Culling

Part II • Chapter XI

It was way definitely more entertaining watching Victor build things and take them apart, rather than playing with the tablet that Victor had given me.

I totally wasn't admiring the way that his shoulders moved under the white linen shirt he had put on after his shower. Not me. I chewed on the inside of my mouth and tilted my head and wondered what it would be like to kiss Victor.

Victor had a quieter, and more refined, way about him than the others. Would his kisses reflect his personality?

I noticed that I shared a different kind of relationship with each of the boys, and yet, somehow, I felt like I belonged to each and every one all the same.

Gabriel energized me with his passion, he made me see things about myself that I never had before. Luke opened my eyes to a new way of seeing the world, with him I wanted to try things that I never would have normally. Silas was strong, dependable and a constant - he made me feel safe. Nathan was my fierce warrior, he was always thinking of my welfare first. North has my shining star, always so protective. Kota was my voice of reason, I could count on him as a confidant and for guidance. Sean could make me feel at ease, his words made me feel positive about any situation. Then there was Owen, he made me feel like I was a treasure.

Victor, while not as aggressive in his affection and intentions as some of the others, had been a constant at my side from the first moment I joined their group. His supportive gestures, and gentle way of treating me, made me really feel like the Princess that he insisted on calling me.

He was humming a familiar tune under his breath, something I had heard once before but couldn't place. I didn't have many chances to spend one on one with him, so while it was just the two of us I enjoyed spending my time studying him as I watched his graceful fingers move with practiced ease. I was content in the moment.

It's not like that wasn't creepy or anything.

"What are you thinking about?" Victor asked me suddenly, but he wasn't looking at me though nor did he pause in his actions as he cleaned some pieces of electronics.

I just about spit out my coffee at the unexpected question, but caught myself at the last second.

"What?" I asked him, playing innocent. "What makes you think that I was thinking about anything specific? I wasn't thinking about anything special." I needed to come up with something, I wracked my brain for a safe topic. "I was thinking about that song you were humming. I couldn't place it and it was bugging me."

His hands stopped their movement suddenly and his fire eyes were on me, burning with an intensity that was somewhat alarming. "You've heard that song before?"

"Yes..." I said slowly, and he eyes began to light up at my response. "I don't remember where though, but it is familiar. Why?"

His gaze turned thoughtful. "It's a local lullaby only to certain areas of district three, including my hometown. I don't know the words, but I know the tune. I used to play it when it was requested."

"Play?" I asked him, I didn't know he played an instrument.

His cheeks dusted over in pink. "Yes, I play the piano a little bit. I've been told I'm moderately good at it. That's not important though, maybe you knowing the song could be significant in finding out where you were before going to district six."

I wondered. "Could you hum it for me, maybe it'll help me remember." I doubted it, but I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to cuddle with Victor and be under his ministrations.

He chuckled as if he knew what I was thinking. "Come here," he stood up and raised an arm towards me. I took his hand and he pulled me next to him as he sat on the couch, tucking me into his side. "If you fall asleep I'll take you to bed, you have your appointment in the morning after all. Just relax."