"I'm aware of that, Hakua. I don't know how she's going to do it. But Mother's tired. She completely broke down on the phone. She apologized for not standing up for me and being the reason I had a shitty childhood. I don't hate her…I just hated that no one ever defended me. But what hurts the most is that she's unhappy. Maybe if my father is the culprit behind Storm's murder that would be a strong enough reason for her to justify getting a divorce. For now, I'm just trying to get used to this whole new lifestyle," I confessed.
We were both silent as we drank the rest of our tea. I laid back down on the floor and closed my eyes. I just want this to end soon. I want Storm to be happy and be able to move forward.
"With Storm's magic, did that influence your feelings in any way?"
I lifted my head up to see Hakua with her head resting in her hands as she looked back at me. I bet she was curious how I'd ended up dating Storm's guards so quickly.
"Yes. But it's not the reason why I'm...I guess, dating all of them. Sure, it influenced my opinions of them and maybe from another person’s perspective it helped me let my guard down instead of being stubborn, but they care, Hakua. Also because of Storm’s memories, I’ve learned so much about them and their character so it doesn’t feel like we’re rushing things," I whispered and placed my head back down and returned to staring at the ceiling before continuing.
"All this time, I've felt like I haven't been really living. My day goes by with me waking up, going for a run, eat, paint, fall asleep on the couch, and repeat. If I was lucky enough to get a few drinks at the bar or sword dance train with you, that was my only chance to socialize and actually enjoy life. When I almost died, this group of men who didn't know me stayed by my side. Sure, maybe it was initially because they felt responsible, but they didn't have to take care of me. They didn't have to defend me and ensure I ate and slept. Even now, they traveled with me so I could have a few days of peace when they could be focusing on finding who killed Storm. They've made me a priority when no one else has ever bothered to."
"But James was fine with it?" Hakua asked, sounding astonished.
"Of course he was. He's the one who broke up with me."
"WHAT! That son of a—" Hakua began cursing in Japanese and I smiled, sitting up.
"Relax. I'm over it. He found someone who can go out with him in public and he can show off to family and friends. His parents support them and they'll probably get married and live happily ever after. You shouldn't be surprised, Hakua. Everyone always discards me in the end," I whispered.
"No! I wouldn't ever throw away our friendship, Crimson. James was a fucking jerk and he didn't deserve you. Trust me, he'll wish, no BEG to be back in your life someday. Oh, you better rub it in his fucking face that you have not one or two, but SIX hot sexy guys he can never compete with!" Hakua roared.
"I wish you had been there, Urufu almost tore his balls out." I giggled.
"Your familiar, the wolf? She's adorable. I need to buy tons of treats for her to show my gratitude. She really took one for the team," Hakua cheered.
I shook my head and laughed. "I missed you," I confessed.
Hakua frowned and got up to walk over to me. She knelt down and pulled me into a hug. "Man, Crimson. I'm so sorry. I've missed you too and I should have been there for you, especially during your breakup. We would have eaten green tea ice cream and watched some stupid shows or something."
"Actually, the guys did that with me. Malachi brought green tea ice cream and we sat and watched shows. I cried through half of them, but they didn't mind," I admitted with a small smile.
"I'm happy they're in your life, Crimson. You know why?" Hakua leaned back to stare into my eyes.
"Why?" I asked.
"When I saw you today, it was the first time in years that I've seen you happy. That's why I was rather shocked. And those men. I know you guys haven't gotten much time to get to learn more about one another, but there's no doubt in my mind. They love you, Crimson. Some of them may take a little longer to realize and acknowledge it, but I can see it. Especially the guy with long hair and the other with the bright orange-gold hair in the ponytail."
I felt the heat gather in my cheeks and glanced away. "You mean Akihiro and Yoshimitsu?"
"Yes! They’re both head over heels for you. So which one have you kissed?" she hummed.
"Ah...both of them," I mumbled.
She blinked before a huge grin formed on her face. "Oh really? Then who have you fucked?"
I choked on my saliva and brushed her away. "I haven't had sex with any of them," I grumbled, pouring myself some more tea and drinking it to clear my throat.
Hakua sighed dramatically. "Maybe not yet my friend, but my instincts are telling me Akihiro will be first," she sang.
"Why does everyone say Aki gets first?" I wondered aloud, remembering Yoshi's comment.
"He looks like the type that if he didn't go first in everything, he would start a war over it," Hakua replied.
I groaned, "Not you too."
"Oh, someone else said the same? See, my instincts are never wrong," she said gleefully.
"I give up with you," I groaned.
"Don't worry. There are condoms in all the guest rooms," Hakua winked conspiratorially.
"Oh hush! I'm not having sex with any of them," I vowed.
Hakua burst into laughter. "Crimson. Let's be real. You would choose any of those guys over a vibrator. Just accept your fate and move on," she advised.
"Ugh. There are other ways to please yourself that don’t involve sex," I huffed, returning to drinking my tea.
"Ah. I bet you've struggled to be around them to the point you masturbate at least every other day."
I choked and spat out my tea, glaring at my best friend. "Don't say that so casually! The walls are so thin!" I exclaimed.
"From the girl who's yelling and just spat tea everywhere," she countered.
"It's your fucking fault!" I growled. I knew my face was tomato red in embarrassment.
"Oh please. Stop being so embarrassed, like no one masturbates in this country.”
"If they find out about this, I'm murdering you."
"I'll get the casket ready! Make sure they play KPOP at my funeral. I don't want no ancient classical shit." Hakua grinned, getting up and going over to get a cloth to clean the table.
"You're too much for your own good," I grumbled.
"And that's why you love me and we're friends," Hakua winked.
I helped her clean up as we caught up with casual girl talk.
"You should go to sleep. You look tired," Hakua suggested.
I yawned and nodded. "Maybe I will. I'm with Quil and Malachi tonight," I confessed.
"Sleeping with them?" she asked mischievously.
"No! Not THAT sleeping with them. The guys had a whole male argument over sleeping arrangements. Apparently, Quil and Malachi are kings of rock-paper-scissors and won in the end."
Hakua sighed. "Why do men always play rock-paper-scissors to determine stuff? Just fight to the death or something."
"Well for one, no one fights to the death anymore, Hakua. Also, that would leave me with no men because I'm certain they'll all tie and end up killing each other," I explained.
She shrugged. "More entertaining that way."
"This is why you only need one guy. And one who knows how to whip up a drink." I giggled at her flushed expression.
"Go sleep…and I'll write him a letter for you to give to him when you go back," she mumbled.
I smirked. "I approve and want to be invited to the wedding."
"Wedding my ass and you’re hardly one to talk. Can you get married to each of them so I can be maid of honor six times?" Hakua smiled gleefully.
"That would be rather pricey but would be differen— why am I even thinking of that? Yup, I need a drink," I huffed.
We both shared a look and laughed. Hakua stood up and walked me to the door.
"I'll clean up. Just go rest and please, Crimson. Take care of yourself and relax. Just for these next two days. Go out and ski or have some alone time with one of the guys. I want you to be healthy and strong. And know, I'll always be your friend and never abandon you." She pulled me into a tight hug.
"Thanks, Hakua. You're the best," I whispered.
"I knew that, but thanks for reminding me," she laughed and I shook my head.
"This is why people don't compliment you," I joked.
"Tsk. Of course, they don't. They’d just be telling me things I already know," she beamed.