^Justin and Austin. 😂Thank me later for blessing your eyes.

>This chapter Is dedicated to NikitaBango9 for reading the very first and for keeping me motivated with her votes and comments. Thanks dear.<

Sorry for delayed update but here you go now. Enjoy !

It feels like that happiness is not for me or maybe I was not for it. When you wake up in the morning, you make goals , aims to be achieved but when I wake up, I pray for a tinge of happiness.

But it has became an odd now.

So odd that when it comes, I don't believe it and when it go, I don't feel it.

And now, it went away. Too fast , too soon.

I stood there , waiting for a hint to tell me that nothing happened. To tell me that I didn't pick up Leo's past. That I didn't mess up. To tell me that Leo didn't scare me.

My feet rooted to the spot. My numb muscles couldn't help my body to move on. My mind stayed to the scene that I created. Surprisingly a tear slipped down due to my stupidity. Apparently I just wanted to restart.

'Els you 'Kay?' Came a voice but I didn't look at the producer of the voice. I didn't want to talk to anybody. I just wanted Leo whom I accidentally hurt. 'You're cryin'?'

I felt a pair of hands on my shoulder who turned me around and cupped my cheek to lift up my face. Another glass chattering sound came from inside the room and my throat tightened. Hope he don't wreck up the whole room. Dave wiped off my tear and I gulped. 'What wrong?' Dave  asked and i shook my head.

'I just messed up.' I sniffed. 'Again.' I crossed my arms over my chest and looked down .

'You both had a fight?' Dave asked. Concerned.

'Yeah.' I replied. I really wasn't in the mood to talk. 'I just glimpsed at his past.'

'Was it a photograph?' He asked. 'It's Ok he just becomes a jerk when it comes to his past.'

'Yeah.' I murmured. I looked up almost too instantly. 'How'd you know it was a photograph?' I asked him and a line appeared on his forehead.

'I—er... just guessed.' Dave hesitated and avoided my gaze.

'No it couldn't be a guess.' I whispered to myself.

'Look I don't  know what you're talking about but twins are calling you. For investigation of Lauren.' He said .

'Yeah I know. You think I should go in?'

'No. I don't think so. Let him fix his shit on his own.' Dave suggested and draped his arm around my shoulder to calm me down. 'He'll come back to you Els.' Dave said in a low, assuring voice.

'What if he won't?' I looked up.

He chuckled.'I don't think he can live a day without you.' Blood rushed up to my cheeks and I smiled. I felt lightheaded and somehow, the tension in the atmosphere eased. Dave motioned me to walk to the lift.

'I'm so happy you are here.' I told him sincerely and turned my gaze up to his face who already had a warm smile on it.

'Me too.' He replied pressed the down button.

As we waited for the lift, I asked him , ' Why were you here by the way?'

'Twins sent me up to fetch up their cars'keys and I saw you there standing alone outside the room so I came to you.' He explained.

'Did you get the keys?'

'Yeah.'

'Why do you need them anyway?' I inquired.

'Cause we're coming with you to Lauren's.'

'Why?'

'Cause we promised Marie that we'll be helping you in the mission and for that, she should send us to Las Vegas. She agreed. So we'll send Marie our location to assure her that we're really helping and then we'll set off to casino.' He told me with a amused look on his face. 'Simple as that.'

'Smart plan.' Was all I said as the cling chimed and we walked in the lift.

During our way down, I texted Leo.

Me: I'm sorry.

And now that I did, I felt stupid.

I mean like it's true I was sorry but I don't think he'll even bother to look at it either. On the other hand, my mind roam somewhere around the picture. I knew the other boy, besides Leo, was familiar. That I know him and the girl... well she didn't.

'How did you know about the photograph?' I repeated my question and Dave flinched. I knew I was annoying him and he clearly didn't want to talk but I wanted to know.

Call me stubborn. I'll go with that.

'Nothing.' He stated and walked out of the lift and  followed suit.

I sprinted to catch up with him because of the big steps he took. 'Tell me.' I urged.

He halted abruptly and  turned around to give me a lazy look. 'I don't know anything OK?' He said and when I raised my eyebrows, he sighed and gave me a brief description, 'I can't tell ya anything alright? Don't give me those puppy eyes. I won't buy that. I can't reveal my buddy's secret so you should go and ask him instead.'

'Do you think he's in the mood to be asked?' I exclaimed. 'He's a volcano who erupt almost too instantly and you wouldn't even have an idea what just happened. Cause keyword:instantly.' I shot my hands in air to try to tell him but he just chuckled.

'Then calm the volcano down.' Dave commented.

'I can't do that.'

'Only you can do that.' Dave stated and hinted  end of discussion.

And then the Monday of my life appeared; Chloe.

She wrapped her arms around Dave's and I cringed . 'Did you know Elsa we're dating?' She spoke in her squeaky voice and rested her head on Dave's arm and I just couldn't help but inform Dave of the makeup that was smudging over his shirt but thought against.

'Wow. I'm so happpyyyyy.' I tried to sound happy, and I was. Ok let me confess something;I hate Chloe. Yup you knew that from the start but somewhere Chloe could make Dave happy and that's all Dave ever asked for. And I was fine with their relationship. 'Why didn't you tell me Dave?' I asked him , batting my eyelids to fake my happiness.

He nodded his head in amusement, 'Whoa seriously? I even didn't know that?' Dave inquired Chloe and a laughter  escaped my lips.

Chloe nudged  him . 'Don't talk stupid Dave. You asked me last night and I agreed. Don't you remember?' Chloe tried to give Dave a play-on-with-me but apparently Dave was enjoying dodging Chloe's looks.

'No. Rather you smacked a bottle on my head.' Dave stated and Chloe rolled her eyes. I laughed again but Dave bit his bottom lip to suppress his laughter.

Chloe greeted her teeth and sent another look to Dave but he shrugged like he couldn't get what she wanted.

'Relax Chloe. I'm not into him.' I finally gave in and told Chloe. Finally her shoulders relaxed and her grip around Dave's arm loosened but to maintain her Chloe's status, she rolled her eyes. 'Keep rolling eyes girl. You'll surely find a brain back there.' I commented and walked away letting those two enjoy their moments and by enjoy mean:

'You can't even pretend?! You could've said yes!' I heard Chloe yelling at him.

'Babe I can't. You did smack a bottle on my head!' Dave yelled back.

'Yeah because you were drunk and you didn't ask me to be your girlfriend rather you asked me if I like Donald trump or Hillary Clinton! What did you expect me to do!' Chloe shouted back.

'I don't know maybe a kiss would've enough.' Dave stated. 'You can give it me right now though.'

And then Chloe groaned and I heard her stomping her foot as she walked away and behind him Dave ran , 'Babe Listen! Alright you can give me a kiss later if you want but listen to me!'

Well this sums up Dave and Chloe's love story. And to be honest, they always seem cute together.

And that reminded me of Leo again. I looked at my screen to see any reply but there wasn't any. However some one else texted.

Jake: Wanna join me in McDonald's? A treat from me. ;)

Me: Ok. I'll be there.

Jake : Great! See you there princess at 8 pm. Want me to pick you up?

Me: I'll be fine. Thanks.

Jake: cool.

I turned my phone off. Sure spending time with Jake  was good but I wanted Leo right now.

Crestfallen, I walked up to twins who were apparently waiting for me but were watching a video eagerly on a phone.

'Seriously guys? Cats?' I asked them as I motioned them to go.

They both looked over and cleared their throats. Austin hastily shoved his phone back in his pocket and asked, 'Where's Leo?'

'He's not coming or maybe coming... I don't know.' I replied a little too harshly.

'You two had a fig...'

I cut them off. 'Yes. Does it matter? We should get going.' I said and without waiting for theirs response I headed out.

My steps already drew towards the ice cream van that parked in front of the hotel. Austin unlocked the door and I sat on one of the back seats. Twins settled down on front and just as the van was about to go, Dave exam running in.

Once we all were set in , the guilt finally exceeded and I apologised. 'I'm sorry guys. I didn't mean to be like this.'

'You kidding me right? Was it even worth apologising?' Austin chuckled as he started the engine.

'Yes it was. You guys are being so helpful and here I am, taking like this. I'm sorry.' I said once more.

'Come on. We are just paying back ok?' Justin assured .

'But...'

'Shut up now and listen to this.' Austin cut me off and played UPTOWN FUNK by Bruno Mars as louder as he could and I didn't even argued.

Cause I was lost somewhere else.

Leo.

He still didn't text me back.

And then there was another thing. The photograph.

For a moment I considered asking Austin and Justin about it but then I know if Dave can't tell me then they'll never dare to.

We drove in silence until Austin pulled up in front of another hotel. It reflected almost forty storeys high and the building was covered in silver paint.

Without paying further attention, we walked in. Surprisingly, the twins took the lead and in minute's time, we, all four of us were standing in front of a wooden door with a small metallic piece, written over the room number;567.

Dave knocked at the door and it unlocked just as Dave's knuckles made contact. A voice sounded inside the room. 'Come in.' But neither of us budged.

All the three  boys looked at me , daring me to take the lead and I rolled my eyes and pushed the door open.

The room was dark and the curtains were set. A hallway could be make up due to the ray of light that peeked in as the door opened but otherwise it was too dark to see.

Finally when my eyes adjusted to the dark , I could make up a blur outline of a facade on the bed. If Justin wouldn't've tuned on the lights, I would've freaked out.

Lauren sat lazily on the bed as if she had no care about whoever entered cause she looked tired as hell and not to mention , scary. Her beauty had completely damped in the purple bruises around her neck and on her face. Her dirty hair were tied messily in a ponytail and a lot of strands were out of it. Her face was emotionless as her eyes calculated my each and every move. Justin pushed  me forwards and I almost fell when he did so.

I threw him a death glare until I turned my head back to Lauren and forced a smile.

She did not return it.

'Hey Lauren. How's it going?' I asked her but she remained steadfast. 'Oookkk' I said awkwardly and sat on the chair beside her bed. The boys settled themselves onto the couch. 'So Lauren tell me everything you know.' I tried to sound certain but her looks were not allowing me to.

'What do you want to know? That how I was bullied or that how they tortured me? Oh yeah probably how after my father's death you guys took Stella from me and locked me in a room?!' Her voice grew louder with every word she spoke.

I glanced at the boys and hid my laughter with my cough as they were sitting so tightly and composed on a two seater couch that I doubted how can they even breathe.

I sighed. 'I'm sorry Lauren whatever happened to your dad and you two sisters. And that we couldn't protect you before. But we need to know.' I informed. 'Everything Lauren. Everything.'

'Where's my sister?' Lauren asked.

'She's in the room-

I cut him off. 'We don't have her. But if you'll tell me everything, I might go and rescue her too.' I said and Justin shut his mouth. Stella was still in hospital but Lauren thought that she was still trapped in her house. I didn't let anyone tell her cause if I will, it might be possible that she won't tell me everything.

'Ok.' She said in a low voice. 'We were cool. Rich.' She started her story and I clicked the recording button on my phone. 'My mother died and my father brought us up. He became a billionaire as soon as he found the infinite stone. He did a mistake of informing a friend of his about the stone. His friend befriended my father and tried to steal the stone. The stone didn't move from it's place so the thief broke it and stole the other half.' Lauren said boringly as if she had said it too many times.

'My father was ruined. Half stone. Who would believe him right? So he set the stone in a ring and told everybody that this is the stone. He never let me or Stella touch it. He told me it was too dangerous but he wore it as a ring. Yes, my father was greedy.'

'Days stretched into months and he began to receive calls —threatening calls because of the stone. He couldn't ask police for help, he couldn't hire any more agents to protect him, so he gave you the stone to save himself and us.

'But nothing changed. Threatening calls continued.' She paused and put on her thinking face. She fidgeted with her fingers before sighing and looking back at me. Guilt washed over her and tats welled up her eyes.

'What wrong.' I asked her with a soy voice.

'I can't lie anymore. You can give me to police but I just can't lie anymore. I'm done!'

'So there's something else?'

She looked up at me and for the first time since I'm here, I saw emotion in her eyes. 'There's always something else.'

'Lauren...'

'As you saved me , I owe you the explanation.' She said firmly.

'Ooook' I said uncertainly.

She confessed. 'Ok listen the calls were from my husband. You know he worked for Hades and I kept on telling him to threaten so that maybe in this way Dad could give me the stone. I even asked him in person but he didn't allow me to. So I did do what I had to.' Lauren avowed but surprisingly no guilt or shame displayed on her face.

'So you killed your father.' I said in a low voice.

'Yes.' She said.

Just as she finished , someone knocked at the door. I glanced at boys who gave me an amused look for I couldn't understand why. I walked to the door and opened it and then I get it why.

Leo stood there with his hands in his pockets, his hair messed up, his green eyes looking everywhere but me. And when finally they landed on me , 'hey.' He said. 'Can I- uh- come in?'

I forced a smile and took a deep breath. Seeing him here relaxed me. 'Yeah... sure.' I said and backed off to give him space to pass. He did and glanced at the boys who waved at him. It seems that they know he'll be coming here or they called him here. He settle down my seat and I chose to remain stand. Because there were no other seats.

'Alright Lauren, continue please.' I said.

'There's nothing else.' Lauren said as she glanced at Leo the fourth time he entered. 'I told you everything.'

'Yeah right.' I said and scratched my neck. Leo's presence made me forget almost everything. 'Ok so...' I said uncertainly. Everything pupped out of my mind and I couldn't remember what she just said. Leo looked at me with an amused expression and I gulped.

He know how he can effect me.

And then it clicked my mind. 'Yeah so Lauren why did you want the stone?' I asked her.

'For the prophecy of course.' She said in a matter of fact tone.

I furrowed. 'Prophecy?'

'TMI guys TMI!' Dave shouted and gathered everyone's attention. He threw a fierce look to Leo who stood up as soon as he caught  the look.

'Lauren it was nice talking to you. You need to rest. Now .' Lauren nodded and leant back.

'What? No! I haven't finished talking yet!' I bellowed as The boys started dragging me out the room. With a quick snap, I escaped from their grip and walked up to Lauren. 'Lauren what is a prophecy?' I asked her.

She opened her eyes in utter confusion. 'You don't know?'

'No I don't.Tell me.'

'Elsa you don't know? Justin interrupted. 'So bad. Let's go then.'

'Justin what are you talking about—

'-Yeah Justin you're right.' Austin said. 'I'm hungry.'

'Yeah let's go eat.' Dave insisted.

'No! I need to talk to her! You guys can go!'

'But she already told you everything!' Leo exclaimed. 'What else do you wanna know?'

'The prophecy. What is it?' I asked.

'It's the Harry Potter shit.' Justin said.

'Elsa she's not in her right state.' Austin said.

'We need to go.' Dave completed. 'Or she'll kill you.'

I groaned. 'WOULD YOU GUYS SHUT UP!'

Silence.

I directed to Lauren. 'Lauren tell me!' I insisted.

'Lauren if you'll keep your mouth shut, then I'll let you meet Stella before handing you over to police.' Leo interrupted.

'Deal.' Lauren said and shut her mouth. She crossed her arms over my chest and weariness washed over her.

'Lauren...'

'Sorry Elsa. I won't tell you anything else.' Lauren said sternly and converted her gaze to the bedsheets.

Leo gripped my arm and began dragging me out of the hotel. I kept struggling for an escape but he knew my tactics and he'll never in whole world let me use them over him. When finally we were out, his grip loosened and I snapped my arm away.

'Why the hell would you do that?' I addressed to the four boys who either scratched their necks or glanced at Leo but none answered me. 'Guys. I'm fucking talking to you! Why the hell did you do that?' I rephrased  and pressed the question again.

No answer.

'Tell me!' I shouted and they flinched. Finally Dave spoke. 'Look Elsa, this is your mission.' He pointed at me and Leo. 'I think we should get going.' Dave said and gestured the twins to come with him.

I watched them go with my jaw open as they sat in the van and in a second's time, the van was out of sight. 'Fuckers.' Leo murmured and that pulled my attention back to him as I glowered suspiciously.

He looked up with his burrowed snapped together, shoved his hands in his pockets and gave me an awkward smile.

At least now he know that he won't get away that easily.

oOo

A/n

Helloooooo readers! First of all. I'm sorry . I didn't update on the day I said I will cause my WIFI was down so see, you can't actually blame me.

And second of all , it was a long chapter and I edited whole of it at least three times to make sure it's how it was suppose to be but still it needs to be edited.

And yes, here it is finally. Oh I so love Chloe and Dave.

What about you? Do you ship them?

Give me your reviews about the chapter.

If you like it, please vote and don't forget to follow to get regular notifications about any updates.

Let's meet again on Thursday and trust me , we