18 Nov 2021, 22:23
The Night Two Families Becomes One
The Amzaing and Awesome @Rose Moon!
ReducioThe Group
Bride - Pearl Moon
Groom - Luke Alluring
Maid Of Honor - Coco Moon
Best Man - Arthur Knight
Bridesmaids - Coco Moon, Faith Moon, Rose Moon, Jess Moon, two friends of PearlsGroomsmen - Arthur Knight, Henry Knight, Aaron Alluring, Charles Alluring, Frankie Moon, two friends of Luke's
Flower Twins - August and April Moon
Ring Bearer - Leo Alluring
Announcer - Gabe Moon
Rings
Cake
Wedding Ceremony - Area
Aisle
Wedding Reception - with a open dance area next to it and live classic music
Henry: English | French | Italian | Arabic | Russian
Charles: Russian|French|Spanish|German|English
Norwegian
"Maybe he was hiding his trueself from you because Eyre Reeves is a git and a bully," Henry replied confused how Rose would even date a guy like Eyre, the gryffindor was rude and obnoxious and beloved only his problems matter. No one else's. Henry hoped that he would never see the gryffindor again during his time at Hogwarts.
Henry looked over at Rose ans softly spoke" Eyre wasn't the friendliest, he ignored a friend of mine because their a dhampir and said some things to me about being a werewolf. He also yelled and belittle me during potions last year, that kid is a typical rude pureblood so don't give me any love or sympathy since he doesn't deserve that especially not from you," Henry looked over at Rose, now knowing the type of guys she dated he silently promised that he would watch over her and her future dates and boyfriends. Giving them warnings and asking questions to ensure they are good and true people and not anything else...
Henry is loyal, that is one of his strongest traits. The boy is loyal to a fault and often got in trouble protecting and standing with friends and others he cares for. Rose wasn't any different, the lad might not see it that way but he would end up being loyal to her and protecting her for years to come even standing aginest a close friend of his to do so.
Nodding toward the girl's words as the conversation continued to a less awkward one, but still a little awkward and strange.
Henry saw Rose as a equal, they care for each other and study with each other and talk. Although the teen did make it a point to help her than she helped him but he did that with everyone because he found it awkward for himself to accept help. Although that didn't mean Henry wouldn't know those five months over Rose, the lad was planning to and would playfully bring it up when he could especially when it came to protecting or watching over her.
Letting the conversation pass, Henry nodded toward Rose with a soft smile as Alexa came into the topic and the teen looked down for a moment before back at Rose mentioning middle name basis which was odd to the lad since he thought knowing someone's middle name was a common thing... he now was unsure about that.
"Maybe I'll introduce you next year if she's back by then," Henry replied considering inviting Alexa over for the Christmas holidays if the opportunity presents itself and if Luke (and Pearl now) allows him to invite the girl over although there was also the option of going to her house to spend the holidays if she wanted to avoid his new large family....
Henry looked at Rose, finding her words odd at first before replying" Alina was brilliant but at least she's with her twin now," remembering how she left to beauxbation where her twin was, Henry remembered discussing twins with her. Those were fun times. The teen looked over at Rose and smiled softly ad he spoke" Lucia is nice to, do you know her? She has this cute pygmy puff," if only he knew that Rose and Lucia weren't on good terms then perhaps he wouldn't have anything. If only he knew.
Henry smiled at Rose's question about Loki and Rascle, it was assuming to the teen that his feline didn't seem to have those hunting instincts to go after rodents or other small animals. However, the feline did seemed to enjoy finding others belongings and taking them for himself. Henry smiled at the thought, looking up and at Rose as he spoke" Loki likes Rascle quite a lot, he doesn't go after rodents or birds or small animals like most felines do." Smiling at the girl as he thought of his feline and let the conversation continue, smiling at Rose's next words and agreeing with her. Alexa Mackenzie is a keeper and Henry thought if himself as lucky to be dating her.
Before he nodded toward her and drifted his eyes away, hoping that the girl and her family were alright at that current moment letting that conversation continued on.
Henry heard Rose's next few words, nodding toward them as he turned to look at her and nod as he spoke"thank you," then playfully and lightly nudged Rose's shoulder with his own as he smiled and spoke" maybe we could go on a double date if you get another boy or girlfriend after I question them to make sure they are good for you," smiling toward the girl since he meant it as a joke but may end up doing it later in the future as he becomes more protective and loyal of the girl in the future.
Gazing his eyes around at the scene, Henry watched as others danced and chatted the night away. The two parents let Arthur go but only for his younger brother to watch him get pulled into another group with his 'friends'. Henry stared for a moment longer and looked over at the parents, Luke gave Pearl a kiss on a cheek and started introducing her to his brother and ministry friend it look like.
Distracted by Rose's voice, the teen looked and saw a rather unsettling sight. His cousin; Charles Alluring ans another blonde was heading that way directly for them.
They had a three meet ups ans two run ins at Hogwarts before that night, one ended in screaming and a fight which allowed Henry to belive his cousin is a obnoxious, loudmouth idiot and git. The second time was before the fall ball, it started as a fight and ended in a slight understanding... that didn't mean they were on good terms or liked each other however.
Drew and Rose shared a greeting with each other as Charles sat down on the side of Henry, the two cousins avoided each other’s eye contact as Chadles whispered in russian, "hello," and Henry choosing not to appear rude decided to wisper back in russian, "hello." Henry heard Rose introduce Drew or Andrew before asking about Charles's name, the lad heard the blonde answer from besides him, " a pleasure, I'm Charles."
Andrew than started about how him and Charles are now related, curious why they sounded like they were friends. Wait were they friends? Henry doubted Charles had a any friends since he was rather loud and obnoxious but since there was meeting both were reconsidering each other.
Henry caught Rose's eyes and spoke" by blood your not related but by marriage you two would be second cousins, first removed if I'm not wrong," Henry went over his family in his head, his father was disowned so that would be once removed and he wasn't sure about Rose and Drew's family so he couldn't sure when he heard Charles whisper to him in russian.
"Soon to be twice,"
Henry didn't look at his cousin, instead out of the side of his mouth whispered in russian, "you think your getting disowned soon? I'm sorry, mate," Charles shrugged as he looked at Drew unlike Henry, rhe blonde couldn't hide his emotions as he smiled and whispered in russian, "don't be but I could use a place to stay when I am?" Henry looked over at Rose, hiding his emotions behind the 'barrier' besides from a soft smile as he whispered back, "never."
The two stopped their russian whispered conversation when Drew spoke and not to long after, Charles smiled and spoke" it's close enough that we could refer to each other as cousins and now I would be related to two Andrew's," smiling over at Drew when he turned toward Rose and asked" do you play quidditch? Would you, please share about yourself Rose?" Henry rolled his eyes lightly at his cousin when he heard his name and looked over at Drew listening to his words.
"It's nice to meet you, Drew or Andrew? Which do you prefer?" Henry spoke them took a moment before continuing, " I'm a third year duelist with straight O's. I enjoy reading, drawing, playing the violin, piano, guitar, and singing. I love creatures and have a feline," taking a breath and time for Rose to answer Charles his question before along Drew, " and you?"
Last edited by Henry Knight on 8 Dec 2021, 17:17, edited 1 time in total.
"There's no such thing as strange creatures, only blinked people" - Newt Scamander
6 Dec 2021, 22:06
The Night Two Families Becomes One
Keen Eye / Lovely Creature / Healing Sage
Mentioning | Alexa, Lucia, Alina,
Evening
Bridesmaid dress=================== ===================
Rose took a moment to think over this new information. Eyre had been an angel to her, when he especially was going through a hard time. Something in her yearned to believe that Henry was lying or exaggerating, to believe that Eyre would never ever ever do that. He himself was a Parseltongue- he knew what it was like to be different, so he would never discriminate against other people for their own races. ...Right?
But ultimately, the redhead knew Henry would never lie to her, at least not to hurt her. He might have little lies like saying he was okay when he wasn't, but he wouldn't lie about things like that. "I didn't know that," she said softly. She shook her head. Her face was intentionally blank. "Guess I was right. I'm not really ready for that dating thing yet." Rose was okay with that. She had seen brutal breakups and insignificant relationships between people her age. Right now, she wasn't even sure she had a crush. Not that she didn't want a boyfriend- she did. She was just willing to wait until it became meaningful for her, and she was a little more mature. Henry seemed mature enough for this dating thing, but Rose wanted to wait.
Maybe she would ask Eyre about it the next time she had a conversation with him. Which, honestly, would probably be never, since they really didn't talk anymore.
"I'd love that," she said, in response to Henry's offer about her meeting Alexa. She was sure Alexa was a wonderful girl who made Henry feel happy, but if she wasn't, she definitely wanted to know that. She wanted to look out for Henry, and know who he knew. She wanted him to be okay. "Lucia and I- have met."
Rose nodded, and whispered, "Yeah," to Henry's comment. She missed Alina a lot, and hoped the transfer to Beauxbatons was worth it for the girl. It wasn't for Rose. She had lost one of her closest friends.
Being friendly, Rose smiled. "I'm Rose. Rose Moon," Rose said, introducing herself. "It's nice to meet you, Charles."
"This is the cousin that I told you about, Charlie," Drew said. "She's like a redheaded highlighter in our very white family." Rose smirked a little, rolling her eyes and shaking her head. It was a little weird to imagine that Drew had been talking about her. She was sure it was all good things, but it was a strange concept.
Drew's eyes lit up as Henry mentioned that they were second cousins by marriage. He gasped. "Really?" Rose took a moment to think, to connect the dots. If her and Henry were really siblings, by blood, then...
Rose nodded. "Yeah."
Drew pumped his fist in the air. "Yes! Bro, we're second cousins!"
Rose didn't catch Henry and Charles' next conversation. When she saw Charles lean over out of the corner of her eye, she shifted her gaze away, not listening to their conversation, though she probably wouldn't have been able to hear them anyway, much less understand what they were saying in Russian.
Charles commented that he would then be related to two Andrews, and Drew grinned. "I would clearly be the superior Andrew," he asserted, crossing his arms with a joking twinkle in his eyes.
Charles then asked her about herself. "Oh- I don't play Quidditch on a house team, but I do like flying and watching Quidditch," she answered. It was always strange to tell somebody about yourself, honestly. You were just... you, right? Rose supposed that she could just go with stating facts about herself. "I'm a rising Third Year at Hogwarts, and I'm in Gryffindor House... I'm a duelist. I'm the middle child of five kids, and now I have three step-siblings." Now that was just checking all the boxes on an application, she supposed. Who was she, really? "I... I really like animals and nature and spellcasting... I'm a pretty good student." She shook her head. Rose felt bad that she couldn't really give a good answer to his question. He just had to talk with her to know more about her, she supposed. "Sorry, I'm not very good at explaining things." She laughed a little, trying to brush it off.
Gosh, she was being pathetic tonight, wasn't she?
"And um- I'm assuming you like Quidditch, since you asked me?" she asked him. It seemed like a pretty safe assumption to ask of the boy. She wanted to ask him the same question, but didn't quite know how to ask. "Do you wanna- share about yourself?"
Rose's blonde cousin replied, "I'd rather you call me Drew," he said. "Thanks for asking." I Rose knew that he much preferred his nickname over his longer name. He was just a much more casual person, and the long boring name didn't seem to fit his personality. He was always Drew to her.
Henry's response to Drew's question was delivered with such finesse and grace. It was as if he had prepared it beforehand, or just had an incredible hold on who he was. Or maybe just an incredible hold on what he was willing to let others know. Henry was so much more put together than she was, and she inwardly winced at herself.
Henry reciprocated Drew's question, and the blonde took a second to think. "Well, I'm gonna be a third year at Ilvermorny this year, and... I'm in house Wampus, if you're familiar with Ilvermorny Houses. They favor warriors and stuff so apparently I'm a warrior," he said. "I'm a broom racer, and I live allllllll the way in America. Uhhhh I have a dog, but I don't have any siblings. I like Quidditch. I know German, and I play a little bit of guitar, though not a lot..." he trailed off, trying to think. "Yeah. That's it."
8 Dec 2021, 17:56
The Night Two Families Becomes One
The one of a kind @Rose Moon ⭐
ReducioThe Group
Bride - Pearl Moon
Groom - Luke Alluring
Maid Of Honor - Coco Moon
Best Man - Arthur Knight
Bridesmaids - Coco Moon, Faith Moon, Rose Moon, Jess Moon, two friends of PearlsGroomsmen - Arthur Knight, Henry Knight, Aaron Alluring, Charles Alluring, Frankie Moon, two friends of Luke's
Flower Twins - August and April Moon
Ring Bearer - Leo Alluring
Announcer - Gabe Moon
Rings
Cake
Wedding Ceremony - Area
Aisle
Wedding Reception - with a open dance area next to it and live classic music
Henry: English | French | Italian | Arabic | Russian
Charles: Russian|French|Spanish|German|English
Norwegian
Henry offered a soft smile toward Rose, the teen wouldn't purposely lie about someone or spread gossip. The teen is against both, having experienced it very heavily with his fury condition the third year would be the first against it and last to spread it.
Brining his eyes toward Rose's as he spoke"I'm not lying, he really is a monster," He meaning Eyre as the teen touched Rose's shoulder gently with his hand and spoke"don't let one awlful guy ruin it all for you, trust me you are ready just perhaps with someone better," removing his hands as he smiled at the girl when the topiced changed to his own love life. A topic that Henry preferred not to dicuss.
Henry nodded toward her reply, planning out how to introduce Alexa and Rose. Without things being weird now that he realized their both red heads and have green eyes. Choosing not to question Rose's other remarks as the topic changed and the night roared on.
Henry wished the two boys left, he didn't understand why either were there. Why couldn't they have stayed where they were at, why did they have to come over here?
However, Henry heard his emotions behind the 'barrier' only a soft smile present on his face so you couldn't tell what he is trult feeling. That he didn't want neither boy there.
Henry watched Charles offer Rose a copl head nod toward her introduction, the blonde smiling at Drew at his words. Charles seemed to be on the quiet side. Keeping to himself, saying little about him and sitting off to the side.
Henry nodded toward Drew's question on the two being cousins, Rose confirmed to. Drew seemed rather excited about the fact, Charles on the otherhand merely smiled at Drew and nodded letting the conversation continue.
Charles laughed a little as he replied"clearly, cowboy," Henry knew that Charles had a brother named Andrew but was confused about the nickname. Was it Charles's nickname for Drew? How well did the two know each other? Henry thought over these questiond as Rose talked about herself, Charles absentmindely nodding along.
"thanks for telling me, Drew," Henry replied to Drew on what name he preferred while Charles tan a hand through his blonde hair. Henry moved his chair closer to Rose when he heard Charles spoke"first string chaser for Dumstrang," Henry looked over at Rose when he stated the postion he played. It didn't surprise the teen, he expected his cousin was a jock since he never seemed that bright.
Henry eyed the blonde when Charles leaned back in chair and spoke" rising fourth year at Dumstrang, I'll be 14 in November, on the quidditch team, live in Durham, best friends go to beauxbation and Ilvermorny, and I'm gay." It was short but it told just enough about the boy, not exposing to much or giving to little. However, Henry wondered who the beauxbation one is if Drew filled the Ilvermorny spot.
"What type of dog?" Henry asked Drew then was taken back when Charles spoke"how many and what languages do you all know."
Last edited by Henry Knight on 5 Jan 2022, 16:46, edited 1 time in total.
"There's no such thing as strange creatures, only blinked people" - Newt Scamander
18 Dec 2021, 19:10
The Night Two Families Becomes One
Keen Eye / Lovely Creature / Healing Sage
, Charles Alluring, Andrew Lycan
Mentioning | n/a
Evening
Bridesmaid Dress=================== =================== Rose knew Henry wasn't lying. He would never do that to her. A little voice in her head taunted her that Henry just wanted to hurt her, or that he just wanted her to himself, but she knew deep down in her soul he would never do that. She didn't know if Eyre was a monster, but she would definitely keep her distance from him unless he was going to apologize to Henry. She turned to look Henry in the eyes when he put his hand on her shoulder. She gave him a little smile. "Thanks. I'll wait a little bit, until I'm sure that somebody's worth dating." Rose didn't entirely believe that she deserved a good guy. She didn't believe that at all, actually. But she would rather have no guy than somebody who was mean to others, or abusive to her. She wasn't a masochist, after all. She could sit back and wait until the right guy came along.
Drew and Charles were not as quiet as Henry was, and though Rose didn't mind Drew's company, she felt weird pretending that she was okay. It was like lying to Drew. Henry would have been able to see the clear difference between her quiet demeanor earlier and her awkwardly polite attitude now. It was clear she was trying to be friendly and nice, but Henry would be able to tell that it wasn't really... her. This wasn't really what Rose wanted to be doing at all. She hated pretending like everything was fine and perfect and okay when it wasn't. She didn't feel okay. She felt like curling up in a ball and staying there for hours.
"No problem," Drew replied. "Thanks for asking."
Charles did have the build for Quidditch and seemed like the jock type, similar to Drew. He might have been a little taller than Drew, though. "Oh, a chaser?" Well. Uh. Now Rose was a little stuck. She didn't quite know where she was going with that, it just felt rude to not reply to that. "That must be really fun," she said, finishing out her thought. Rose nodded at his explanation about himself. "Well, it's nice to meet you, Charles," Rose said courteously.
When Henry asked about Drew's dog, the blonde smiled at the thought of Buddy. "He's an American Pit Bull Terrier," he answered. After a moment of thinking, he added, "A gray one, if that helps you visualize him. He's real big and goofy." Rose remembered Buddy from the times that she had gone over to Drew's house- big and goofy were exactly the words she would use. He was a very happy dog, and very interactive with people. She remembered seeing how close Drew and Buddy were. They always seemed to be together, at least when Rose was there. Buddy had liked her a lot, more than her siblings, for some strange reason.
Charles asked about the languages they knew. Drew said simply, "German and English."
Rose paused. "I know English, and I also know-" she signed along with her next words, saying, "-A little bit of sign language. Though I'm pretty..." she paused, trying to think of the sign for the next word. "Rusty," she finished, remembering the sign.
5 Jan 2022, 17:13
The Night Two Families Becomes One
The one of a kind @Rose Moon ⭐
ReducioThe Group
Bride - Pearl Moon
Groom - Luke Alluring
Maid Of Honor - Coco Moon
Best Man - Arthur Knight
Bridesmaids - Coco Moon, Faith Moon, Rose Moon, Jess Moon, two friends of PearlsGroomsmen - Arthur Knight, Henry Knight, Aaron Alluring, Charles Alluring, Frankie Moon, two friends of Luke's
Flower Twins - August and April Moon
Ring Bearer - Leo Alluring
Announcer - Gabe Moon
Rings
Cake
Wedding Ceremony - Area
Aisle
Wedding Reception - with a open dance area next to it and live classic music
Henry: English | French | Italian | Arabic | Russian
Charles: Russian|French|Spanish|German|English
Norwegian
Henry only nodded toward her words. He wasn't sure what to say, what the right words could even be at that moment. Running his fingers alomg his suit jacekt the teen gazed out. Flashing lights. Smiling faces. Blissful chatter. It seemed perfect but chaotic. A fun night for some while for others a stressful, anxiety filled one.
The lad looked back over at Rose, lightly drumming his fingers on his knees as he allowed the time to pass by. Fade into the background. Let others forget about him. He won't complain but instead blossom, jump right in feet first and enjoy the moment. Not having to worry about making conversation or lookimg at another's eyes. The night might be in good fun, spreading of light but Henry wasn't feeling the mood. The night.
The teen glanced at Rose about to suggest for them to move off to a corner. Stay by eacy other in the background. Take a breather when two blondes joined their table.
And now were here
Henry nodded toward Drew's words. Hidden emotions. Blank face. Eyes flashing at Charles, Drew, Rose. The smiles around the tent. The music. Laugher. Chatter. The night screamed chaos. Filling his anxiety that is hovering over him thundering. Perpareing to rain down. To break the lad.
Henry looksd over at Rose, wishing this night could be over with. Wishing is cosuin could leave. Wishing that Loki was there. Wishing that he wasn't there. Wishing that this, this night wasn't happening....
Charles nodded a bit, leaning back in his chair. A lad of few words. Henry wondered if he was thinking, wondering about something or someone who choose silence. A preference to remain silent and stare. A act to appear cooler than he very is.
"Buddy sounds adorable," Henry replied eyes tearing toward Drew. Watching him. His breathing. Blue eyes flickering over the group. The party. Conversations light, airy. A sense of happiness filled the air while a sense of dread filled Henry.
Languages? Why... if they couldn't come up with a topic why stay.... why not leave! Go somewhere else, anywhere.... but here...
Drew reponsed first. German and English. Two languages. Then Rose went with two languages. English and BSL or Henry assumed british sign language. The teen waited for Charles. Seconds past. Nothing.
Looking at his cousin. Eyes flashed with a glint of annoyance for Charles for a moment before disappearing into emotionless. Henry watched as Charles sighed then spoke"I'll go last." Henry despised his cosuin. Looking at the blonde as he took a breath, never enjoying bragging or talking about himself as he forced out his words.
"English, French, Arabic, Russian, and Italian. I'm learning Spanish and sign language," Henry spoke then looked from Charles toward Rose and Drew as he quickly added"it's diffcult to learn one and both of you are wicked no matter how many you know." That was when he heard Chadles scoff a little, turning his head to the blonde who ran a hand through his slick back blonde hair then spoke"russian, german, french, norwegian, spanish, english and learning a few more." Charles sounded like he was bragging, looking for a point to say he was better. Henry avoided eyeing his cosuin.
A few seconds turned to minutes. Silence except awkward conversations. Charles grew boerd as he spoke"well then, pleasure meeting you Rose but this seemed to be dull," rasing from his seat, fhe blonde strolled around the table toward Drew. Henry watched Charles ruffle Drew's hair then toss his arn around his shoulders as he spoke"come on, let's mess with my brother." Charles walked toward a young boy, maybe a yeat or two younger than Arthur. Once Drew and Charles disappearence from sight silence took over.
Henry looked over at Rose. There is something there, a unspoken connection. A secret language between the two. A bond that can't be broken, unbreakable. The lad felt strange as he looked over at Rose then suddenly started smiling. Laughing even.
It was strange just to start laughing and yet he did, maybe at the awkward silence or the previous situation but it happened. Pasting for a few seconds before Henry spoke still smiling, "some night, uh?"
The teen caught their names. Laughter stopped, smiles faded into his usual soft one. Their parehts calling for them. Wanting to take a photo of the night with all the children. Henry looked over at Rose, a small nod as he oushed out his chair. Getting to his feet then offered a hand toward Rose to help her up, if she excpted his hand he would playfully spin her once before walking over to thier parents together.
Standing between Arthur and Rise as the flash went off. As the picture is took. As a memory is made.
"There's no such thing as strange creatures, only blinked people" - Newt Scamander
11 Jan 2022, 21:17
The Night Two Families Becomes One
Keen Eye / Lovely Creature / Healing Sage
Mentioning | fam
Evening
Bridesmaid Dress=================== ===================
Drew nodded his head. "He is adorable," he replied. Rose could vouch for that. She was good friends with Buddy, and knew the boy and his dog were very close. Rose guessed that Henry's comment was mostly out of politeness. If she were to guess, she would say that Henry would rather meet the dog than talk to some random stranger about his dog.
When her and Drew had been writing, he had bragged to her about an International Student Squad, which was at the time searching for a Koldovstorez (was that right?) member. Maybe Charles had been part of this squad, since he was in Durmstrang? Rose was still trying to connect how Charles and Drew knew each other. Maybe they met at one of the Hogwarts gatherings?
Rose and Drew smiled gratefully at Henry as he complimented them on learning as many languages as they had, but neither seemed a reason to say anything. Languages seemed a strange topic for them to settle on, then Rose realized why as Charles began to recite all the languages he knew, a meaningful glance towards Henry as he outnumbered his cousin in the number of languages he knew. Rose felt a sudden gentle dislike for the boy. He had been very polite to her before, but now he just seemed like he was trying to make Henry feel bad about himself by knowing one more language (yes, Rose counted) than Henry.
They talked for a while more, Rose being mostly polite but wondering if they had something else they could do than talk to her. They were much louder than Henry, in more ways than one. She knew Drew had good intentions at heart, but at the moment, he was just being a little bit annoying.
Charles stated that this was dull, abandoning all politeness towards Henry for that one moment, only saving it to her by telling her that it was good to meet her. Unfortunately, Rose couldn't exactly say the same about him without lying, so she just smiled, pretending that she believed him. He urged his friend on, suggesting they mess with Charles' brother.
Drew opened his arms for a hug, and she smiled, a hint of sheepish apologetics in her eyes, flushing a little. It was a silent no, and though Drew wasn't anywhere near as observant as Henry, after a moment of confusion, he was able to pick it up. He smiled charismatically, offering his fist instead. "See you later?" She nodded, fist-bumping her cousin. "It was great to meet you, Henry. You're really cool, bro." Usually he might have done something like ruffle her hair as he left, just to annoy her, but it was clear she was pretty much all done physically with him. Thankfully, he accepted that, only giving her a casual wave as he left, Charles' arm draped over his shoulder. The interaction only happened a maximum of a couple of seconds between Rose and Drew, and she was grateful for the quiet company of Henry again.
Her tone had previously been infused with politeness, but now it seemed to fade, becoming more of the casual, soft tone she was able to adopt with Henry. He started smiling, and laughing. Rose wasn't sure why, but it was contagious, like many of Henry's moods were, and she smiled herself. It felt good to laugh- at the irony of it all. They had met not even a year ago, and now they were officially step-siblings and would do anything for each other. Rose laughed, too.
"They're a handful, aren't they?" Rose asked, not sure if she was talking to herself or to Henry, or to just the empty air around them. She meant the boys they had just been talking to. "And I thought you were fancy, but Charles is a whole other level."
"Some night, uh?"
She grinned at him. "Indubitably," she said, attempting to mimic Charles. Their names were being called, Rose's gaze looking at her parents abruptly as she heard them. He offered her his hand, and she accepted it, letting him twirl her playfully. It brought the look of a smile to her eyes, glimmering and staying there.
The two of them went to join their family, crowding around their parents. Because, after years of only having one, they finally had two. Even if they weren't top-tier parents, they were still parents, and there were still two of them. Rose stood in the picture with Henry on one side, and Gabe on the other. If Henry let her, one arm would be hooked through his own, and her other arm hooked through Gabe's.
That was the night that everything changed. Who can say they'd been changed for the better? But, because it happened, they had been changed for good.
For a little moment, for that moment in the picture that was taken, surrounded by her two favorite people in the whole world, Rose couldn't help but think that one day it would all be okay. And in that picture, despite the bags under her eyes (if you looked close enough), one thing was repeating through her brain that moment.
Thank God for Henry Knight.