admit their feelings."
Ram could think of one person that would be very interested in 'teaching' Leslie how to kiss. Ram's eyes fell to Leslie's lips, wondering what it would be like to kiss him.

A moment later all thoughts left Ram's mind as Leslie's hand ran down Ram's chest.
"Someone's not very observant." Leslie said, holding up a leaf. Ram felt a swell of disappointment as Leslie's hand left Ram's skin. He couldn't help the sigh that escaped his lips at the loss of contact. His life seemed to be filled with these half touches, all frustrating reminders of how close the two were but also how far away.

He tried to hide the sigh of disappointment by stretching his arms over his head and lying back on the dock. Sunlight poured over his body, the warmth seeping through. His eyes roved over Leslie's muscled back, drinking in the sight of the water dripping down its contours. Ram's hand reached out and gently pulled off the small specs of debris stuck to Leslie's skin,
"And someone should check themselves first" He said playfully, his hand lingering slightly longer than necessary. He paused, hesitating and wondering whether what he was about to say was too forward. In the end he took a breath and rolled onto his side, an arm supporting his head.
"You know if you wanted help learning how to kiss, I could help" Ram watched Leslie carefully, judging his reaction, "I mean I can tell you... I've had some practice..."
In the end he simply stopped talking, not wanting to dig himself into a hole.

"And someone should check themselves first" Looking down he didn't notice how dirty he had been himself, "Well thank you, I guess in a term you're my Egyptian Plover." Chuckling at his on joke he shut his eyes to Ramses' touch. The feeling of having him against his skin always put Leslie in a better mood and a mixture of different emotions. He was happy and confused and always conflicted to tell him to stop. He never wanted the you he's to stop, but the touches were always friendly, he wanted more than that.

His hand moved back and forth between his chest and abs and then just lingered before leaving. "You clean to fast." Meekly giving a smile he opened his eyes to peer back over at Ramses. "At least now we're both clean, but we could always use another shower." They may have appeared clean, but Leslie knew well enough they needed to shower, and he had also heard before all the showers in the club were side by side like the ones in locker rooms. He wasn't sure if that were true or not, but if it were he wouldn't mind watching Ramses shower.

"You know if you wanted help learning how to kiss, I could help" Out of rare occasion did he ever blush, that moment was one of them. Leslie's whole face was engulfed by different hues of red. Him kissing Ramses was something he had been wanting to do for a while now, he had hinted before but was it now only getting through? "I mean I can tell you... I've had some practice..." Rolling his eyes he gave a face of duh. He thought that Ramses had finally caught on after years of hinting, but no. That was very irritating to Leslie. "You are the biggest tease I've ever meet in my life!" It was a let down, enough to make him mad that he wasn't inferring the two of them kissing. "And who the heck have you kissed?" He was unaware of Ramses' prior relationships, it was something that had never came up but knowing he had kissed others made him upset.

Noticing himself getting upset he took a deep breath and smiled, "That came off kind of... gay and hostile, I'm sorry." Now guilt was his emotion, and jealousy. Glancing between the dock and Ramses' eyes he gave a sigh. If I want something I'll have to get it myself. Rising to his knees he took Ramses' shoulder that was in the air and laid him back down to his back. Slowly climbing on top of Ramses he straddled him. When sitting on top he stared at his friend not sure if he should continued what he wanted to do. This could ruin our friendship if he doesn't agree. With a deep breath he lowered down until he was chest to chest with him "I've been wanting to do this for a while." Whispering against his lips he finally kissed him.

With never kissing anyone before he wasn't sure if he was good, but he had seen people do it thousands of times and knew the basics. With a slight part to his lips he caught Ramses' too lip between them, then his bottom, and finally his mouth caved around the openings of Ramses' mouth as Leslie forced his tongue inside. As he kissed him he let his hands wonder freely against Ramses' skin, he was so warm and nice to the touch. He wasn't normally so forward, but he had waited and hinted for this for so long and when he was determined for something he'd getting it, he just hoped this wouldn't ruin their friendship.

Ramses didn't miss the flush that appeared on Leslie's face when Ram mentioned kissing.
'You are the biggest tease I've ever meet in my life!' Leslie said. Ram bit his lip as he watched Leslie,
'And who the heck have you kissed?'
Ram shrugged, "Girls, boys... not many, but enough." He wasn't one to brag, especially when he could see that Leslie was getting irritated.

Then Leslie appeared to calm himself down, "That came off kind of... gay and hostile, I'm sorry."
Ram shook his head, Leslie didn't need to apologise for anything. Ram was about to enforce this with words when Leslie shifted, getting to his knees. His hand pushed against Ram's shoulder, pressing him back against the wooden pier. Ram's breathe left him in one short gasp of nerves as Leslie straddled Ram. Leslie seemed to paused, as if hesitating. All Ram could think was, 'Don't stop' .

And then Leslie was lying above him, their naked chests touching. Ram felt his heat thudding. As Leslie whispered to him, Ram didn't feel scared, or nervous, instead he felt excited. And then Leslie's lips were on his. Ram let his own lips follow Leslie's lead, opening as Leslie pushed his tongue in.
Ram had kissed people before, but none had set his lips on fire like Leslie was. Leslie's hands wondered across Ramses' skin, setting every inch he touch ablaze. Ram's own hands explored Leslie's back, tracing down the contours.

Ram pulled back briefly, his eyes pulling themselves away from Leslie's lips to make eye contact.
“Are you sure you’ve never kissed anyone before because that was... perfect” Ram said, the last part becoming slightly breathless. A slow grin spread across his face as he looked up at Leslie, “Although, there are a few more things you could do to improve...” Ram's hands wound around Leslie’s neck, drawing him back down, “Let me show you...”

It was only when Ram heard the bells of the town's clock ringing midday did he pull back from Leslie. He pushed himself up on his elbows, a sheepish smile on his face.
“Dad expects me at the festival soon.” He said, regretting every word but knowing that if he skived off his father would never let him hear the end of it. Besides, Ram wasn't the type of person to forget a promise. “I told him I'd help set up the stall too.” He explained. Slowly he pulled himself out from under Leslie, enjoying every part that accidentally bumped against the older boy.

He stood up and collected his clothes in one hand. He noticed that he had received a text from Chione, but he chose not to check it. Instead he turned back around to Leslie. It was a wonder what a kiss from the guy you liked could do. Ram was usually confident, except when it came to taking the first step. Now however he reached forward and took Leslie's hand. There was a playful grin on his face as he gently tugged on the hand, jerking his head in the direction of the sailing club. "Come on, the sailing club is empty. Why don't we hit the showers and I help you get the rest of that lake debris off?"

---

---

---

---

Mack was shaking his head as a pair of helpers moved a beam of wood into place,
"Watch where you're..." He started to warn the pair before, crash! the beam hit another pile of poles and sent them rolling across the road. Luckily most of the street was blocked off from pedestrians so there was little need for Mack to run screaming after them. Instead he simply pointed after them to the pair that had caused the crash.

A moment later a voice made him turn and he found Dehlilah Cyprus standing behind him.
"Um, hey I didn't want to interrupt but um can you ask the girl, my friend ran into if she's ok?" She sounded nervous, or perhaps she was just breathless from running across the street.
"Jade. Her name is Jade." Mack said. He felt uncharacteristically defensive of Jade. He was a friendly guy, he didn't take too many things to heart and was easily able to brush off most insults. But the crash this morning had almost cost Jade her babies and in his eyes Dehlilah had been more concerned with getting Antonio into the restaurant than caring for the hurt girl. Still, the fact that she was here asking after Jade meant that Mack's voice wasn't cold, it was simply lacking its usual warmth.

"I would have helped, but I didn't know if you'd want us... To put our noses in your business," Mack wondering who 'our' was meant to be, Dehlilah and Antonio? Mack shook his head slightly. He was about to argue that it had only been 'his' business because he had been concerned, but decided to hold his tongue. He liked Dehlilah well enough, from the little he had seen of her around town. Besides a moment later she looked over her shoulder. She said goodbye, placed a hand on his arm and added "Thanks, seriously," before leaving.

After she left Mack turned back to the set-up, shaking his head as he saw that in the few minutes his attention had been elsewhere all chaos had erupted...



Mack sat back, enjoying the cool beer in his hand as he watched the cordons open and the first residents enter the festival. Mack was at one of the stalls set up outside the bar, fairy lights twinkled above his head and the setting sun was caught and held by the string of mirror-like, plastic crystals that were twined around a nearby lamp post. Soon enough the whole street would be lit by the fairy lights and street lamp, creating a magical setting for the night's festivities.

Mack's hangover of the morning was well and truly gone. In fact, if he found the right people he wouldn't be against making an event out of tonight. He finished his beer and signaled for the bar keep who passed him another. He popped it open, appreciating the tsk of goodness being released.
"To a good night." He said to the bar keep, tilting his bottle in a salute. He returned his gaze to the street, took a sip and leaned back, waiting for the night to begin.

[img]http://25.media.tumblr.com/tumblr_m36kyeNR9G1qb9n2vo1_500.gif[img][/img]While he was against his lips he could feel himself softly moan from the pleasure. Shortly he felt the other end drift away causing him to open his eyes as he gently panted. “Are you sure you’ve never kissed anyone before because that was... perfect” Good. He meant to speak but at the moment he was still in a haze, but who couldn't be after kissing someone as amazing as Ram? He had been waiting for a while, but always doubted his feelings would be rejected. I should have said something soon! “Although, there are a few more things you could do to improve...” With hands around Leslie's neck he was pulled back down towards Ramses with a smirk, he was always into learning. “Let me show you...”

For a moment the world had paused just around the two of them until the bells for midday started playing throughout town Stupid bells. Looking down at Ram he couldn't help but smile at the face he was receiving figuring he didn't want their fun to end either. “Dad expects me at the festival soon.” "It's fine, I know you promised your dad you would." “I told him I'd help set up the stall too.” The explanation wasn't need from him already knowing this, but he didn't stop him from talking because he loved to hear his voice.

With Ramses propped on his arms he slowly began to make his way out from under Leslie. He liked the way he would touch him as he moved outward and with every touch he wanted to grab him and pull him back under. To him the best part of all was knowing his feelings were returned and that they would be living together, meaning these kind of things could continue happening over and over and over again.

Sitting back up on his knees his eyes loomed on Ram getting his clothes and then returning back to him. Unexpectedly his hand was taken and he was risen from the ground to meet Ram. Getting a playful smile from him he knew something was up, "Come on, the sailing club is empty. Why don't we hit the showers and I help you get the rest of that lake debris off?" Maybe I was right about those showers after all. With a smirk back he decided he would come back to get his clothes later, they were unimportant at the moment. "I do love to be clean." With a devilish smile he allowed himself to be pulled to the sailing club excited for what was to follow.

Midday

When he had returned to his house he was extremely exhausted from his long morning with Ramses, but he wouldn't dare complain about the fun he had. He was in his room getting ready trying to pick out the perfect outfit. He knew it couldn't be anything fancy because he was going to a festival, but he didn't want to down grade his looks either. I should have picked out an outfit this morning. Think to himself he tapped puckered lips as his eyes glanced every inch of his closet. I guess you'll do. Pulling out a grey sweater from one end, blue jeans from the other, and black converses and from his shoe rack he began to dress his already stripped body.

Once his outfit was on he went over and looked at himself in the mirror to make sure he looked fine. I look pretty dapper. Thinking he looked fine he put on his sunglasses then pulled out his phone.



Taking his time he stared at the screen unsure if he should send it. Is this to much? He could have stood there and questioned himself all day, but he forced himself to send it. After today he wasn't sure where they stood anymore. He knew they were best friends, but were they dating now or what? Leslie didn't want to ask he'd just wait and see, but he just hoped they were more now.



It didn't take long for him to arrive to the festival and boy did it look fun. He had been waiting ten years for another one of these, and it kind of made him feel old. He had been fourteen the last time around, but that didn't mean he couldn't have as much fun now as he did then. He knew this year he'd spend it with Ramses, making it the best year yet.

While there he began looking around for the dunking booth and Ramses knowing he's be near it since he was working it. The search wasn't to long before finding it. "Hey!" Saying so as he walked over to the booth with his hands in his pockets. "Having fun?"

---

Blop!

At the odd noise Ariel's eyes barely opened to look at her surroundings. She had been sleeping in her hammock with a light swinging motion that had rocked her to sleep. Sitting up she yawned and stretched her arms out to pop them and her back. What a nice little nap! Looking over at her night stand she noticed she had two unread text, picking her phone up she read the first one:



Reading over it she looked at the time. It's almost one! Getting out of bed she began to text back as she rushed to her bathroom.



Once in the bathroom she looked over herself, her clothes weren't wrinkled, her makeup was fine, but she could always fix the once flattering curls that now looked like a mess. Plugging in the curler iron she looked at the other text from Bella that she quickly dismissed.

When the light from the curler shined green for hot She picked it up and began wrapping medium sections around the medium sized barrel. Curl faster! Looking back down at her phone for the time it was 1:05, That's not to late, unless you're trying to impress someone! With the sections she was doing she finished her her soon and broke the pieces apart with her fingers to create small sections of curls.

Rushing out of the bathroom she made sure to get her phone and wallet and dart out if her room, down the stairs, then to the street rushing passed a few people.

When the pier was in view she slowed down some going from a run to a face paced walk. "Sorry I'm," she looked down at her phone for time, "ten minutes late!" Going over to him quickly she gave him a hug then released looking at him with a smile.

The day had passed quickly, thankfully, as Asta had been waiting for the festival to begin since the sun rose. Now, the time finally 5pm, she was wolfing down her dinner.
"You're going to make yourself sick eating like that" her mother scolded, clicking her tongue in annoyance. Asta gave a playful pout,
"But mum, the fair is starting now. I don't want to miss any of it" Asta replied between a mouthful of her father's signature dish of roast chicken. Mother Falr gave an exasperated huff but didn't say anything further, after all she could well remember the days when such a festival had excited her. Asta grinned, revealing - much to the disgust of her mother - the half eaten mess in her mouth.
"Asta..." Her mother began in warning. Asta let out a short giggle, clearly she wasn't about to take any sort of warning seriously.

A moment later, her meal finished, Asta leaped up from the table and headed for the door.
"Don't forget your cardigan!" her mother called after her.
"Thanks Mum!" Asta called, running back up to her room and grabbing the item. She had changed after her day at work, wanting to be fresh for the festivities tonight. Her new outfit was colourful and completely Asta.
Cardigan in hand Asta finally made it out the door, shouting a hurried good bye to her parents. No doubt she would see them at the Lantern Festival too.

The walk from her house to the main street wasn't long. She could hear the sounds of the festival already. It made her excited and the girl increased her walking pace. As she walked she pulled her phone out, realised that she had missed a text from Daphne.



Asta stopped in the street and quickly sent back a reply,



While her phone was out Asta sent another text. This one went to Bryce. Apart from this morning when he'd cycled past the bookstore Asta hadn't seen him at all.



Bryce was her best friend and, for sometime, secret crush. There was little Asta could do in the romantic department though, Bryce was firstly her friend. She wouldn't ever want to do anything that threatened to ruin their friendship and also Bryce was going out with Layla. Come to think of it Bryce and Layla would probably be at the festival together. Asta shrugged and set off again.

Five minutes later she was briskly walking down by the docks, aiming for the figure that she assumed was Daphne. The sun was setting, its light hitting the lake's water and making the waves sparkle.
"It's such a lovely evening." Asta called over to Daphne when the other girl was in ear shot. "It should be a clear night too."
Asta was so focused on greeting her friend that she missed the fishing equipment that someone had left out on the docks. With a great show of uncoordinated Asta managed to get her feet tangled amongst the fishing gear and before she knew it she was falling. Her hands went out to soften the landing and found themselves landing on what appeared to be a fish hook. With a thump she landed on the ground.
"Bugger" Asta said, as she inspected her hands and the fish hook she had landed on. Unsurprisingly, given her invulnerability, her hand had come out better than the fish hook. The hook was twisted beyond use and slightly dented when her hand had squashed it against the planks. With a guilty glance around Asta replaced the fish hook in the gear, quickly untangled herself and then rushed over to Daphne.

"Ah, so who are we waiting on?" She asked as she surreptitiously dusted herself off.

---

It had been the thoughts of Ram's wonderful morning with Leslie that had got him through the tedious hours of stall set up with his father. The work had been dull, made even worse by the fact that Ram knew he would be the one to test the stall out when it opened at 7:00pm. Still, all he had to do with think of Leslie's soft lips on his and the tedium seemed to disappear.

It was several hours later that Ram found himself sitting by the stall, waiting for Leslie to show up. He was still wearing what he had on this morning since he hadn't had time to go home and change.
He had received Leslie's text, which had sent butterflies whirling around his stomach.

'I'm on my way to the festival, be looking for me. Love you.'

'Love you' The words had reverberated around Ram's head as he waited. Love was a strong emotion and a large step to take, after all the two had only just had their first kiss... and yet Ramses felt that it was right. He himself had had feelings for Leslie for some time. Although the might have only just expressed their feelings for each other, the love had been there for much longer. So, with a shaking hand, Ram had sent back his own declaration,



It felt good to text it and Ram knew that it would feel even better to say it to Leslie face to face. He didn't have to wait long. Soon enough Ramses spotted Leslie making his way through the crowd. Ram stood up and moved from behind the stall to meet Leslie,
"Hey!... Having fun?" Leslie asked. Ram smiled and gave a shrug.
"I've just been waiting for you" He replied before indicating the stall, "It doesn't open until seven so I haven't had much to do yet."
Ram slung an arm over Leslie's shoulder and drew him quickly forward, planting a kiss on his lips,
"What do you say we try out those rides you said you'd take me on?"
He said as he pulled his face away, if not his arm.