Serene’s POV

The following evening Zian and Crimzon arrived at Zeph’s house. After the pleasantries had been passed it was decided that they will hold a barbecue and bonfire in open tonight. So everyone could mingle and have some quality time together.

The boys had started to prepare the meat and Zian joined in to help them. He joked with them and seemed to have fit right in especially with Ralph and Zavrian. He didn’t really hit it off with Zeph and then again Zeph would hardly ever make conversation.

"Serene, can I have the necklace you bought today at the fair?" He asked me out of the blue, I was a bit surprised but I handed it to him. He took it and disappeared into the small workshop where they make weapons.

Meanwhile, Rian and Rumais wanted some archery tips so we took out the bow and arrows and began to practice. Kilamin joined us as well and gave them some really helpful tips.

"Practice is the key, boys. The more you will practice better you will become." They nodded at us in unison.

"Serene!!!" Zeph called me from the workshop and I excused myself to head over to him. Once I got inside the workshop, I saw him standing there with a smile. "Turn around," he said softly.

I turned around and asked: "What are you gonna do?"

He stepped closer and I felt him bring down something along my neck. It was the necklace he had bought for me earlier. I heard him lock it from behind. I picked up the small crescent and saw he had engraved my name on it.

"I have customised it, now it really belongs to you." He whispered in my ear and I glanced back at him by turning my head. His smile was so infectious right now.

"Thank you, this means so much to me. I will always cherish and wear it, Zephy." I smiled back at him as he slid his hands around my waist and held me close.

"Oui! Z, time to cook some meat," Ralph called out loudly and Zeph let me go with a loud cluck, making me laugh. We went outside and began helping the boys with the barbecue.

Crimzon and Ana brought all the required cutlery and utensils out and placed them on small wooden tables, alongside the barbecue grill. Zian was jumping up and down looking at the meat being grilled, unable to contain his excitement.

"Hey, crackhead do not fall in the grill and get roasted." I teased him.

"Speak for yourself, at least I won’t be noseless." He retorted back.

"Better than being the shortest fae to ever exist you sure you don’t wanna borrow my heels?" I had a smug expression on my face.

"Snooty face," he retorted.

"Blockhead," I replied back.

We continued teasing each other while everyone looked at us in astonishment. Ralph and Zeph had never seen this side of me. They had always seen a calm, composed respectful Serene.

"Are they always like that?" Ralph inquired from Kilamin.

"Pretty much, I have known them since they were kids and they always tease each other." Kilamin added with a sigh.

"Well, Zian is like a younger brother I never had. He teased me and I tease him back." I shrugged my shoulder.

"Well, he for sure teases you like a younger brother." Ralph smiled at me. "And you care for me like an older one." I smiled back at Ralph.

"I feel like the luckiest girl in the world, there was a time when I didn’t have a brother and now I have six of them. Yes, Kilamin I am adding you to the list." I saw him smiling at my words, a smile which touched his eyes.

"Uhh uhh, and which category does Zeph fits in?" Zian placed his index finger on his chin and made a posture as if he was lost in deep thought. This made everyone roll off in laughter, even Zeph smiled.

"None of your business category, Zian." I sneered at him with my cheeks blushing.

"Oi!!!Serene, how can you be so cruel to our brother? He will feel deserted." Ralph made a puppy face at me. 𝕗𝗿𝕖𝐞𝐰𝗲𝕓𝐧𝕠𝕧𝗲𝐥.𝚌𝐨𝚖

"You too Ralph, don’t let Zian influence you." I sighed at him with a sad face.

"Ok ok, don’t be sad." As usual, he patted my head and returned to our assigned tasks.

"Serene I can see why you like him," Zian whispered in my ear.

"Why?" I eyed him suspiciously. "He is like a puzzle, a challenge for you. You have always liked challenges and he didn’t fall all over you. So he came across as someone mysterious so who doesn’t love a good mystery. Besides he is so handsomeeee." Zian kept speaking to me under his breath and I was startled and relieved at his analysis. Startled because he had spoken my unspoken truth and relieved because he liked him.

"For a crackhead, you actually seem wise at times."

I pinched his nose.

"Oii," he whimpered.

"Go help Crimzon now." I shooed him away before heading over to Zeph who was adding coal to the barbecue pit. He glanced at me with a smile and spoke: "Why didn’t you say I fall into the boyfriend category?" His question made me blush.

"Umm, I felt shy." My ears and cheeks both were pink at this point. "Sorry," I mumbled.

"It’s alright I am only teasing you." I sighed with relief at his answer. "And I like Zian, he brings out the child in you and I love how he makes you open up. I don’t think you are so frank with anyone else. I liked that side of you." He touched my cheek with his thumb.

"Yes, we have known each other forever so it’s natural that I can say whatever I want to him without thinking. Just like you have Ralph, I have him."

"I am glad you do." It was reassuring to hear him say that. I was afraid that they may not like each other but my fears were unfounded. It filled my heart with so much joy to see them getting along and praising each other.