The Master [MxMxM+]

05

     Zel tried to make himself comfortable inside one of the black and gold Bentleys he was escorted to sit inside—cars he had only ever seen from behind a screen. It was a futile effort. The driver was awfully quiet it was almost awkward. Next to him was one of the contestants whom also, was completely quiet.

     The man's hair was nearly the color of his own, except it was much lighter. It was the whitest white hair Zel had ever seen. And he had to admit he could see all the appeal it was meant to garner.

     Tadashi sat next to the chauffeur whose gloved hands controlled the wheel. Yet another thing Zel had only ever seen from behind a screen. The only thing calming him down was the knowledge that Tadashi was perfectly polite. Something about him just made one feel at ease, and in this moment, Zel was glad for it.

Two more cars, identical to the one he was inside, followed closely behind them, where he was sure about five more men—just like him—sat with thoughts racing through their minds. Much like himself.

They were obviously better suited for this sort of thing than he was. Nevertheless, he was absolutely happy he got chosen as well. He loved new experiences, so he was going to make the most out of this one.

     "Hi, I'm Zel," he told the man next to him, feeling a little courageous. "What's your name?"

     A head full of white turned briefly to take Zel in, but his eyes lingered, forcing Zel to smile out of nervousness. The grim look on his face disappeared, but just like he turned, he quickly turned back.

     He leaned at his side of the backseat like he was trying to put the biggest distance possible between him and Zel. What was his problem?

     He had not looked the most inviting, in fact, everything about him screamed 'stay away from me' but that was Zel's forte most fortunately. If he could get through the hardened and icy parts of people, then the rest was always easy. He could have waited for another time to do this but now was a good time as any.

     Although now, it seemed like this one would be for another time because Noah scowled and turned away from him. It dampened his spirits for a short while. Then he decided to let it go and focus on the scenery instead.

      They had not ridden for long, and apart from Zel's attempt to introduce himself, no one had spoken. And they were back to the comfortable silence. From where he was sitting, Zel could see that Tadashi was typing away furiously on the tablet he'd somehow gotten from God knows where.

     Unexpectedly, he heard a voice from next to him. "It's Noah," he said, still not looking at Zel.

     Zel was so delighted as he whipped his head around to look at him. "It's nice to meet you Noah," he said, not knowing what else was appropriate.  "I'm Zel."

     "Yes. You told me that." Noah suddenly didn't look so standoffish as he had a few moments earlier. Zel couldn't put a finger on it. He seemed both shy and confident at the same time. Cocky even.

     He was probably one of those people who Zel had encountered several times. They had to know there would be no harm to their defenses before they even spoke to someone. And Zel, he was as harmless as they came if he could say so himself. He just genuinely loved people.

     "You too," he said. It was the last Zel could get out of him before they arrived at their destination and they were interrupted by Tadashi telling them to come with him.

While Zel was so focused on engaging Noah in conversation, he didn't notice that the car pulled up to a big iron wrought gate.

The mansion felt like it had an air of its own as the other two Bentleys behind them stopped, ceremoniously opening doors at the same time, giving time for everyone to file out. Did they rehearse this beforehand?