The Moon Goddess

Reunions

Chapter 11

ROSE’S POV

“Woah woah Rosie calm down.” I let out a sigh of relief, dropped my knives, and took the intruder into my arms.

“I missed you, dick.”

“Missed you, jerk.”

“How are you here?”

“You didn’t really think I’d let you spend Thanksgiving alone did you?” 

“Oh, I actually had plans, but I guess I could change them.”

“Oh no, please don’t. I only flew 2 hours to be here.” 

“Sorry. I’m happy you’re here. I just was excited. I was going to spend it with a guy.”

“Ooooh. I need all the deets.”

“Okay sure. But I need to call him and let him know I won’t be back. I was supposed to stay at his place tonight, but now that you’re here, that’s no longer necessary.”

“K b***h. Be quick, I got take out and sprite”

 I smiled at my best friend in the whole world. Darius. I can’t believe he was here. I hadn’t seen him in months, since we moved to Roslyn. I went into the living room, took my phone out and called Apollo. I felt bad calling in the middle of his party, but I know I’d forget and end up chatting the whole night with Darius so I better do it now. He picked up immediately.

“Hey Apollo.”

“Hey Rose, are you home safe?”

“I am, and I’m just calling to let you know that I’m staying at my place tonight.”

“What why?”

“Well, I actually got a surprise visitor and we’re going to spend the weekend together.”

“Okay well give me a second, I’ll be over soon.”

“Apollo stop. This party is important. Enjoy yourself. Darius and I can make ourselves busy.”

“Darius?”

“Don’t worry he’s gay.”

“Aw, are you talking about me?” Darius called from the kitchen.

“Still, I don’t like the idea of you being alone with someone I don’t know.”

“Okay my 50’s husband.”

“Sorry. I just want you to be safe after what happened with the flying guy.”

“I will be. Darius is safe. I promise.”

“Okay. Well I’ll still be over tonight. And I’ll spend Thanksgiving with you two.”

“Apollo, that really isn't necessary.”

“Do you not want me there?”

“Don’t do that. Of course I want you here. But I don’t want to inconvenience you either.”

“I’m not inconvenienced. I’ll be over at 8. Bye.” And he hung up the phone before I could interject. I walked back into the kitchen and put my phone on the counter. 

“So he’ll be here at eight.”

“Looks like someone has a hard time letting go.”

“He’s very…” I paused searching for the right word. “...Territorial.” I laughed at myself and my cute quip at Apollo. 

“Okay well, I’m happy to meet him nonetheless.”

“Yeah I’m sure you are. So why are you here?” I said as he was handing me the chow mein. 

“Can’t I visit my best friend?”

“He’s not here.”

“Whoever are you talking about.”

“Hm, I don’t know. Some kid named Andy. My brother. Your EX.” Oh yeah, did I mention? Andy and Darius were in quite the serious relationship before we moved and they had to break up because of an argument they had. Or so they say. Personally, I just think they loved each other too much to put each other through long distance. 

“Well, I wasn’t wondering. BUT, I appreciate the update.” He paused. “How long will he be gone?”

“He’ll be home late tomorrow night. There’s a good chance you’ll run into him. Depending on how long you stay, that is.”

“I actually thought I could stay for a little while.”

“Really? What about school?”

“Well that’s part of the reason I’m here. I’ve been thinking about transferring to the college your brothers attend.”

“In Roslyn Washington? You? Big city Darius? In the smallest, most unexciting town on the map.”

“Yeah, it surprised me too, but I miss you. All of you. Plus I hear the oxygen is great with all these trees everywhere.”

“Yes we do have very many trees.”

“And a forest I hear. Anything exciting happening inside the forest?”

I tensed thinking about Apollo’s palace. 

“Um no, not really. Anyway, I think it’s really great you’re moving here. If you want to be saved from the dorms, or rent, you’re welcome to stay here.”

“I appreciate the offer.” Suddenly the doorbell rang.

“Hm, let me go see who that is.”

“Be careful.” I put my chow mein down and gave him a look as I walked towards the door. “What is with everyone and being so scared of the front door?” I turned the knob to see an out of breath Apollo in formal wear. 

“Apollo? I thought you weren’t supposed to be here until-” He cut me off and pulled me into his arms. He hugged me tightly and seemed intent on not letting me go. 

I rubbed his back soothingly and asked him, “What’s wrong?”

“I was so worried about you.” He pulled away but held onto my waist. “I was at the party, doing my rounds, making sure everyone was good, and then one of the palace guards came up to me and said one of the warriors had made reports of seeing what looked like a flying man. I didn’t even give it a second thought. I just rushed over here to make sure you were okay. I was so worried.” His eyes started to water and I pulled him close again. 

“I’m so sorry. I’m fine I promise.” I felt so guilty. I knew how much I worried him and still I insisted on being away from him. I knew how much he cared about me, and about how much we needed to be together and still I tried to push him away. 

“Ahem.” Apollo was suddenly alert and snapped his head up to Darius. “So this is the boyfriend?”

“And you are?” Apollo said, his voice suddenly getting sharp.

“Apollo, this is Darius. He’s not only a family friend, but he’s my best friend which means I expect you to play nice.”

“It’s nice to meet you.” Darius said, extending a hand. Apollo sighed, took his hand, and shook it. 

“I apologize. You’ve caught me at an uncomposed moment. It’s very nice to meet you. Besides her family, I haven't met anyone Rose is close to.”

“Oh so that means you haven't heard the stories then?” Darius said, giving me ‘the face.’ The face he makes when he’s up to no good. 

“Darius…”

“I remember this one time where we were out late…”

“Darius!”

“And there was something about a racoon? Or was it a squirrel?”

“Okay! I think that's enough for one night. Why don’t you go back into the kitchen and we’ll meet you there shortly.”

“Ugh fine. You’re no fun. But we are definitely playing clue tonight, and for every time I win, I expose one of your dirty little secrets.”

“Yeah whatever.” Once Darius was gone I turned back to Apollo who was just smiling at me. 

“What?”

“Oh nothing.”

“What is it?”

“Nothing! Honestly!” He said, putting his hands up. (still smiling.)

“Okay well, why don’t you go get a change of clothes and say goodbye to your guests. We’ll still be here.”

“You’re not serious are you?”

“What?”

“Do you forget there’s a flying maniac trying to kill you just wandering around happily?”

“I’m sure I’ll be fine for a half hour while you take care of kingly responsibilities.”

“Nonsense. You’re my mate. You come first. Lia and Dom are coming by to help put a perimeter around the house, they’re going to bring me things.”

“Are you sure this is all okay?”

“Of course it is. I made the announcement tonight that I had found my mate, as well as the complications involved in our situation, and they are all so excited to have you as their Luna.”

“Really?”

“Really.”

“Okay, well, at least invite Dominic and Lia to stay as well. We have plenty of room, and plenty of food. It can be like a big sleepover.”

“Hey as long as it means more protection for you.”

“OR it could just mean fun.”

“How about it means both.”

“That’s a compromise I’m willing to make.”

“Yeah yeah okay. You go ahead and eat, I’m going to call Dom and Lia.”

“K.” I smiled and gave him a kiss before going into the kitchen to find Darius with his arms folded and his best ‘Spill the tea face’

“Sooo. I guess we’re having a party.”

“Who's the hunk?”

“You want some water?”

“Rosaline Diana Harrow. Spill the tea right now sis.”

I sighed and smiled at him. 

“He’s amazing.”

“And hot. Why didn’t you tell me he was so hot.”

“Yeah he’s not too shabby.”

“So how long have you guys been dating?”

“Uh-”

“Must be a while if you’re having sleep overs.” He nudging me.

“Well… We haven't really been on a ‘date’ yet. So I don’t want to say that we’re dating, but we spend a lot of time together and it’s pretty serious. I think I may love him.”

“You’ve never been on a date. You don’t even know if you can call him your boyfriend, and yet you think you are in love with him?”

“It’s just all so…”

“Complicated?”

“Exactly.”

Apollo entered the kitchen and wrapped his arms around me and sighed deeply into my shoulder.

“Everything okay?”

“Yeah. It’s just been a long day.”

“Well come, sit down.” I got up to give him my chair but as soon as he sat down he pulled me onto his lap.

“Apollo-”

“I’m more comfortable like this.” He said smiling and wrapping an arm around my waist. I rolled my eyes and reached for a soda to see Darius giving me eyes.

“Shut up.”

“I didn’t say anything,” He said, putting his hands up. 

“Oh please. Tell what you were going to say.” Apollo said, looking at me suspiciously. 

“Oh nothing…. I’ve just never seen Rose so…. Tame.” He drew the word out to bother me. 

“Oh REALLY?” Apollo said, matching Darius’ tone. “Please do tell me more.”

“Darius don’t you dare.” I warned. 

“Hm, where do I start…” Suddenly the doorbell rang. 

Thank god. “I’ll get it!” I said jumping off Apollo’s lap to the door. I knew Apollo was right behind me. He would rather die than let me answer the door by myself. I would argue that he’s being ridiculous, but 72 hours ago a flying man tried to kidnap me, so…

“Hey guys, come on in.”

Lia and Dominic came through the door with bags and pajamas. 

“PARTY!!!” Lia yelled bursting through the door. 

“Loving the energy coming from this one.” Darius said entering the room.

Lia looked shocked to see him there. 

“Stop. Why are you so hot.” She said to Darius, which made Dominic angry. 

“Stop, why are YOU so hot queen??” Darius responded. Which made Dominic more angry. 

“OMG lets do shots.”

“I’ll get the glasses, you bring the booze.”

“Okay!” she said, pulling a bottle of gin out of a bag, and following him into the kitchen.

“What was that?” Dominic said, confused.

“That was a Darius. Don’t worry, he’s gay.”

“Alright…” He said dropping the bags he was holding and going to find Lia. I laughed and looked at Apollo who had been really quiet.

“What is it?”

“A car just pulled into the driveway.”

“What?” I say immediately going to the front window.

“Oh my god…” I rushed to the door and ran out.

“Rose! What the hell are you doing?” But I ignored him and ran into the arms of the figure trying to leave the car.

“Andy! What are you doing here!?”

“Hey I’m here too.” Jake said from the other side of the car. 

“What happened to the trip?”

“It ended a day early since so many people wanted to spend thanksgiving with their families. So we surprised you!”

“Oh my god I’m so happy you’re here. Just in time for a party too! I pointed at the front door to see Apollo, Lia, and Dom sticking their heads out. 

“Awesome. We’ll just grab our bags and be right in.”

“Ok great, and Andy?”

“Yeah?”

“Someone else made a surprise visit.”

“What? Who?”

“Andy?” He looked up and past me and his face froze. 

“Darius?” He looked like he was about to cry. “What are you doing here?”

“Well...I thought Rosie was gonna be alone, so I drove up to see her…”

“That was really great of you…”

Darius blushed. I stepped aside so they could see each other properly and chuckled to myself. That whole joke about me being tame around Apollo, was exactly what Andy did to him. 

“Hey, why don’t you two go for a walk, catch up and everything.” I said to Darius and Andy.

“Uh, yeah. Sure. You cool with that Dar?” Andy said, snapping out of his transe.

“Yeah, sounds good.” Darius said back, but neither of them moved.

“Okay, well. Jake-” I turned to face my other brother. “-Why don’t we get your bags unpacked and get some food into you.”

“Alright great. Have fun on your walk you two.” Jake said, nudging Andy towards Darius as he walked by him.

“We’ll see you guys later!” I said running into the house behind Jake and shutting it behind me.

“So, I think we missed a couple chapters…” Lia said looking at me with HER best ‘Spill the tea’ face.

“And we can catch you up in a minute. For now, I think we should probably order more food, and set up sleeping arrangements.” I said to everyone. 

“I can go order the food.” Jake offered. 

“Okay thanks!” I responded. He wandered into the kitchen and Apollo, Lia, and Dominic turned towards me.

“What?”

“We have an update.”

“There are a lot of things happening right now so I’m gonna need more details.”

They just looked at me with serious looks. 

“Seriously, what is it?”

They all glanced at each other before Apollo walked slowly up to me and took my hands.

“I think maybe we should talk alone.” Apollo said in a sad voice. But he wasn’t sad for himself.