Athena’s lips curved. "Of course I did."
Azrael watched her for a long mont, then sighed with half admiration, half surrender. "You’re terrifying," he said softly.
Leo, who had been listening and didn’t know how to comnt, let out a low whistle. "Damn... she’s savage. I love it."
Levi grinned, shaking his head. "ssing with her is basically suicide. Who even does this?"
Armand just nodded slowly. "Respect. Can’t argue with the results."
He couldn’t believe he is slowly finding everything Athena does amusing. Like who wouldn’t. Her wrath is perfection and sowhat familiar in a way that scares him.
He liked her so far, not in that way. The kind of love big brothers have for their little sister.
Alaric folded his arms clearly impressed. "And here I thought we’d seen everything she’s capable of. Guess not."
Athena smirked at her friends. "You should’ve seen her face. Priceless."
Theo chuckled. "I bet it was."
Without thinking twice, Azrael yanked Athena sideways into his arms.
The montum sent them rolling on the grass, laughter bursting out of her as she landed half on top of him. "Oh my God...Azrael!" she laughed, trying and failing to push herself up.
He locked an arm around her waist, holding her tight against his chest as grass clinged to his jacket. "My little bad bitch," he said proudly, like he’d just discovered a national treasure.
Athena completely lost it. "You’re insane," she wheezed, laughing so hard her stomach hurt.
Leo gagged dramatically. "Please. I did not survive bees and cardio just to witness public affection."
Levi snorted. "Too late. My eyes are already traumatized."
Alaric clapped once. "I ship it. Violently."
Armand deadpanned, staring at the sky. "This is why we can’t have normal friends."
Theo watched them with a small, amused smile tugging at his lips, shaking his head like this was exactly what he expected. "Yeah... that checks out."
Eryx, anwhile, had gone very still. He stared at them for half a second with a very tight jaw, then looked away sharply looking at the floor like it personally offended him.
Rhydric just kept a blank face. "Are we done?" he asked flatly.
Azrael ignored him, pressing a quick kiss to Athena’s hair. "You okay?" he murmured.
She grinned up at him, eyes bright. "More than okay."
Leo groaned again. "Can you at least roll away from ? So of us are trying to pretend we’re tough."
Azrael finally released her, and Athena sat up, still laughing, grass in her hair, cheeks flushed.
Rhydric is finally clearly done with all of them. He looked down at Athena on the grass and Azrael sitting beside her like a proud nace, everyone laughing and happy.
With the most serious face imaginable, he said,
"Are we going ho... or should I start looking for a pillow? Because I did not pack for an overnight stay in a field."
Everybody bursted into laughter.
Leo slapped the ground. "NO because why does he sound genuinely prepared."
Levi wiped his eyes. "He already accepted our fate."
Theo grinned as he shook his head. "Give him five minutes and he’ll be rating the grass for comfort."
Athena laughed again, adjusting her skirt. "Relax, soldier. We’re going ho."
Rhydric nodded once, solemn. "Good. Because this grass has terrible support."
Not that he’s even sitting on the grass. He just wanted to be a little troubleso.
Azrael burst out laughing, pulling Athena back against his side. "I love how you almost sound disappointed."
Rhydric didn’t blink. "I hate unpredictability. And bees."
Eryx exhaled through his nose, a reluctant huff of a laugh escaping before he could stop it.
Athena looked around at all of them, smiling wide, chest warm despite the cool night.
Yeah. Totally worth it.
They stayed there for a while longer, talking, laughing.
Then Eryx straightened "Athena," he said calmly, eyes fixed on her. "Can I talk to you for a mont?"
The laughter died instantly. Everyone froze.
Athena’s smile faded just a little as instinct kicked in. She glanced sideways at Azrael, and yeah, his jaw had already tightened, eyes dark and sharp, locked on Eryx like he was one bad sentence away from a fight.
Athena slipped her fingers into Azrael’s hand without thinking.
Eryx lifted both hands slightly. "Relax," he said, voice even. "I just want to talk."
Azrael said coldly. "About what?"
Eryx’s gaze flicked to him, then back to Athena. "Just a conversation between us."
Theo tilted his head, watching closely. Leo’s brows were already climbing toward his hairline. Levi looked like he was about to grab popcorn that didn’t exist.
Athena exhaled slowly, eyes still on Eryx. "Here?" she asked.
Eryx’s gaze flicked to Azrael, then back to Athena. "Privately," he added. Then, after a beat, "Please."
Azrael let out a humourless laugh. "That’s not happening."
Eryx’s jaw flexed, but his voice stayed level. "I’m not asking to take her away from you. Just a few words. That’s it."
Azrael turned fully toward him now, arm sliding around Athena’s waist like a clear line in the sand. "You want to talk, you can talk here. In front of everyone."
Theo watched the exchange with interest, lips pressed together like he was holding back comntary.
Armand stared at the sky, deadpan. Alaric’s eyes bounced between them like he was watching live tennis.
Athena cleared her throat. And both n paused instantly.
She tilted her head, looking at Eryx. "What do you want to say? Say it here."
Eryx hesitated and shook his head. "So things aren’t ant for an audience."
Azrael scoffed. "Funny. You didn’t mind an audience before."
That landed like a blow. He knew Azrael still hated him for that night. And he didn’t bla him. If he was in his shoes he would be too.
Eryx’s expression tightened, but he nodded once, accepting the hit. "Fair."
Athena sighed, rubbing her temple. "Okay, everyone calm down before this turns into sothing stupid."
Leo raised a finger. "Too late, but continue."
She slipped gently out of Azrael’s hold and stood, facing Eryx. "You get five minutes."
Azrael stiffened instantly. "Athena?"
She turned to him, voice softer but firm. "Azrael, please. Let hear him out."
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