The vulnerability in his voice made me cave.
"I...I've never had a piggyback ride before," I confessed. He'd been so honest with me about his feelings that I figured he wouldn't make fun of me for my admission.
He gave me a reassuring smile. "Guess it's time to have your first. Hop on, Hottie. I'll give you a first-class experience."
I giggled and uncrossed my legs. I leaned forward, wrapping my arms around his neck.
"Do I hold on like this?"
"Yes. Just make sure you don't choke me. I can take care of the rest," he reassured me.
"Okay. I'm ready," I announced.
He got to his feet with me on his back, hooking his arms under my knees and lifting me slightly to stay secured on his back.
"This is interesting," I admitted.
"You mean fun," Malachi countered.
I laughed. "Yes, even though we haven't moved yet."
"Just wait and see," Malachi cheered.
I looked around, trying to spot where Uru had gone. Malachi turned us slightly and took a deep breath.
"URU! We're leaving!" he shouted; his voice echoed over and over. Within ten seconds, Uru's owl figure soared through the trees.
Her body was engulfed in white light and then her wolf form appeared and ran over to us.
"Woof!" She jumped excitingly around us.
"Welcome back, Uru. We're going home. You coming?" I asked.
"Woof, woof!" She rubbed her head against Malachi's leg before she lifted onto her back legs to try and reach me, using her paws to pat my right leg that dangled in Malachi's hold.
"I guess that's a yes," Malachi hummed.
"I think you’re right," I replied.
I took a final look around the peaceful place, feeling nostalgic. I didn't know how I got here and felt I'd never get to see it again.
"Don't worry, Crimson. We can come back here," Malachi reassured me.
"But, I don't know how to get here. I've never seen this place before now," I confessed.
"Because it's enchanted. There are areas around Homatomashi that are hidden from both humans and shifters. Some appear on their own volition, while others appear during certain times of the day. You see the mountains on the outskirts of Homatomashi?" Malachi questioned.
"Ya. The ones near the training temple."
"Normally, there are never snowstorms up there. But there's a section that is enchanted. The blizzard never stops. That's why you have to go with a guard. Aki's been there once with Storm and Uru. He said it was a pain in the ass." Malachi laughed, beginning to walk away from the bench and toward a trail.
"Wow. I never knew that." Would suck if you got lost in a place like that. Another thought came to my mind. "Does this place appear during random times?" I wondered.
"No. 'She' appears when she wants to and only to those who she deems worthy of her beauty," Malachi whispered, looking over his shoulder at me. I moved my head slightly to meet his soft expression.
"Really?"
"Really," he confirmed.
I grinned, feeling really happy that I was allowed to enjoy the peacefulness of this place. Thank you. I doubt the forest could sense my gratitude, but I was forever thankful for the moment of peace and clarity.
"Malachi."
"Yes, Crimson?"
"You can just call me Crim. And if I go all flippy, Crimstorm," I confirmed.
"Crim. I like it. Though, Hottie is still my first choice," He chuckled.
I sighed dramatically. "Then you’re Hottie McHot Pants," I countered.
"That nickname is still way too long," he laughed.
"You love it, admit it. I bet it boosts your ego."
"Yes it does, Crim. I'm too hot for you," he sang and began to jog up the trail.
I squealed, tightening my hold on him.
"Crim! You're gonna murder me before I even reach the street, gah!" Malachi coughed.
"Oops." I giggled nervously, loosening my hold a bit.
Malachi then sped up, causing me to shriek.
"USOTSUKI!" I accused.
"I'm not a liar. Let's have fun, WOOOT!" Malachi cheered, running in a zig-zag pattern.
"WOOF!" Uru chased us, following Malachi’s movement.
I laughed, enjoying the breeze that passed us and Malachi's cherry blossom scent.
Instead of the day ending horribly, I got to enjoy the benefit of having a companion. Even if we weren't necessarily together, it made me wonder if this was what dating was supposed to be like.
"Crim?" Malachi whispered.
"Did she fall asleep?" Haru asked.
"Woof!" Uru chimed in.
I opened my eyes slowly, lifting my head up to see five pairs of eyes staring at me. I tilted my head in confusion, unsure as to who they were for a few moments. I closed my eyes again, putting my head back on whoever's shoulder I was resting on.
"Damn, she's tired," Quillian pointed out.
"Let's take her to her flat. We'll figure out what to do after. The doctor said she's supposed to rest for a few days," Akihiro reminded.
Who are these men again? Hmmm....they're cute though. I let my mind drift, the slow walking movement helping me drift back to sleep. When I woke up again, I felt more refreshed. I lifted my head, realizing I was still on Malachi's back.
"You awake now, Crim?" he asked.
"Hmm? I fell asleep?" I yawned. I glanced over at Yoshi who was walking next to us.
"Ya. When Malachi reached us you were fast asleep. You woke up briefly, but you just stared at us and went back to sleep." Yoshi grinned, looking amused.
I blushed and looked away. "Sorry. I guess I'm a little tired," I admitted.
Itsuki looked over his shoulder to glance at us. "We don't blame you. You're supposed to be resting," he reminded.
"We're almost at your place, Crimson," Haru announced.
I noticed Aki and Quillian were at the front of the group, talking amongst themselves. Haru and Itsuki were in the middle, and Yoshimitsu, Malachi and I were at the back; Yoshi was on my left while Urufu was walking next to us on our right.
"You all can just call me Crim," I announced.
"Or Crimstorm if someone pisses her off again," Malachi offered.
I grinned, resting my head back on his shoulder as our group walked down the hill of my neighborhood. We were only a few minutes away from my place.
"Have you guys found a place to sleep for the night?" I asked.
The guys were silent and from Yoshi's grim expression I knew that was a solid no.
"You guys can stay at my place for now," I suggested.
"Mr. Bipolar ain't gonna like that," Quillian chimed in.
"You guys stayed with me for five days while he did whatever he wanted. He should have been watching me, not leaving you guys to. He owes you," I grumbled.
James was doing a rather poor job at showing his affection and love for me the last couple of days. What happened to the oh-so-caring boyfriend who wanted to prove he loved me?
"Are you sure though? There's six of us," Aki reminded, looking at me over his shoulder. He had a blank expression on his face, but failed to hide the concern in his low voice.
"I'm sure. I'll talk with James when we get there. Well, if he's home that is."
"He left when we did, but said he'd try calling you," Haru acknowledged.
Quillian let out a frustrated huff.
"If he was smart, he would have noticed Crim's phone was in the guest room."
I cursed in Japanese, realizing I'd left my phone. "I guess I need a new phone. It's not like I had many contacts on it anyways."
I was lucky to have four contacts in there; three of which I knew the longest.
"Woof!" Uru barked, speeding up to walk next to Quillian and began jumping up and down.
I lifted my head to stare at Quillian who stopped to pet Uru before pulling something out of his pocket. Malachi and the others stopped and my eyes grew wide with happiness seeing my phone in his hand.
"You brought it!" I exclaimed.
"Couldn't leave it. Doesn't matter how few contacts you have, Crim. If it's important to you, it deserves to be in your possession," Quillian announced with a small smile on his face. "I'll give it back to you when you're in bed resting."
I frowned. "I don't need to rest."