The guys were completely stunned, both looking at me like I'd grown a horn on my forehead. I let out a nervous giggle.
"Sorry. That was depressing. It's just what goes through my mind as of late. I'll figure out a new pen name soon." I tried to move away, but Aki gently wrapped his hand around my wrist to stop me.
"Stop apologizing, Crim. If something is bothering you, say it. We won't judge you because of how you feel. Your feelings are valid. We were just taken aback by them because...they have such a deep meaning and we absolutely get it," he whispered.
I sighed in relief and gave him a small smile. "Thanks."
"Crimson Storm," Quil spoke up.
I turned to give him a weird look. "I'm not in flippy mode, Quillian," I pointed out.
He shook his head. "Your pen name. Make it Crimson Storm," he clarified.
"But it has Crimson in it. Wouldn't people figure out it's me?" I asked.
Malachi emerged from the washroom in black runner tights and was halfway through putting his shirt on which gave me a few seconds to admire his lovely six-pack of hotness.
"There are many Crimsons around the world. Just as there are many individuals with Storm as a surname. No one would know it's you. Aki can make you an epic logo. Aki, make Crim a logo," Malachi ordered.
Aki rolled his eyes. "I'm not gonna do it if you order me like that," he grumbled.
I looked to Aki and placed my free hand on top of his. "Would you make a logo for me? I mean, if you have time and you're not busy with the investigation," I asked politely.
I was good with paints and watercolor, but I hadn't been able to work on digital art and had no clue how to make a logo that could be used online. Aki's face grew red and he looked away shyly.
"If you want me to," he mumbled.
I smiled. "Please?" I urged.
He took a quick look at my wide eyes and glanced away again. "Sure."
I squealed, "Thank you, Aki!" I took a step back to bow before giving him a quick hug.
He went stiff for a few seconds, but then relaxed, returning the embrace. "You're welcome, Crim."
"I want a hug for helping create this wonderful conn—" Malachi began, but was hit with a pillow.
"Stop trying to get a hug for doing nothing," Quil grumbled, walking over to me and Aki. He opened his arms up and gave me a quick wink.
I laughed, giving him a hug.
"Now that's just playing dirty. Can I get a hug? Pretty please?" Malachi pouted.
The front door unlocked and Haru and Itsuki came into the room.
"We're back!" Itsuki announced.
"Why is Crim hugging Quillian?" Haru asked, putting the groceries on the island. When he finished, he walked over to us.
"We're making Malachi jealous by giving Crim a hug," Aki announced.
"Oh, well in that case. Good afternoon, Crim," Haru said softly outstretching his arms.
I smiled and walked into his embrace. "Afternoon, Haru."
"Glad to see you’re awake, Crim," Itsuki said softly, walking over and waiting for me to finish with Haru to give him a hug.
"You are all haters. H.A.T.E.R.S.," Malachi emphasized, clapping with each letter.
"Just come over here and hug her and stop clapping," Quil complained.
"Oh no! Mr. Bipolar may be rubbing off on him. Haru quick, cleanse him before he's tainted forever," Itsuki joked.
"Kusokurae!" Malachi swore and I laughed.
"Just come here," I giggled.
He shuffled over and I gave him a big hug.
"Are you happy now?" I pulled back enough to look up at him.
"I'm satisfied for now," he replied, glaring at the others who chuckled.
"Go for your run, you two," Aki encouraged, moving back to the couch and picking up his sketchbook.
"I'm gonna go nap," Quil announced.
"We're going to make dumplings with miso soup." Haru gestured to the kitchen.
"Make sure there's rice. Did you guys buy kimchi like I asked?" Malachi questioned.
"Yes! You texted us twenty times as a reminder," Itsuki grumbled.
"Twenty times for kimchi?" I asked, staring curiously at Malachi.
"I like spicy food," he mumbled.
I grinned. "Let's go?"
"Yup! Guys we’ll be back later. We have our phones with us if you need anything. Let's go, Uru. You're coming too," Malachi called out to Uru who was being petted by Aki.
"WOOF!" She ran over to us.
I figured she didn't need a leash because she was a familiar. I glanced around at all of them and thought about Yoshi too. "Is Yoshi gonna be home in time for food?" It was way past noon and too late to call it lunch, but I was worried he hadn't eaten.
I heard the door open and Yoshi walked into the room. "You called?" He winked.
"Welcome back, Yoshi."
He slid his shoes off and came over to me. "Glad to see you up, Crimson. We were worried," he admitted, pulling me into a hug.
"See, he didn't even need to ask her!" Malachi complained.
The others ignored him, moving on to their various activities.
"Ask you what?" Yoshi looked confused.
"Hottie McHot Pants was just upset he got hugged last earlier," I teased.
"Ah. He'll cool off," Yoshi replied with a serene smile.
"You guys have forty-five minutes to get a good run in before the food is ready," Haru announced.
"Going!" I called, excited to get some fresh air and stretch my muscles.
"Guess I'll see you later," Yoshi said to me.
I nodded. "Are we all gonna eat together?" I asked.
The guys all looked at me and nodded. "We'll always eat together if possible. That's the new rule," Itsuki said softly.
"Okay." I gave them a wide smile.
"Let's go, Hottie," Malachi encouraged.
"Be back soon!" I promised.
Malachi brought over his running shoes and I slipped on my white ones. I grabbed my keys and opened the door, gesturing for Uru to go out first. Malachi held the door for me and reached out his hand for the keys. I smiled, handing them over and walked to the elevator.
When we reached the entrance of the housing complex, I took a deep breath of fresh air. I was glad it wasn't rush hour and the streets were still quiet.
"You ready, Hottie? Don't get left behind." Malachi grinned, stretching his arms and legs.
"Don't cry when you lose to me," I taunted.
"You’re talking to an amazing sprinter and athlete," he reminded.
"And you’re talking to a long-distance runner. Endurance is more important than speed," I countered.
"True. Let's get going." He took off running, leaving me and Uru behind.
"Chotto!" I called out in Japanese.
"Woof!" Uru dashed after him.
I sighed, but a smile formed on my face as I watched them run down the street.
I knew it would be weird to adapt to both worlds; the world I was used to living as a human and the new world of magic and shifters. I glanced down at the pocket watching, cradling it in my hand.
It may be hard to adapt, but sometimes change is necessary for one to grow. It’s time for me to work toward a new life and prepare to avenge Storm Yuna.
"Akihiro?" I whispered.
The rain beat down on us, but the cold was nothing compared to the pain that clenched my heart. Aki didn't move at my call; his eyes remained fixed on two gravestones that were at his feet.
I closed my eyes, tears rolled down my cheeks at seeing Aki in so much pain. First his sister. Now his parents. Why?
I walked up to him, allowing my hands to slide around his waist; I pressed my body against him in a hug. I knew this small comfort would do nothing to warm his cold, broken heart. But the least I could do was remind him I was here. I promised to be there for all of my men in times of despair. He needed my love and I didn't care if he tried to push me away. I'd fight to stay by his side.
"Storm..." he whispered, on the verge tears.
"I'm here," I spoke gently. I let go of him, giving him a chance to turn around and face me.
His green eyes filled with tears and revealed his agony and pain. "Why? Why do I lose everyone I care about? Am I cursed or being punished for being who I am or what I am? If so... I don't want to be close to anyone anymore. I don't want to lose you too," he confessed.
"I'm not going anywhere, Aki."