July 20th - 1:03pm

A/N: Don't get me wrong, I like this book and the plot I have planned out- but good god writing all these characters is a ball-ache
And I don't even HAVE balls

                                                                                                              "¿Porqué tenemos que estar aquí?" Augustin (Emmanuel's son) grumbled to his wife Renata who was holding the hand of their daughter, Emilia. She just laughed softly at her husband, he was a tall, buff, built man yet the most introverted person she had ever met. She loved him the same nonetheless, even if he'd rather spend time with his wife and daughter than the rest of his very large family. When she first started dating him she was a little overwhelmed when meeting family member after family member, after all she grew up in a care-system with no biological family to speak of. Still, she wouldn't give this up for the world. They were all extremely welcoming, most were very loving, especially Augustin when he wasn't shying away in public.

"Because Emilia can't be cooped up inside while her cousins all go" she replied back, squeezing her six year olds hand. Every single younger member of the family had been given strict orders by the boss of the house, Roman's mother Sofia, to spend the day together in town. She didn't care what they did, as long as it was mostly outside and away from home. Augustin let out another sigh.

Emilia looked up, "does dada not like it?" She questioned gently, Renata smiled and scooped her cute child into her arms, kissing her nose. "He's just uncomfortable around crowds, sweetie. Nothing to worry about" Emilia frowned and gazed at her father, reaching out to hold his hand. "Don't worry, dada, I gots you!" She reassured and both of her parent's hearts exploded. Augustin pressed a kiss to her forehead, "thank you, Emi" he smiled warmly and she giggled.

The very large group of family members were currently idly strolling through the park. Some other occupants doing about their day-to-day lives didn't even take a glance, large families weren't that surprising in the area. Although any tourists that caught a glimpse would let their jaw slack and eyes widen; unbeknownst to them there were more at home.

Currently the teenagers were at the front, they didn't want to be lost between the family. Harper was conversing happily and smoothly with Daniel and Samantha, mostly cracking jokes with the latter but after becoming friendly Daniel had opened up quite a bit and wasn't so awkward anymore, pleasing both his parents (Isabella and James). Samantha's parents (Valentina and Ava) were extremely happy for their daughter too, they both hated when she was alone and didn't have anyone her age to talk to. She was very extroverted and rarely has moments where she wants to be alone.

"Listen" Samantha gestured aimlessly, "my friends a whore. There's nothing much I can do-"

"Friend!?" Harper interrupted ludicrously, "you lost your virginity to her!"

Samantha threw back her head to laugh, "okay, okay, maybe we're both whores-" while Daniel and Samantha laughed across the pathway walked Gabriel, arms crossed over his chest, grumbling under his breath. He wanted to join in but ever since his first awkward (and offensive) conversation with Daniel he didn't have the guts to go over and talk. He didn't want to make the atmosphere awkward, nor did he want them to just stop talking. That was worse than painfully listening to their laughter.

Instead he tried to focus on the family around him, his parents Amelia and Matthew were able to get out of the family get-together and stay home due to their older age, the same for his aunt Abigail and her husband Mason. Their son Oliver was twenty four, old enough to take himself out. Besides, he's gotten close with Rodrigo, Gabriel thinks that's his name anyway - Pablo's son (Pablo being Alejandro's brother) - listening him recall his adventures across the world, he's visited nearly every single country apparently and wishes to 'complete the globe' which fascinated Oliver immensely. Apparently Ollie was the only one.

His other aunts, Camila and Aria were here along with their husbands as their children were still young and needed adult supervision, but he didn't want to talk to them, or his older siblings. It would be adult talk and as a sixteen year old that shit was boring. He'd rather drown.

Speaking of drowning- they were coming up across a bridge. It was built over a deep looking river that ran through the park, Gabriel had taken a few strides ahead to give him a chance to look over the side. It was murky, unsurprisingly, so he couldn't see much - other than his reflection.

While the family walked on by from the corner of his eye he saw Fern. The two month old baby belonging to Paula and Hayden. Paula the daughter of Zoe and Mila. She was sitting in a push-chair, gazing at the river through the bars of the fence saving anyone from falling in. Gabriel slowly turned his head and watched the next few moments play out like they were from a movie. Fern, with her teddy in hand, reached between the bars and giggled softly as she lost grip. The teddy flew through the air before splashing into the water, barely making a 'plop' sound. Paula and Hayden cut their conversation short when Fern suddenly began to scream and cry, wailing for her teddy.

The family stopped and looked over.

"¿Qué pasa?" Antonella questioned, her daughter Lucia watching between her mothers legs. "Fern debio haber soltado su peluche!" Paula responded while Hayden looked over, and nodded gravely. "Shoot, she's not going to stop crying till she gets it back" Paula worried, trying to calm down a screaming Fern but it was no use. Gabriel looked over his shoulder to see Samantha, Harper and Daniel all watching the scene and in that moment he realised how he would win back any sort of good reputation he could have with them.

Walking over to his brother Virgil he handed him his phone, "uh... look after this?" He said, more like a question. Virgil rose his eyebrow questioningly but shrugged and shoved it into his pocket. "Oh! Crying babies are my kryptonite" Roman whined, but Gabriel ignored his complaining and walked to the other side of the bridge, stripping off his t-shirt. No one noticed due to them facing the other way, only whipping around when they heard a much louder splash.

Harper's eyes widened, "Gabriel!?" She yelled, noticing his shirt on the ground. She rushed over but Gabriel had already swam across to the other side.

"What are you doing!?" Virgil yelled, but Gabriel blocked them out. The teddy had sunk which of course it did, taking in a big breath he sunk under water down to the bottom (which was about seven feet) then rummaged around on the ground which wasn't the nicest feeling in the world. Above water the Spanish were all blabbering in their language while Gabriel's relatives all watched in silent concern.

"Your brother is definitely a dumbass" Samantha commented, Harper sighed, "I know, I wish it weren't true but.." she drifted, running a hand through her hair stressfully.

Under the water, Gabriel could feel his lungs screaming for air, he was ready to swim up but he knew everyone would demand him get out before he could go down again, so he stayed for a few seconds, almost ready to give up when his hand bumped into something soft yet soggy. Grabbing it he kicked his legs against the floor and swiftly swam up, breaching the surface and gasping for air.

"Gabriel! Get out of there!" Camila instantly yelled, "or I'll tug you out by your hair" Aria added, glaring at her nephew. "Please stay safe, darling" Elizabeth added, her arm looped through William's.

"I was getting the stupid teddy" Gabriel quipped back, waving it in the air. "A teddy isn't worth you risking your life!" William growled, "sorry for trying to do a good thing" he yelled, really wishing he found a way to stay home. Sofia may have rule over her family but she couldn't control him. He swam over to the edge to be greeted by Aiden who easily helped him out.

"Thank you" Paula smiled, gently taking the wet, dripping teddy from his hands. "Yeah, you're welcome" he murmured, pushing through the family to pull on his shirt. "Gabriel, that was stupid-"

"Dammit! Can you just leave me alone!?" He whipped around to his sister, brushing his wet hair back. "Yeah, it was stupid, but I did it and surprisingly I didn't die. So just drop it" he huffed and brushed on by, taking his spot at the front yet again. The family carried on walking after the moment but still continued their hurried chatter about it. They didn't expect anyone to jump into the water for a toy.

"Fucking wet shorts" Gabriel huffed, it wasn't like the river was a relief either. It wasn't cold to combat the boiling hot weather, why didn't his brother get married before deciding to return home and make up with everyone? It would've made his life much simpler. While he would've met Roman's family eventually it would have been in different circumstances. Hopefully better ones. Maybe they would have visited his home.

"Hey"

Gabriel was snapped from his thoughts and looked up, reeling back slightly, unexpectedly seeing Daniel. The boy he had hurt. Not intentionally but still hurt... "oh, hey" he replied, dropping his head back down to the floor.

"uh- what you did back there? It was... sweet of you" he explained gently, playing with his earlobe. "Paula and Hayden appreciate it a lot. So does Fern" he chuckled awkwardly, "and everyone is joking about it now. Only your family are really upset, from what I can tell, sorry.."

"Why're you sorry?" Gabriel replied, looking over at him. Daniel again quickly fumbled his earlobe, "for being awkward" Gabriel shrugged, kicking at a pebble on the ground. "You're fine, it's fine, everyone's awkward. It's whatever" he stumbled for words, internally cursing at how stupid he sounded. But a pink glow warmed his cheeks when Daniel giggled beside him.

"Thanks... I can go if you don't wanna talk?" He suggested, Gabriel shrugged. "Do what you wanna do"

"I want to stay with you"

Gabriel nearly choked on his saliva, "w-well.. do that, then"

Daniel giggled again, "you'll dry off soon. We're also nearing a park soon... we can go on the swings together if you want. Swings are the only good thing in a park, after all" he smiled softly, Gabriel's eyes flickered down to his lips for a moment, quickly yanking his head away. "What about slides?"

"In this heat? They'll burn you to death before you even reach the bottom!"

Gabriel snorted, "fine, swings it is. Bet I can beat you in a race"

Daniel laughed, "probably- I don't run. You wouldn't beat Paula though- she's training to be a runner in the Olympics" he explained, glancing over at cousin proudly. "Really? Bet" Gabriel replied, looking over at Paula and ready to make the deal but Daniel's laughter distracted him. He hates how warm it made him feel. Literally, he was hot enough. But then again this was a different warmth, one he's never really felt before. Only when he manages to make his sister Harper feel better when she was upset. He realised that he likes making Daniel laugh, and wants to do it more...

Shaking from his stupider, he yelled; "Paula! Race you to the park?"

The woman laughed heartily, "I won't try, I don't want to embarrass you" she replied back, Gabriel made a noise of offence while Isabella suddenly appeared through the crowd. "I'll race you!" She offered, always one to join a challenge. Gabriel smirked.

"When we can actually see the park" James, Isabella's husband, suggested. Both of them pouted but silently agreed. Gabriel turned back around and caught sight of Daniel's smile. "Don't feel too bad when she wins. We'll still have the swings" while Gabriel rolled his eyes Daniel giggled into his hand, gently playing with his earlobe.

Roman and Virgil watched them at a distance. "Isn't that the cutest?" The prior gushed, pressing the back of his hand to his forehead. "You could just watch it forever! Oh! Young love"

Virgil's eyes widened, "woah, dude, chill. They're obviously just friends"

Roman completely overlooked the rest of what Virgil said, focusing on one word in particular; "did you just... dude me!?" He cried offendedly, taking a step back. "I am your fiancé!" He added and Virgil groaned, purposely speeding away from his soon-to-be-husband who made a variety of offended noise, ready to pick up speed and whine Virgil's ear off but... his eyes caught something. Right from his peripheral. He snapped his head in the direction, what he saw disappearing behind a row of trees. It was across the park from him, crowded by dozen's of strangers.

A shiver ran down his spine; how does this keep happening? It... it couldn't be a coincidence, this was the third time! And it's never happened before. Maybe because he's back in Spain... where he was born, where he spent most of his few years with his biological parents before they up and left to America where he was subsequently taken away and put into fostering.

He looked forward, trying to focus on anything else when; "Roman, ¿que te tiene tan abajo?" Valentina, his younger sister, came up beside him. He tensed, steeling his body to not reveal a shudder. Gritting his teeth, he gently shook his head; "everything's fine" he replied forcefully, Valentina and her wife Ava noticed but before they could ask Roman hurried back to Virgil's side, reaching for his hand and intertwining their fingers.

"You alright, Ro?" Virgil cocked an eyebrow, Roman nodded hurriedly. "Splendid" he replied, Virgil didn't buy it for a second but would rather talk to him about it later.

Ten minutes went by and James had started the race between Gabriel and Isabella, while neither of them ran too often Isabella blatantly ran more than Gabriel did, for she made it to the park way before the teenager. "Ugh- whatever!" Gabriel waved off while Isabella celebrated her easy victory wildly, her son Daniel cheering her on playfully. Gabriel huffed and hurried over to the swings, grabbing one and sitting in another. Daniel noticed and grinned, crossing over the padded ground (to save injuries) taking the swing Gabe had saved.  

"Thank you" he smiled earnestly, Gabriel just shrugged and ducked his head. "Yeah- it's whatever" he mumbled back, flustered. Daniel breathed out a laugh and sat down, the two kicked their legs and were quickly flying back and forth through the air. The rest of the family made their way over, young children instantly cheering and hurrying to play while their parents either watched close up or from the benches. The majority of the family sat on the walls or on the ground, Roman urged Virgil onto the merry-go-round.  

"Roman, we're nearly thirty" he pointed out, Roman simply laughed and sat down on the metal bars. "So!? Where is your sense of childhood?"

"It died when my family ruined it" he replied back bluntly, Roman's face dropped for a second; "well... they say people with trauma makes the best comedians?" He tried to lift the mood, while flimsily it did manage to make his fiancé laugh, sitting opposite him.

"Fine, I'll take that. But you're pushing this thing" he rolled his eyes fondly, Roman made no disagreement and yipped in excitement, twirling around and pushing his feet against the ground, sending the contraption spinning rather quickly. In the end the two were laughing, holding onto the bars lest they fly off.

With the force of speed (and his own willpower) Roman slid around until he was pressed up against Virgil, wrapping an arm around his waist. "I love you" he cooed into his ear, Virgil blushed brightly at the unexpected affection and hid his face in his fiancé chest. Roman made his own comments over how adorable he was while continuing to spin, until his legs grew tired.

"Isabella?" He called, the woman looked up where she played tic-tac-toe.

"I bet you can't spin this thing really fast!" He challenged and she beamed, jumping up and rushing over. James rolled his eyes at the blatant way everyone took advantage of his wife, but he also knew she didn't really care. Being the best at everything was all that mattered. Virgil sighed and gripped onto the metal tightly, "shit" he grumbled, knowing Isabella was about to spin this thing so fast they both might fly off. Roman laughed heartily and kept his arm securely around his boyfriend, as if he were the taller in the rollercoaster seat.

Isabella sent them a wink, grabbed onto it and began to run. Run as fast as she could with the heavy merry-go-ground in her grasp. It became less difficult as she gained speed, but harder to keep her footing. Meanwhile Roman and Virgil were sharing joyous yet fearful yells, wondering when Isabella would give up and let them spin for a few minutes, but it took nearly three before Isabella herself gave up, falling into James' arms who held her up happily.

"That let out some energy?" He joked, Isabella laughed breathily. "Not all of it" she replied, happily watching as her brother and his fiancé span around in a blur, the two of them screaming incoherently.

Meanwhile, Gabriel and Daniel were still contently swinging side by side, Gabriel looked over between a break in their conversation and was suddenly brought back to a childhood memory. "Oh hey! We're in a love-chain" he spoke without really thinking, Daniel looked over in curiosity.

"Love-chain?" He repeated with a cocked head, Gabriel looked the other way and mentally slapped himself. "Yeah- like um...it's-shit... it's nothing, just- when you swing at the same, y'know" he gestured between them, they both were synchronised, "at the same speed or whatever, it means you're in love- it's stupid, everyone was so desperate to get out of it..."  he waved off, "probably just a British childhood thing" he added, as awkward as ever.

Daniel nodded in agreement, "probably, 'cus I have no idea what you're talking about" he joked, but the implication still made him blush. Gabriel shrugged and cleared his throat, "yeah, no, I guessed that.."

"Doesn't mean it's not cute. A love-chain" he smiled softly, gazing off into the distance. "I like it" he concluded, looking over at Gabriel. "Maybe... we don't have to try so hard to.. stop it"

Gabriel's eyes widened and he did a double-take at the boy swinging beside him, still finding himself gazing piercingly at the ground anyway. "W-w-...yeah, whatever you want" he spluttered out, Daniel giggled. While the two did eventually break the chain, not really to their own accord, they were both still happy to talk - even if they were deeply flustered.

When the merry-go-round finally stopped and the two sat on the floor to calm down their dizzy minds and nauseous stomachs, Roman found his hand intertwining with Virgil's.

"Hey, Dearest?"

"Whasss..up, Puppy?" Virgil replied, words slurred. Roman laughed gently, squeezing his hand. "I... can tell you anything, right?"

That brought him back to reality quick, Virgil squeezed his hand tighter. "Of course, anything" he agreed. Roman smiled and let his eyes watch the cloudless sky.

"Good... I love you"

Virgil smiled uneasily, "I love you too.."

He meant every word, but was deeply worried. What was Roman hiding from him?