-The Land of ETERNALS-

-Part 29-

Eric's POV

I'm walking around the gates of dorms, feeling like a dumbass because I can't figure out how to fix things with Alaric after he stormed off to Blath. Even when I wasn't the one who should be fixing things. Fiorella on the other hand, making Alora understand how she shouldn't have started a whole damn fight with Alaric. 

Just then, I watched as Asher approached, and with a casual smirk, "Hey, bud, how you doing?" I greet him, hoping for some light-hearted distraction.

"Hey Eric, I'm doing great! How you doing?" His friendly demeanor temporarily eases my troubled mind.

This pleasant moment was short-lived. Alora, ever the drama queen, swooped in with her customary rude demeanor, looking like she just stepped out of a sassy playbook. 

Eyebrows furrowed in annoyance, scoffs dismissively upon seeing Asher's arrival. "Oh, great. Look who decided to grace us with their presence, are you here to spread more of your bullshit?" She continued and I was just so annoyed of Alora fighting with almost everyone now.

My eyebrows knitted together in annoyance. "Alora, why are you being like this? First, you managed to piss off Alaric, and now you're on the verge of starting a fight with Asher?" The frustration in my voice couldn't be contained.

Of course, the eye-rolling begins. She rolls her eyes like it's her own national sport. Classic Alora move. She looks at me like I just asked the most idiotic question.

"Oh, please, Eric! This guy here," she sneers in Asher's direction, "had a nice time looking down on Fiorella and me earlier. Remember that, Asher?"

My confusion brewed like a storm cloud, and I couldn't hold it back any longer. I needed answers, and I needed them fast. So, I turned to Alora, my voice urgent and demanding.

"Alright, Alora," I said, my tone sharp. "Spill. What's this about Asher looking down on Fiorella and you?"

As she told me about what happened, it made me even more frustrated.

"Why?" I asked, my voice laced with frustration. "Why would you do that Asher?"

Asher, chimed in, acknowledging his missteps. " Eric,  it's fair and square for Alora to be leery of me. I have been a bit rude to both Fiorella and her earlier." Well, at least someone recognized their own misgivings.

"Guys? We're supposed to be a team, supporting each other, not looking down on one another. Let's leave the judgment at the door and commit to helping each other out when we're in a fix, okay?" I said again, hoping my words are enough for them to understand that they're supposed to be a team not fight or anything.

Asher, in a rare moment of sincerity, nodded and mustered up an apology for both Fiorella and Alora.

"I'm sorry, guys. I'll make sure to never do that again" He said emphasizing the word 'never'.

I couldn't help but notice Asher stealing glances at Fiorella, piquing my curiosity. 

Asher turns to Fiorella. "Hey, what's your name? Let me guess, is it Flora?" he ventures.

Fiorella chuckles softly, a mischievous twinkle in her eyes. "Close, but not quite. It's Fiorella," she corrects, leaving an impression on both me and Alora. 

"Well, maybe I can call you Flora instead? You sure are beautiful like a flower" As much as I was thankful that he came and greeted me, he trying to flirt with Fiorella made my blood boil. I watched as he made her blush.

That is when I truly realize that I...wanted Fiorella to be mine.

Only mine. 

The days I spent with her brought me so much joy and I couldn't get enough of her smiles. 

She brought me happiness and seeing another guy be so friendly with her angered me A LOT.

But before I could step in and say something, Alora asserts, "Listen, buddy, we ain't that close for you to get all informal and flirty," her voice laced with determination. Her words cut through the tension, drawing a clear line in the sand. 

Satisfaction fills my heart as I smirk inwardly, but before Alora can continue her passionate tirade, Asher interrupts, "Hey, no need to get defensive," he replies, trying to maintain his composure. "I was just trying to lighten the mood." Surely he was, but he didn't expect Alora to still be rude after his sincere apology.

Fiorella interrupts the brewing confrontation with surprising composure. "Alora, I apologize for her rudeness. She's just having a rough day after a fight with her boyfriend," she says matter-of-factly, her gaze subtly shifting towards Alora.

Alora's eyes widen in surprise at Fiorella's statement. She opens her mouth to respond, but the words seem to catch in her throat. A mix of emotions flicker across her face—anger, hurt, and vulnerability.

"He's not my damn boyfriend," Alora finally retorts, her voice laced with frustration. "We just had a stupid argument. It doesn't mean anything."

Wait, what did I just hear? Did she just say stupid? Argument?

"Finally you realize that the argument was stupid. But are you clever enough to go and apologize to Alaric for whatever shit you said" I asked.

"If I may ask, where can I find him? To offer him a sincere apology" She says rolling her eyes once more. 

As she opened her mouth to ask about Alaric's whereabouts, I can feel a twinge of annoyance building within me. How can she still not know where he might be? And honestly more than getting annoyed by her question, I was annoyed by her eye rolls. 

Taking a deep breath, I respond, "Well, Alora, maybe he's in Blath, or perhaps he's decided to wander off somewhere alone, kicking his legs in the air," I say, trying to inject a bit of humor into the situation. A small chuckle escapes my lips, but my irritation remains evident.

Alora's eyes widen, clearly taken aback by hearing the word 'Blath'. Now I can see her guilty for real. I hated her or anyone feeling guilty but this time she really was at wrong.

But before Alora could say anything, Asher says, his voice warm and inviting. "I would love to spend more time with the team. And Fiorella, of course." He gives Fiorella a playful grin, causing a blush to creep up on her cheeks.

My jealousy surges within me, and I quickly step in between Fiorella and Asher, "Sure, buddy," I say, my tone laced with forced enthusiasm. "Let's take the opportunity to get to know each other's strengths and weaknesses before Zenith. It's important for us to work cohesively as a team."

Asher gave me nothing but a nod and with that, he gracefully excuses himself and walks away, leaving us three alone. As he walks away, a mix of relief and lingering jealousy swirls within me. I can't help but notice Fiorella's flushed cheeks and the way her eyes lingered on Asher's retreating form. It stings, but I swallow down my emotions.

I wanted to tell her.

How much I cherish her.

But before that I wanna make sure she feels the same way.

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-we fall for one, they fall for another-

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