Rose POV
As we were walking around the mall sections Gabriel seemed in a very good mood and I was wondering why? Lucy was enjoying herself looking at all kinds of clothes, dresses and accessories while I just admired the place and walked slowly, he walked beside me gazing at me continously while Lucas was keeping an eye on Lucy and our surroundings and Elijah well was his usual cold self. I was wondering why was he like this, did I said something wrong? I don't remember offending him in any way I even tried to befriend him but he just didn't seemed interested actually he didn't seemed to like being around me at all like just the mere presence of me was a nuisance to him and I didn't liked that feeling. Maybe this whole deal was a mistake? No I shouldn't be thinking like this Gabriel and Lucas didn't seemed so disturbed by my presence it was probably something of Elijah side as Lucas mentioned he's been through some things but what did he went through? Traumas? Abuse? Like a human did something to him? Well maybe I'll manage to talk with him and find out more I know those feelings well enough maybe I could help him so I'll just try harder to get closer to him.
As I was silently walking we stopped at a clothes section, I wasn't sure why we stopped here until I saw Lucy checking a nice purple blouse with a Crescent moon and I knew we're gonna stay here for a while now that she found something she was interested in.
- Rose? Is there something wrong?
Gabriel concerned voice snapped me from my thoughts and I looked at him mustering a smile.
- No, everything is alright
I answered him trying to sound convincing, I couldn't tell him I was wondering whats going on with his subordinate and why does he seems to be so cold with me, I didn't wanted troubles or to upset this strong beings by accident. He didn't seemed very convinced but he let it slide. To be honest when Lucas mentioned he's hundreds of years old I was shocked but I remembered that angels live way more longer than humans so it was logical but then he mentioned Gabriel is more older than him so that meant he lived for thousands of years or even more right? That made me realize how big the age gap is between us and it started feeling so weird to have such intense feelings towards him like it felt almost forbidden.
I started thinking if he had any relationships before along the years but the thought only saddened me more because I thought he'd never look at me in a romantic way as he probably only saw me as a young girl who just needed protection and he noticed that while we were in the car so he probably tried to comfort me when he took my hand and I got lost into his eyes I didn't even realized we weren't alone anymore until the car stopped and I decided to look around to see where we are but then I heard Lucy and I remembered suddenly that we had company.
- Why don't you take a look around? Maybe you'll find something you like
He said trying to give me a small imbold when he noticed I was just siting there rooted on the spot beside him. I looked at him unsure. Was it really okay for us to waste his money like this? I felt like I'm taking advantage of him and I don't like doing such things I was always on the opinion that we shouldn't throw money on useles stuff and I had bills to pay so very often I barely had enough to get food so I've never thought of buying expensive stuff. He seemed to read my mind as he chuckled and patted my head.
- Is okay really, you don't have to worry just take whatever you and your friend like and I'll pay for it!
He said in a cheerful voice and I felt myself relaxing under his touch, I enjoyed when he patted my head and I felt like pouring when out of nowhere I thiught I just heard myself pouring and I froze confused looking around as if maybe a cat got inside? Then I noticed his expression he seemed stunned and frozen for a few moments and I was looking at him puzzled. He came back to his senses and chuckled putting his hands on my shoulder and gently pushing me towards the clothes.
- C'mon just choose something that you really like and as I said I'll pay for both of you.
- Wait really?
My friend Lucy popped her head looking at us in amazement and utter admiration then she looked at me with a huge grin.
- Yes of course, I meant it.
He answered her like it was no big deal and Lucy squeaked in delight.
- Are you sure about it?
I found myself asking still unsure
- Of course I'm sure
He said firmly
- I don't know what to say about this, i don't really want to take advantage of you or make you think I only use you for your wealth
I said shyly but honestly and I felt Lucas gaze on me, he was looking at me with a warm smile while Elijah threw me a glance of disbelief and I started getting nervous but then I felt this wave of calm wash over me like it wasn't my feelings and I looked at Gabriel who seemed so calm and patient, it must me one of his abilities I thought.
- Don't worry about it, that's just something so trivial and I'll feel very offended if you don't take anything.
He told me with a glint of seriousness but remained warm while my eyes widened. Was he serious? Would he really take it as an offense? Just like the other time he seemed he read my mind and said:
- I mean it
Somehow I just knew he was serious and I tried to glance at the 2 other angels but he blocked my view of them so I took a deep breath and said:
- O-okay I'll see what I can take
He smiled pleased as he let go of my shoulders and i started looking at the blouses in front of me. As I was looking through them not really finding anything that attracted me I was about to bump into someone but I stopped and looked up it was my friend Lucy who had a big grin plastered on her face, she took my hand and pulled me deeper so they won't hear us but still see us.
- Rose you just hit the lottery!
He said excited
- What do you mean Lucy?
I asked her confused.
- What I mean? Girl! Look at him! Handsome, tall, caring, gentleman, protective, strong being and lord and wealthy on top of that! Hes a diamond Rosy!
She said motioning with her head towards Gabriel who waited patiently in the spot i left him staring at us with a gentle smile. She was quite right in a way but then I looked at her unconvinced.
- Yes he's a great guy Lucy but he's not mine and hes probably never going to be. Plus you remember Lucas said he's older then him and he's hundreds of years old so that's a big age gap there.
I said in a matter of fact tone.
- He's an angel of course there's gonna be an age gap but who would know beside the ones that already know what is he? Plus he looks young so he doesn't seem to be older than a few years ahead of you.
Lucy said with a wink while I still looked through the clothes so we won't seem suspicious.
- Lucy I think in the best case he'd only see me as a little sister
I told her with a sigh and she sighed as well in frustration. I continued to search while Lucy started daydreaming about the visit in the weekend when she will visit the mansion and kept talking about it. I sighed and looked around now on the clothes higher on the wall and then I saw something, it was a hot pink blouse and I got closer revealing it from behind a washed out purple blouse with some poppies on the shoulders to the chest. The blouse had a big pretty glittery golden rose on the front and a v shaped neck, I tried to take it off but I was too small and couldn't properly take it from the high bar so i was struggling i even thought to give up at a moment and look for something else as I was now just staring at it but it was so pretty that's when I felt his energy behind me and as I was about ro turn I felt his body pressed over my back and I noticed his hand going up with ease to take it while I felt the tingles capturing my very soul and i blushed.
He took it off the bar and made a step back so I turned around and i saw him smiling at me gently as I was about to bump into him but I fortunately stopped steading myself, he was holding it to my level and I could notice it was a blouse dress like. I looked at him as he patiently waited for me to take it so slowly I brought my hand towards the blouse and took it from him.
- Thank you
I told him shyly averting my eyes to look anywhere but him and he chuckled
- You're welcome, I'm glad you found something on your liking
He told me leaning to my eye level with a satisfaction expression into his eyes.
- Why don't you try it?
He asked looking towards the dressing room as I tugged a strand of my hair back over my ear. That made my cheeks warm up a bit.
- I'll look for some more before probing them i told him as I turned around to look for another one.
- I can hold it for you so it won't disturb your search.
He suggested and I looked at the cloth for a few moments then I gave it to him without turning around to face him as I was blushing furiously and I didn't wanted him to see that. I started looking again until I found a pretty yellowish blouse with frilly sleeves with a pink ribbon on the chest and edges of the sleeves and a heart made from 2 feathers on the front. I studied it close and I glanced at Gabriel, who was close beside me, with the corner of my eye and i saw his attentive and interested look on eat I was holding he seemed to like it so I decided to look at the tag but when I looked it was quite expensive and my eyes widened in shocked. It was pretty? Yes. But was it worth it? I don't think so. I scratched my head unsure then with a sighed I put it back, it wasn't worth it. I felt his gaze on me but I tried to ignore it even though it made me nervous and I kept walking. My friend Lucy got 3 blouses herself, the purple one with the Crescent moon, a dark blue one with a dark red wolf howling at the moon and another pale yellow with 2 lavender threads on top of each other but bended to the right.
We are both considered persons so we won't take advantage of someone else wealth or title just to gain more expensive and luxurius stuff.
We continued at the pants section where Lucy got a pair of dark blue jeans with some silver star chains on the pockets and a pair of light blue ones with dark blue and purple butterflies and a golden butterflies chain over the pockets. I walked around until I saw a pair of black skinnies with white stars, a small star button with 3 golden glittery stars on close to the pockets and a pair of bubblegum pink leggings with glittery stars on them.
It was getting late and we still needed to get to the mansion, we had 3 more hours to go since the mall was in the central part of the town so we decided Is best to come another time more earlier. We went to the checkout and he took our clothes, he did kept his word and payed for our stuff much to Elijah displeasure and i felt bad once again. He got 2 bags, one pink with white roses and the other purple with white roses, in which our clothes were put. He carried them gladly to the car and placed them carefully in the trunk.
We first left Lucy in front of the building she lives in as it was just one hour distance, the building she lives in wasn't grey and plain like the one I was living in her building had a warm peach color and her apartment was bigger and nicer then mine as it was in a more wealthy and well developed neighborhood, her apartment had 3 big rooms, one she turned into a nice spacious living room, one was her bedroom with a big double bed and the last one was a guest room. Compared to the neighborhood I was living in it was 2 whole hours with the car to the central part.
After we said our goodbyes she got out of the car and Lucas went out to give her the purple bag from the trunk then hoped in back to his place. Elijah was still in the front and honestly I was glad I didn't had to see him throwing me that cold glances at least for another 2 hours. I still couldn't believe I was going to spend the night at the mansion, I took my phone out and I checked the clock who showed 8:16 pm. I decided I should give him my number after all for any eventuality so I entered in the contacts and scrolled to my number then I turned the screen so he could see it. He got out his white expensive phone who seemed bigger than mine as mine was well medium, a Samsung galaxy, his was also a Samsung galaxy but a more expensive and advanced one.
Mine had a pink book cover with some roses golden butterflies and pretty stars, his was white with some golden feathers and sparkles. He typed the number and saved it in his contacts so I turned my phone back and I got a message from an unknown number with a rose emoji as I checked it I turned to look at him who smiled warmly and I just knew that was his number so I saved it in my contacts and I started scrolling on my phone on Facebook, I wasn't a big fan of Instagram and Twitter as I don't post many pics with me, whike I was scrolling I got a notification of a new friend request and I checked it and of course it was from him so glanced at him and he looked at me but before I got caught up into his Sapphire eyes I turned back at looking on my phone checking his profile.
He had quite a bunch of pictures with him and other people from events he participated, some art pieces, paintings and I even found some of the oldest pics with some people I never seen before but something was telling me they were angels like him, strong angels. One of the pictures caught my attention it was kind of a group picture in which was a vanilla lush blonde girl at the bottom that gave me strong woman and warrior vibes, another blonde girl but with her hair a pale yellow on the left side that gave me calm and gentle vibes, another girl on the right with honey blonde hair that gave me joyful vibes and another girl with dark curly brown hair popping her head behind a brunette male with calm and compassionate vibes, in front of Gabriel was another brunette male with honey brown eyes with an imposing vibe and behind Gabriel was another brunette with azure blue eyes who gave me gentle vibes, there was another brunette on the left with dodger blue eyes he seemed very warm, some other brunette with deep blue eyes that gave off wise and on subject vibes, a blonde male with curly hair that gave off strong warrior but fun vibe , one with amber brown hair who also seemed wise and another with light caramel hair seemingly gentle, another male with brunette hair and dark colored eyes that gave me seriousness vibes, another brunette male with duke blue eyes who have off wisdom and gentleness and another male with a beeline honey brown hair and emerald green eyes with a warm fun vibe. Gabriel seemed very happy as his smile reached his eyes in that picture somewhere like a palace room and for whatever reason seeing him like that warmed up my heart and made me smile.
I saved the picture to ask him later about those people then I was about to put my phone back when I started getting notifications of someone reacting to my pics and I wasn't very surprised when I checked them and I saw it was him, I looked at him but he was looking at his phone scrolling. He seemed focused on what was on the screen and he looked quite handsome as his eyes sparkled from the light definitely gave angel vibes. I analyze his features as now his eyes couldn't capture me distracting me and now I understood why was Lucy trying to make me see a possible relationship he really was charming but he wasn't mine and I lost myself in thoughts thinking about my future, will I ever marry? How will my husband look like? Thinking about that his image suddenly popped up in my mind and I tried to shake it off but it kept coming. "Damn it" I said to myself mentally why can't I shake this off?? There was no way we were meant so I looked outside to the evening sky as the stars started shining brightly and I asked trying to get an answer from the higher being out there "What do you want from me? Why am I thinking and feeling those things? Just please give me an answer! What am I supposed to do? Should I even afford hoping such silly things?" And I waited but no answer and then we passed a huge medical sign, with a doctor giving a control to a lady, which said "Don't lose hope, listen to your heart" and I sighed "Very funny Lord want me to keep hoping to have more with your angel but at least I got a sign" I turned to look at the angel beside me he was still looking on his phone and he was mesmerizing then I saw the corner of his lips lift up, he was smirking!
- Can I help you with anything dear Rose?
He said without looking at me and I got shocked how did he knew?? I blushed and looked back outside saying quite nervous:
- No nothing!
Gabriel POV
I chuckled amused as she turned her head to look outside I could see her reflection in the window glass and even feel how flustered she was i felt her gaze from the first time she looked at me I was just waiting to see what is she gonna do but she just analyzed me and got lost in her thoughts, I was so curious to find out but I decided not to intrude until I accidentally heard her saying "Damn it" I knew she didn't said it out loud and I got curious she seemed to ask something that was meant for Father so I haven't listened to that then it went quiet and she seemed to only look outside like she was expecting something that didn't came. Then I felt it her shift of emotions and I heard what she said, I smiled amused. She was scared to hope and try her luck I just needed to show her how serious my intentions are but that takes time, well I had more than enough time. Then she turned her gaze on me once more as I pretended to be focused on the screen and i couldn't help the smile that formed or the chuckle that followed after she turned to look away. That only made my determination grow.
Soon we arrived at the mansion as the darkness fell and the stars were sparkling on the night vault. I was going to make sure we have dinner before going to sleep as I helped her get out of the car, she was still avoiding to look into my eyes but she was too cute. I didn't wanted to let go of her hand as i felt the sparks so invitating so I hugged her by the arm to keep her close while she just let it be but without looking at me. I leaded the way towards the new principal wing, the hallways was lit with elegant lamps but this time the light seemed warm and welcoming instead of the usual cold and gloomy atmosphere i guessed it was because of her presence and I never want this to change now and I had the best room for her.
Rose POV
I've walked wherever he took me, for some reason I didn't keept vigilant as I felt safe and at ease with him beside me holding me close with those tingles that covered my whole being, I felt something deep inside of me stirring and awaking but I wasn't sure what it was. I didn't had time to ficus more on it as we stopped in front of a white double doors with golden stars on the upper side of it and golden round doorknobs, he turned one and opened the door motioning me to enter so i obeyed and I found myself in the room of a queen. A big queen size bed welcomed me from the center glued to the wall with a beautiful white wood with white and golden pillows, 3 white rectangular ones at the edges and centre of the bed with golden frame with some stars, 2 light pink round ones towards the middle with golden stars and in the center was 2 golden star pillows one on top of the other, the blanked was golden with glittery big white stars and there was a big light blue comfy rug on the floor, next to the bed on bith sides were 2 elegant white bedsides with a lamp on each and 3 drawers each. On top of the bed was the pink bag from the mall and my bag from home. The room was huge with big arched windows with golden yellow curtains, on the left wall was a white dressing table with a big mirror with golden frame with flowers and many drawers with golden frame like details, in front of it was an elegant chair with arched back and elegant golden deer legs, next to it was a door, on the right wall in the centre was a fireplace with a flat screen TV at the right level so you won't kill your neck watching it, under the TV quite lower was a shelf on which you could put vases or little statues, in front of the fireplace was an elegant white sofa with arched back with golden frame and on the sofa were 3 golden star shaped pillows, close to the fireplace facing 2 of the windows were a round tea table with 2 white armchairs at the heads and a cute aurora colored vase with fresh white roses, then next to the fireplace at some distance was a door with some stars at the top part and another door a bit more further.
- I'll be next door if you need me
He said in his warm voice and I nodded turning to look at him, after that I saw his retreating figure dissappearing as he closed the door gently.
After he left I went to check the door on the left first and I found a walk in closet and it felt just like a room for a queen, I got out of the closet and I thought I wont need such a big closet as I didn't had many clothes but it would be rude to tell him that, I got closer to the bed and it looked so neat I was afraid to even touch it so I wont ruin it. I took my big bag first and I sat on the sofa who was bigger then the one i had home, I carefully took out my things taking the clothes to the closet, my lipstick and balm I put them in the first drawer of the dressing table, my art stuff in the left bedside first drawer and in the second my lingerie and socks, I put my cat and angel statues on the dressing table for now after I was done with that I took the pink bag and I too of the clothes that were inside among the 2 pants and the blouse I choose there was also the white expensive blouse I saw and put back to her place and I was wondering how did that got in here? Did he bought it for me? The thought made me blush but it could also be there by mistake so I'll ask him next time when I see him, I took a deep breath and put the clothes to their places then I went to check the furthered door on the right wall.
I entered carefully and I found a nice big bathroom with white marble tiles, on the left was a shower with light yellow tiles, close by was a big bathtube that seemed able to hold at least 5 people on It were some bottles with shampoo and shower gel I suppose, next to the bathtube was an elegant plate of cherry wood carved with stars with some hangers and there were 2 white robes on there while next to the showers were 2 metal bars with 2 yellow towels then facing the door was another door that i wasn't sure what was with it there but I decided not to check it now, next to that door at some distance was a medium sized closed with a sink that was holding an elegant mirror, there was a suspended part of the closet that made it even more elegant. Close to the sink was the toiled from which you could easily reach the closet and on the floor was a big rounded fluffy aurora colored with sparkles rug.
I stared at the bathroom In appreciation as it was neat and well kept then I got out and now I was wondering what could this other door could be hiding I decided to check later as I shoukd get used to the room first, I went back to the bed and looked at the pillows when I noticed the small star pillow in the centre looked familiar so I took it to have a closer look, it has a cute cat like face on it and i was wondering if I was a coincidence that he had a pillow just like mine, mine had some pink and purple drops of paint as me and Lucy painted together in a weekend and we accidentally splashed some painting on it so I checked it well and I suddenly found the colorful drops that faded in time but never washed away and I started wondering when did he had time to get it?
As I was looking at my pillow trying to make sense I heard gentle knocks at the door then it opened and it revealed Gabriel with a tray with 2 plates of food and some drinks waiting in the doorway for my permission to enter.
- May I come in please?
He asked looking at me hopefully and I nodded in confirmation, he smiled in delight and entered closing the door with ease using his elbow. He approached and put the tray in the tea table gesturing to one of the armchairs for me, I was about to step towards him when I remembered I was holding the pillow so I showed to him and asked:
- That's my pillow from home isn't it?
He looked at it and smiled knowingly then answered relaxed:
- Yes indeed it is
I put it back on the bed, i took my work bag with me and approached him. I sat in the armchair and it was so comfortable as it felt like a cloud and I looked at the tray there were 2 plates each with 3 French onion baked potatoes, as I was about to serve us both he was faster and took the plate from the tray placing it in front of me and I looked at him puzzled. He turned to look at me and chuckled saying gently:
- You're my guest I should be the one to serve you just as you served me earlier today.
I blushed slightly and kept my mouth shut as he placed the pink drink at its place then he placed the other plate in front of the other chair as I watched him curiously, then he sat down in such an elegant manner that left me surprised and pleased. He was going to eat here? With me? He seemed to have read my mind as he smiled and said in an amused tone:
- Well you turned me down earlier today but now you're not at work anymore are you?
- I'm sorry
I told him slightly nervous as I recalled how I turned him down then I remembered something and opened my bag taking out the muffin from today. His expression turned to curious first then confused and then slightly sad. I was planning tobwat it before going to sleep tonight but now that he brought food I was going to eat it as dessert but seeing hos sad and hurt expression made me feel bad and I wanted to comfort him.
- I was going to eat it as my dinner but now that you brought dinner I just thiught to have it as dessert.
I told him quite nervous as I tugged a strand of my hair behind my ear. His expression turned to relief and he said in a joking manner:
- I thought you were about to give it back to me or that you didn't like it.
I chuckled amused. We started eating in pleasant quiet as I didn't knew what to say to make conversation but then I thought to ask him now, I mean he was here so why not?
- How did you got my pillow here?
I asked looking at him and I saw the corner of his lips going up in a smile seemingly glad that I was trying to make some conversation with him.
- You seemed to want to take it with you so I just teleported it into the car trunk, you should have taken it if you wanted.
He answered with his whole attention on me, that made me feel warm but also happy to receive his total attention for whatever reason.
- I just didn't wanted to seem too childish like a grown up woman carrying around a pillow like a child
I told him averting my gaze looking in my plate slightly embarrassed.
- You're overthinking too much, if you want something just take it or tell me and I will take it for you.
He said in a firm voice that made me look back at him. Was he really serious about that? But I can't just take things or tell him to take them for me, I guess I was just too used to being thoughtful and independent.