AUCLAIRS GATHERING

-Haruka POV-

The steady sound of keystrokes filled the air as I typed away at my desk, my focus entirely on the schedule for next week. Seriously, I didn't expect he would be very busy next week. I bet this is all because he's been slacking off the past few weeks. Meetings, reports, and everything had to be perfectly organised.

I glanced at the clock. 2:17 PM.

I sighed, rolling my shoulders. Lunch had been hours ago, and I hadn't taken a break since. Well, Levi had a lunch meeting today, so that's why. If not, he'd be the one to drag me out to have lunch with him. Not that it mattered. There was still a pile of documents to review, and Levi had two more meetings before the day ended.

I looked at my wrist. The bracelet really fit me well and to be honest, I really like it. As I was deep in my thoughts, Levi's voice cut through the silence.

You haven't had lunch yet, have you?"

I looked up at him and then look at my monitor back. "I was going to eat after I finished this."

Levi clicked his tongue like always. "Tch. Liar."

I sighed, already knowing there was no point in arguing. I had skipped lunch plenty of times before when he wasn't around, and he never failed to catch on. Before I could even think of a response, a neatly packed Japanese bento appeared on my desk, followed by a familiar cup.

I blinked. My favourite chocolate frappe.

"Take this." Levi said, his tone flat but firm.

I stared at the meal on my desk, then slowly looked at him. His expression was unreadable as always, arms crossed as if daring me to refuse.

"You didn't have to." I muttered, reaching for the cup anyway.

"Just eat." He said with a firm voice.

Instead of leaving, Levi pulled up a chair across from me, sitting down like he had all the time in the world.

I sighed. "I believe you still have too much to settle by this week, and you also have two more meetings after this. So, why are you here watching me eat?"

Levi smirked. "Tch. I'm the boss. I can do what I want." He leaned forward slightly, resting his elbow on the desk. "Besides, my meeting is at 3:00 PM, and my work's almost done."

I raised an eyebrow. "You? Almost done? That's fast."

"What? I believe that's not the first. Why are you so surprised about that?" He said, still with a smirk on his lips.

"Well, you've been slacking off a lot lately, so I'm a bit surprised." I took a bite of my food, chewing thoughtfully. "You usually bury yourself in paperwork until midnight. Talk about a workaholic."

"Tch. As if you're any better." Levi muttered, eyeing me. "You're the one skipping meals just to get things done."

I shrugged. "That's what you hired me for."

Levi scoffed. "I hired you to be my secretary, not to work yourself to death."

"And whose fault is that? You're the one who's been taking the past few weeks lightly, and now your schedule for next week is packed as hell." I looked at him with a glare.

Levi rolled his eyes, not trying to admit that all of that is his fault. Well, let him be. I'll just enjoy my food and my frappe.

"Ahem. I'm sorry about that. Well, forget about that. Are you free this weekend? Let's go out."

I nearly choked on my drink, giving him a flat look. "Levi, it's just Monday and you're already thinking about the weekend?"

"Yeah, so?" He leaned back in his chair, looking completely unbothered. "It's never too early to make plans."

I took a sip of my frappe before replying. "I'm not free. I have to go back to the main residence for my grandfather's birthday."

Levi's brow lifted slightly. "Didn't expect your grandfather would just celebrate at the residence instead of going overseas."

"Well, he said he's getting older. A simple celebration is enough." I set my cup down, running my fingers lightly over the rim. 

Levi nodded, but I could tell he was thinking about something. His fingers drummed idly against the desk, his expression unreadable.

For a moment, silence stretched between us, filled only by the distant sound of office chatter and the faint tapping of my chopsticks against the bento.

Then, before I could overthink it, the words slipped out.

"You wanna join?" 

Levi froze mid-motion. His eyes flickered to mine, searching for any sign of a joke.

"You're joking, right?" His tone was sceptical, but there was something else beneath it, something almost hesitant.

I met his gaze, unwavering. "Why would I?"

Levi clicked his tongue, leaning back slightly. "Tch. That's not exactly the kind of event I'd expect to be invited to."

"And yet, I just invited you."

He narrowed his eyes slightly, studying me. "Your whole family's going to be there. Won't they have something to say about bringing me along?"

I shrugged. "Probably. But that's never stopped me before. After all, I'm my grandfather's beloved."

Levi let out a small scoff, shaking his head. "You really don't care what people think, huh?"

"Not when it comes to things that don't matter. Besides, you've been invited to my birthday dinner before. So, what's the problem?"

Levi went quiet for a moment, his expression unreadable. Then, after what felt like an eternity, he exhaled sharply before clicking his tongue. "Tch. I'll think about it."

I smirked slightly, taking another bite of my food. "That's not a no."

"Don't push your luck." Levi muttered, but I caught the faintest flicker of amusement in his eyes. "Well then, I should leave for the meeting now." He said that and stood up from the chair, getting ready to leave.

I didn't say anything else, but I knew that expression well. He was already considering it.

//SKIP TO THE WEEKEND//

The familiar grand gates of the Auclair estate stood before us. Right, of course Ray is here with me. Even after all these years, the sight of the vast, elegant estate never failed to remind me of the weight that came with the name.

Ray, sitting beside me, adjusted his cufflinks casually, though I knew he was always hyper-aware of his surroundings.

"Home sweet home." He muttered under his breath as the car came to a slow stop in front of the grand entrance. Almost as if he's trying to provoke me. 

"Are you trying to provoke me?" I glared at him.

"Well, it's been a while since you've been back, right? Your grandfather kept asking me." He replied, rolling his eyes. Right, it's been a few weeks since the last time I visited the residence. I've been spending my time with Levi more than I realised.

I exhaled lightly. "Huh. Whatever."

Stepping out, I was immediately met with the crisp scent of the well-manicured gardens, the faintest hint of lilies lingering in the evening air. The grand doors opened before I even reached them, and inside, two figures stood waiting—my grandfather, the esteemed Lord Auclair, and my grandmother, the ever-elegant Princess Catherine. Seriously, why would they be the ones greeting us instead of the butlers and the maids?

Ray, ever composed, stepped forward first, offering a graceful bow.

"It's been a long time, my lord, and your highness, Princess." He greeted smoothly, his tone both respectful and familiar. "You are as regal as ever."

"Ray, how many times do I have to tell you? You don't have to call me that. I'm not even the eldest son of the duke." My grandfather said, shaking his head.

"Apologise, my lord. I couldn't bring myself to call you other than that." Ray replied politely.

My grandmother let out a soft chuckle, her delicate gloved hand gesturing slightly.

"Ray is always the charmer," she mused, her voice warm. "Though I must say, it is rare to see you here with my grandson. What brings you to escort him personally?"

Ray straightened, flashing an easy smile. "I simply couldn't let him arrive alone, your highness. You know how reckless he can be."

My grandfather let out a soft laugh. "Reckless? That's an understatement." His gaze shifted to me, piercing but not unkind. "It's been a while, Charles. I trust you haven't been causing too much trouble?"

"Ugh, seriously. I never make any trouble, of course." I said, rolling my eyes. 

My grandmother smiled at that, stepping closer to take my hand in hers. "Oh, Charles, you always say that. But you look well. Have you been eating properly?"

Ray let out an amused breath beside me. "He was skipping meals, but I made sure he ate before we got here."

I shot him a look, but my grandmother simply laughed, lightly patting my hand. "Good. I do worry about you."

My grandfather crossed his arms, his gaze sharp but holding the quiet concern he rarely voiced. "And?" 

I tilted my head. "And what?"

"Your guest." His eyes studied me carefully. "I assume he hasn't arrived yet." My grandfather said playfully. Wait, does he know that I invited Levi?

I exhaled slowly. "No. Not yet."

Ray smirked slightly beside me. "But he will." Now I'm sure about it. Ray must be the one who told him.

My grandfather's smile deepened. "Indeed. It will be quite the evening."

I wasn't sure if that was a good thing or not.

"Well then, everyone's in the living room. Maybe you two should go there first." My grandmother said with a smile, and then both me and Ray left to the living room.

The grand living room of the Auclair estate was already filled with the quiet hum of conversation and the soft clinking of teacups against porcelain. The warm glow from the crystal chandeliers illuminated the polished marble floors, and the scent of freshly brewed tea and delicate pastries lingered in the air.

Ray and I entered without much fanfare, though all eyes subtly flickered toward us the moment we stepped inside. The entire family was present—my parents, Hanabi, Chris, Christine, and the usual mix of cousins, uncles, aunts, nieces, and nephews.

"Looks like the whole clan's here," Ray muttered under his breath, scanning the room with an amused expression. "What a warm welcome, haha."

I sighed, stepping forward. "Try not to say anything that gets you kicked out." 

Before Ray could respond, Hanabi was the first to approach, a knowing smile on her lips. "You're late." She said, though there was no real irritation in her voice. "Grandfather was asking about you earlier."

"I already saw him." I replied smoothly. "I assume he didn't say that much?"

Hanabi chuckled. "Only that he was waiting for something, or rather, someone?" Hanabi said with a smirk.

I looked at Ray, who is now with a knowing smirk on his lips. Before I could say anything, Hanabi continued talking.

"And Ray. Didn't expect to see you coming along. Did my brother cause a big problem recently?" Hanabi said with a grin.

Ray let out a chuckle. "Well, I guess you could say that."

I shot a look at Ray. A death glare. "That's nonsense. I'm simply bringing Ray along because it's been a while that's all."

Before Hanabi could respond, Chris and Christine joined us.

"Haru-chan! You're finally here. And Ray is here too!" Christine said with an easy grin. "I was starting to think you'd show up last minute like always."

"I'm not that predictable." I muttered.

"Debatable." Chris teased, sipping from a delicate teacup.

Before any of them could say more, one of my nieces tugged at my sleeves. "Uncle Charles, did you bring us anything?"

I glanced down at them. Aveline and Sophie. I raised my brow. "Is that all I'm good for? Presents?"

They nodded enthusiastically despite being geniuses at a young age.

Ray let out a quiet chuckle beside me, and I sighed in defeat. "I'll have something for you guys later."

That seemed to satisfy them, and they quickly ran back towards the other children, whispering something excitedly.

I shook my head before glancing around the room. My parents had yet to approach, but I could see them speaking with some of the elders, occasionally glancing in my direction. Well, not too long after that, they came to approach me, of course.

"Haru-chan!" As carefree as she always is, my mother hugged me tightly.

"Mother, I can't breathe." I said that, pushing my mother softly.

"Ara. Gomen, Haru-chan. And Ray is here too. It's been a while, Ray-chan." My mother said with a smile.

"It's good to see you, Madam Auclair and Doctor Auclair." Ray bowed politely.

My father just nodded while my mother was smiling playfully.

"It's been a while since Charles brought Ray along. Is there any problem?" My father spoke. Seriously, why would people think I caused a problem when Ray came along?

"There was no problem, father. I just invited him since it's been a while." I said that in a flat voice.

"Honey, there shouldn't be any problem. I would be the first one to know instead of Ray. Right, Ray-chan?" My mother said, trying to convince my father.

"Madam Auclair is right, sir. I'm here because Charles invited me, and I wanted to greet the family after so long." Ray said politely.

"Well, if that's what you said. Make sure to report it to us if there's any problem." My father said, his voice flat but firm.

"Will do, sir." Ray replied.

"Oh, right. Haru-chan, is Ray the only one you've invited?" My mother asked with a playful grin. Of course she knew everything already.

"Mother, if you already know, don't act like you don't know." I said that, rolling my eyes.

"Ara. Haru-chan didn't even try to deny it." My mother let out a chuckle.

Suddenly, the grand entrance doors opening sent a ripple through the room. A brief silence fell before the quiet murmurs started.

I didn't need to turn around to know who had just stepped inside.

Levi Ackerman had arrived.

TO BE CONTINUED!!!