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22

           

22

           

Tate was forced to sit as we all surrounded him in a semi-circle. The tension was thick in the air. My mouth puckered while people dropped their opinions into conversations. But everyone's voices got louder, trying to be heard over the others. Viola suggested a partnership of her and Marshall as senior members. Hector instantly bowed out. His face held raised brows while his eyes darted from person to person. Sam and Finn stayed quiet with Emily interjecting occasionally. Beth stood tall, just watching everyone speak.

She waited for a few moments before she said, "We're not going to make a decision right now. So, I think, everyone continue on like normal and we'll all meet later."

One by one, people nodded and dispersed. She turned on her heel, but glanced back over her shoulder at me. She wore a smug look. It took that to realise what she was up to. Her politeness was an act, a way to get people to choose her to lead. She wanted this desperately; I could see it sparkling in her eyes.

"Good luck," she chirped sickeningly. She turned around and beckoned Tate to follow her out of the room.

Emily let out a dry laugh as Beth left. She muttered under her breath. We settled into comfortable positions, no jobs needed to be started yet. I should have been helping Tate at that minute. I couldn't stand the thought of that after the fight. My mind had pulled me away as light chat began. But I was hauled out when I was mentioned.

"Are we going to talk about where you two disappeared off to the other night?" Sam asked, leaning back in his chair.

The base of my stomach started to tingle. Glancing to my side, I saw Finn's ears tinge red. He chuckled nervously and stroked the back of his neck.

"Oh, just say it," Emily teased, her eyes gleaming mischievously. Finn's hand crept towards mine and latched onto it. His thumb caressed the back of my own hand, leaving sparks in its place. An involuntary smile sprung onto my face.

Emily released a high-pitched squeal before saying, "Finally! Why did it have to take so long?"

A blush burned my cheeks while she ran through a list of moments of Finn and me, ones she deemed to be 'too cute'. I glanced at Sam for help. He decided, instead of saving me from embarrassment, to give his own memories. Finn groaned loudly, begging them to stop.

"Remember, Finn, when you switched jobs with people just so you could go on patrol with Sine?" Sam said, spluttering with laughter. Wait, what? Emily joined in, her head falling onto her lap. Finn's foot swung out and kicked him sharply in the shin. He looked at me with rounded eyes and assured me that he was lying. I thought back to that day. More specifically, to when we returned. We spoke with Adrian, who seemed confused about why we were together.  Finn had cut him off before he could say anything more though. I pinched my lips together as I realised it was Finn who was lying. I shot him a playful look while he stood.

Looking slightly flustered, he said, "Come on Sine. Isn't there a job that needs to be done in the other room?"

"That your go to tactic, saying I need to do something?" I asked, walking out with him.

He gave me a goofy grin as response. Alone in the hallway, I questioned what imaginary job needed to be done. He took a sharp intake of breath and shrugged, his posture tensing suddenly. Narrowing my eyes in confusion, I stepped closer to him. His breathing was irregular as he kept his gaze trained on me.

"I," he murmured, "have an idea of what we could do."

His hand brushed against my hip, luring me in closer. Our bodies were barely touching, but it was like electricity was coursing through my veins.

Trying to control my fast beating heart, I watched him suck in his bottom lip.

"What's that?" I said breathlessly. Already knowing his answer, I didn't hesitate. My hand held the back of his head as I leaned in, eliminating any distance between us. He kissed me back and I was greeted by his warmth instantly. His grip on my hip tightened as my legs wavered underneath me. I rested my weight of him, letting his body support me. He smiled, I could feel it press against my lips.

Pulling away, I let out a contented sigh. Finn cupped my face, his thumb tracing circles on my cheek.

"Can you see why I wanted to go on patrol with you?"

Grinning, I replied, "Let's go see what we can help with actually."

*****

Dinner's atmosphere was calm and light, opposite to earlier on. As everyone slowly finished up their food, Hector changed the topic to finding a new leader.

"I think Sine," he stated matter-of-factly. I furrowed my brow. Me?

Before I could speak up, Viola agreed with him, followed by Marshall. The words echoed around the room as Emily, Sam, and Finn joined in. seizing the opportunity, I asked, "Why?"

"You were Tate's second-in-command, so you gotta be sort of good," Hector explained.

"And you've gotten us this far, why stop now?" Marshall said before breaking into a cackle.

Viola looked around the room and checked if everyone was in agreement. The only two who hadn't spoken were Tate and Beth. Tate seemed comfortable with the decision. Beth looked like something sour was stuck in her mouth. When questioned, she just shrugged with tightly folded arms.

"Everything's sorted then! Sine Elden now calls the shots," Viola chirped, bouncing out of her seat. She was followed by the others and I was congratulated physically. Uncomfortable hugs, pinging slaps on my back, and a slightly ringing ear from shouts passed but all my attention was taken by Beth's spitting voice.

"This is absolutely stupid," she hissed, "I'm the one who has been working their ass off since I was fourteen. Who do you think you are, sauntering in and taking charge?"

She stalked towards me and stood so close that her angry breaths fanned my face. Trying not to flinch, I let her finish.

"You might have convinced everyone else, but you're not fooling me."

Tate appeared behind her and placed both of his hands firmly on her shoulders. Without making eye contact with me, he directed her out of the room. I could finally exhale the breath I didn't know I was holding. Trying to relax my body, I glanced back to the group and smiled.

I can do this. I can do this.