𝐒𝐓𝐑𝐀𝐍𝐃𝐄𝐃 ☀︎ 𝐁. 𝐊𝐀𝐔𝐋𝐈𝐓𝐙

23. Unexpected Surprise

(from here on now, it's going to be a longggg ride)

You balanced your large basket on your hip, climbing up the large orange tree. You sat on the branch with your legs hanging down on either side, placing the basket infront of you as you reached up, checking each orange to make sure it was perfectly ripe and ready to be picked before placing them in your basket. Nearby, Georg, Gustav and Bill harvested fruits, plants and medicinal herbs from the Jungle, the different types that you could only get on the northern side of the island. once you were satisfied with your harvest, you jumped down from the orange tree, retrieving your basket.

You hummed softly under your breath, crouching down to collect some herbs your father had specifically requested to make tea, tucking the bunch of herbs in your small pouch. You heard rustling bushes and the crack of a branch, not bothered by the noises as it was probably one of the boys. "Bill?" You called, leaning down to pick up your basket. You looked up, your eyes meeting  with someone who wasn't Bill. neither Georg, or Gustav, or Tom, and certainly not Pa. 

You screamed, dropping your basket as you backed away from the Unknown man. "Bill!" you yelled over your shoulder, glancing nervously at the stranger. The Man lifted his arms to show he meant no harm, taking a step back. "I come in peace, please don't be frightened Miss," he tried to reassure you, but it only frightened you more. "I am a friend, I won't hurt you" He offered you a friendly smile. The Mystery man was young, probably in his twenties. He had a handsome face, but had cuts and scary scars all over him, one especially scary scar down the middle of his face.

"Y/N! what is it? are you alright?" Bill came crashing through the bushes, stopping in his tracks when he caught sight of the strange man. He pulled you into his arms, stepping infront of you protectively. "Who are you?" he spat, looking the man up and down with a menacing look on his face. Gustav and Georg came running into the clearing, all having the same reaction at the unexpected presence of the strange man. "My name is Zander, i truly mean no harm" The man assured, bringing one hand to his heart to show he was being sincere. "Where do you come from?" Georg asked, eyeing Zander suspiciously. but the Man kept his calm, still keeping his distance and trying not to frighten any of you. "My brothers and I were shipwrecked on this island. We were touring the world on our boat when we got caught in a storm. we washed up here," he explained, taking a tentative step towards you all. 

"Is there a way you could get us some help? or find it within your hearts to offer us shelter?" he pleaded, a desperate look in his eyes. The three boys looked at each other, considering. 

.ೃ࿐

Only Zander joined you at the dinner table that night, his two brothers standing guard outside the treehouse for some bizarre reason. he was very chatty and charming, engaging in conversation with Pa, Tom and Gustav, as Georg and Bill simply watched him carefully, unwelcoming expressions on their faces. You walked over to the old cauldron on the fire, your salty seafood soup boiling and bubbling, ready to serve. You poured a generous amount into a Clam bowl, picking up the best spoon in the house and taking it over to Zander, handing it to him. "Seafood soup, I made it myself" You smiled politely. He accepted the bowl gratefully, giving you a charming smile that only made Bill glare harder. "Thank you, Y/N. what a kind girl you are" he gushed, his tone a little too sweet and admiring in Bill's mind.

Once everyone was served, you sat down cross legged beside Bill. his gaze softened, he smiled sweetly at you, placing his hand on your thigh and leaning over to kiss you cheek. he knew Zander was watching, and he wanted him to see that you were off limits and he wasn't to go anywhere near you. You tucked into your food, the soup was warm and flavorful. "The soup is amazing love" Bill whispered in your ear, rubbing circles with his thumb on your thigh. You failed to notice Zander's discreet glances in your direction, focused on Bill. 

Zander told stories of How he and his brothers were planning to travel the whole world in a year on their trusty boat, telling the life story of how they had had a tough childhood, and how this experience was special for them. he continuously expressed his gratitude to your Pa for welcoming him and his brothers, knowing just the right things to say to charm him, and the others. but Bill was suspicious of Zander and his charm, and so was Georg. You noticed the tension at the dinner table, but you didn't understand it completely. 

Later that night, Zander and his brothers slept out in the garden on some hammocks that Pa had made Georg and Bill install after giving them a stern talking to on welcoming their guests and being polite, and preferably not glaring at them threateningly. Georg and Bill nodded obediently, not wanting to Argue with Pa. You watched from the doorway as they had a whispered conversation in the kitchen as they cleared the table, discussing the situation and Zander and his brothers. Not wanting to eavesdrop, you slipped away and went to your room unnoticed. 

Bill joined you a little while later, sliding into bed behind you as he pulled you close, wrapping his arms around you protectively. he vowed to himself that night that he would keep a close eye on you and never leave your side. he didn't trust that charming Zander or his weird, silent and dull 'Brothers' who seemed more like soulless bodyguards to him. 

(What do yalls think about Zander...also sorry this chapter is kinda rushed but i was having so much block and couldnt get it done so Heres this.)