Eternal Blitz

7. A Small World

𝐁𝐥𝐢𝐭𝐳

I wave my arm, gesturing them in, and close the door propping my foot on it as I lay back. "Hi."

Blane chuckles slipping off his coat. "Hey, what a small world."

"Small world indeed." I laugh. "Kitchen is straight through those doors; I want a word with Blaze if that's okay with you."

Blane nods his head giving me a smile before patting his brother's back and making his way into the kitchen. I turn back to Blaze who looks like a deer in headlights as I make my way to him.

Believe me, I'm just as surprised as he is but maybe his being here will be good. At least then I will have a good reason not to make a fool of myself at this dinner as opposed to the others. My mother and I just can't seem to control ourselves and now I have Blaze here to steal my attention.

"Are you going to be okay here?" I ask making sure he won't be too uncomfortable around a bunch of strangers.

"Sure." He whispers and it's like the two steps we took forward yesterday have completely diminished and we are back to square one. He doesn't seem all that confident in his answer and I don't blame him one bit.

I don't know how he's going to react to everyone especially since he will have no choice but to with this bunch. My mom being her nosey self will ask questions until you question yourself and, in the end, you will be drowning in self-doubt due to how judgmental she can be. Knowing her that won't take long with most of it being aimed at our guests of the evening.

"You can sit beside me," I suggest. "And if you feel the need to leave at any time just tap me or something. I know how overwhelming it can be so don't just sit there because you think you have to."

"I don't want to be- "He starts but stops as he collects a breath and looks down at the floor. I can sense his uneasiness as he stands in front of me and immediately feel bad he was brought into the situation in the first place.

I know it had to happen as it would be disrespectful of him not to come but we would have understood, or at least I would have. His health is worth more than some dinner even if it is for my sister. She can always be celebrated and remembered, unlike Blaze who is still able to experience. He doesn't need us adding on to his already timid demeanor.

I shake my head and place my palms on Blaze's face. I softly stroke his cheeks with the pad of my thumbs creating the slightest bit of friction. "It would be rude of me to make you sit through an uncomfortable situation. I want you to feel comfortable here and that can't happen if you don't talk to me."

He relaxes at my words and lets his head fall into my hands. "I will-I will try."

"Good," I whisper and raise his head seeing a small smile form on his lips. "That is all that I ask of you. Are you ready?"

Blaze nods his head and I slip my fingers through his guiding him to the kitchen. Heat crawls up my arm and settles at my cheeks. I swallow and take a breath calming my nerves. Voices echo through the hall the closer we get to the kitchen and I release the breath I was holding, stepping through the entry immediately feeling Blaze tense and squeeze his hand giving all the reassurance that I can.

"There you are, go help your mother with the food." My dad nods his head to my mom at the counter and waves his hand for me to join her.

I shake my head taking a step closer to Blaze and go to turn him down. "Dad I-"

He cuts me off raising his hand and gives me "the" look. It's such a dad thing and I can't ignore the risen eyebrow and pierced lips pointing me to help my mom. I internally groan and do my best to stop my eyes from rolling to the back of my head as I begrudgingly agree to this ridiculous matter.

"Okay, but can you give me a second please?" My dad only nods and leaves Blaze and me to talk.

I turn back to Blaze, pulling him to a secluded corner of the kitchen wanting to make sure he will be fine while I leave.

"Are you going to be okay?" I ask, my tone laced with worry.

"I-I have Blane." He says as his eyes skim the room for his brother.

I look around and there he is with the others in conversation. I know I shouldn't worry this much since he has someone to take care of him, but Blaze is just so...fragile and timid. I can't help but be on edge when he is around and being with my family only heightens that feeling.

"I'll be fine." He says under his breath. "Go." 

I look to Blaze and this time he's the one who gives me a comforting squeeze as he rubs my hand with his thumb. Looking at him, I don't even think he realizes what he's doing and that makes me laugh a little as the tables have turned.

Blowing an exasperated breath, I nod and release my grip on Blaze's hand giving him a small smile before walking off.

This ought to be fun.