Laurance's POV:

I was happy that Garroth was finally getting somewhere good at work. Every day, he seems to be getting closer to the kids. It's gotten to the point where if we run into any of his students, they come up and say hi. I knew from day one that he was doing the right thing. Especially with June and Layla. If I were in that situation, I would be afraid to tell June on what to do. At least, if I had the same backstory as Garroth. With the whole Gene thing he probably feels like he messed up his first time. Even though he didn't and I think Gene would agree to that. So, the fact that he has the courage to tell June that everything would turn out okay if she stayed true to herself and made sure both of them were happy, makes me excited knowing that he's making progress to accepting of what happened in the past.
Unfortunately, no progress is made on the Flames. I always call or email Chad on updates but, it's the same. Nothing. They are now looking into Garroth's teachers and students for crying out loud. It makes me sick knowing that a group of people have that mindset towards Garroth and I's relationship.

One day, I did my usual routine of dropping Garroth off and heading home where I would spend the day looking into things without distractions but, this time it was different. When I arrived home, not only was my sister there but, my parents. They are usually never home during the day. The three of them looked serious so, I knew that I would need to place down my bag for this. I hung my jacket as well on the coatrack by the door. I asked them;

"Is everything okay?"

"Cadenza told us Laurance,", My father, Hayden, shot back quickly and rather harshly. "Why didn't you tell us?"

I gulped and said; "I didn't want you to worry..."

My father groaned and my mother shook her head, giving a disappointed look towards me. Cadenza looked uncomfortable and spoke up;

"I'm...I'm gonna go make some lunch for all of us,", She slowly walked sideways towards the kitchen before scurrying off. I noted that I would have to talk to her later about this.

"Laurance, you know you can't be a little kid anymore. You need to tell us about these things. We're adults you know,", My mother, Margaret, stated gently. She came up to me and placed her hands on my shoulders. "It's our job to know and make sure you're okay."

"You said yourself that I'm not a little kid anymore Mom, that means I can handle it myself,", I assured her, removing her hands.

"Not this time,", Hayden informed me. "Last time you were in prison for almost three weeks. We are going to help you this time."

"But, I-"

"No buts! Your father is right about this Laurance,", My mother firmly said, placing her hands on her hips. "And you know how much I love Garroth. I don't need you messing up his mental stability m'kay?"

"Mom!", I shouted but, I regained my composure and explained to them; "If you two get involved that means two more people are going to be on the Flames' radar. I don't want anything to happen to you two."

"We're Phoenixes,", My dad said confidently, puffing out his chest in a goofy manner. "We can handle it."

"I can barely handle it!", I exclaimed.

"Oh hunny,", My mother sweetly hummed while fixing my hair. "You just don't have enough experience yet to handle it. Your father and I...even your sister has better skills than you."

"Excuse me?"

"Not skills just...you know what, yeah. She's right,", My sister agreed popping her head into the living room before going back in.

I groaned and fell back onto the couch and covered my face. My parents looked at each other and sighed. My mother asked;

"What's on your mind?"

"I just...I'm scared alright? I've never been this stumped before. I don't know where to look or how to for that matter. Everyone around Garroth and I seem innocent."

"'Seem' isn't good enough,", My father interjected. "You need to keep an eye on everyone."

"I understand that but, I don't want to jump onto anyone who seems suspicious. It might cause issues and a smack upside the head from Garroth if I did."

"Sometimes you have to do that Laurance. For the safety of your Sun."

I looked down, not really wanting to deal with this right now but, I think my parents were waiting for me to say my brilliant plan. I didn't have one lying around though. I did have a thought though that crossed my mind before and if I every told Garroth, he would think I was insane.

"What if...what if I wasn't a Phoenix anymore?", I asked.

"No,", My father said plainly. "You aren't giving up your wings for some idiots' cowardly threats."

"Think about it though. That way we aren't necessarily breaking their perfect law. We could just be...normal."

"Garroth doesn't need normal Laurance. He needs a Phoenix."

"He also needs a boyfriend who doesn't affect his safety!", I snapped.

My mother wrapped an arm around me and whispered; "But you aren't. It's those people who want nothing more than to see you and Garroth apart. Besides, you love your wings. If you got rid of them...you can never come back here."

She was right. If I did give up my wings, I would give up something that was always a part of me and my home. I wasn't going to give those villains what they wanted. I just nodded my head to let my parents know I understood.

It was silent for a little until my mother smirked and said; "That's not the only thing your sister told us...when are you gonna pop that question?"

"Oh my-Cadenza!"

"They were going to ask sometime!"

"Do you have a ring yet?", My mother asked to which I just buried myself in my hands again, wanting this embarrassing moment to end.

"You have to ask the parents first, just letting you know,", My father chuckled, patting my back.

Shit...he was also right about that.

"So, when do you thing you are-"

"I don't know! It's just something everyone brings up!", I say, defending myself.

My parents laughed at me and Cadenza came back into the room,  probably interested in the conversation now.  My mother wiped below her eye for a second and told me;

"Sweetie, you need to do it soon. Or Garroth is going to do it for you."

"What do you mean?"

"He's moving into a big part of his life. After college, he needs to move into a home which he'll probably expect you to move into as well. Then, he'll have a career to focus on."

"Perfect! Then I shouldn't do it yet! He needs to-"

"He's going to realize that his life is going in different direction Laur. Into adulthood. If you aren't showing any future commitment towards him, he might get the wrong impression."

"Like what?"

"He might think you're not into a forever bonding,", Cadenza responded, "and he might not want that."

Great...now this is the second time I'm getting reprimanded for this. The roommate was okay but, this was getting on my nerves.

"What do you expect me to do? Scare him with bringing it up?"

"Again, you might just have to do that. I swear, sometimes you still act like a teenager,", My father said, a little irritation laced in his voice. "Just go to him, ask him, if he's interested, go to the parents. Then, if they agree, get a ring and pop the question. Simple."

"No! Not simple!"

"Simple enough for you to follow,", Cadenza mumbled under breath. I glared at her which my mother gently slapped me for.

"Just...think about it,", She offered.

Again, I nodded and said; "I...I already am to be honest."

"That's good. Just let us know when the wedding date is and we'll be so proud of you or whatever,", My dad waved, walking into the kitchen. Cadenza followed with my mother close behind after giving me a kiss on the cheek.

I just sat there thinking of how chaotic everything and everyone is making my life right now.

Word Count
1410