Chosen by the Fates

A Night In

Aisling ~

After a shower and cleaning up I feel hale and whole. I spend extra time brushing my teeth, still a little self-conscious about teasing Ashleigh earlier and wanting my breath to smell better if we end up that close again. I also apply a little make up. I typically just stick to eyeliner and my eyebrows because it takes less time. Not to mention my skin breaks out when I put too much of anything on my face.

Five PM is a late start to a day, but I’ve been looking forward to some time off for a week. Even more so as I’ve been messaging with Ashleigh. I’ve even started to feel a little jealous I couldn’t join Tiffa in hanging out with the brothers.

Whatever Tiffa has been slow cooking smells wonderful now. Just before leaving my room I reach for the coffee Ashleigh brought me. But just before taking another sip I see something on the back side I missed before. Its little sticker on it that looks like a chibi cartoon version of him making heart eyes at me, probably band swag. I can’t help but smile.

"Okay so you guys have stickers?" I call down the hall as I head into the living room. When I step into view Tiffa is sitting across Cian's lap, they seem to be wrestling one another with blushing smiles. Sionainn is laughing as musically as I remember from a week ago. Ashleigh is leaning against the wall next nearest me, his expression one of cool indifference.

I realize Tiffa is trying to grab for Cian's headphones as he holds them down with one hand, reaching to catch hers with the other.

"I'm telling you, he doesn't share the music he likes to listen to in his off time with anyone..." Ashleigh's voice is an exasperated sigh. 

"Please just one song! I won't tell a soul!" Tiffa is playfully pouting at Cian now.

"Man, I missed a lot this week if Tiffa is on lap sitting terms with Cian..." I'm genuinely surprised. Cian seemed so shy. But now he is laughing and pinning her hands so she can't keep teasing to take his headphones. 

Ashleigh glances side long at me, one eyebrow arching, a smirk playing across his lips. Sionainn just laughs harder.

We are all surprised when, while still pinning Tiffa's hands, Cian gently puts his headset over her ears. She looks startled as her cheeks flush. Ashleigh and Sionainn exchange a look. 

"Looks like he does now." It's heartwarming to watch, and I can't keep the smile from my own face. I like seeing Tiffa happy like this, and I feel as if I'm surrounded by friends we have known for ages.

"Oh my gosh its -" Tiffa’s teasing voice is a shout over the noise cancelling headphones. Cian muffles her with a hand over her mouth. The room erupts with all our laughter after that.

When I move to sit on the couch, Ashleigh joins me. We spend most of the evening laughing and joking. Cian appears to have a sweet spot for Tiffa, but remains quiet and observant with the rest of us. Tiffa's dinner is amazing, but her slow cooker recipes always are.

Sionainn mixes up an alcoholic beverage for us that he learned to make while overseas during one of their tours. I am suspicious of a few of the ingredients he mixes, but the end result is actually quite tasty. 

"No waaaaay." Tiffa exclaims as she tries the drink. She is now smooshed in next to Cian on our love seat. Cian is blushing awkwardly, but seems pleased at her proximity. "This must be what people mean when they say someone is Worldly." She takes another swig and sighs.

"I meant to ask, is there anything I can do while you guys wait to see if any of Tiffa's inquiries about Delphi pan out?" 

All three brothers exchange a look, and the feeling that they aren't sharing something hits me full force again.

"Really, you have both done more than enough. And we still haven't thanked you for trying to help us." Sionainn smiles warmly, chasing away my suspicions with his appreciation and charm. "Would it be alright if we take you ladies out on the town tomorrow? We'd like to take you east for the day, to shop and then for a surprise evening event. We can get you home the next morning, or stay a few days. Entirely your preference."

I'm stunned. I have the next several days off, but this...I've never been offered anything like this before... I find my eyes searching for Ashleigh's. He's watching Sionainn, one eyebrow raised. 

Tiffa sits up, "You're serious?" I look back to Tiffa to see excitement dancing across her features. She looks between all of them, “What sort of clothes should we bring for this surprise- I mean if we go?” She glances my way.

“We intend to buy what you’d like to wear for it while there.” Sionainn smiles warmly as he sips his drink.

"I mean - that's too much, isn't it?" My voice is soft. Ashleigh's eyes snap to mine and he shakes his head. "It's not too much for us. It's the least we can do." His tone is so concretely confident that it chases my doubts away.

"We are accustomed to certain luxuries and freedoms." Sionainn's voice adds to Ashleigh's reassurances. "We were rude strangers when you met us. You didn't know who we were, and you didn't have to offer help, or share your time or home to help us. You both have, despite how strange our problem is. More than that, our time with you has been a reprieve we haven’t had in ages. To do this for you is a small thing for us. Please let us spoil you in the manner we are used to as a thank you?"

I can feel my mouth working, unable to find the words to express how flattered I am. When I glance at Tiffa she is blushing, holding her hands to her heart as if it might burst from her chest. 

She answers for us, "Yes." Before I can blink she has thrown her arms around Cian to hug him.

"We aren't going to have to walk down a red carpet or be in the spotlight or anything are we...?" I whisper at Ashleigh as I watch Tiffa. Tiffa wouldn't care, she'd eat that up, but my stomach is a bundle of nerves just thinking about it.

Ashleigh chuckles, "No."   

Sionainn leans back in his chair, "People may recognize us, but we'll have the most fun if we can keep a low profile. I'll make arrangements then. We’ll need to get you pretty early though, say 4:45 AM?" He sips his drink as if getting up at that hour isn’t an outlandish suggestion.

I choke on my drink. I might not have even fallen asleep by then with my current schedule. I glance at our living room clock. It’s already eleven thirty now. How do they do it? Is this the sort of schedule they’re used to?

Tiffa ‘tsks’ at him, "It’s getting late and we’ve all had a few drinks. You won’t even be home until past midnight at this rate. You guys could just stay?” She looks between the brothers, “We have plenty of space. Then we can head out all together in the morning?" Tiffa's been the one spending all the time with them, and she's warmed up to them completely. She's always been a good judge of character, so I follow her lead on this.

Sionainn looks at Cian who is wide-eyed, but he nods at the plan. I smirk to myself, remembering Cian’s comment after first meeting Tiffa. Well if Tiffa wasn’t attempting to lure him to her lair before, she very probably is now.

Tiffa and Cian seem to be crushing on one another pretty hard. It's like seeing a whole new side of him with how comfortable he seems with her. Tiffa has always had a knack for getting people out of their shells. I shouldn't be surprised.

Sionainn looks to Ashleigh next, who shrugs. His tone sounds almost disinterested, "That's fine." 

"It's settled then. I need to make a few calls." Sionainn smiles even as he steps out of the room. 

Tiffa hands her drink to Cian, who takes a sip. "Great! I'll grab our extra pillows and blankets for you guys."

Cian puts his headphones on, still blushing and watching after her. He's been blushing for so much of the evening, I'm convinced his cheeks are permanently going to remain some shade of flushed if he continues to spend time with Tiffa around.

Ashleigh sips his drink, and I study him quietly. He casts a glance my way, "What?" 

"Nothing. I'm still trying to understand your cool side."

He scoffs, "Cool side?"

I smirk, "Yes. I thought it was just that you were rude, but that's not it. You are playful and warm sometimes when you want to be."

"You thought I was rude?" He feigns indignant hurt.

I glare, "I literally told you that repeatedly when we met."

He's laughing now, "Maybe I just like how feisty you get with me."

I frown, mumbling, "You didn't even know me."

His expression changes, emptying. He sighs, taking a sip of his drink without answering me. We sit in silence for a long moment. It surprises me when he breaks the silence first, “It felt like I did, though.” His voice is barely audible.

What an odd thing to say… Sionainn had implied they would recognize Delphi when the brothers saw them. Looking at Ashleigh now, though, I remember how he looked at me when he asked if I was Delphi.

A pressure builds at my temples as my mind mills over the memory. I rarely get headaches. I must have had too much to drink. I set my drink down on the side table, getting up. “I think I should grab some water, and help Tiffa with the blankets. I’ll be right back.”

Ashleigh nods, “Of course.”

I pause to look back with a smile, “I forgot, thank you for the coffee. I loved the little sticker.”

Ashleigh’s lips tug into a faint smile, and he waves me away.

After chugging a glass of water at the sink, I find Tiffa going through both our bedrooms, and our linen closet for all our spare blankets.

“I’m so sorry, I should have asked you first!” Tiffa piles blankets from a hall closet into my arms.

“You’ve spent the week with them, I trust you.” I smile.

“Well don’t worry, I let dad know exactly who we are with and that we’ll be heading on a short trip with them tomorrow. I’ll keep him updated. You never can be too careful you know.”

I realize as she’s speaking, that all the concerns I’d normally have just hadn’t occurred to me with the brothers. Some part of me wants to trust them like family. I’m old enough to know that wanting to trust someone isn’t the same as someone being trustworthy, so I’m thankful for Tiffa’s vigilance.

Once my arms are so full of pillows and blankets I can’t see I hear Tiffa make a satisfied clucking noise and the closet door close.

Before I can ask for help, half my burden is lifted, revealing Ashleigh’s stoic features. “You’ll walk into something.” His voice is stern.

“Hey, you think I’d let her walk around without my help?” Tiffa takes a few pillows from both of us.

Tiffa tosses a pillow and blanket on the couch, and one on our love seat. I’ve been wondering what her plan for three men is. The love seat is going to be an uncomfortable fit for anyone who isn’t used to sleeping curled up.

“Why don’t two of you can take my bed, and I’ll take the love seat?” I look between the brothers as I ask.

Ashleigh takes the couch without a word. Cian and Sionainn look at each other as if having an unspoken dialogue. Cian clears his throat, “We appreciate that. Sionainn and I will take the bed.”

I nod, “I’ll go grab a few things, and set it up for you.”

Ashleigh and I still haven’t gone for that walk. I’d almost forgotten about my stupid dream question until he messaged me before bed this morning. I shouldn’t have asked. I don’t know why I did.

Maybe I was just embarrassed spending time with a handsome stranger I’d had a vivid s*x dream about? It didn’t help that my dream narrative had painted me as their missing friend. But hadn’t that been what Ashleigh was asking me when we first met.

I unconsciously rub at my wrist where he’d grabbed me while saying Delphi’s name as if I should recognize it. How bright and desperate his eyes were.

He must have really been close to them.

I heave a sigh, finishing the bed. Then I throw a few things into an overnight bag, including several changes of socks and underwear. I’ve travelled enough to know that socks and undergarments are the most critical items to have extra of. I also throw in my headphones, sketchbook, some pencils, my eyeliner/brow pencil, and a small bag with carry on sized toiletries.

I’ve actually travelled quite a bit. Always coach or by bus, which ended up taking long hours surrounded by strangers, and even stranger smells.

I roll up a small blanket and strap it to the top, then grab the shoes I want. A rapping at the doorframe draws my attention up to find Sionainn’s eyes on me, “I don’t suppose you have more of those brightly colored pajama shirts we could use?” He grins, clearly teasing.

I chuckle, “No. I’m actually done. It’s all yours. You should probably close the door, or Miss Meow Meow may try sleeping on you.”

Sionainn chuckles, “You know, in ancient times cats were revered for protecting dreamers while they slept. Far be it from me to turn such a noble creature away, should she choose to guard me.”

Is Sionainn always this way? His words are always thoughtful and shared with such a warm smile. His kind patience always seems to roll from him like waves of calm to settle on those around him. I can’t help but admire him, “My dad used to say something similar.”

“Did he now?” Sionainn’s eyebrows go up, but then his expression shifts to one of contemplation over my words. “May I ask where he is now?”

“He passed away.” I smile sadly, sitting at the edge of my bed. My backpack slides from my shoulder to rest beside me.

It never gets easier to say it to people. Every time I have to, it is a reminder of my own loss. As if the world is making me acknowledge it out loud over and over.  

“You were close?” Sionainn’s expression softens.

“Yea.” My voice comes out quieter than I mean it to. “It’s been years, but. Every part of my life is tied to the things we did together, or that he taught me.”

“As if you are haunted…” Sionainn’s voice is as gentle as his expression.

“I suppose so.”

“But perhaps also as if he is watching over you through those lessons and experiences you carry with you…”

I nod, “That too.”

“Thank you, Aisling. For opening up to me. He sounds like he was a wise man. I’d love it if you share some of that wisdom with me. I could stand to be a little wiser.” He winks at me.

Somehow, Sionainn’s words and tone feels like an emotional hug. No one has asked me to share more of my dad before, and I am grateful. Both in knowing that Sionainn is comfortable with me talking about it, and that he wants to know more about my dad.

“Thank you.” My eyes are damp, and I self-consciously rub at them as I smile.

Sionainn closes the distance between us, pulling something from his pocket. He bends down and offers me a handkerchief.

Am I in a movie? I’ve never known a man who carries around a clean handkerchief for ladies. I chuckle at the thought that it’s not the sudden metropolitan excursion that surprises me, but the handkerchief.

I take the handkerchief, though I’m not sure if I can keep my voice steady with how sweet he is being, so I smile instead.

“You have a beautiful smile, do you know that?” Sionainn sits beside me as he speaks, his warm shoulder bumping against mine. I lean a little into his warmth, finding it soothing.

“Even when I’m trying not to cry ugly tears?” My voice is steady at least. It’s been a long time since I cried about my dad. Sionainn’s request was just so unexpected and thoughtful.

“It’s not possible for tears of love to be ugly.” Sionainn holds his arm out, offering a hug if I want it. I do.

I lean into his hug, and he squeezes me bodily to him. As if with enough warmth and pressure, he can drive away all the sadness of the world.

“I’m not sad most of the time. Because of what Dad taught me, my life has been pretty good. I found Tiffa, and I love this place. I’m so thankful to him, and I just miss him.”

“Well, I have been told the best way to carry a loss or a memory, is with others.” Sionainn rubs my shoulder.

“He would have liked you.”

“Hey! What’s going on in here??” Ashleigh’s voice interrupts us from the doorway. He sounds shocked, and indignant. “We leave you alone for one minute, and you’re already making moves on this innocent girl???”

Cian is looking over Ashleigh’s shoulder curiously at us. Tiffa’s voice carries down the hall, “Sionainn is making a pass at Aisling?!”

“I’m not a girl, and I’m not innocent.” I grumble, gathering myself back together.  

“I’m not sure that’s something you should say about yourself?” Cian looks quizzical about my phrasing.

Sionainn is just laughing, pulling me closer, “And what if I am?”

Ashleigh’s bright eyes cast between mine and Sionainn’s in mock shock. Then he storms in and reaches to grab my arm, but my glare stops him in his tracks. He hesitantly offers his own hand instead.

I can feel Sionainn’s chuckle in the rumbling of his chest. I look between Ashleigh’s eyes and his offered hand with scrutiny. There’s a hope in his gaze that I find endearing. Not to mention how quickly he caught himself before grabbing me.

I smile, reaching out to take his hand. His hand is firm and strong on mine. He helps me stand.

“Ahh well, another night then.” Sionainn winks at me, and I can’t help but blush. His warm personality is like a soft blanket.

“Not on my watch.” Ashleigh says, taking my backpack as I reach for it. He shoots Sionainn a glare, who just begins laughing all over again.

Sionainn’s laughter follows us out as we leave.