The Selection (1x1 with AnnaCat17)

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Lysander blushed, beaming proudly as he put on the watch. It was beautiful and practical and he loved it. He didn't care that they had all gotten the same thing. He adored his gift.

Jakob was surprised when they got gifts. He smiled as he opened his, putting on the watch to admire it. He rubbed his thumb alone the initial. It was easily the most expensive thing he owned.

Karter looked like a kid on Christmas day as he put on the watch, fumbling a lot at first since he had no idea how it worked. He beamed, examining it on his wrist. He loved his gift.

[AnnaCat17]

Matteo smiled as he saw how excited they all were. He picked a good ten. He was beginning to be unable to imagine life without any of them. "Yes, very pretty, but all you really need to care about is keeping an eye out for when it reaches 11 in three hours because that's when your second gift arrives." He grined at the confused looks amd paused to make sure he had everyone's attention. "I felt it was unfair that everyone who went home gets to see their family while all of you are stuck here so the castle has extended an invitation to have your families stay until after new years. I cant confirm who has accepted the invutation and who hasnt but hopefully the halls will be buzzing soon with love and excitment as you all get to see your loved ones."

Vice was reminded instantly of why he almost fell for the prince. This was amazing. He would get to see his grandparents. His heart raced with excitement and he wished there was some way he could express his gratitude to the prince.

Gabel didnt smile. Would his family accept the invitation? He missed his family terribly but things hadnt ended on good terms. He fidgetted with his new watch. Three hours. Three hours until he knew if his family still loved him or not. It would be the longest three hours of his life.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter jolted upright in his seat, his face lighting up. He'd get to see his family? He smiled so widely that his face muscles hurt. He couldn't wait until the three hours were up. He noticed Gabel's expression and reached over, ruffling his hair affectionately.

Jakob's face darkened at first. The Prince wouldn't have invited his parents, right? He'd have to ask him later. He was worried that he had, and knew that if he had he'd be spending the rest of the time avoiding them.

Lysander slumped a bit in his seat. He knew his family probably wouldn't loose the chance to be in the castle. They'd want that more than to see him. He wasn't looking forward to them coming. He fiddled with his new watch anxiously, hoping that when this was over they'd let him keep his gift.

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel tried to give Karter a smile but his face was pale and he felt sick. He desperately wanted to see his family. He didnt know what he would do if they didn't come. If they didnt come did that mean he didnt have a home to return to? "I should probably go get ready." He muttered to ko one in particular as he got up shakily.

Matteo turned and left the room that was buzzing with fresh excitment. He was going to miss his boys and didn't know how he was going to say goodbye to them for a month, let alone when it came time to say goodbye forever.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter got up, gently taking his arm and following him to his room. "What's wrong?" he asked softly once they were in Gabel's room.

Jakob got up quickly and followed after Matteo, his face displaying his anxiety. "Matteo, you didn't invite my parents, right?"

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel couldnt meet his eyes, feeling ashamed for not being able to hide his emotions. "I don't know what ill do if my family doesn't show up... I know my parents were livid when they found outbi was in the selection but my siblings..." He forced himself to stop talking as his lip quivered with threatened tears. "Im sorry. You dont want the sob story. I'm really excited for everyone about this. The prince is being really nice."

Matteo shook his head. "No. I got Maisie to tell me what was going on with them and so they weren't extended an invitation." Matteo looked over at him, worried he would be mad. "I figured your family is already here so i didn't need to find anyone for you. I hope that's ok."

Vice went off in search of Eleanor, excited to share the news with her.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter wrapped his arms around him, pulling him into a hug. "It's okay. Whether they come here or not,I'll be there for you, okay?" He gave his hand a gentle squeeze.

A look of relief covered his face, and he hugged Matteo tightly. "Thank you," he sighed, relieved.

Eleanor was out in the garden lying on a blanket, drawing.

[AnnaCat17]

Gabel hugged him back tightly until he pulled away allowing his heart to sink again. He sniffed sadly and nodded, cleaning his glasses with the corner of his shirt so he wouldnt have to meet his eyes. "Thanks Karter. Ill be fine. Im getting myself worked up for nothing so you just focus on your family."

Matteo hugged him back and kissed his cherk. "No problem. Im doing what i can to keep to keep all of you happy."

Vice smiled as he saw her and walked over to sit by her. "Isnt it a little cold to be out here? Its supposed to snow tonight." He teased as he looked down at her drawing.

[EchoOfShatteredIce]

Karter didn't think he was working himself up for nothing, but he didn't say anything about that. He gave Gabel a kiss on his forehead before leaving the room, his cheeks warm.

"Thank you, still." Jakob kissed his chin. "You're doing a good job of it." He let himself calm down in Matteo's arms.

Eleanor let out a squeak of surprise, flinging her hands over her drawing to cover it, but it was too late. He saw a drawing of himself shirtless, and her cheeks warmed quickly. "I like it just fine," she defended about being out here, her voice shaking with nerves.

[AnnaCat17]

Vice blushed as he saw his own image. He self consciously crossed his arms across his chest but didn't say anything about the drawing. "I have good news. The prince invited all of our families to come visit for Christmas."