Lions ~~~ An Adopted by Skillet Fic (COMPLETE)

Believe

Korey and I descended down the stairs to the first floor to faint singing coming from the kitchen. Korey smiled, taking my hand and leading me further in.

"Happy birthday to you!" John, Alex, and Xavier sang, surrounding a chair at the end of the table that held a plate of pancakes in front of it. As far as I could see there were 18 candles.

I felt my cheeks heat up, "Thank you, guys."

"Come blow them out!" Alex said. John pulled out the chair for me and I stepped forward, sitting down. John pushed me in, grinning as I thought about my wish.

I wish that... I wish that I can be happy this year.

I blew out the candles and my family cheered, sitting down. John and Korey sat on my right, Alex and Xavier on my left. Everyone held their hands out, and I, confused, grabbed onto Korey's and Alex's hands. Everyone looked down, and it occurred to me that they were about to pray.

"Dear God," John began, "Thank you. Thank you for giving us Aria, and even though we've only had her a few days, she has been such a blessing. Her passion for fashion and love for all things the internet is so unique to her. Let her use these things for your glory. Amen."

"Amen," I mumbled. I hadn't really ever prayed before, so the experience was weird for me. As soon as we opened our eyes though, we were allowed to dig in. I was excited for the pancakes since I saw they had sprinkles poured in (something I had never seen before). 

After Korey finished her breakfast she said "I'm going to go get dressed. John, do you want to come with me?" John looked like he was about to protest but as soon as he saw her pointed look he nodded and stood, joining her.

"What was that about?" Alex asked, giggling.

I shrugged, playing along and giggling as well. My siblings and I must have been down there for at least half an hour on our own, which I think flew over Alex and Xavier's heads. However, we finished eating our food and put our plates into the dishwasher, moving to the living room.

Xavier grabbed a remote for their PlayStation and tossed it to me, turning the device on. I looked at him curiously, unsure of what to do.

"Have you ever had a PlayStation before? Or played on one?" Xavier asked, scrolling through his games.

"No, I don't think I have," I mumbled, looking at the screen. I had heard of a ton of these games, but never actually played any of them.

The teen turned his controller off and grabbed mine, scrolling to a game called 'Detroit: Become Human'. I tilted my head curiously, watching as the game loaded up. Xavier gave me back my remote as the main menu loaded up.

"Hello! Welcome to the DETROIT experience. I'm an android and I'll be your hostess. Before we begin, let's make some adjustments to optimize your experience," A pretty girl was taking up most of the menu, smiling. I blinked a couple of times, going through what she instructed me to do.

I must have been there for hours, just playing the game. John and Korey came down early through my playing, just watching as I experienced the game, and gaming in general, for the first time. I was playing as Kara, running across a road, when things got so stressful for me that I had to put down the controller.

"That... was awesome," I said, looking at the screen. I heard laughter behind me and turned to see my family watching how I played. I blushed, looking back at the screen as Xavier stood to grab the controller. He switched it over to another game and tossed John a controller as I went to sit next to Korey on the couch.

"So, we are still having the party, but if you feel uncomfortable you can always go up into your room. Is that okay?" Her voice was low. I nodded, thanking her.

"When does it start?" I asked.

"In about an hour. Jen will be here in half an hour with cake though!" Korey told me, smiling.

I grinned, "Awesome!"

We ended up just chilling like that until Jen arrived. Korey went to go open the door and, not wanting to be in a room with John for much longer, I stood to go with her.

Jen smiled, "Hey! Happy birthday Aria!" 

"Hi Jen," I smiled at her, closing the door as she walked into the kitchen with Korey. I followed the two women, listening to their conversation. 

Jen set the cake down on the counter and turned to me, "Now I can hug you! Hi honey!" She wrapped her arms around me and I smiled, hugging her back. 

"Korey where are we putting gifts?" Jen asked, holding up a little bag.

"Table," Korey pointed, going into the fridge and grabbing some food, "Honey! Can you come and start on burgers?"

"Yeah, baby!" John came in a minute later, kissed Korey, and took the burgers out to the back porch. 

Within half an hour the house was full, but because of the steady increase of people, I didn't really start freaking out right away. for KING & COUNTRY and their families were there, along with the band Anthem Lights (and their families) and a few other people. The constant chatter was almost... comforting. I had missed this, since moving out of the orphanage. 

I was on the couch when another woman came over, "Hi! You must be Aria. I'm Moriah."

"It's nice to meet you," I mumbled, watching as Alex played with Leo and Beckett on the floor.

"Have you liked living here?" Moriah asked.

I nodded, "It's already way better than the orphanage."

"Did you live anywhere before the orphanage?" 

This time the nod was hesitant, "Yes. But... It wasn't exactly the best."

She nodded, "I get it. You don't have to keep talking about it. Just know that we're all here for you though, alright?"

I nodded. And this time, I actually believed it.