She bobbed her head quickly. "Thank you, sir."
Yoshi nodded and I decided to take the opportunity to explain to him what Melody had revealed, but we needed to move to a more private area. Yoshi met my stare for a few seconds before he seemed to understand my inner debate.
"Crimstorm, I thought maybe we could go eat at the private restaurant that's at the end of the food booths. I wouldn't mind if your friend comes along," Yoshi suggested.
I glanced at Melody who looked hesitant, but I nodded at her reassuringly. She seemed to understand and gave us a smile. "I'd love to join."
"Excellent. Melody, this is Yoshi,” I introduced, using his shortened name.
"Nice to meet you." Yoshi bowed.
"It's a pleasure. I know your brother did an amazing job as a guard for Storm Yuna. It must be nice to be a part of a family who's committed to justice," Melody complimented.
Yoshi smiled and his eyes met mine, curiosity in his gaze.
I gave him a sheepish grin and stood up, sliding my hand in his. "Why don't we head there now? I'm starving."
"Certainly," Yoshi replied. "This way."
I sighed in relief as I dragged my feet. I was exhausted and couldn't wait to get home and strip out of this outfit. This was worse than wearing a bra all day.
"You okay, Crim?" Yoshi asked. He tugged at my hand as he stopped.
I turned to face him and retreated to give him a hug. His body was tense for a few seconds before he relaxed and returned the embrace.
"Thank you," I whispered.
"I didn't do anything." He looked at me in confusion.
"You stopped Melody from being taken advantage of. You didn't do it in a bold or showy manner, but in a way that everyone acknowledged it without the situation blowing up. You showed an example of someone standing up for another in need which is something many people forget or are too cowardly to do. It's because of that Melody is gonna help us." There was pride in my voice as I spoke.
Melody had explained everything to Yoshi who I hadn’t known spoke Yamato Kotoba. She explained things in even greater detail and again brought up the tattooed individual.
She wasn't able to see their eye or hair color because it was far too dark, but she hoped once she saw the Emperor they could get a hypnosis artist involved to have a sketch made.
"That was only because you talked with her and were willing to defend her even before my arrival. Don't go giving me all the credit," Yoshi hummed as he rubbed my back.
I looked up at him and he pressed his forehead against mine. "I hope this works out," he confessed.
I heard the vulnerability in his voice. "It will. I know it will. Storm must have intervened somehow to bring Melody to us. Either that or the ancestors are in favor of the change we’re trying to achieve," I comforted.
He nodded. "Yes. Change has to happen. The tension alone in that place was palpable. I can't imagine shopkeepers working in such conditions and the poor women who have to work and run the risk of being ganged up on and raped when they’re out alone," Yoshi said with disgust.
I nodded in agreement. From day one, I admired his dedication to helping bring peace and tranquility to Nokamato. It wasn't his duty, yet he took it so seriously.
Now with Melody's assistance, Yoshi would be able to make a new plan to ensure Melody's safety on her way to meet the Emperor to deliver the information. This could potentially be our only chance at figuring out who killed Storm Yuna and who authorized it to begin with. It filled me with a sense of accomplishment for being able to help get us one step closer.
"I hope once we figure this all out, we can help bring peace to all of Homatomashi," I whispered.
Yoshi grinned and nodded. "Me too," he replied before kissing me.
"James, do not call me again!" I grumbled into my phone as I rolled my eyes.
"Crimson! Wait, don’t hang up," James pleaded.
I wanted to anyway, but then I hesitated. I knew a little part of me still cared for him and yearned for his presence again, but I knew better. He'd ended this, not me. He was okay with leaving me for someone he thought was more worthy of his love and compassion. The simple thought triggered my anger and made it easier for me to try and end this conversation as quickly as possible.
I knew if the guys arrived, they would take the phone from me and hang up. I wished I had the same drive.
"James, I'm busy. What do you want?" I snapped.
"You're not planning to go to your parents’ this week, right? You know, ‘cause it's your birthday," James inquired.
"I know very well it's my birthday in a few days and I have every right to go to my family’s home. I don't see why any of it is your business," I huffed.
"Woof!" Urufu barked.
I glanced over and noticed her hop off the sofa and head to the door. I sighed, knowing the guys were most likely coming down the hall.
"James I have to go."
"Please, Crim. Don't come. It's safer this way," he pleaded, sounding upset.
"What's safer, James? It's my parents’ house. It's as safe as it can be. And I can protect myself anyway," I grumbled.
The door opened and I heard several pairs of footsteps enter the living room. I sighed and ran my hand through my hair that was slightly longer than I usually kept it.
"Trust me," James urged.
"I can't," I replied in a stoic tone.
I felt a strong gut feeling that told me I couldn't trust his words. Maybe he didn't want me seeing my mom, or didn't want me ruining something for him like a promotion ceremony, or had some other pitiful excuse to prevent me from coming home.
I couldn't trust anyone who supported my father and until I knew where he and the rest of the Council stood regarding Storm's murder, I wouldn't be taken for a fool. Even if he had good intentions, I'd listen to my gut.
"Who's that, Crim?" Haru called out while the others continued their hushed conversation.
James let out a frustrated groan, "You're still with those guys?"
"It's not any of your business, James. Now, I'll say this only once more. Don't call me again," I spoke in a stern tone.
The room fell silent and within seconds Quil was behind me. He gently took the phone from my hand and placed it by his ear.
"Well, well, well. If it isn't Mr. Bipolar. How does it feel losing out on loving the best woman you'll ever have in your life? Oh, don't bother answering that. I couldn’t care less about your opinion. But I DO care that you’re disturbing our girlfriend. Now, why don't you scurry along and do something productive instead of bothering our Crim? Cool?"
Quil was silent for five seconds and he laughed.
"Oh, trust me. You'll regret the day you walked out of Crim's life and you just try and do something stupid. I'll make sure your screams are my new ringtone!" Quil threatened, then hung up the phone.
"I was handling that just fine on my own, you know," I commented dryly. I wasn't mad or anything. To be honest, Quil standing up for me was hot, but I didn't want them thinking I couldn't handle my own problems.
"I'm well aware. I just wanted to add some extra emphasis so he knows you're off limits.” Quil pulled me into a hug. “Afternoon, Crim."
"Hello," I replied in a cheerful tone. I doubt they knew how happy it made me to have their support and for someone to defend me. It was a marvelous, warm fuzzy feeling and made me feel important which was something I hadn't felt before meeting them.
"Quil, I want to hug Crim too," Haru chimed in.
My grin widened and I pulled back to see Haru patiently waiting behind Quil, who chuckled.
"Fine. I'm in the sharing mood today." Quil placed a quick kiss on my forehead and moved out of the way so Haru could give me a hug.
"Sharing mood, my ass! You wouldn't even give me one piece of your kimchi this morning," Malachi accused.
"That's different," Aki brushed Malachi off, moving to stand behind Yoshi who was already in line behind Itsuki.
"Why am I always last to hug Crim?" Malachi mumbled when he realized there was a line; he shuffled to stand behind Aki.