Florence

Remus. Remus.

Remus...

"Remus?" I called out while I waved a hand in front of his face. We were only talking about how the rain was calming and then he suddenly zoned out. His eyes zeroed in on my hand and then to me.

"All good?" I asked, biting down on my lip. You'd think he was stoned with that dazed look on his face.

"Y-Yeah. Sorry." He stammered. He shuffled around so that we were no longer facing each other and sighed. "I'm gonna go look outside."

I watched as he suddenly shot up and made his way to Rian and Eurus who were idly staring out the window. I found it slightly disappointing that he had cut the moment short but I soon realised I must've made him uncomfortable.

With the only sound in the hotel room coming from outside I decided to give up my safe and warm comforters for a spot next to Rian who had his entire face pressed against the glass.

"It's pretty.." Eurus sighed, placing a tentative finger on the glass. He was so close to the window that he was fogging it up.

I looked out at the view and pondered at his odd choice of words. Rain was pretty but I wouldn't call it that. Just... calming.

"You can't really see much but I guess the clouds are nice.." I noted specifically just to clarify what he meant.

"No, the rain." Rian corrected as they both stared out, like a moth gazing at a light. "You guys... have never seen rain?" I questioned, astounded. Surely they've seen rain before.

"Only briefly." Remus answered sadly, sneaking a glance towards me. "We live too high up to see much rain."

My heart suddenly ached for them. "You've never gotten a cold from the rain before? As kids?" I asked although I'm pretty sure I already knew the answer. "You never got to complain about wet socks because of mildew? You've never been able to play in mud puddles?"

Rian looked at me, his eyes a sad vortex. They were so easy to get stuck in and so... sad. Remus tapped his own shoulder anxiously as he remained still. "I never got to leave the mountains as a kid." Eurus revealed quietly. Remus hummed in agreement as my heart broke even more.

The fact that these three hadn't experienced even the childish of things somehow crawled it's way to my my heart and with much force, split it open. It made me think of other things they had basically been robbed off, silly things like what we were doing now; a sleepover!

It had only occurred to me now that besides this being the first time actually interacting with eachother, it may be the first time actually being on their own down here.

Now, I was determined to help them experience all these things. While they were here doing business things, hopefully making peace and such they could also be doing all the things they couldn't when they were younger. We could do it... together.

"Get your shoes back on, we're going outside." I said sternly, breezing past the fact that they were clearly drunk and slightly smelt like alcohol. I hurriedly grabbed my pants and tugged them back on with a struggle.

"W-Wait a minute, Florence! We can't just go outside!" Rian said protested as he nearly tripped on his own feet.

"Sure we can! C'mon, it'll be fun!" I protested. I began gathering a few items such as my phone and the room keycard as my building excitement came to a full climax. "Think of it as a bonding experience!"

They each gave me their own look of bewilderment and questioning. I was well aware of their perversion of each other but tonight was a hard sign that they could at least put up with each other! I used to think it was an impossibility but they gave me reason to believe otherwise. I was certain they could get along.

If not, it didn't matter. I wanted to go outside and play in the rain like the child I was and I wasn't about to let anyone change that.

I then had a bright idea, one that could possibly get them to go along with my ridiculous plan. It was kind of mean and I knew I'd feel terrible afterwards but if it meant they'd have a chance at bonding then it would be worth it.

"You'll come with me, won't you, Remus?" I pleaded as I did my best imitation of puppy eyes. His poker face faltered for a minute as he registered what I said.

"O-Of course I will!" He stammered out as his eyebrows furrowed with determination. It had been promising me all sorts of things this evening and every time I heard one my heart would either skip a beat or pick up speed. "Then let's go!"

I stepped backwards by a step- not even! It took all of one sentence and a half-step to get the others revving up too. "I-If he's going with you then I am too!" Rian suddenly insisted, fumbling for his shoes and flailing around to get them on.

"I'm coming too. Just in case anything happens." Eurus excused as he tried his to keep his words from slurring.

I felt my entirety of me being lighten up with a strange feeling. This weird feeling had been slowly filling me up over the course of this entire evening and had been making me more... lively? It basically felt like light. A purifying light that extinguished my mental traps, my worries, my second guesses- everything that I usually got around them.

"Hurry! The rains going to stop soon!" I purposely panicked. It was funny watching them stumble over themselves and get everything together. Eventually they comprised themselves and we were getting ready to enter the rain.

As we got into the elevator I excitedly latched onto Rian's arm and took to bouncing up and down. The hotel was still and silent, perfect for getting away with stupid shit.

"I haven't done this in forever!" I admitted as I practically shook the elevator side-to-side. "You guys will love it, I'm sure!"

Rian gave me an unsure look. He looked nervous. Maybe because of the rain or because of the fact that I was hanging off of him like a leech. "What if you get a cold?" He asked me just as the elevator doors slid open and a soft bing told us we were on the ground floor.

I was slightly taken aback by his question. I didn't think Rian would question my well-being out of all things. It gave me this euphoric feeling- like I was floating.

I didn't get time to answer him as Eurus left the elevator then quickly came back. "Guards are still outside. Front entrance is a no-go." He informed.

"There are back entrances. I noticed them whilst setting up my guard rotations." Remus noted as he stepped out. I watched in slight awe as the two discussed. "The back will be covered by my guards, as well as the Evolved guys. It's compromised." Rian offered as he placed a tentative hand on my back and lead me forward, the contact giving me extra buzz.

Just as I felt the inklings of defeat, all three of their eyes lit up like a Christmas tree. "The loading docks." They all said in unison, catching me off guard. It was.. cute to see them work together, even if it was brief and they were quick to dismiss it.

"The loading docks are off limits. Even to your guards," I noted. They all gave me mischievous looks.

"Wheres the fun in being a warlord if not for its perks?" Eurus grinned. I was surprised to find myself not even the slightest bit off put. Only excited.

I looked around for any loitering guests or staff before giving my own two cents. "This is a hotel, not a battlefield." They all tensed at my comment. "Luckily, being staff does have its own perks." I beamed as I slid out my staff key card from my pocket. I wouldn't normally bring it with me unless I was working but a small mishap this morning lead me to grabbing this off my desk instead of my bus card.

We all had grins as our scheme came together slowly. Hearing them talk about sneaking out was funny but kind of.. hot. The seamless switch between drunken stupor to serious battle planning was somewhat exhilarating.

"We'll sneak through the loading docks. Shipments should've stopped an hour ago so we're all good." I added as we began slinking towards the staff door. "Let's hope no ones doing any late-night stocktaking."

I swiped my card and listened for the beep as the door clicked open. As I pushed passed the door I felt the cool night air meet my flushed face and the rain become louder. I had never done anything like this before and I could very well get fired for this but my will to feel the rain on my skin was overpowering my fear of unemployment.

"This suddenly got a whole lot more interesting.." Remus said as we entered the stock room. I flashed a smile his way to which he gave me a wavering one. "Florence Baker; a schemer. Never would've thought it." Eurus snickered as we traversed between the various rows of boxes.

I felt an oncoming blush. A heat to my cheeks that openly opposed the cool air. "I think we better watch our backs, guys." Rian teased as they all broke out in fits of laughter.

"Shut up! I swear you guys could wake up the entire hotel with your... your hyena laughs!" I bit back as I swiped my card again, this door leading to the docks which lead outside. They went ahead and did a small sweep of the silent area before confirming there were no guards in sight. The perfect blind spot.

I couldn't wait any longer and ran out the loading docks and into the rain, straight down the small pathway that lead to the nearby park. The feeling of the rain slowly soaking into my clothes and meeting my skin was chilling at first but then soothing. It was like aloe vera on a sunburn.

The others followed me, sprinting to keep up with me as I slid around the slick wet path. Doesn't it feel great?" I sighed both in relief and in pure content. The rain drops slowly but surely saturated by clothes, although I didn't care. I was just so glad to be out here, breathing in the almost intoxicating night air with them.

I turned to the men as they stood around in awe, watching as each raindrop hit them with small taps that soon developed into something more sharp. The way they always seemed to be in pure shock as another droplet hit the top of their head was almost too adorable.

"I-It does! More than I expected!" Rian laughed as he tapped his foot in a small puddle.

"It's so cold, yet hot at the same time?" Remus noted as he stuck out his tongue and collected the droplets.

Eurus was the only one who didn't seem to excited, only intrigued. It was pitch black outside, save for the small street lamp that emitted a weak glow. I normally would detest the idea of going outside at this time but I was with them, and they made me feel safe.

"Come on, Eurus!" I teased, grabbing his wrists and putting them on my shoulders. I swayed us side-to-side in a mock dance as the rain only grew louder around us and pelted with rain. His look of apprehension soon turned into one of amusement as we danced in the rain and jumped over puddles, Rian and Remus eventually joining in as we joined arms and all skipped in a giant circle. This was stupid but fun. It was stupid fun.

"Isn't it just great!" I breathed out as both pride and excitement bloomed in my chest. "The.. the burn in your lungs.. the feeling of the cool night air along with the water on your skin- it's amazing! Best thing in the world I tell you!" I cheered as we disconnected and collected ourselves.

"This is fucking crazy!" Rian laughed as he haunches over and caught his breath.

"No, Florence is the crazy one here!" Remus corrected as he accidentally walked backwards into a deep puddle. Rian got a few cackles out as he watched Remus pull out his now muddy foot.

"May I ask why you're so infatuated with this odd bit of weather?" Eurus suddenly asked and as if on cue there was a flash overhead and a loud rumbling sound followed closely after. The question had caught me off guard, even if this answer was simple. Simple and sad.

"Uh, it's stupid- It's nothing too exciting.." I played it off, distracting myself from their gazes by kicking a pebble into a puddle. "The day before... before my dad-" I cut myself short as memories of the letter cluttered my mind. I suddenly remembered what the letters had contained and who I was with.

"I spent the last day with my dad out in the rain. That's all." I quickly ended as another flash lit up our surroundings and a loud crash filled the near silence.

"Anyways, I saw a playground over there maybe we could make it our own waterpark!" I exclaimed and started walking towards the slide I had spotted. I'd just hoped that they would drop the subject.

"Florence, wait-" Eurus started but the fear of talking about him got to me.

"Come on, guys! The rains getting lighter already,"

I was walking faster on the slippery ground when another flash blurred my vision. I must have taken an awkward step or stood on a pebble as I was falling to the ground with my ass hitting the floor hard, immediately getting soaked into a puddle.

The shock of falling took me awhile to register what just happened but when I did a chill slowly grew on my skin and seeped through my clothes as well as a new pain on my tailbone.

I cursed loudly, my mood worsening just like my dropping temperature. It didn't take long before multiple pairs of warm hands scrambled to pick me up and place me on my feet.

"I-I'm fine, guys." I muttered as I brushed the mud off my ass. They all exchanged glances, as if communicating telepathically. "I think it's time we call it a night, yeah?" Eurus suggested as he helped pick off the debris.

And just like that, I had soured the mood.

I didn't put up a fight as I began to shiver slightly. I just allowed them to lead me through the park and back to the loading docks. Rian took the card from me and saved me the small inconvenience of swiping it at the doors whilst Remus kept asking if I was okay. You'd think it he'd be overbearing but it was super sweet to watch him mumble new ways of asking if I was okay, then voicing them once he decided they were good enough.

We made it back to our hotel room with no extra hassle and they did their best not to make a mess with our saturated clothes.

"What are we gonna do about this?" Eurus asked as he picked at the collar of his sweater and looked at our soaked states. I blushed when they all looked at me for answers. "I-I didn't really think about that.." I mumbled.

I had planned on sleeping in just my boxers and my shirt but now that I was literally soaked to the bone I didn't really have any other options. "I've got some spare clothes. I could lend them to you?" Eurus offered with a faint glow to his cheeks. My own blush deepened at the thought of wearing his clothes. "I-I have a spare sweater. You'll be cold."

I nodded, ignoring the way my brain felt fuzzy from the thought of being warm with them. "Sure. I-I'm going to have a shower," I announced before rushing to the small bathroom and locking the door. I stayed by the door until my face finally cooled down and I started shivering again.

I quickly stripped and had a steaming shower before wrapping a towel around my waist. The shower was quick and refreshing although even after steam rolled off my shoulders I felt the goosebumps return. As I looked in the mirror and sniffled I got the sudden fear that I would have an oncoming cold. I shouldn't need to worry about that, though. If I kept warm I'd be fine.

I took the time to ready myself for sleep, doing all the necessities like brushing my teeth and doing my best to cleanse my face.

There was a sudden knock on the door causing me to grip tightly onto my towel. "I just got your clothes. The others have gone to change." Eurus' voice seeped past the door. I swallowed my nerves and reluctantly cracked open the door, just the tiniest bit. I adjusted the gap to be just big enough for my arm to fit through and fumble for the soft pile he had given me. "T-Thanks." I muttered as I pulled my arm back and swiftly shut the door.

I wasted no time in pulling the clothes on, enjoying the smell of familiar expensive cologne and the warmth from his sweater. It was nice a big but so were the sweatpants he'd given me. They almost slipped completely off.

I tidied the bathroom before leaving and walking in on the others preparing their various spaces for sleep. They all had changed into their pjs, their hairs still wet.

"All done," I said softly. I gripped onto my arm as another shiver tickled my neck and spine. "Thanks, again, for the clothes." I smiled at Eurus who seemed a little stunned.

"A-All good. We were just preparing for sleep." He mumbled whilst chucking a few pillows onto the couch.

I didn't waste any time in getting under my covers as the others settled around me in their various places. Eurus had taken the couch, Remus was closest to me with another mattress he had gotten from somewhere and Rian on the other smaller couch.

The lights turned off and were all silent and still. No one dared to break the silence as we all listened to the rain still outside. The thunder was quick, louder. It was still just as calming.

"You okay?" Remus asked, his voice almost like a light in the dark.

"I-I'm just a bit cold." I admitted as I shifted the blanket to cover my shoulders. In the dark, all I could hear was our breathing. We all seemed synchronised as I had to slow my own just to make sure.

"Did you want me to warm you up?" Eurus asked, effectively making my temperature rise and my brain go haywire. I sputtered out a jumble of words that had little possibility of forming a sentence.

"W-What he means is that we can draw heat from our cores!" Remus quickly covered for him. "We can push it to the outer layers of our skin. That's why we're not as cold as you."

I was still recovering from my stupid mind blank to even register how cool that was. It was definitely something I'd have to ask them to elaborate on.

My mind still sparked and fuzzed for an answer. I was caught between two very simple answers, answers that could lead to future implications. Eventually, a nagging feeling won over. A need to feel a warmth.

"I would like that." Was all I said and immediately I heard shuffling. First I felt the mattress dip behind me and a chest full of abnormal heat pressed awkwardly against me back. Then, I felt movement in front of me as my face was met with a comforting wave of warmth.

"Where the hell am I supposed to lay?" Rian grumbled as all breathing stopped, waiting for an answer.

"W-We could do little spoon big spoon?" I suggested as I sunk into my blankets. This was in no way, shape or form something we should be doing.

"What's that?" Eurus huffed, his voice directly into my ear. Fuck, explaining it to them was even more taxing for my already hot head.

"I-It's basically just cuddling. Someone's little spoon- at the front, and whoever is at the back is big spoon." I said quickly, the silence already drilling a deep dread into my gut.

There was a heavy sigh and my heart stopped... only to start again once I felt the bed dip again and Remus groan loudly. "We've done other questioning stuff this evening. Plus, I can blame it on the liquor." Rian grunted as he flopped down, presumably behind Remus.

"But if you do anything, Remus, I swear to god I'll-"

"Eurus, you're little spoon!" I claimed as I prodded his shoulder. "Turn around!"

He eventually shuffled around and allowed me to wriggle my arms under his arms and hold him close. The only thing that felt off about this was how much I felt comfortable by this. There was no awkwardness, no signs of someone being uncomfortable. Just pure warmth.

"Thank you guys. For tonight." I muttered as I rubbed my face into Eurus' warm back. "It's the most fun I've had in awhile.."

"You're welcome, Florence." They all said in unison. It was cute to hear them say it together like that. They sounded like school children. "Goodnight, guys." I said finally and lay comfortable with the slew of responses.

"Goodnight, Florence."

"Night, schemer."

"Night-night.."

I love them. I truly do! I purposefully left the goodnight responses blank purely because I wanted to see your guesses as to who said what!

What do you guys think will happen in the morning? What kind of.. positions will they wake up in? ;)

Predictions and thoughts are always welcomed!