Elements: The Powers Within (Book 5)

Amy couldn't help but glance over at the dark-haired teen. Despite what he said yesterday, Amy could easily tell that he's trying his best to believe that lie. And she sure as heck knew what that feels like.

Oh, you're finally admitting it huh?

Shut it. There's nothing to admit.

Either way, nice job comforting him. You've gotten better at it.

Yeah! Older sister us!

It was going great until VAMPIRE decided to BUTT in.

You're death glaring at me, aren't you?

BIG TIME.

Sorry! I just got excited and all! You can't blame me!

I sure as hell can!

"Hey, Amy," Hiro nudges Amy out of a fight with herself.

"What?" Amy grumbles, still annoyed with her vampire self. It didn't matter anyway, what's done has been done.

"I feel like we should do something for the twins' birthdays and all," Hiro starts. "I mean, I know Urana is in a coma and all but it would be nice to get Brenton something since it's his first birthday with us and all."

"You are so caring," Amy grins, nudging him back. "But Red would be the one to talk to. He's always got the ideas for these kinds of things. Not that I don't want to help or anything because these hooligans need to have a proper Magic World birthday!"

"...you do know that birthdays really aren't that different here right?" Hiro chuckles.

"It's Amy, Hiro, don't expect too much from her," Scott comments as he walks past them with his food.

"Why you little-!" Amy kicks Scott's legs. He turns around and kicks her knee.

"Can you two not?" Red walks in between them. "You're teaching Hiro really great things."

"Oh don't worry Red, I know not to follow their example," Hiro grins at them and they both shoot him a glare.

"I learned that lesson years ago," Quill adds in with laughter. "Never follow their example or you'll get killed."

"That isn't true!" Amy and Scott whine.

"Hush, you both know it's true," Red kicks their ankles. "Anyway, what should we do for the twins' birthday?"

"Oh! I just asked Amy that!" Hiro smiles. "But you know, I feel like we should do something not too big since Brenton might not want to have a big one with Urana in a coma and all.."

"We should talk to Sensei about it," Quill chirps. "He'll have some ideas for sure! I bet he wants to do a water and fire theme birthday."

"Pfft, like that isn't the most obvious theme ever?" Hiro laughs. "But yeah, I'll talk to him about it, unless you want to Red."

"Nah, go ahead. You and Sensei should get to know each other more. Since you've bonded with us and the teens somewhat," Red smiles.

"Oh, okay," Hiro nods, sitting down in between Amy and Red. Quill is on the other side of Amy while Scott is on the other side with Red. The teens are sitting in front of them and Ku is nowhere to be seen.

Brenton looks distant as he absentmindedly stabs his breakfast. Owen gives him a sympathetic pat on the shoulder before staring at his own food. Alex jumps across the table to pull both of them into a hug. The two of them, without complaining, take the hug.

"How's your leg, Sasha?" Red and Hiro ask simultaneously.

"Better. It doesn't hurt to walk on it and it's just gonna leave a scar," Sasha nods her head as she takes a bite of her breakfast sandwich. "At least that's what the doctor said."