After having some green tea ice cream the night James broke up with me, I had barely eaten. I slept the first day away next to Urufu and the others would rotate between watching me and holding me when I cried for no reason at all.
Apparently at one point I had cried because the sky was blue, but I couldn't remember that part. The second day, I tried to get back into my usual routine, but it was hard. Just walking out of my room and seeing the vacant room across from mine that was once James’ made tears well in my eyes.
Today was the third day and it was a little better, but the guys were struggling to get me to eat. I'd already noticed the dramatic difference from how loose my pants were this morning. I didn't know I could drop eight pounds in three days and as awesome as it sounded, my curves would go downhill if I didn't gain the weight back soon.
Aki was the only one who, after numerous attempts by the others, was able to get a few spoonfuls of anything in me. I don't get why, but after finding out he was a Kitsune, I felt calmer in his presence and didn't want to disappoint him. The thought was weird and even with my clouded logic, I knew it didn't make much sense, but I guess everyone did strange things after breakups.
I continued to look back and forth from the spoon to my current project. If I stopped completely to eat, I wouldn't be able to get back into the groove once I was done. Haru gave me a slight smile.
"I'll feed you. Just concentrate on your work," he offered.
I looked into his mismatched eyes that held not a hint of pity. He genuinely wanted to feed me and let me continue doing my work. I nodded slowly, opening my mouth to accept the offering of food. The soup was at the perfect temperature, not too hot or cold. After savoring the bite, I returned to my work, making small paint strokes before moving my head back for another spoonful delivered to me by Haru.
Spoonful. Sketch. Spoonful. Sketch. I opened my mouth for another, but Haru chuckled.
"Sorry Crim, it's empty."
I pulled my eyes from the canvas to pout, looking down at the empty bowl that was once filled with that amazing tasting soup. I heard Itsuki sigh.
"Pass the bowl. We have more," Itsuki announced.
A small smile tugged at my lips at the mention of more food. I still felt like I hadn't eaten in years and it was nice that I didn't have to stop my work. I looked back at the half-finished piece, but then realized I hadn’t said thank you to any of them. I knew they had assisted me with everything down to Quil helping me bathe which wasn't even embarrassing anymore.
"Arigato," I whispered. The sound was so low I didn't know if any of them heard it.
"You’re welcome, Crim," I heard Quil reply.
I glanced up to see him standing between Itsuki, who had returned with a fresh bowl of steamy soup, and Malachi; all three of them had big grins on their faces. I turned my gaze to Haru who also looked pleased, smiling broadly.
"Good job, Crim. Just go back to work. There’s no need to thank us," Haru said in a gentle tone.
I nodded, focusing again on my work.
When the scent of the soup hit my nose once more, I smiled, peeking at Haru who held another spoonful of soup ready for me to slurp away. I finished the second bowl and finally felt somewhat satisfied. Haru sat next to me, watching me paint while I zoned in and out of Itsuki, Malachi and Quil's conversation.
"Yoshi's not having any luck, is he?" Quil groaned.
"Nope. The only witnesses who potentially know what occurred are female and they've been doing their best to stay far away from anyone. There was another murder two days ago and now everyone is being extra cautious," Malachi explained.
"Has the Emperor been notified?" Itsuki questioned.
"Yes, Yoshi informed him today. He and Aki are looking into the recent murder to see if they’re connected in some way. All we know is that the majority of evidence points to N.R.O. but they're slippery. We have to try and track down the sources that are supporting them," Quil answered.
"Which we all can agree is someone on the Council." Malachi looked irritated.
"Why can't you guys get a new Council?' I mumbled. I didn't take my eyes off my work and continued to paint away, but I felt their stares.
"It's not that simple. Nokamato bases their rules on old culture. Not all cities of Homatomashi agreed to the transfer of the new legal system. The Emperor is in the works of making it a mandatory change instead of a voluntary one," Itsuki explained.
"But that takes months and we don't have time for that. We need to find who in the Council is involved. At least if we can find the culprit and have evidence, we may get the support of other countries surrounding Homatomashi in applying the new laws," Quil considered.
"Does it have to be evidence regarding Storm's murder or will anything work?" I asked.
"Anything. He can be caught walking on private property and the Emperor can question him and get his people inside the shrine to learn what's going on. All Council meetings as of late occur in your home, Crim," Malachi admitted.
"Is that what I interrupted when I had my little Crimstorm flare up?" I wondered.
Haru nodded. "I believe you ruined their party. They're still getting the windows fixed."
"Oops." I shrugged sarcastically.
The guys all grinned.
"You almost done, Crim?" Malachi inquired.
I looked down at the image, taking a quick minute to think over how long it would take me to complete it.
"About an hour and a half left. Once it's dry I can add the finishing touches," I replied.
"You want to go out for a run? It's Sunday so it shouldn't be crowded on the trails," he suggested.
"I'll come," Haru announced, giving me an encouraging grin.
"Um... I guess," I replied hesitantly. It did sound like a nice idea to get out of the house. Not to mention my muscles ached which I figured was due to lack of exercise.
"You don't have to if you’re not up for it, Crim," Itsuki reassured me.
"You can stay home and continue painting. Whatever you want to do," Quil added.
"No...I don't mind going out. Maybe we can go now?" I asked.
"If you like," Malachi agreed.
"Okay. Let's go for a run." I gave him a thumbs up.
"Itsuki and I will stay here. I'll help cook dinner," Quil announced.
"More like he'll help burn Crim's house down," Itsuki mumbled.
"You need more confidence in me, my friend," Quil whined.
"Confidence in you burning the house down? Yes, I have one thousand percent confidence in that," Itsuki teased.
I snickered at their exchange. "Quil you suck at cooking," I pointed out.
He smirked, then got up and walked over to me. He bent down and placed a soft kiss on my forehead. "I know. I just wanted to hear you laugh again," he whispered.
I blushed, looking over at the others who nodded in agreement. "Thanks for everything, guys. I'm sorry if I've been such a burden." I would have to remember to apologize to Yoshi and Aki too.
"Never a burden," Itsuki assured.
"That’s why we're here," Malachi said proudly.
"It's our responsibility and our pleasure, Crim," Haru soothed.
"And seeing you healing brings us comfort that you'll get through this," Quil acknowledged.
I nodded, rising to my feet and placing the half-finished art on the easel.
Yes. I would get through this thanks to their comforting love.
"C'mon, Crim and Haru! You have to try and catch up," Malachi called out.
I rolled my eyes, glancing over at Haru whose face was red; he looked like he'd pass out any minute from exhaustion.
"We can take a break," I offered.
He shook his head. "Ne...ver!" he panted and began running faster to try and catch up to Malachi.
I smiled and shook my head at Haru's determination. He hated running, yet he always came along. I had to admit he was getting faster and his endurance had improved significantly. I was happy to have two running mates with me and the nice cool air was exactly what I needed today.
I hadn't realized how cooped up I was until I stepped outside and took a deep breath of fresh air. Running had always been a good therapy of mine, and today's run was doing its job in helping me return back to normal.