Birthday Invitation

Birthday Invitation
Sterling leaned against the mantel and crossed one leg over the other. “Do I look natural? Or do I look like I’m trying too hard?” He tried a new pose. “Of course, I want him to think I look magnificent after all these months, but I also want to give off the oh this old thing vibe.”

Morgan laughed. “Why the hell are you nervous? We’re the ones scheming, if anything he and Alexus are going to be uncomfortable.”

“Little Red, I love you but you don’t understand the love that I and my Primus Pinni share.”

Hearing the doorbell ring, he brushed off his shirt and took a deep breath. “IT’S OPEN!” He shouted.

Demetri walked into the room, and his eyes widened in slight confusion. “Hey…I didn’t know everyone would be here. My apologies. I just came to return this portrait Sterling accused me of potentially stealing.” Sterling scoffed.

“I would never do that. If you wanted to see me, you should have just said that. I would have taken your request into consideration.”

“I DID NOT-“ Demetri stopped and shook his head chuckling. Unwrapping the portrait, he looked up to Sterling before smashing his hand through the center of it. Sterling's eyes gleamed in amusement.

“Asshole”

“Little Shit”

“Coffin Sleeping Relic”

“Moon Dodging Dim-wit”

Sterling cackled. “Hey! That was good!” The two men embraced one another.

“Good to see you, Sterling.” Pulling away, Sterling glared at him.

“And don’t you ever break up with me through a treaty again. You treat me like a decent one night stand and send it through text.”

“Sterling stop being an idiot.” Jordan said cutting his eyes before approaching Demetri. “You’ve been pretty elusive.” Demetri shrugged.

"Most people who wish not to be seen are.”

Squaring off, both men broke into a smirk before shaking hands, the words silent but in understanding. Rubbing the back of his neck, Elijah stood back. Demetri chuckled. "Don’t make it weird.” He said before patting him on the back in greeting. His eyes landed on Morgan and Rachel who held Harper and Elijah Jr.

He waited. For the anger, for the yelling, something that made it clear of their hatred for what he did to their sister. Instead, they rose, and each embraced one side of his waist, causing a lump to form in his throat.

“You’ve been genuinely missed.”

They handed their children to him, watching how his eyes lit up as their bodies nuzzled into his calmly.

“H-how is it that you don’t hate me for what I’ve done?” Rachel shrugged.

"You ready?"

She linked to Morgan.

"Yep"

“You fixed it. We can forgive mistakes when we see someone working to fix them. You returned Alexus to who she was meant to be with…didn’t you?” Rachel saw his eyes soften in hurt before he quickly recovered.

“Thank you for your forgiveness.” Rachel nodded.

"Saw it?"

"Yep"

Sterling clapped his hands. “So…are you shipping out anytime soon or will you be here long enough for me to kick your ass in football?”

"Oh I-“

“Hey Morg, I can’t find the large bowl for the salad.” Alexus eyes widened, as she saw Demetri standing in the living room, holding her niece and nephew. His face contained just as much shock, as the two stared at one another in silence. Finally, she spoke, “H-Hi…I’m a little confused…I thought you all didn’t get along?”

Jordan folded his arms to his chest. “Water under the bridge. As I’ve told you, we have a long history, Your sister helped me to see there’s no sense in losing a friend over decisions that were eventually remedied in the best interest of others.”

They saw Demetri react again, before handing the children back to their mothers. “I should get going. It’s been a pleasure to see all of you.”

Morgan looked at him. “You don’t want to stay for dinner? We prepared A LOT and we would love it if you stayed.” Demetri shook his head.

“I don’t want to impose.”

“It wouldn’t be an imposition,” Alexus said smiling small. “Sam’s working late and I really could use the company so I won’t feel like such a sixth wheel.”

Please say yes.

Alexus found herself thinking. She knew it was wrong, but there was something about Demetri that really intrigued her. Something she couldn’t put her finger on, something that made her want him around. Hesitantly, he nodded.

“Sure. I’d love to.” Quickly ushering him to the table, he sat as the sisters retreated to the kitchen. He leaned into Sterling. “What are you all doing?” Sterling looked at him seriously.

"We meant it when we said. It’s water under the bridge, but a part of that is you have to get use to being around Alexus. You can’t avoid her forever.”

"But I'm so good at it." He groaned, causing Sterling to laugh.

-----------------------------------------------

“So anyway, I plan to change my major back to Chemistry. It’s what I love, and I really miss it.”

Demetri watched her face brighten and it reminded him of the day in the greenhouse. Unable to stop himself, he interjected.“I’m sure you’ll be amazing at it.”

Her face flushed, and he cleared his throat when he saw Sterling smirk at him. Jordan eyed the two.

"Demetri, Jerry tells me that you’ll be potentially leaving for four months.”

Alexus dropped her fork hard against the plate. As everyone stared at her, she shakingly picked it back up and murmured. “Sorry.” Demetri tilted his head at her.

“Are you alright?” Nodding feverishly, she looked down to her plate and he responded to Jordan. “I haven’t quite decided on if I will be going, but it would be a great opportunity to do a bit of recruiting for the Clan. Not to mention, it would give me some time to clear my mind and get away for a moment.”

“Sounds like more running to me,” Alexus murmured. He looked at her.

"Excuse me?” Eyes wide, she stared back at him.

"I-I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean that….I don’t even know where that came from.” Seeing his eyes darken slightly, made hers widen more. She stood. “I’m going to start taking the dishes in.”

Absentmindedly, Alexus took her plate and a few others from the table and walked swiftly towards the kitchen. Before he could catch his feet, Demetri stood and followed her. Sterling chuckled.

“We all saw that one coming” Everyone nodded in agreement.

Meeting her in the kitchen, Demetri took the plates from her hands. “Repeat what you said.” He demanded, glaring at her.

"Don’t tell me what to do.” She shot back retuning his glare. “You may be Primus, and tall and scary looking, but I’m not afraid of you.” Demetri’s eyes gleamed in humor.

"I would never expect you to be.” She huffed.

“Don’t make fun of me.”

“I’m sorry.”

Running her hand up and down her arm, she looked at him. “I shouldn’t have said what I said. It’s just-Jerry said that he thought you were running because you’re never home anymore…and it just slipped out.” She saw the irritation on his face.

"When did you even have time to talk to Jerry?”

“When I was outside of your castle looking for you.” The two stood in silence. “I-I mean…” He took a step towards her, causing her to take one back.

“You were looking for me?”

“No-I mean yes.” He tilted his head.

"Make up your mind Li-Alexus.” Squaring her chest, she stepped forward.

"I was looking for you.” He took another step.

"Why?” She took one.

"To invite you to my birthday party.” Demetri’s hand brushed gently against hers, and they both felt a small spark of electricity flow through them.

"I accept your invitation.” He said finally. She laughed.

"You don’t even know when it is.”

“I don’t care. Tell me when, and I’ll be there.” Her lips parted, as she looked into his eyes.

"You know, I remember when I was younger, my father saved up all the money he could, gave me a hat full of strips of paper and told me whatever I picked that where we all were going for vacation…I picked The Maldives.” She laughed at her random thought . “I didn’t even know what that was. I remember being upset that I didn’t draw something else, something I knew my sisters would want…until we got there and I fell in love."

He smiled at her, and her heart jumped. "We were on a beach…and I remember thinking that it was the bluest water I’d ever seen.”

She smiled small. “Your eyes…they remind me of the Maldives….I think that’s why I like them so much.”

She could feel his body still and he backed away. “Did I say something wrong?” He looked past her, his jaw tight and spoke.

“Hello Sam”

Turning, she saw Sam’s arms to his chest. His anger palpable he walked into the kitchen and pulled her to him. He leaned down and kissed her. “I got off early, came to take you home.” Nodding, she looked back to Demetri.

"M-my parties the fourth will you come?”

“Oh, I’m sure the Count has more important things to do than to come to a birthday party.”

“Primus” Demetri retorted deadly.

“Of course…what did I say?” Demetri controlled his anger.

"Unfortunately he is correct, I do indeed have a prior engagement.”

“But you said-“

“I’m sorry,” Demetri murmured, trying his best to ignore the pure disappointment in her eyes. Walking past them, he stopped and took a deep breath.

“Alexus”

“Yes?” He gave her a small smile. “Happy early birthday. I do wish you every happiness.” After he left, Sam looked at her

"Do I need to be concerned Alexus?”

“Wha-“

“I-I don’t know, it just looked a bit strange from my view.” He softened his eyes “I don’t want you talking to him anymore…it makes me uncomfortable.” Nodding, she allowed him to nuzzle his head into her neck before murmuring a small

"Okay.”