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Elora

I walked out of the locker room, back into my regular clothes. I got second place overall today, and I'm really proud of myself. It's not first, but second isn't too shabby. I'm just glad I didn't get third or fourth, my OCD doesn't like it when that happens. Fifth is okay, because it's a good number. So many days have been ruined by me getting third or fourth.

When the coaches announced that I scored second, I practically beamed with joy. Felix looked pleasantly surprised, and he even clapped for me. Maybe this morning he was just having a rough start, that's why he was so cold towards me.

Eugene is always happy to see me win too, of course. He's way more competitive than I am, and he really enjoys watching my games and giving me tips after. Anything with sports or academics, he's my go to guy.

I was slightly nervous as I walked up to my guys. They're all standing at the bottom of the bleachers, waiting for me. It's been so long since I've seen them all in one place. They take up so much space, they're all seriously huge.

I saw a few cheerleaders drooling over them and rolled my eyes. Yeah, I'm never going to let that happen. The thought of any of them giving their attention to another girl makes my blood boil.

Duke turned around, smiling at me, "Great race!" He gushed, his nervousness from earlier gone. "You did wonderfully," he complimented.

The rest turned and looked at me. "If you didn't trip over your own feet, you could have gotten first," Eugene teased.

I scoffed jokingly, "It's a talent," I said sweetly, wiggling my foot. I am famously clumsy. I tried out for the cheerleading team and they rejected me because I really can't stand on my own two feet, let alone jump and dance.

Duke grabbed my backpack, hauling it over his shoulder like it weighs nothing, "Come on, we've got reservations," he started walking towards the parking lot.

I raised my eyebrows, grabbing Danes hand as we walked, "For what?" I asked. Quin rarely lets us eat out, he says it's all junk and insists on cooking.

Lucifer was walking on the other side of me, Felix was behind us, and everyone else was walking ahead of us.

Glancing at Lucifer, I felt bad. He looks bored, like he doesn't actually want to be here. Trying to cheer him up, I grabbed his hand with my free one.

He slowly looked at our connected hands, following my arm up to my smile. I lightly swayed his arm along with Danes rhythm. "Do you know where we're going?" I asked him.

Lucifers hand was cold to the touch, colder than Danes. But I felt warm anyways. It's like drinking a cup of hot coffee; the ceramic cup is cold on the lips, but the coffee warms your tummy.

Lucifer softly nodded his head, looking away from me.

Well that didn't go as planned. I rolled my eyes and giggled, "Where?" I squeezed his hand.

"Don't be annoying, Elora," Felix brooded from behind us.

My smile was long gone, and with three words, my happiness from getting second place was gone too. His words sat in my stomach like a cannonball.

Felix thinks I'm annoying?

Am I annoying?

I just asked where we're going.

Is that why Lucifer didn't answer, because he thinks I'm annoying too?

I just thought he was being his usual quiet self.

I'll just have to do my best not to annoy anyone. Felix hasn't said one nice thing to me. He's only acknowledged me when I do something he doesn't like. I don't know why I care so much about what he thinks of me, but I do. I really do.

We got to the cars and I let go of their hands, taking shotgun in Theo's car. I've always liked riding with Theo, he's fun.

The others piled in the other three cars, and Duke took backseat with us. I know he doesn't like riding in the back, and he's only in Theos car because I am. He wants to talk to me- I can practically feel it.

Theo sped off, maneuvering his way around the other cars leaving after the match. He glanced at me, "You're not annoying," he said lowly.

I sighed, not in the mood to talk about it. Sometimes, I wish they couldn't hear as well as they do. I don't know how Theo knew it bothered me, but he did.

Duke leaned forward, "I don't know why Felix has been in such a sour mood since he's got back. Don't take it personally," he comforted.

How could I not take it personally when he called me annoying? I don't want to talk about Felix or how he makes me feel. "It's not a big deal and I don't care," I dismissed.

Theo narrowed his eyes at me, "Watch the attitude." He warned.

"Watch the road," I shot back.

He chuckled, "He really got to you, huh?" He pried.

"Of course he did! He didn't even say hi to me, Theo. And he's been nothing but mean this whole day. I know he's like a million years old, maybe he's getting menopause," I snapped, slumping in the seat. I shouldn't have said that, but I don't care, it's all true.

Theo laughed, shaking his head, "I bet he got jealous," he smirked, giving me a pointed look.

"Theo don't," Duke warned. His voice was shockingly stern, I've never heard him speak like that.

I looked between the two, eyebrows pressed together in confusion. "Jealous of who?" I asked. Why would Felix be jealous of anything?

Theo pressed his lips together, shaking his head. He's not going to answer. Well that's going to bother me.

Duke cleared his throat, "I found a frozen yogurt shop where you can choose your own toppings, I thought you'd like it," he looked at me hopefully.

He's trying so hard, but for some reason, that connection we once had is still far away. "Is that where we're going?" I asked.

He nodded.

I do really like ice cream! That sounds wonderful. I smiled at Duke, "Yummy," I commented, looking back at the road. I still don't know how to act around him.

~•~

Felix and Eugene didn't join us at the ice cream shop; their loss. I don't know how I've lived here my whole life and not known an ice cream place as good as the one we went to exists. Kudos to Duke for finding it.

We all ate way too much ice cream, I know Lucifer and I did. I actually had a lot of fun, I just wish Felix and Eugene were with us. It didn't feel right going out without them.

Theo parked in the driveway and I headed for the door.

The past day has been weird, not just because they all came back, but because of how I'm feeling. I've never thought of any of them as attractive or... hot. They've always just been them. My guys.

But now I'm noticing how their jaws move when they talk, and I catch myself wanting to run my finger along them. Or how their toned muscles bulge from any clothing they wear. Even their speech patterns- which haven't changed, make me feel a certain way.

It's probably just my mind playing tricks on me, but it makes me feel guilty. In human years, they're all in their mid to late twenties. Not to mention they raised me. Bad Elora!

Dane walked beside me, "Call me crazy, but I think we all just ate ice cream for dinner," he grinned down at me.

I wiggled my eyebrows, "I've waited seventeen years to do that!" I smiled. I've asked Quin for a dessert dinner more times than I can recall.

"Enjoy it, it won't be happening again," Quin called from behind us.

I turned and gave him a sheepish smile that he returned. It's nice that he cares so much about nutrition and keeping me healthy. I know it doesn't matter for them, but he makes a big effort for me. "You know I like your food more," I complimented.

Dane opened the door and we all walked in after. Felix and Eugene were sitting on the couch, beers in their hand, watching an old recorded football game from years ago.

Eugene cocked an eyebrow at us, "You all smell sickly sweet," he judged. Yeah like he wouldn't have pigged out on all you can eat ice creams and toppings.

I skipped the few feet and stood behind the couch with him in front of me. Leaning over, letting my feet lift off the ground and the couch support me, I smiled at him, "Jealous?" I smirked, "We had ice cream for dinner," I gave him a pointed look.

Eugene looked surprised as he looked behind me, "Really?" He asked. Quin made a sound of regret behind me. Eugene nodded in approval, "Look at that, Dukes back for a day, and you get your ice cream dinner," he teased.

I shook my head, "To be fair, I didn't ask to go." I tried to make myself sound less spoiled. Duke used to baby me and spoil me, and I always loved it, I still do. But I don't want them knowing that. I don't want Duke knowing that.

"You didn't have to," Duke sounded smug as he sat next to Eugene. He looked over his sounder at me, "Put your feet down, Elora, you'll hurt yourself," he said.

I did as he asked, walking around and sitting between Lucifer and Felix; the only open seat. Dang it. I'm confused and upset with Felix. But he smells so good. I think he's always had this manly scent to him, but he seriously smells amazing.

I tucked my sock covered feet under my bum, getting comfortable. I felt goosebumps under my sleeves, and looked up locking eyes with Felix. He still scares me more than anyone else, but he's insanely handsome.

"How did you get to be Vice President?" He asked lowly, genuine curiosity in his tone.

I raised my eyebrows, not expecting him to say anything to me. This is my chance! I felt myself lightly leaning against Lucifers arm, but I doubt he cares. "I was treasurer last year, so I kind of learned about student council and their responsibilities. And I decided to run for it this year. It was a lot of fun," I smiled, remembering how stressed Theo was when he was helping me make signs to post around the school.

Felix just kept looking at me. He didn't smile, or show any signs of being happy. But he looked intrigued. "And you're in the debate club?" He asked.

I love that he's asking about me. It makes me feel like he actually cares. That's all I've wanted since he's gotten back. Just for him to show a sliver of emotion that he missed me and ask how I've been.

I nodded, "Captain of the debate club," I corrected.

He nodded in understanding. "Eugene says you're on track to become valedictorian," he raised his eyebrows, looking impressed.

"What?" Duke sounded shocked. "You're top of your class?" He asked.

I shrugged, "Well there's still a few months left, but as of right now, it's me," I explained.

Duke looked around at everyone, gushing their reactions. He's acting like I found the cure for cancer. "That's outstanding," Duke stared at me for a while, the proudest looking smile on his face.

I blushed, looking at the TV. This is turning out to be a really good day. Felix may still think I'm annoying, but at least now he knows I'm smart and somewhat accomplished. And Duke practically has stars in his eyes looking at me.

We watched the game silently. I slowly ended up laying my back against Lucifers side. I like touching people, Dane has joked a few times that touch is my love language whatever that is. It makes me feel warm and knowing someone's right next to me is comforting. Like they're not going to leave without me knowing.

Lucifer doesn't seem to mind, he's actually wrapped his long arm around my shoulders, resting his hand on my lower ribs. He's comfortable.

As we kept watching old movies and shows, I ended up completely in Lucifers arms. His legs were on either side of me, and my back was leaning against his chest. His finger was soothingly drawing patterns on my stomach, lulling me to sleep.

My legs rested on Felix's lap, I'm not sure how they ended up there, or why he's allowing it, but I feel warm and tingly whenever he runs his fingers along my ankle. His touch is like being kissed by the sun.

It's been so long since anyone's let me sleep with them. Duke would sometimes, but it's different. I don't exactly know how, but I like it more now.

It's safe and cozy in Lucifers arms and Felix touching my legs. With the rest of my guys around me, I feel complete. For the first time in years, I feel whole again.