Rebirth: Childhood friend of the heroine-Chapter 224 - 223- Blessings

Alex was… nervous.

He sat beside Rebecca, facing the entire Steelhound family. What was supposed to be a talk with her parents had turned into a full-on family meeting. Her brothers had shown up uninvited.

Ark sat with his arms crossed, his expression cold and unreadable. Eric, on the other hand, looked like he was just here to enjoy the show.

Still, Alex had come this far—he wasn't going to back out now.

"Mister Steelhound," he began, his voice slightly shaky, "I… I've been dating your daughter for some time now. So I came here today to ask for your blessing." He lowered his head, awkwardly.

He had no experience with this. In all his past relationships, he never had to do anything like this. And now, instead of a heartfelt speech, he was just stating the facts.

"You couldn't even prepare a proper speech?" Ark remarked dryly.

Rebecca glared at her brother.

Victor, their father, looked mildly surprised. "Honestly, I didn't expect you to come forward like this," he said.

Alex's shoulders tensed. It had been over three months since they started dating. And only now he was showing up to speak.

"You're being too hard on him, dear," Veronica said, gently nudging her husband before turning to Alex with a soft smile. "Don't mind him, sweetie. I'm just happy you gave this relationship a chance—even after how things started."

She remembered clearly how her daughter had forced a bond with Alex without his consent. At the time, his patience had snapped. He even asked Veronica to take Rebecca away.

Back then, she never thought they'd actually fall in love. But now, seeing them like this, her heart was quietly relieved.

"I don't mind the two of you being together," Victor said calmly. "But Alex, you must know what it means to be her Bond. Vampires don't change their Bond. Ever. I hope you understand the weight of that."

Alex nodded. "Sir, I may still be young, but I take relationships seriously. I wouldn't have accepted Rebecca unless I was sure… about our future together."

Good times, bad times—it didn't matter. If it involved her or the other two, Alex couldn't imagine turning his back.

Victor gave a quiet nod. No approval. No rejection. Just… acknowledgment.

But then—

"Wait a minute. I've got something to ask." Ark pushed his glasses up, leaning forward with narrowed eyes. "You only fall for someone once you've gotten to know them, right? So unless you're dating my sister for her power, you must know her pretty well."

Alex's heart picked up a beat. But he nodded anyway. "I do."

"Then tell me—what's her favorite food?"

"...Blood."

"Well, that's obvious." Ark deadpanned. "What about her favorite color?"

"...Black?"

Rebecca opened her mouth to stop him—but it was too late.

"It's red," Ark said smugly. "And her favorite weapon?"

Alex hesitated. He had seen her fight… but he couldn't recall her ever talking about weapons. He looked at Rebecca, trying to read her expression, but he couldn't catch what she was mouthing.

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"Daggers," Ark replied with a scoff. "You don't even know that. Tch. You clearly don't know her well enough."

Alex didn't deny it.

He had only known Rebecca for a few months. And most of that time had been focused on training, not sharing likes and dislikes.

'If I'm honest… she's the only one I don't fully understand yet.'

He had known Sarah for years— in their past lives. Celestria had been with him since childhood. But Rebecca…

She was different. He didn't know much about her.

"Alex…" Rebecca gently placed her hand over his, giving it a soft, reassuring squeeze.

The silver-haired young man drew in a quiet breath, then lifted his head.

Turning toward Ark, he said calmly, "You're right—I don't know everything about her. But that doesn't mean I don't care, or that my feelings aren't real."

Ark narrowed his eyes, about to speak, when Eric casually raised a hand to cut him off.

Leaning forward slightly, Eric asked, "If Rebecca decided not to train anymore… and refused to take part in the Trials—what would you do?"

Alex didn't even hesitate. "I would respect her decision," he said. "And I would make sure this world survives after the Trials… so that we can live a peaceful life together."

There was no wavering in his voice. He would never ask his lovers to risk their lives. This fight—this burden—was his to carry. He had already taken on the responsibility of winning the Trials… for everyone's sake.

Yes, once upon a time, he'd asked Rebecca to reach her third evolution. But that didn't matter anymore.

Rebecca looked at him with warm eyes. She wasn't surprised by his words—but they still touched her. Deeply.

Then, unexpectedly, Victor stood up, startling Veronica.

Alex followed suit, confused and slightly tense.

But before he could say anything, the lord of the house stepped forward and rested a firm hand on Alex's shoulder.

"I'm entrusting you with something very precious today," Victor said. "Keep her safe. Make her the happiest she's ever been. And if she ever comes to me saying you made her cry… just remember—I can be a very dangerous man."

Alex's lips parted slightly, caught off guard. For a moment, he couldn't quite believe it.

But then, a quiet smile found its way to his face. He nodded, eyes clear with resolve.

"I'll remember that. Thank you, sir."

°°°°°°°°

"Haah~ That was nerve-wracking…"

As they stepped out of the house, Alex let out a long breath, his shoulders sagging as the tension finally left his body.

"Sorry for making you go through all that," Rebecca said softly, her fingers intertwining with his.

Alex shook his head with a faint smile. "You don't have to apologize. I've taken away their beloved daughter and sister—it's only natural they'd question my loyalty and intentions."

In truth, Alex had braced himself for a lot more resistance. Even Ark hadn't pressed him as hard as he'd expected. Once the patriarch gave his approval, the rest fell in line—though the youngest still seemed a bit grumpy, he'd kept his opinions to himself.

After a brief silence, Alex glanced at her and offered, "If you'd like, you can stay with your family tonight. We can head back tomorrow."

She hadn't seen them in so long; he thought she might want some time with them.

However, Rebecca shook her head without hesitation. "Not right now. I'll stay with them a month before the Trials begin. For now… I want to stay focused—on training, and on us."

She knew that being around her family right now could soften her edge, pull her mind away from what mattered. And with the Trials approaching, she couldn't afford to lose her focus—not even for a day.

That's why she has decided and also told her mother that she would return house after a few months.

Alex nodded, "If you say..." he didn't question her decision.

.....

Soon, they reached the campsite, where the others were already enjoying lunch.

Alice was, however, being held in Natasha's arms as the woman walked around while she patted her back. The little girl was soundly asleep in her arms.

Rebecca and Alex joined them, taking seats on the wooden logs as Celestria handed them the skewers she had grilled.

"Thank you," Alex said with a smile, taking one. The hot sauce was making it sizzle and appear extremely delicious.

He pulled off a piece of meat and chewed, before mumbling through a mouthful, "Ifs gfreat…"

Celestria's eyes curved into cheerful crescents. "Glad you liked it."

"How did it go?" Sarah asked, nudging the vampire beside her with a knowing grin.

Rebecca's face was aglow with happiness as she answered, "They gave us their blessings."

"Alex managed it, huh?" Sarah said, clearly impressed.

Alex grinned with quiet pride.

Then, out of nowhere, Celestria turned to someone else. "Hey, why don't you try some too, Professor?" she offered with a bright smile, extending a skewer toward the violet-haired woman nearby.

The sudden gesture startled Jullie, whose posture stiffened instantly.

"Are you alright?" Rebecca asked, sensing something off in her demeanor.

Jullie's eyes flicked—almost involuntarily—toward Alex, only to find him already looking at her.

For a moment, her face flushed red.

"I—I'm not feeling well," she blurted out, standing abruptly. "I'll go rest for a while."

Without waiting for a response, she quickly walked away toward the tents, leaving behind a flicker of silence and several curious gazes.

Everyone turned towards Alex before Sarah asked, "Did something happen between you two?" She could tell that Jullie had been quite awkward since this morning.

Alex parted his lips but then shook his head, "Something did happen...but I would like to keep it to myself until I don't sort things out." Saying so Alex also got up and headed towards the tent...

....leaving everyone baffled.

°°°°°°°°°°

A/N:- I hope you all are liking the progression. I will end this story by the first week of the next month. Please be with me until the end.