Blushing Moments

Emma sat on the bed in her room, hands clasped in her lap, trying to still this peculiar fluttering of her heart. Of course, when Dean had stumbled with his words, she had laughed it off, but now she couldn't discard that subtle residual heat within her chest. Yes, she felt an attraction towards them, not just Dean alone, but Dave and Dan too. It was a pull unlike anything she'd ever known, this feeling somehow that she belonged with them.

Her cheeks warmed as her mind strayed further, recalling every one of the brothers' features, their voices, and how they seemed to be caring for her in their way. It was embarrassing, really. They were her saviors, those who had found her when she was at her most vulnerable. Yet the longer she spent with them, the more impossible it was to dismiss the feeling that drew her toward each one.

Emma's lips hinted at a soft, gentle smile when she remembered Dean's accidental confession. Composed most of the time, this time he had been so flustered-almost like a boy-when he let those words slip out. Her heart skipped a little tango, and a quiet laugh escaped her as she mused about his reaction-a certain thrill in it, a strange, unfamiliar feeling that makes her want to explore these emotions further.

"If I really feel something for them… shouldn't I just see where it leads?" she mused aloud to herself. She'd always thought she was daring, someone who didn't back down from what felt right. Why should this be different? But as her smile faded, a shadow of uncertainty crossed her face. She still had no idea who she was and why she'd been left so helpless.

The stirring of her mysteries jerked her, reminding her of all the dangers that could be lurking anywhere around her.

Her gaze drifted to her reflection in the small mirror beside the bed. Hair coloured like gold fell to her shoulders, framing a face whose eyes stared back at her like two amber asters. Jude had said her features were an oddity, one that demanded she exercise caution, yet a feeling deeper inside said there was more behind strange features than met the eye. She could not know what that was, but until she did, she could not continue to bring the possibility of danger upon those who had taken her in.

The knock on the door broke into her reverie. Before she could answer, Dave poked his head around the door with a smile. "Mind if I come in?"

Emma's heart skipped a beat, but she quickly masked her surprise. "Not at all, come on in."

He stepped into the room, the usual confidence in his stride moderated as he approached more closely, folding his arms in a casual stance by the doorway. "I noticed you went out earlier. Everything alright?" His eyes softly inquired, a hint of curiosity glinting therein as he studied her.

Emma nodded, a small curl of the lips that barely qualified as a smile. "I'm fine. Just needed some fresh air-and a bit of company, I suppose." She watched him closely-the shifting in his weight, the weighing of some internal debate, apparently.

“Good to know." Dave let out a soft chuckle, rubbing the back of his neck. "I have to admit… it's not often we have a guest here. You must find all of us a bit overwhelming."

Emma laughed, her golden eyes sparkling with humour. "Overwhelming? Maybe a little, but it's a good kind of overwhelming." She tilted her head, her gaze playful. "You brothers are quite… memorable.”

Dave's cheeks colored a faint pink, and he cleared his throat. "Is that so?”

She nodded, taking delight in the hint of nervousness in his posture. Rarely had she seen him caught off guard, and there was something undeniably charming about it. "Yes, especially you, Dave." Her voice was teasing, her eyes dancing in mischief, and she leaned back on her hands, letting her gaze rest on him.

Dave's eyes bugged, and he forced a laugh as he tried to hide his surprise. "I-ah-well, I. uh. don't always get that kind of compliment." He cast his face away, scratching the back of his head for a struggle to continue. "You're quite memorable too, Emma.”

She smiled wider as she decided to play along. "Oh? How so?" her voice soft as she watched him, noticed the way his cheeks flushed even deeper.

He seemed to hesitate; he was picking his words carefully. "It's just… your presence. You have this way of lighting up a room," he mumbled, dropping his gaze to the floor as if he couldn't bear to meet her eyes.

She couldn't help but softly giggle at his bashful expression. "Well, aren't you sweet?" she teased, reaching out to tap his arm lightly. "Didn't think you'd be the type to get shy."

"I'm not shy," he insisted, though his tone wavered, a playful glint returning to his eyes. "I just… didn't expect you to say that.”

"Oh, didn't you?" Emma grinned, leaning in toward him. She could feel his warmth, the air around her filled with the scent of him, something a little comforting yet exhilarating about this closeness.

He was holding her gaze for a moment, lost in thought, and then smiled, his voice soft. "I guess I just wanted to get to know you a little better, see what's on your mind."

Emma quirked a brow, clasping her arms in mock contemplation. "Well, if you really want to know what is on my mind." She paused, watching him with her forked smile so mischievous. "I was actually thinking how humorous it is that you three seem to get so nervous around me.”

“Nervous? Us?" Dave chuckled, but she could see the pink seeping back into his cheeks. "Maybe we're just…intrigued. You're a bit of a mystery, Emma.”

Her smile softened, her eyes taking on a more serious note. "A mystery even to myself," she whispered, looking down as the thought of her forgotten past fluttered in her mind. "But I'm starting to feel. comfortable here. With you, and with Dean and Dan. It's strange, but it feels right.”

His gaze finally rested on her, softening Dave's countenance and filling his eyes with concern. "We're here for you, Emma. Whatever you need, when you're ready. we'll help you find out who you are."

The sincerity in the words swelled Emma's heart as she found her body leaning forward, hand lightly resting on his arm. "Thanks, Dave. It really means a lot to me.”

He cleared his throat, unmistakably flustered, but he didn't pull away. Instead, he offered a shy smile, his fingers brushing against hers in a gesture that felt both innocent and thrilling. "Anything for you.”

They stood there, staring at each other, the air thickening in tension. Emma felt a sudden thrill run across her skin as playful teasing turned into something more meaningful and made her pulse rise. The pull was undeniable, and for just a moment, she wondered if he felt it, too.

But before she could get anything out, Dave spoke up, breaking the silence with a soft voice. "Well, I should probably let you rest. But… if you ever need company, you know where to find me." His eyes stayed on hers, and his shy smile sent her heart aflutter.

She watched him go, her cheeks flushed as the door closed softly behind him. She exhaled a breath she hadn't known she was holding, her head whirling with thoughts of their encounter. There had been a spark between them, something more than was to be expected out of kindness or friendship. And strangely, she knew this was only the beginning.

She fell back onto the bed, letting her mind wander to the other two brothers and speculate whether the same spark would grow between them. The possibilities ran an excited thrill through her mingled with questions about her past, those strange, invisible forces that had thrown her upon this place.

But for now, content to let things unfold naturally, she wondered where it would take her and what, among the brothers, would come first to capture her heart.