**Sorry, this is super unedited. It's my mom's birthday and I didn't have too much time this week. Enjoy! Feel free to point out any errors**

**Sang**

 The next morning, I'm up early to get myself ready for the day ahead. Not knowing what to expect, after showering, I dress in a plain pair of jeans, a long sleeved t-shirt and sneakers. Kayli's managed to get herself together without any prodding from me, and together we head out to the rec building.

When we walk in, the place is jam packed with people and tables, and the glorious smell of food. Even though Dr. Roberts told us to be here by 7, these people have obviously been here for at least an hour. We quickly make our way over to Dr. Roberts, where he seems to be directing everyone. I can see Marc and Corey loading boxes at a table on the right, while Raven and Axel take the pre loaded boxes out of a side door that's been propped open.

It's a good this we're in the south. It'd be freezing if this were Illinois.

"Ah, Sang, Kayli. Glad you decided to stay." Dr. Roberts greets us. "I know the way I worded things yesterday may have seemed a bit harsh, but this is what the Academy requires of its members. We often have to drop previous engagements at the drop of a hat. This is a taxing commitment, but one I believe is worth it with my whole heart."

"Well, we were staying on campus regardless." Kayli comments. "At least this gives us something useful to do."

"Well put." Dr. Roberts responds with a strained smile. "Why don't you two go help Lake with packaging?"

"Could I help Corey and Marc instead?" Kayli asks.

"I think they can handle it." He answers with finality. "Lake could really use your help."

Before Kayli can say anything else, I intervene. "We'd be happy to."

Giving him a small smile, I tug Kayli over in the direction I last saw Lake. We're about 5 tables away from Corey and Marc, and while they seem fine, Kayli doesn't look too happy about it.

"Kayli, this is Lake," I introduce them. "Lake, this is my roommate Kayli."

"Nice to meet you," Lake says in a low voice.

"Yeah, you too," Kayli responds. "You were with Sang in the dance thing last weekend right? You guys were good. Did way better than those skanks who run the group."

"Uh, thanks." Lake replies with a shy smile.

"Look, you and Sang have this under control right? Would you hate it if I didn't work with you guys?"

"Kayli," I scowl at her. "Dr. Roberts told us to work with Lake. I get that you want to spend time with your guys, but at least they're still here, you'll get to see them later. Now get off that high horse and start putting in the work, I'm not going to save you anymore."

Without waiting to see her response, I set up shop on the opposite side of Lake, and start packing the containers of food in the boxes. Every few minutes, there's people coming in from upstairs bringing more food in containers that need to be boxed up.

About an hour later, I'm really getting into the rhythm of things, and Kayli's even removed the chip on her shoulder long enough for the three of us to joke around and have a good time. We learn a bit more about Lake, where she's from (Indiana), what her major is (child care development), her favorite t.v. show (project runway). We even talk about a bunch of mundane things like music, and sports. I'm having a great time...until my phone starts to ping with incoming text messages.

52: Sang? Please talk to us, we're really sorry, we thought you knew.

Superman: Aggele, I'm so sorry. If I had known...

Prince: Princess, we miss you. Please talk to us

North Star: Sang Baby, please talk to us.

Honey: Peanut, please don't be mad...

Lucian: Hey Cupcake, wish you were here. Please talk to us

Meanie: Trouble! Please, just say something

Dr. Sean: Pookie? Is everything alright?

Owen: Boys, what's going on?

52: Sang didn't know we were leaving for break

Superman: I told her the other day when we were together, but I thought she already knew

Prince: Now she won't respond to any of us

Owen: Sang? I can see that you're reading these messages. Are you still on campus?

Me:...

Me: Maybe...

Owen: Will you allow Sean and I to explain tonight at dinner?

Me: Are you asking me out? -_-

Owen: As much as I'd like to, I'll save that for when you aren't mad at us 😉

Owen: The Academy hosts a large dinner for Thanksgiving after the food has been distributed to the shelters

Owen: Will you allow Sean and I to sit next to you at dinner?

Me: ...Do I have to dress up?

Meanie: Fuck yes!

Owen: Not this time

Me: @Gabriel ;p  @Owen, fine. You and Sean can sit next to me

Meanie: You better watch that tongue Trouble before I come back and use it 😉

Me: You wish :p

Owen: Gentlemen, get back to your families. You can all speak with Sang later this evening. Sang, I'll see you in a few hours.

Me: What are you doing anyway Owen?

Owen: Sean and I are making the deliveries, we're on our way back for another batch now. See you soon

I know I have the goofiest grin on my face as I look up from my phone. Kayli and Lake are looking at me with amused grins before going back to packing their own boxes. It's around noon when Dr. Roberts announces that all of the food has been packed up and shipped off. The recruits are asked to meet with him upstairs in five minutes, but everyone else is dismissed.

As a group, Kayli, Lake and I head upstairs. At the top, we're met by the other five initiates, making our group of eight complete. In a weird way, I'm glad no one decided to go home. It doesn't make much sense to me to get this far just to quit when the semester's almost over.

Dr. Roberts meets us at the top of the stairs with a smile and directs us into one of the workout rooms, closing the door behind us.

"I'm glad to see you all stayed. How did it feel, knowing that you were helping the less fortunate today?" We all agree that it was nice doing something for someone other than ourselves, even Kayli. "Good, good. So, we'll all be meeting up again at 4 for our own Thanksgiving feast. We want you all to know that just because you didn't get to spend today with your biological family, doesn't mean you won't be surrounded by people who care for you, and want to make you family. Remember, family is a choice.

"Now, tomorrow morning will be your next assignment," this is met with a multitude of groans. "I know, I know, but it must be done. Make sure you get your sleep tonight, because you are all to meet me and Mrs. Rose at the campus entryway at 6 am. Enjoy your Thanksgiving everyone."

**Owen**

As soon as Sean and I finished delivering the last box of food, we hurried right back to campus. To be the last to find out via text that your girlfriend was mad at you, was not something you wanted to happen on Thanksgiving.

As soon as we got back to campus, we drop off the van and head to the house to change and get ready for dinner. If we want any chance at redemption for this mistake, we'll have to make a lasting impression.

Thankfully, dinner goes off without a hitch. Sang allows us to sit next to her, while Kayli and the Toma team sit across from us. Sang's relationship with Kayli seems less strained. The exchange pleasant conversation, nothing like how they were when we first met them, but it's a start.

After dinner, she accompanies us back to the house for dessert and light conversation, that begins with us apologizing profusely, and ends with us double teaming her on the couch. Nothing too heavy, just kissing and some light petting. We stopped before things got too far, and walked her back to her dorm, promising to finish at a later date.