The Beginning to an end

Chapter Nineteen:

Rose POV

“They are… your brothers?” I could understand why they were looking at us with a shocked look. I don’t think they were prepared to meet my friends so soon, let alone my brothers and I can’t say I blame them.

“Yep. The ones I just met today. Well, technically yesterday since it’s after midnight and all.” 

“I can the resemblance between you three, it’s not a lot but it’s still there.”

“Wait until you see our dad and Rose in the same room. They are twins to the point that it’s kinda creepy.” I tried to punch Nico but he moved, making me stumble and twist my torso too fast. I winced and held my side, taking a few deep breaths. “s**t! I’m sorry, Rose. I’m so sorry!” I waved my hand in a way to say that it’s ok and walked back to my car, Danny and Emily meeting me there.

“Let’s just grab everything and take it up to the apartment so I can get some sleep before I have to be up to go to the gym.”

“What?! You’re still going!?” I looked at Phoebe and nodded my head.

“Well yeah. I’ve missed one day of training so if I miss anymore, my body will feel even more off-track than it does now.” I’m not going to tell her that I’m going to the gym to tell Baxter I’m taking a week off since I got injured. Actually, I just have to tell him that I got hurt and he will kick me out of any and all training. He’s protective of me like a big brother would be, just like Remus and Nico sorta. 

“Rose, you..”

“Relax Fee, I’m just messing with you. I’m going to Onyx to tell Baxter that I’m taking a week off. I promised Ang I would and you know I keep my promises, no matter what so don’t worry. I plan on sleeping in until 9 or 10 today.”

“Oh thank god.” I shook my head and unlocked my back end where I put everything from the shopping trip.

“What’s all that?” uh oh..

“Uh.. I went shopping”

“And you didn’t take me!? We always go shopping together! When did you even go?”

“...After I paid for apartment. I realized I still had some time to grab a few things that I would need so Emily offered to come with me to make it faster.”

“But we ended up getting distracted by all the pillows..”

“Hey! They were super soft and I couldn’t say no to fluffy pillows.” I grabbed one of the fluffy pillows I got for the couch out of the bag and hugged it. “It’s so fluffy..” 

Everyone was laughing at me but I didn’t care, I love me some fluffy pillows. I put the pillow back in the bag, grabbing it and trying to grab the other bags but they were snatched away by Danny and the guys, leaving us girls with nothing to hold.

“Wait… give me something to carry since it’s all my stuff in the first place!”

“No it’s ok Rose. In fact, if you give me your bag, you can hold one of the fluffy pillows while we walk to your apartment.”

“... promise?”

“Promise.” I handed over my backpack and drawstring bag to Drake and he gave me one of the fluffy pillows. I squealed and hugged it to me as I started walking to the door. I could hear everyone chuckling as they started walking with me. “So the way to your heart is fluffy pillows?”

“And ice cream!” 

“Noted” I turned around and stared at him while he smirked at me. 

“Are you saying you’re going to get me ice cream…? Really?”

“Anything and whatever you want, it’s yours” I just stared at him with my mouth parted slightly, not even blinking.

“Dude I think you broke her” I hit Alex's hand away when it got too close to my face before looking back Drake.

“Are you serious? So if I want ice cream, you’ll get it for me? What about chocolate?” I gasped and stepped closer to him as he stared down at me and I up at him as I whispered “even fluffy pillows?” he stared at me before laughing. He’s laughing at me I thought as I pouted and started walking away with them yelling at me to wait up as I walked faster and tightened my grip on my pillow.

I got to the elevator first and hit the button, waiting for it as everyone caught up to me.

“I’m sorry Rose. I shouldn’t have laughed at you and I’m really sorry.” I didn’t say anything as the doors opened and we all got in. As Danny hit the button for the third floor and the doors closed, we all fell into a silence, not all comfortable and not all tensed. As the doors opened, I walked out and to 3B before unlocking the door and walking in, leaving the door open for everyone to come in on their own. I went into my bedroom, seeing all my bags on the bed and decided to start unpacking. I went back to the living and saw everyone was inside the door closed, not sure how I didn’t hear it close but ok. Everyone looked at me as I walked to the couch and set my fluffy pillow in one of the corners before telling them to do the same with the other one and grabbing the pillows I bought for my bed and the bed set. Before I went into the room, I turned around and told them where I wanted everything in the kitchen to go. Once they had put everything where I wanted it, I turned and went into the bedroom.

I left the door slightly cracked so it didn’t get stuffy in the room while I made the bed. I picked up the duffel bags and took them into the closet before doing the same with each suitcase. When I walked out, I saw Drake sitting on the bed with his head in his hands. Even though he laughed at me and made me sad-mad, I didn’t like seeing him like this when all he’s done is help me. I took a deep breath, walked up to him and tapped him on the shoulder. His head whipped up and stared at me before wrapping his arms around my waist, pulling me to him and hugging me tightly. I didn’t expect him to do anything so I didn’t know what to do at first before I ran my hand through his hair. From the books I’ve read and the tiktoks I’ve watched, it seems like the guys like it when girls do this. And hey, if I’m wrong then I’ll know what not to do. I’m guessing he liked it because he pulled me down so I was straddling his lap and had his head in the crook of my neck as I kept running my hand through his hair.

“I’m sorry for laughing at you. I don’t know why I did it but when you asked me if I would get you fluffy pillows, I lost it. It was just so cute when you asked it while looking up at me, I couldn’t help it. I’m sorry Rose, I really am.” great now I feel bad for just walking away and ignoring him. I mumbled a quiet it’s ok before hugging him. I didn’t know what to do so I just started humming softly. He started to relax which I was happy for but then I finally realized the position he and I were in as I continued humming before the door was flung open and hit the wall, making both of our heads snaps up. There everyone was standing in the doorway. Phoebe and the twins had grins on their faces while my brothers didn’t look happy at all. And Emily and Danny? Well, they looked so happy at my discomfort while Drake just pulled me closer to him and lifted his head a bit.

“Can we help you?”

“Uh we just wanted to know where you guys disappeared to… Are you guys ok?”

“We’re ok guys. Hey Fee?”

“Yeah?” 

“Can you set the TV up with all my accounts? Whatever ones you don’t know then I’ll do it. Actually, I’ll do it, you guys need to head home and get some sleep before school.”

They looked at me like I was crazy but I’m actually really sane; well most of the time, I just don’t show it most of the time.

“Why is everyone looking at me like I’m crazy this time? I haven’t even done anything worth getting that look yet.”

“Are you sure you’re ok?”

“I’m fine guys, really. Why do you guys think I’m not?”

“Well, with everything you’ve been through, I’m surprised you haven’t gone insane yet. I sure as hell would’ve.” Drake pulled me impossibly closer to him, holding me like I was going to disappear. I rubbed his back slightly as I turned as well as I could to look at everyone.

“I’ve learned that everything that I go through is just life. It’s filled with all kinds of twists and turns, mountains and peaks. Life isn’t always glamorous and it isn’t always shitty, you just have to work through it. So yeah with everything that's happened, I should’ve broken down completely a long time ago but if I did, where had that of gotten me afterwards? While crying or getting angry can help somewhat, all it’s going to do after you’re down is wear you out even more than you already are. I just chose to keep going forward, to make the pain that I experience into strength that I can use in the future. I’d rather have the strength that I get than to be worn out from just crying and not doing anything. I’d rather learn from my pain than to give up and let it control me.”

“You really are an amazing person, Rose. If anyone else had gone through what you have, they would have given up at the beginning instead of seeing that there is a way to move forward from it.” I smiled before turning my face away as I started to blush.

“Ok. You guys need to go home and get some rest. I’m sure you’re all exhausted from chasing me around.” I started to pull away from Drake but he pulled me back to him.

“Drake, you need to go home and sleep. It’s almost 1am and you guys have school in less then seven hours.”

“Actually Rose, we thought we might just stay here. You know make sure you’re ok and if you need anything then we’ll be here to help in anyway and any means necessary.”

“B-But I don’t have enough room for all of you to stay here!”

“Nonsense.” I looked over at Emily as she smiled. “The spare rooms bed is a king and the L-shaped couch in the living room pulls out to make a bed meaning there’s plenty of room. The pullout bed already has sheets on it and since you bought those pillows, it’s more than enough. We have plenty of spare pillows and blankets in the utility closet since we make sure that each room has lots of both so there’s nothing to worry about.”

“But… Th-they don’t have a change of clothes for tomorrow, I mean today.”

“Actually, Justin, Drake and I always keep spare clothes in our cars in case we don’t feel like going home and we end up staying at each other’s houses.”

“Since I was always staying the night at the house, you know I always have spare outfits in my car, Rose; so I’m all good too.”

“Same with us little sister. We never checked into our hotel or made any reservations either so we have our bags with us.”

“But… but…” I looked back and forth between everyone before stopping on Emily and Danny, giving them a look that says help me but they just stand there, smiling. I knew it was a bad idea to show them the apartment and now I’m paying for it. “Fine. Who’s going to sleep where? We also need to pull out the bed, grab the extra pillows and...” I yawned before continuing “blankets.” everyone walked out and got to work while I yawned again and rubbed my eyes as Drake lifted his head. I looked down at him before giving him a sleepy smile. “Where are you going to sleep?”

“How about in your bed? I promise not to do anything.” I‘m too tired to think anymore, I just want to go to sleep.

“Ok. I’m too tired to think of anywhere else you would be able to sleep. You’re gonna have to let go of me so I can unpack and make the bed.” he suddenly stood up and I wrapped my legs around his waist. I blushed, unwrapping my legs as he slowly set me down and I backed away a few steps. I walked over and grabbed the bed set and brought it over to the bed.

“You can go unpack as much as you can and I’ll make the bed for you.”

“Really? Are you sure?”

“I’m sure. Leave this to me and go unpack. It will be done by the time you get done.” I nodded my head and walked into my closet. I took out all the hangers, taking them out of the packaging, opening my suitcases and duffel bags and hanging out all my clothes. While I was doing this, I found a hidden compartment near the floor of the closet behind a sliding panel. I opened it and saw that it was a kind of safe. It wasn’t huge but it wasn’t small either. I took out my lock box, opening it to put my account book in it before locking it and putting it in the safe. I entered my own code before closing it and sliding the panel back into place. As I stood back and looked at it, I noticed that no matter how good someone's vision is, you wouldn't even notice it was there which is a good thing.

I got back to unpacking and in the next ten minutes, I had all my clothes and shoes unpacked. My jewelry was set up on the little vanity that was in the corner, the bathroom stuff had been unpacked and put where I wanted and I made a special section for all my uniforms. I decided to leave all my school stuff in the duffel bag and I would put in the office after I woke up and got my other errands done. Drake was just finishing the bed when I walked back in and I was right to choose the bedspread; not only is blue my favorite color but I just loved the set in general. I smiled as he looked over at me and we went to the living room. On the pullout bed were my brothers and Justin, which meant that Phoebe and Alex would be staying the spare room together. I knocked, looking into the room and sure enough, they were sitting in the middle of the bed talking and laughing so I decided to leave them alone. Walking out into the living room, seeing Remus, Nico and Justin sprawled out on the bed was kinda funny.

“Well don’t you guys look comfy?” they looked up as I leaned over the couch.

“Hey sis. Are you and Drake done being lovey dovey?”

“Maybe or maybe not. What’s it to you?”

“We may have just met today but we are still your brothers, your older brothers at that.”

“So you’re saying that you’re protective of me and will do anything to make sure I will never get hurt?”

“Damn right. We’re family and family protects its own especially ours.” I didn’t know what to say so I just nodded before saying goodnight to them. They didn’t say it back but it’s ok, they barely know me so it’s fine. I turned to walked away but a pair of arms wrapped around me.

“Goodnight sis, sweet dreams” Nico whispered as I turned around and hugged him before turning to Remus as he hugged me and told me goodnight, me saying the same thing to him before heading back into my room. I walked into the closet and picked out sleep tank top and shorts, changing into them. Before I could walk into the bathroom, Remus and Nico knocked and poked their heads in, smiling when they saw me but frowned when they saw what I was wearing.

“What are you wearing, Rose?” I looked down then back at them.

“Pajama’s?” 

“You’re gonna wear that when Drake is sleeping in the same bed as you?”

“What’s wrong with it?”

“It’s too revealing! Go change. Now.” uh excuse me?

“What? Why? I always wear this when I go to sleep so why should I change it? What’s up with you guys?” I walked by them and into the bathroom before brushing my teeth and taking out my first aid bag to clean the gash carefully. The next thing I know, I’m being picked up and set on the counter with my brothers standing in front of me, going through my first aid bag. “I can clean my own injuries you know…”

“We know but we’re still going to do it.” Remus stepped up and started cleaning the gash, Nico handing him everything he needs when he needs it. After a couple minutes, the gash was clean and had a new bandage on it. “Done now go change into something that isn’t revealing.” I’m not changing so I hopped of the counter and walked back into the bedroom while they cleaned up and put everything away, seeing Drake was already in the room as I grabbed my charger from my bag and plugged it into the before plugging in my phone and setting it on the floor since I don’t have a nightstand yet. I turned around and saw that Drake did the same thing. 

I turned and went to go and say goodnight to Phoebe but my brothers blocked my path. I sighed, tried to move around them but they just moved with me.

“Move before I make you”

“Go change”

“Now”

“No”

“Rose”

“I’m not going to change. During the night, I get hot easily and wearing this keeps me cool. Now, I’m tired and want to go to bed but before I do that, I’m going to say goodnight to my best friend, Emily, Danny and everyone else. But to do that, you need to move so please, move.” after a few minutes of us staring at each other, they finally moved and I walked out into the living room to see Phoebe and Alex with Justin. I walked up to them and leaned my head on Phoebe’s shoulder while she leaned her head against mine.

“I came to say goodnight to you guys.”

“I was just about to come and say the same thing.” I turned to Alex and Justin before hugging them. I think I caught them by surprise because they tensed before each of them hugging me. I turned to Phoebe as she held up a hand and we did our handshake before hugging.

“Night b***h. Sweet dreams. Oh and I hope you know that I’ll be using your makeup since I don’t have mine with me.”

“Night slut. Sweet dreams. I figured you would be, even though I told you that you don’t need it, so I already set it up in my bathroom. If I’m still sleeping by the time you get up, be quiet when you go in ok? No squealing, if you sing to your music, don’t do it too loud since there is more people in the building and all.” 

“What errands do you need to do today, Rose?” I thought about it, there is quite a bit.

“Well, I need to pack up everything at the house, I need to go shopping for groceries, my shift starts at Spiral at 4pm and then I get off at midnight. So depending on how fast I get everything done, I might stop by the school with lunch and eat with you guys and save the shopping for after.” 

“Yes! Let’s do that!” I nodded and went back into my room.

“So you’re coming to for lunch tomorrow? Sweet!” I laughed, closed the door a little before turning off the light and getting into bed. Just as I was about to fall asleep, I felt Drake wrap an arm around my waist and pull me to him so my back was to his front and he was spooning me before whispering goodnight and me humming my response back.