By My Side - Sam/Aomaris Fanfiction

9) Family Fight

I couldn't help but feel self-conscious as I stared at myself in the mirror. I was wearing the only dress I owned. The skirt was made of layers of black and purple fabric, with sections of the black on top cut out of the middle to make the purple underneath visible. The bodice was a black sleeveless corset that laced together with purple ribbon and then was secured by a gold buckle at the top. Gold chains looped around the skirt of the dress, the bandage that now covered my arm even looked like it was part of the outfit and my boots brought the entire thing together. I adored the style... Just not on me.

A knock echoed through the room and I jumped.
"Yeah?"
"It's only me," Mika called. "We need to be downstairs. Are you dressed?"
"Yeah, but-"
"No, buts, we need to go." The door swung open and Mika, dressed in a floor-length ruby gown, grabbed my wrist and pulled me out of my room, despite my protests. Suzu and Naomi, who were apparently here for the party as well, sent me matching smiles as the three of them escorted me to the top of the stairs. From there, I could see the five incubi, all dressed in suits to fit their 'servant' titles. The girls behind me started whispering about how good the boys looked, drawing their attention to us. Not wanting to be a part of the girly giggling happening behind me, I began to walk down the stairs. four of the guys kept their eyes on Mika, Suzu, and Naomi, but Sam's emerald irises followed my descent and he met me at the bottom, a small smile on his face. He had that something-like-affectionate look on his face again, but I didn't have time to ponder what it was or why it was there before he spoke.
"Nice dress." He muttered to me.
"Thanks," I replied, watching as Mika walked down the stairs with her friends in tow. "It's literally the only one I own. Dad hates it." Sam smirked at my response.

James met Mika at the bottom step and gave her a warm smile.
"As beautiful as a princess, Miss." Mika smiled back.
"Thank you. You all look amazing as well." She addressed all five of the incubi, and all of them thanked her in some way. I found myself watching the door in apprehension, always thinking I could hear the humming of a car on the road outside or the sound of steps on the paved path. So, when a loud and authoritative knock echoed through the foyer, I nearly jumped out of my skin. Sam almost laughed at the sight but was forced to assume a calm and polite manner as he and Erik pulled open the doors to let my parents in.
"Hey, Mom. Hey, Dad." Mika said. Mum raised her eyebrows in shock at the incubi.
"Oh my! I didn't know your bequeathment came with servants..."
"It was probably overlooked." My dad answered. "Besides, who would deny good service? I guess the servants counted as belongings to the house." I was floored by my dad's lack of concern. In any other circumstance, he'd be nagging me and Mika about why we hadn't mentioned the boys, whether they had IDs, verification, proof of training, and likely every other official document he could get away with asking for.

Mum rushed to Mika, engulfing her in a hug, before making her way to me and doing the same.
"Gorgeous. You both look lovely. David, look and them and tell them I'm right." Oh God, here comes the criticism. But Dad simply looked the both of us up and down before giving us the warmest smile I'd ever seen on him.
"Your mother's right. Mika, Phoenix, you both look grown up and very respectable." This time, I could tell Mika was as stunned as I was, but she tried not to let it show.
"T-Thank you, Dad." She stuttered in reply. Suspicious, I sidled over to Sam and peered at him. His eyes were glittering gold. I knew it. Grateful beyond words, I took his hand in mine and gave it a quick squeeze, releasing it before my Dad could see me. I could only imagine his reaction if he saw me getting even somewhat close to a servant. Sam looked at me and feigned innocence, but I only smiled.
"Thank you..." I whispered. There was that look again. I don't think he realised he was doing it.

Before long, the lower floor of the house was filled with guests who had come to meet and question Mika. For the first while, a few of them approached me to ask about the company, but I played my part and directed them to Mika, telling each and every one of them that she was to be the best CEO the company would ever see. After that, I was left alone to do what I usually do at any social gathering and become a wallflower. I ducked under the rope that cordoned off the stairs and sat where I could watch the night play out before me. The incubi kept up their 'servant' acts throughout the entire night. Matthew had prepared tons of food for the guests to enjoy, which he and his brothers offered around like perfect gentlemen. I didn't miss Sam glancing at me every time he passed, no doubt to make sure I was okay. Surprisingly enough, I was doing alright. I had my headphones on, as per usual, and passed the time browsing through my phone, keeping an eye out for my dad and hiding it every time he walked by.