Playing pretend isn't really the best idea(Elyx and Okura)

An urgent job that arrived today, but what dragged everyone away was the fact that there were certain requirements sin which no one can control. It was odd, sure, but it paid heavily for what it was worth. Still, play pretend, that seems like a risky job. One thing Elyx was great with was honesty, and he doesn't get to use much of it here. What really struck him as odd was the fact that they had to be males, and they even put an age limit as well. Still... for the reward promised, there probably was a good explanation for it all. So here he was with Jin, they were both around the same age, just a one year difference. So the girls were located in a certain house, which could have been described better to be honest. Their only reliance is the fact that there will be two girls standing outside of it, one facing to the left, and one to the right, which is a rather odd signal, but it was the best they could come up with.

750 Jewels, it seems like a high reward, and the requirements. Hey Jin, what do you think the mission here will be by any chance? Elyx asked his teammate as he looked back to his chocolate bar. It kept him from thinking too much about this job, no matter how odd it was. He dug his teeth back into the snack once again and closed his eyes in delight. That was then something struck him, it was two men requested, but who were the clients again? Two women right? The Clients, do we even know who they are? Or are we going in blind and just following the requirements?

A strange job that paid well, this was only the beginning. He didn’t have much experience when it came to jobs so may be that was the ‘trend’. It was still odd though, the lack of details and the specifications. What kind of jobs would boys of such age be asked to do anyways? That was indeed a good question but the answer could be found in time. The good thing about the job was that he got to tag along with a mage he was familiar with. The two had joined the guild together, they had arrived at the same time too. Both had acquired their passports together as well in a previous D-rank job. This was another job together; it was like the two were already part of a team.

”I’m as clueless about it as you are my friend. Something that boys of only our ages can do and more specifically not one but two of us and only two. No matter how much I try to formulate a pattern, it doesn’t answer any of my questions.” He replied stating the confusions that he too had about the job. It was true, they had no idea who the clients even were. ”Our best bet would be to follow the instructions, most likely that’ll lead us to our clients. What other options do we have anyways Elyx?”

They continued to walk throughout the town, crowded, due to the fact that they were in a heavily populated area. How did the client(s) expect for the two mages to find them at all? Mages were know to be sharp with their senses, but that doesn't mean playing Needle in the haystack is an easy game for them. Elyx and Jin kept searching, walking around until they entered an are with only homes. This was confirmed since there was a giant open gate that had a sign on it with letters that Elyx couldn't quite read. He was foreign to this community, so reading things here wasn't going to be easy for him. This made a little bit more sense though, not many people were outside of their houses, and even fewer came in pairs.

Ohhhhh, they expect the mages to have experience with this town, that;s why when they said look for the ones out of the houses, they expected us to know that the downtown area is seperate from the neighborhood area. Elyx said as a small cartoon-like candle shined above his head. Elyx looked up, a little offended by the candle. He grabbed the candle and threw it above towards the skies. After a minute, glass could be heard shattering but no noise from anybody. Hopefully no one got hurt.

Hey, two girls standing... one to the left and one to the right... That means they would be and looking towards opposite directions. Elyx said as he pointed towards two girls. They were standing outside of their blue house, standing back to back. They matched the directions as Elyx expected. I think we have found our clients, how about we greet them with a hello?

He was wondering how they were supposed two girls in a crowd. Seriously, were those girls going to wear some clown makeup? They did need to do something different than the crowd, otherwise just finding two girls was almost impossible. Sure the two were mages but mages are humans aren’t they? What was expected of them? To somehow miraculously just happen upon their clients and say: “why hello there, you must be the clients”. While Jin continued to solve this riddle in his mind, he had little idea that his friend was also in a similar dilemma. There only salvation lied in the instructions provided and since Elyx was the one holding them, he was supposed to solve it.

The appearance of a candle above Elyx’s head signaled that he had found a way to solve this puzzle. Though he was offended by it, Jin relaxed a bit with the thought that there must be a solution now. He wasn’t wrong in his assessment, Elyx had indeed figured out one. It didn’t take them long to find their clients after that. ”Are you sure though? How do we know that these girls are in fact our clients? Is there any more information in the job request?” He asked just to be sure, they could possibly be making a mistake.

After looking at Elyx’s face he found that his question was unnecessary. So he approached the girls along with his friend, ”Hello there, are you possibly the girls who requested this job?”. Jin asked looking at both the girls one by one, the two cast a gaze at both of them. ”Kyaaahh!! They’re here, they’re actually here. We’re saved!” said the one on the left while clinging to Jin’s arm. ”ha?” was the only word that came out of Jin’s mouth as he was clueless to what was happening or what was about to happen to the poor mages.

The clients from what Elyx could see were rather young to be able to give the reward they were give. Elyx didn't even have 750 Jewels, hence why he was so interested in taking this job. The two girls were around the ages that they request. Elyx was 17, he didn't know about his partner though, all he knew was that they looked about the same age. All four of them were young though. One of the youthful clients said that the both of them are saved, and when Elyx heard that, he put out his left palm to bring out his Violin. They didn't knew what exactly their target was, but whatever it was was going down. The loud girl clung onto Jin's arm, causing Elyx to snicker a little bit. The second girl approached him rather calmly though, and she took interest in his Violin.

Oh, you play the Violin? This might actually work well for us after all. The quiter of the two clients said as she put her hand out to touch the Violin. Elyx handed it over cautiously, making sure that the client didn't drop it. He then continued to ignite the conversation. Hey, there. My name is Elyx Reiaki of the Black Rose guild. The one next to me is Jin Okura of the Black Rose guild. We have been sent here on an urgent request so we have heard from you. What do you want taken care of? Someone to spy on? Monster to eliminate?

Oh, no no, nothing of the sort. I'm just glad it ended up being men like the two of you to carry this out. It is a lot easier than that. The quieter client said to Elyx casually as she returned his Violin back to him. Elyx put out his left palm to return his Violin back into the case, watching the Violin shatter in pieces of light. He then took a small bite of his chocolate bar as he let the girl continue talking. My name is Hope, and over there with your friend is Serenity. We need a little bit of help you see.

Hope paused for a little bit as she looked at Elyx again, her face unsure and hesitant. This didn't seem like it was going to be a little bit with that intensity on her face. After a simple breathe in, she continued to speak, chunks of words at a time. Our parents are coming over in a few hours, and they have always wanted us to have a boyfriend... and they finally stopped nagging us when we finally told them we finally found one.

Hey, congrats on getting a boyfriend. Elyx said with a smile on his face, it was heart-warming to see people in love. He even avoided continuing his snack, this story was interesting. So you want us to protect them on their way here? Protect you? Do a little bit of investigation? Don't worry, we will do anything we need to so this reunion in a success!

I'm glad you say that. Hope said with a shy smile lifting on her face, a shade of pink also becoming visible. Well, the truth is though, we don't have a boyfriend. Neither of us. If at least one of us could have one, we could at least admit something of the truth. But... we can't tell them about this, they were so excited when we told them about our lovers, it would be hard to break it down to them. And... we also told them that our boyfriend were mages.

So, wait, what exactly are you implying here? Elyx asked as he was still a little bit lost on the whole mission. When he looked to the side, he saw that there was one boy, and one girl. When he looked forward, there was one girl, and then he had to include himself. He was getting closer to the truth, but the next statement confirmed his theory. We need you two to meet our parents... as our lovers...

”Ooo, you have good cheeks and you’re cute too. You’re perfect” said the girl as she pulled Jin’s cheek. The mage who was normally quiet talkative was caught in a predicament that made him shy. He was blushing and had nothing to say because he didn’t know what was happening. Then Elyx and the other girl conversed and he found out the name of the girl that was holding on to his arm. ”Ahaha, thank you Serenity but you know, that’s my arm so you can’t have it” he said with a silly smile in an attempt to make her let go of his arm. ”ooo cute and funny, I like it” she said as she let go of his arm.

Then the revelation about the true purpose of their visit happened. ”So, you want us to lie for you”, suddenly the expressions on the kind young man’s face changed. He was an honest mage, always had been an honest person. The thought of lying to others and deceiving them wasn’t something he wanted to do. ”Elyx-kun” he said in a serious manner looking at his friend’s face. The girl that was teasing him just a while ago was scared by the look on his face, she hid behind hope saying ”..scary!!”.

”Sigh, guess we have no choice, do we?” that wasn’t the entire truth. He couldn’t say no to other people. Lying to their parents wouldn’t be that harmful anyways right? These girls did need their help and helping others was something he had always wanted to do. ”Baka.. baka!! Don’t scare me like that” said Serenity who was back on Jin again. His expressions had changed back to normal and now she was punching him for being scary. He couldn’t help but admit that she was kind of cute too.

Hope... I have to admit that I am not normally one to do this. Elyx said as he walked up to Hope, these two could be in a lot of trouble if their parents found out their daughters were lying to them. For quite a long while too if they have been so desperate to prove that they do have boyfriends. If it were to show the off to their friends, Elyx would deny the job with a smile on his face and a chocolate bar in his stomach. But this was to impress their parents, and he couldn't help but think about what would happen if he let these two confront their parents without their existence. Just this once, maybe just this once he can do this. But I think I know how much this means to you and your sister, my partner and I will help you and act as your boyfriends for this meeting.

Elyx then was embraced with a small hug by Hope, tears on happiness rolling down her eyes. She was innocent and kind, it was hard to believe she had no boyfriend. Thank you so much. Hope said as she then let go. Maybe by the end of this they could be friends, and maybe he could help her and her sister look for a boyfriend. Being Wingmen to help them. Right now, Elyx didn't care about getting a girlfriend, it was too soon after what happened before he joined the guild. When he saw Serenity and Jin, even though there we small punches being thrown, it was sort of funny. But, Elyx wondered if Jin was actually falling for one of the clients. Admittedly, it would make the act more realistic, but it wouldn't be an act, and that would make things awkward soon. So what do we do or what should we know within the next few hours here? Elyx asked.

While Jin was distracted by the more lively Serenity, Elyx was asking questions and inquiring information. Currently, little did any of them realized they were giving the illusion of actual couples anyways. Jin and Serenity were the funny and lively kind of couple while Elyx and hope were the serious and artistic couple. ”Our parents will be arriving soon, so we’ll go together to meet them. We’ll eat lunch together and there we’ll behave like actual couples. After that we’ll just say that you have jobs to go to and then you can leave. That should be convincing enough for our parents and less inconvenient for you two mages” replied Hope as she lifted her glasses with her left index finger.

Her reply also caught Serenity’s attention and she finally stopped the barrage of punches. Jin just stood there unaffected by her punches, it appeared she had no physical prowess at all. ”That’s simple enough but we barely know one another. We need to have at least a convincing story about the typical questions parents ask”, said Jin pointing out the obvious. ”That’s simple, Elyx and Hope met at a concert where Elyx was playing his violin. You and I met a circus” said Serenity with a cute smile. ”Why a circus?” questioned the confused Jin. Elyx got to have a classy story but why’d his fake love story had to begin at a circus?

”Because I like circus” answered the pink haired girl with an innocent expressions. She had no idea what was wrong with that story, Jin as usual couldn’t say no and had to go along with it. ”Okay then, that covers the meeting part. The proposals?” said Jin looking at Hope so as to ask her this time. He was certain that if he asked Serenity she would probably come up with a classy fake proposal for Elyx but he would end up with yet another strange one.

We can think about that as we eat. I'll cook us up some dinner for all of us, from there we can talk about ourselves. Hope said as she then walked towards the house, Elyx following as well. He noticed that Serenity was actually a bit lost in her world, thinking about the proposal thing clearly. As for Jin, well he didn't seem to like the idea of leaving the ideas to thought, due to the fact that Serenity can add to the thoughts. And the fact that it was a circus that they met in, the proposal would be even worse. Serenity was the child of the two, but he knew these sorts of people, and they normally are smart. Just, a little immature. Hopefully the other two would know to follow behind them into the house. This time, he didn't even continue his snack, he actually threw his chocolate bar away. Whenever there was a meal, nothing would stop him from keeping his appetite, especially one prepared by someone else. He liked to treat everyone meal with respect.

This is a nice place you both live in. I'm beginning to feel a little jealous. Elyx said as he felt the warm crisp air hit his skin. It made him feel even happier than usual. After he stretched a little bit, he turned his head to the side to see Hope starting the meal by boiling water and preparing the ingredients. So first things first, what should we know about you both? And what would you like to know about us?

Hope headed to the house to prepare dinner and Elyx followed her along. Jin noticed that the moment he mentioned the proposal thing, Serenity had gotten quiet. It was obvious right then, she was thinking of something. He grabbed her arm and dragged her along with him since she didn’t even notice that everyone was heading inside. He brought her along with him and then let her arm go realizing that he had been a bit out of line and a bit too bold. Serenity however, didn’t even notice and was still lost in thought. ”Oh boy, I’d better prepare myself for some weird proposal idea”, it was inevitable now.

”It really is a nice house, isn’t it Elyx?” said Jin admiring the interior. Looking at the house, he had no longer any doubt about the reward of the job. The owners of such a house could easily pay them the reward they deserved. Provided everything went according to plan and their parents didn’t realize that these two were faking it. Noticing that Hope was cooking on her own, Jin walked to her and asked: ”Need some help cooking? I may not look it but I used to help my mother when I was a child. I helped her until I left the house to become a mage so just tell me what you need”. Hope turned to look at Jin who was already helping himself to an apron, ”A man who can cook? There’s still hope for you after all”.

Right when Jin was feeling happy and getting back to his usual self, a voice removed his smile. ”I’ve got it!!” said Serenity almost shouting. She had obviously thought up of the fake proposals, Hope must’ve known that all along that’s why she was more focused on cooking.

All right, tell me what you plan for our proposals to how we met. Elyx said as he walked alongside Serenity so they could all be at the dining table. She was rather cheery, but smart to think of ideas so fast. To be honest, Elyx didn't know how to cook too well, he only knew how to fry and boil, and he doesn't even do anything more complicated than pork and noodles. But, he was able to help around the how, he decided to clean the house by grabbing a broom and taking care of small pieces of dirt on the ground. When Serenity began talking about the proposals, Elyx started to chuckle. Soon, his chuckles became laughs. The more she spoke about how she and Jin met, the harder Elyx laughed. It was funny, then romantic in the end, but 100% funny.

So tell me again, what did Jin do with the lions? Elyx asked as he laughed mid sentence. He knew how Jins story was, who would forget the chase in the Circus tale. He felt bad for not stopping her, but if Jin actually wanted to marry her someday, he has to learn how to deal with her personality. Elyx then looked at the floor, and it seemed a little cleaner than it did before. He had Serenity hand Elyx the Dustpan, and Elyx took care of the dirt before knocking could be heard. A streak of light shot behind Elyx as he figured out what happened. They arrived. They're here...

The knock on the door signaled the arrival of the parents. Jin had to recover from the blow Serenity’s proposal idea had delivered, it was show time. He began to untie the apron but Hope gestured him to not do that, ”Keep it on, it’ll cast a good impression” she said with a nervous voice. Even though she gave the aura of a proper person, she was still nervous. Now the stories that these two had told about their boyfriends were to be tested. ”Serenity go greet them, Elyx you go along with her. Jin, start setting the table” she began to relay orders, taking control of the situation.

Jin had never before been in a situation like this, he had never been in love before. So he didn’t know how to be a good boyfriend, the best thing to do at the moment was to do what he was told. He picked up the salad and headed for the table as he was told. Hope turned and began to stir, the dish she was preparing was at its final stages, it only needed a bit of seasoning. ”We didn’t even have time to decide who is who’s boyfriend. If taking Serenity’s stories into consideration then it’s quite clear but if Elyx and Serenity are greeting them, wouldn’t that be interpreted as those guys as a couple?” The parents had just arrived and complications had only begun to increase. Would the two mages fail or will they be able to pull it off somehow? Only time will tell.

Serenity took the role of the leader, being the smart one of the group. Again, just because she was cheery, doesn't mean she isn't smart. She is very bright actually. Elyx, put the dustpan and broom away, I'll answer the door. Serenity said as she quickly pushed him towards the closet in which he got the items from. He then realized what would happen, if he and Serenity both answered the door at the same time, it would seem like Elyx and Serenity were the two that were engaged. And who exactly wins there? It wouldn't be easy to act as well, and the stories would be impossible since the couples weren't arranged right. But this is a perfect distraction, their parents didn't need to know that last minute cleaning has been done.

Serenity! My little girl! A male voice exclaimed, loud enough for everyone in the house to hear. He was as loud as Serenity, it was so funny. It was adorable to see a family reunion. Elyx then walked to the front door, in last place though since he was the last to put away any items. Elyx was observing the behaviors of the parents and how they act with their children. How are you my daughter? It has been so long? Oh Leo, always so cold until you see your children. Mom, Dad! Hey mom, dad, how was the trip?

Elyx then heard the cue words before he revealed himself, he didn't know where Jin was, but hopefully nearby. Never mind that, please, tell us about the lucky men you stole the hearts from. This was Elyx's chance, hopefully Jin could arrive at this point as well. He walked out with his face grinning casually and his greeting proper. Or, hopefully proper enough for them. His clothing was clean at least, so his presentation was good. Why say anything about them? Hi there, my name is Elyx Reiaki, nice to finally meet you both. I'm sorry for not showing up with Hope, but I thought I wanted to make sure to meet you two properly.

After setting the table, Jin took off the apron and followed after Hope right before Elyx. So when Serenity greeted her parents, Jin was standing alongside her like a good boyfriend with a gentle smile on his face. ”Mom, dad, meet my boyfriend: Jin. He’s a mage like I told you guys before” said Serenity as she hugged her mother and stood between both of them. Jin bowed formally greeting both parents, ”I’m Jin Okura, pleased to meet you”. His demeanor was respectful and serious, both parents couldn’t help but be impressed. ”He certainly looks like a keeper” said the mother giggling with her daughter, the father encouraged the two by laughing. This was one laid back and funny family indeed. Jin was beginning to wonder why Serenity had to lie to them in the first place.

Jin turned to look at Hope’s parents, it would be wrong to not greet them. ”Pleased to make your acquaintance as well” he said with another formal bow. ”Enough with the formalities already. We’re all family here, let’s go inside, we’ve got so much to talk about” said Serenity’s father. He moved ahead and grabbed Jin by the shoulder, putting his arm across and making him walk alongside him. The smile on his face depicted that he was already happy with Jin. ”So far so good” he thought, walking along with the man with a smile.

Perfect, the first impression was great and there was more to be done, but at this rate, they will be able to make the best of best impressions. Provided nothing unusual happens, this could actually be a good date. It would be great practice for when Elyx does find a girl, and he would have to meet her parents as well. This is a great chance to learn how not to get shot by a girls father. Elyx helped Hope with getting the food on the table, formal like pasta and soup. He likes sweets, but once in a while he can eat something that wasn't sweet, just as long as it wasn't sour or spicy.

Well, everyone, before we begin. We would like to introduce ourselves. As you have heard, we are indeed mages. My name is Elyx Reiaki, wind mage. My instrument of peace and honor is a Violin. Elyx said as he looked to hope, who was sitting next to him. He softly grabbed her hand, confirming that he knows what to say. Her hand was shaky, but calmed down within a few seconds of being in Elyxs grip. Your daughter is such an amazing girl, and I now get to meet the people her raised her so well.

Jin helped the parents sit down by holding out chairs for Serenity’s mother than for Serenity and then later for Hope’s mother as well. Meanwhile, Hope and Elyx set the table, he sat next to Serenity casually talking to the parents. ”So you’re a mage? What kind of magic can you do?” inquired the curious mother. ”I can control heat either increase or decrease it” replied Jin innocently. ”That doesn’t sound that interesting” said the father looking at him. ”Imagine having no fire to cook food, I can take care of that or to freeze food too, I can do that too” said Jin covering up that he was disappointed his magic was called boring.

”Don’t bother him, his magic is pretty neat” said Serenity defending her fake boyfriend. ”Oh and you can always ice skate when you want to, even in the summer” he said with a silly smile. ”Wow, why didn’t you say so earlier?” said the mother really fascinated by this new revelation. ”Few, for a moment I thought I was a goner”, he continued to smile as his eyes searched for Elyx and Hope. Those two finally sat down and the attention now diverted towards them as Elyx began to spoke. Finally Jin could breathe for a moment at least. ”I too am humbled and honored to have met the parents of my dear Serenity”, he had no choice but to jump in the conversation.

When in a room that contains two friends whose boyfriends are just meeting with their parents, the comparison has already begun. If Jin lacks behind his fake girlfriend would look bad, if Elyx did he would face a similar predicament. In this kind of situation, both need to maintain a perfect balance so they can maintain their illusion and come out of this unscathed.

So how about you tell us about how you and... Elyx was it? The mother asked as she looked toward Elyx, who kept his calm grin as he nodded happily, she got his name right on her first shot. Elyx couldn't help but smile genuinely and calmly as he nodded his head, satisfied. His nodding of the head confirmed the fact that his name was said correctly. Elyx, how did you and my daughter meet? I want to know all about it, I want to know how my daughter stole your heart. Everyone laughed a little bit with the good humor, it was nice to see that everyone was enjoying themselves. It was perfect, despite the fact that this was a fake act, it seemed like everyone was enjoying themselves regardless. Elyx then realized that Hopes grip wasn't shaky anymore. When he turned to Hope, she was smiling with her white teeth showing and everything, this made him feel glad for doing this for her.

Well, I was in a concert one time. I was performing you see. It was a few months ago when this happened. Elyx said as he turned his head to Hope with... hope that he had the time right. She nodded with a small grin, and it was confirmed. I was playing Dreaming, by Brian Balmages. It is a small music piece played based on a person who is having a beautiful dream. At the end of the concert, she said she wanted for me to play for her again. Normally I would not do that, but she really seemed happy with my song, and admittedly, she was beautiful. Elyx said as he then felt the hand grip tighten softly, which threw him off a little. When he turned his head to Hope, he saw that she had a tear roll of from her left eye, but her smile showed what she was feeling. When I played the piece again, she seemed even happier. Before she left, I offered to teach her the Violin. From there, we have been taking lessons, but those lessons cut shortly. When I promised a lesson, I actually asked her to go on a date.

My little girl took the heart of a Violinist? The father asked with his eyes shining with approval. He then looked back to Jin, who hopefully was ready for the same question, but Serenity took over before the father could even say anything. Imagine me trying to use magic. But never could. Lets just say... Serenity put er hand up with a fireball floating on top of it.He taught me how fire works. Lets not say what happened later, but lets just say after an attack, without my Jin, I wouldn't be here to tell you about my boyfriend.Jin, you saved my daughters life? Thank you so much!

Thank fully Elyx and Hope took their attention for quite some time giving Jin enough time to recuperate. This was nerve wracking, though they had been doing pretty fine till now. Everything was going according to plan and the pretend game was proceeding smoothly. And then suddenly the parents asked the question that Jin said they would. He felt glad that he had pointed this out and they had discussed it earlier. Frankly, he still wasn’t happy with his fake meet story but it was still a story. At least they weren’t going to be clueless about it. As Serenity had already told, Elyx recited the story he had only heard once perfectly. If Jin didn’t know, even he would be convinced that Hope and Elyx were dating, they kind of looked like the perfect couple right about now.

Even before her parents could inquire about their story, Serenity just hopped in right after Elyx was done speaking. ”Uh oh” thought Jin as he smiled and continued to be a gentleman. However, to his surprise Serenity didn’t go into details instead he was made to look like a hero. ”No need to thank me, I was just luck that it was me who was there. If it hadn’t been, we wouldn’t have met” said Jin in reply of her mother’s gratitude. ”Awww how modest, I like him” said the mother hugging Serenity. Apparently, Jin was cute and charismatic enough to impress people without even having some special skills. ”It still makes me curious though, what attack? And what did happen afterwards? You’re not one to skip on details Serenity” said the father eye balling her daughter. Jin knew right then that he wasn’t getting away with it, Serenity would have to go in detail and it was kind of embarrassing; at least for him it was.

I'll tell you that after you finally admit to us how you and mom yet, you say the exact same thing when Hope and I ask. Serenity said with a playful smile. Sneaky sneaky sneaky girl she is, but obviously one of the brightest. Elyx never thought that could ever occur, their parents never told their children how they met? That was a perfect shield to hide behind. If only she had told Elyx and Jin before, then again, they could have ruined that part if they did. How many steps ahead is this girl even thinking!? Enough to outsmart her parents, that's a fact. Their parents didn't even try to deny their daughters statement, and it seems that got them to change the subject.

Elyx, Jin, you better take good care of my daughters, or her parents might find out about it. You both seem like decent men, don't prove me wrong. Their mother said with all seriousness in her voice. It seems she was going to cut it rather short. Rushing, it seems busy people are busy, even if it means seeing their daughters boyfriends for an hour. Well, that makes the job easier for everyone here.Understood, I will do my very best to prove myself as the decent man you see me as. Thank you so much.

Finally Jin could relax now, he realized how smart Serenity was. She had actually been playing him all this time, she didn’t intend to tell that ridiculous story to her parents from the start. Indeed a mischievous girl but a very bright and smart one too, she had actually thought it through. Most likely, she planned it that way so she could cover it all up by putting it on them. Her words even forced them to change the subject. Jin realized right then that there job was as good as completed, they had achieved what was asked of them and done it quite fantastically.

The dinner continued and the group conversed about random things. Finally the parents had to leave and were escorted by everyone. After they left and the doors closed there was a moment of silence. ”You girls better find some real boyfriends now. This little job would give you enough time since they looked pretty happy and convinced” said Jin as he patted Serenity’s head. She was all teary eyes realizing that the two handsome mages were going to leave.

The two mages said their goodbyes, collected the reward from their satisfied customers and left. Leaving behind Serenity in tears and Hope with something in her eye along with some beautiful memories.