Strings of Fate

146- Brats and bartenders

“So, how are you all enjoying playing house? I think I might be a little jealous, living all by my lonesome.” Harry says, his tone full of false sadness. Megan rolls her eyes.

“Liar, you love living alone.” She accuses. Harry shrugs.

“True, I have always enjoyed my bachelor pad. No women.” He jokes. Darrien raises an eyebrow.

“I doubt that.” he mutters grumpily. Megan elbows him and Harry just winks.

“I prefer not to bring women back to my place. Too much chance of them finding their way. back again. It’s better they don’t know where I live.” he comments. This time, both Bellamy and Darrien look at him in disgust. Shifters apparently aren’t into that whole lifestyle. I suppose it makes sense. They mostly live in large family groups. Bringing home a different woman every night probably doesn’t work as well when you live with your parents, grandparents, siblings and other relatives. I decide to intervene before the guys decide they hate Harry before they know anything other than his more shallow side.

“You just like having your own room. You always said as a kid that you would never share a room again when you became an adult.” I remind him. Harry shrugs.

‘Share a room with five other guys and see if you ever want to share a room again.” He points.

out.

“You and Ryann grew up in the same place, right?” Bellamy asks. Leave it to him to instantly pick up on the chance to ask questions about my childhood.

“Yep. She was just as much of a bossy brat then as she is now.” Harry answers. I glare at him.

“Hey, rude!” I object.

“What do you mean by that?” Megan asks. Harry leans in, elbows on the table and lowers his voice like he’s sharing a secret, or at least some really good gossip.

1/4

146- Brats and bartenders

was practically queen of the playground. At least until we hit our early teens… then things changed I guess.” He stops, awkwardly, clearly

but most of them moved to other homes as they grew up. Shifters almost never end up in group homes, they’re too family oriented. Witches and their covens also tend to take care of each other’s kids. Children with Oracle abilities are usually adopted young because they’re pretty rare and most people THINK that they want to know the future. They’re usually wrong, but at least the kids find families. Straight up Human kids have separate homes they go to. Which pretty much just left me as a

Ry, you never answered the original question. How are you enjoying living with us? On my part I’m loving it. I enjoy having you around all the time, even if it is only temporary.” She rambles uncomfortably. I notice Darrien nudging her arm in what I suspect is intended as a comforting motion. Great, I made everyone feel awkward. Bellamy sits up straighter at her comment though. I look up at him and he is looking back at me, an eager expression on his face. Ah, I get it. He wants to share the news from today. I give

to.” I tell him. He beams at me before turning

table.

move in permanently!” He blurts out. Megan squeals in delight and

did this happen? Why didn’t you tell me?” She demands excitedly. I smile and

to Maggie and Bellamy said he’s

2/4

140–Brats and bartenders

looks absolutely thrilled.

remarks, a pleased smile on his face. Hmm, if Shifters live in family groups, I wonder if he will move in with us too someday. I know he mostly lives alone right now, Bellamy mentioned once that he moved here a few years ago without his family. I think he’s mostly on his own. I don’t think it’s super common for

Harry comments. He looks a little down and kind of distracted. He perks up all

He says cheerfully. He’s talking to me, but he’s watching Bellamy, clearly hoping for a reaction. Bellamy scowls for a second, then smooths his face over

to come visit sometime.” He answers, only a hint of reluctance in

what you want to eat? I can go place our orders. Cam should be working and I

is Cam?”

and I both immediately sit up in our chairs. and stretch around, trying to see the bar, annoyingly we can’t see much from

blushes a little

exchanges excited glances

about this particular bartender?” Darrien asks, trying