"See you tomorrow, guys!" I said as I stepped out the car door.

Eric and Flo barely paused to reply in their hurt to get back to their fight. I believe this time it was about which pet has softer paws. Personally, I believed it was a cat but the conversation was too interesting to break up by taking sides.

As soon as I opened the door, I heard another car crunch onto the gravel of the driveway. Surprise passed through me as I turned around to stare at the familiar sports car.

"Wafi?" I spoke up, confused as my brother stepped out of the car. He showed up within ten seconds of them leaving... Was he waiting around the bend?

Maybe I should declare myself as a Water Elemental, atleast then I wouldn't be worried about being compared to Wadi. Who looked every bit the model with sunglasses and perfect hair. If this was an ad for his car, he just got hired.

"Fi." He greeted warmly. I was pulled into a hug as he took his sunglasses off.

I stayed a bit lukewarm to his warm greeting, and pulled away with an awkward pat. "What are you doing?" I spoke with irritation in my voice. He hadn't even called to apologise for that day.

He ran a hand through his hair casually, not a hint of guilt in his eyes. "I'm here to take you to dinner."

I cocked an eyebrow, surprise pushed away the irritation. "Dinner?"

"Yes.
" He smiled wider as he saw my interest. "You know— where you go out to a nice restaurant, eat something healthy, socialise with your family?"

"Wafi, I can't be seen outside with you." I took a step back as I vaguely realised his outfit wasn't him returning from some meeting. It was a casual suit. White shirt, one button open at the collar, navy blue velvet jacket and black trousers. "It's a bit early for me to have dinner, but I could make it right now. I'll have to freshen up first."

Wafi glanced over his shoulder. "Let's continue this inside." I turned to walk in and Wafi closed the door behind him as I walked over to the dining table.

Placing my bag on the table, I went to get a glass of water. "You want something?"

"Fi, come on." I heard a chair scrape back. "Let's go out for dinner. You coming out as my sister out of nowhere would be more suspicious if we've never even been seen together before."

"Well..." I turned around. "I doubt the first thing people might think after seeing me with you will be 'sister'."

"God—" Wafi threw his arms out in frustration. "—you're always so skeptical."

"For good reason, Wafi. My life was, and is, a mess and you turned it upside down when you walked in that gym."

Annoyance passed through his face. "So you would prefer it if you never knew you had family alive?" His tone had a bite in it.

I took a sip of water to stall as I thought of a reply. It was clear I'd hurt him by saying that. In a way, life would be much simpler if I'd never known I was a Royal, but I'd also never know I had a second element. And I hadn't had a reason to regret my small crush on Christopher so far, so even that could be counted as a plus. The training he gave me as well counted for a good part of where I am today.

I sighed. "That's not what I'm saying. I just wish that... when you actually introduced yourself, you did a bit better?" I gave a sheepish smile. "And that it had come at a time I was a bit less stressed."

Wafi's shoulders slumped. "I didn't want to wait. I wanted to tell you. Hell—" his hands flew up halfway and fell back in a half-hearted shrug "I was so happy that I wanted to just scream it. How was I to know you were stressed? But... here you are.

"Here I am." I repeated as I replicated the smile he was giving me. His hazel eyes had gone soft, and I figured mine had too with this warm feeling in my belly. "All's well that ends well."

Wafi unbuttoned his coat as he relaxed a bit into the chair. "You can say that... But I don't think it ends until you're announced as a Royal and finally living in the Palace." He threw an arm out, gesturing lazily. "This place has no security."

"We do have security systems installed."

"Please—" Wafi scoffed "—don't make me laugh." I frowned, but before I could say anything he glanced at his watch and spoke. "We have a while... but you should go change. Christopher is coming too."

My stomach twisted, suddenly worried, yet elated. "Wait, what? You never said he was coming?"

Wafi cocked an eyebrow as he searched my face. "Problem?"

"Not really." The flip-flops in my stomach say otherwise.

"Good. Then go change."

I opened my mouth to argue but let it fall shut as I didn't really know what to argue about. I didn't get to meet Christopher enough these days and I had to admit, I was a bit excited to see him in formals again.

"Dress code?" I asked as I passed Wafi, already flipping through a few options in mind.

"Please wear something classy." He paused thoughtfully before standing up. "On the other hand, let me loo-"

"No!" I snapped. "You go through my cupboard once more I will tear your hands off! I have good clothes and a good fashion sense, so trust me to use both and dress accordingly!"

Wafi gave me a worried look and slowly backed away to his chair. Just to be sure, I glared at him till he was seated before heading upstairs. Sure I dressed way too casual all the time, but I didn't want to burn my good clothes. It was really hard to get that through the skull of a Light user and former trainee Fire Elementalist apparently.

I pulled out a suitcase of clothes I hadn't gotten around to wearing in this dimension yet. Some of them were knockoffs, some of them were the real deal, but most of them were club-hopping types of dresses. It didn't mean I didn't have formal dresses with me, it just meant I didn't have as wide of a selectio. The ones I did have, never fell out of style.

I took my own sweet time to let Wafi soak in his own juices downstairs. There's only so much time you can spend combing out your hair before you leave the room. I can do enough makeup to look good, and hopefully, good enough to meet Wafi's standards. Or he'll end up calling an entire team of professionals to do me up.

Probably not, but if he tells me to sit down and starts brandishing a mascara wand, I'm disowning him. This control over me is unhealthy.

Wafi was already looking towards the stairs as I walked down and took a seat on the last step to tug my heels on. "So, shall we?" I said as I snapped the band of my nude stilettos in a final flourish as I stood up.

"Not bad." Wafi said, placing his phone in his pocket and standing up. "I personally think maybe you should've gone for the high ponytail but this looks good too."

I rolled my eyes and punched his bicep as he walked up to me. "You can't just let me have a simple compliment."

Wafi chuckled, not even fazed by the assault as he pulled the door open for me. "I'm your brother. There's probably a rule somewhere that I'm not even supposed to give you compliments."

I laughed and whacked him again, lightly on his back before turning around to close the door. "The food better be good tonight to make up for that then."

I was a bit nervous as we drove to our destination; which apparently was a really upscale restaurant downtown where reservations were hard to come by. Thanks for making this dinner inconspicuous, Wafi.

It was exactly as I expected. A valet dressed in maroon took Wafi's car keys, a pretty host with a charming smile turned up all the way as she faced Wafi. Her wattage dropped a bit as she turned her pearly whites in my direction as well but I was nice enough to throw in a simple wave. Wafi made up for the night out in the spotlight with a corner table shielded by heavy curtains tied back. The table was set for three and Christopher was already waited there.

He stood up and grinned at me as I stepped in behind Wafi. "Fiera!" He greeted cheerily.

I grinned back at him and replicated his cheer as I took control of my urge to jump his well-dressed bones. "Christopher! Good to see you!"

It was more than good to see him. A plain white shirt under a black blazer and black trousers, simple, classy, and mouth-watering. His hair was combed to the side, yet a bit messy with probably bored run-throughs. That cologne certainly didn't help my urges, maybe I should've settled for a handshake. The hostess is still watching after all.

I pulled away from Christopher slightly flustered. I might not be up for this.

The three of us sat in awkward silence where no one made eye contact with each other, or the waiters as they filled our glasses. It was only when Wafi told them to leave and give us time to give our orders that we relaxed.

"I still think this is a bad idea." I blurted out, my menu down once they were gone. "If anyone even overhears anything, it could all go topsy-flip-upside-down."

Christopher frowned at my phrasing but Wafi just rolled his eyes before speaking. "You're just overreacting. I even invited Christopher here to make you feel a little less uncomfortable."

"Ouch." Christopher mumbled, looking down.

Wafi sighed exasperatedly.  "Now, don't you get all hurt."

"Hey, try being told that you were invited as an afterthought and then we'll see who's more butthurt."

I snickered at Christopher's remark and Wafi's exasperated look turned to me. "Are you laughing because he said... 'butt'?"

My snickering graduated to chuckles. "Yes."

"God. For someone about to turn eighteen, you act so immature."

"Maybe because she still can." Christopher spoke up in my defense.

My mirth subsided a bit at that. I turned to him in confusion, his blue eyes flickering to me with a serious look in them. "What do you mean?"

"Well..." He sighed and looked away again. "I'm... I'm a bit envious of you, actually."

Surprise passed through Wafi's and mine, but there was a hint of something more in mine. "Envious? Of what? Growing up without a family? Moving from place to place?"

"Being normal, Fiera." Christopher was quick to explain himself before my mood turned darker. "Living normal. Roaming all over the world."

"It's not exactly been a walk in the park for me, Christopher." I continued. "I've had my hardships and I'm pretty sure so have you. I understand where you're coming from. You've both led a sheltered life, but the grass is always greener on the other side. I envy the two of you for having a stable environment while growing up and having some sort of a direction your life is heading in. My life has been spiralling out of control ever since I got here."

I managed to stop myself there. Closing my eyes, I exhaled softly in an attempt to calm myself before I decided to actually read the menu. There was another awkward silence in the area, punctuated by the waiter who checked in for our orders.

I pronounced my overly complicated French order perfectly, much to the surprise of the waiter before I immediately disappointed him by asking for a glass of litchi juice.

"You speak French?" Wafi spoke up again as the waiter left.

I nodded absently, eyes on the glossy lipstick stain on my glass. "I know a bit of everything, you might say. A bit of Japanese, some Mandarin, Hindi, I'm passable in Spanish and Arabic."

"Arabic?" Christopher piped up hesitantly, his curiosity pushed away his embarrassment. "That's a weird mix."

"Mich had to learn it for a stint of a few months in Dubai. I helped him as much as I could and picked it up as well."

"Huh, can you write it?"

"Beautiful script but no, I can't."

Wafi leaned forward, hazel eyes shone with interest. "I could set up some classes for you if you're interested. We have businesses to handle in the Middle East as well as some Asian countries. You could be of quite some help instead of having to rely on a translator at all times."

"Interesting, but I think I'll pass." Wafi frowned at my reply. "I intend to go to college after graduation."

"Maybe after that?"

"Maybe."

"By the way," Christopher spoke up again. I turned to him. He smiled at me "you look lovely today."

I smiled back at him. "You don't need to compliment me to apologise. I know I look lovely and it's okay, I understand where you're coming from and it's not wrong to wish for something." I shrugged. "I'm a bit tired today so, it got to me."

Wafi groaned childishly. "God, you're both being annoying. I got you out here for a good time and you're being all gloom-doom on me." He threw his hands up dramatically and I managed a genuine smile at his theatrics. "Come on! Tell me about school! Something funny that happened, if you got detention, or someone fell. There must be something interesting in your life."

"Calm down, Wafi." I leaned back and relaxed in my seat. "I'm not grumpy, I'm just..." I paused, trying to think of a word to justify myself but I caught Wafi slowly smirking at my inability. I scowled, flicking some water drops at him. "Shut up."

Wafi flinched away from the water. "What?! I didn't even say anything!"

"You don't need to. You were smirking!"

"I was just smirking!"

"Exactly! So, shut up!"

"But I didn't say anything!"

"Because you didn't need to!"

We both glared at each other before Christopher softly cleared his throat. "So, Fiera... how was, umm... how is your preparation for the Mock Trials coming along?"

Wafi turned to him in confusion. He dropped the glare and forced me to drop it too. "Shouldn't you know? You're training her."

"For god's sake..." Christopher rubbed his face. "I'm trying to make small talk here, Wafi. It's what people do to defuse a tense situation."

I smirked this time, my glass rose to my lips. "Maybe you need some lessons on etiquette, Wafi."

I struck a nerve. He immediately twisted to me. "You always get me riled up." He growled.

I grinned. "I'm your sister. I'm supposed to."

My eyes flickered to a snickering Christopher. He caught my eye and I winked at him as Wafi fumed over my actions. Our small moment of amusement and shared mirth.

Dinner was as expected. Tiny portions of overpriced meals, each portion bigger than the last but still leaving me feeling hollow inside. I couldn't complain to these two, they probably grew up with this food. But no sooner did we step out after dessert that I blurted out-

"I'm still hungry." My words hung in the silence outside as we waited for Wafi's car to be brought around.

Christopher cocked an eyebrow. "Really? After an entire five course meal?"

I shrugged. "I'm a growing girl. That wasn't what I usually eat." I glanced up at Wafi beside me. "I still think I can whip up something if you're interested."

Wafi looked down at me, the soft light from the restaurant highlighted his features before he glanced at Christopher. I turned to look at him too, his side profile a bit more dark but thrilling at the same time. He caught Wafi's eye and shrugged. "I'm down for anything."

Wafi shrugged too. "Alright. Let's go." He walked around to the driver's side as I nodded to the valet before he slammed the door. Christopher got in his waiting car. He followed closely behind us as we drove away.

"I need to buy ice cream." I said out loud. Wafi just nodded and took the required turn. His phone rang not shortly after.

It was connected to the Bluetooth, Christopher's voice echoed in the confines of the sports car. "Where are we going?"

"Fi wants ice cream." Wafi answered for me.

"You guys go ahead. I'll get it." He paused. "Any preferences, Fi?"

"Depends. What do you guys like with cake?"

Wafi frowned. "We have cake?" We?

"Apparently, we do." We? "Then, vanilla or chocolate?"

"You choose." I leaned back in the seat. "I'm not picky."

"Right..." He replied absently. "Be there in five."

He clicked off and Wafi and I spent the rest of the ride with easy talk. My stomach wasn't very full but I was a little sleepy from the day's activities. I didn't even want to think about the homework I hadn't done.

A certain formalness that had fallen between Wafi and I faded away as we got home. An immediate change went over us as we stepped inside the house. I sighed with relief as I leaned against the wall to tug off my heels as Wafi shrugged his jacket off.

"It might not be my home, but it always feels good to come here." He said behind my back.

I turned to see him roll his shoulders. "This is also your home, Wafi. Family is home."

He smiled at my open expression, a soft smile. "You have no idea how glad I am to have found you." He whispered.

I smiled back at him. "I think the wine's getting you." I jerked my head at the dining room as I bent to pick up my discarded heels. "Sit down, get comfortable. I'll be right back."

I headed upstairs as Wafi turned into the dining room and rolled up his sleeves. My room was a bit of a mess. I kicked aside the clothes from the morning, and dumped the shoes in a corner before I collapsed onto the stool in front of the mirror.

My makeup was still perfectly on. In fact, my entire get up completely belied how tired I actually was. I contemplated changing out of the dress before I realised Christopher was yet to come. Hell, I guess I could look good for another hour. The simple, off-the-shoulder, peach dress had been a perfect selection for the night. It was completely bodycon and fell to just above my knees, it a formal enough look for such occasions. I pulled my hair up into a half-assed bun before I headed back down, just to make it seem like I had gone upstairs to do something more than keep my heels. The doorbell rang right as I reached the foot of the stairs.

Christopher seemed a bit surprised when I opened the door. "That was fast."

"I literally just came down the stairs." I stepped aside to let him in. He easily walked in, no trouble juggling the three cartons of ice cream I had not asked for. I frowned and closed the door. "I... asked for one flavour."

"I couldn't decide." Christopher replied and placed them down on the dining table as Wafi looked at it in amusement. "You said chocolate, or vanilla. But I like both, so I bought cookies 'n cream as well just in case." He grinned at me as if he'd done a very great job.

I rolled my eyes. "Thanks. I'll pay you back for the other two."

"What? No." Christopher frowned. "Why would you do that?"

"Because I asked for one. Hell, I have to pay you for all three."

"No, you don't."

"Yes, I do."

"No." Christopher emphasized with a tilt of his head. "You don't. You asked for one, I bought two extra."

I cocked an eyebrow. "Alright, so I'll pay you for one of them."

Christopher threw his hands up. "You don't need to pay me!"

"Yes. I. Do." I scowled. "I don't just let people buy stuff for me."

"You let Wafi buy stuff for you!"

"Because if I tried to pay for any of that, I'd be paying it off till my next life! And, he always uses the brother card on me."

Christopher frowned. "I'm not taking your money."

"Can you both..." Wafi spoke up slowly, stuck between us "... not do this? The ice cream is melting."

I glanced at my brother. His eyes were glued to the puddle of condensation growing around the cartons. I sighed after a moment and glanced at Christopher. "Truce for the ice cream?"

A small grin grew on his face, victory clear in his blue eyes. "Truce for the ice cream."