"You sound like you don't like him," I suggested.
"It's not like I don't like him. I just don't like angels...much," she admitted.
"But...you were fine with Michael," I proposed.
"He's not an Archangel," she argued.
"An Archangel? Ah...I haven't gone into the different types of angel spirits," I confessed.
She nodded, eyeing me for a second. "I don't hate all angels. Or we wouldn't get along," Midnight muttered under her breathe.
"What?" I asked for clarification.
"Nothing. Anyways, I go now. Bye ScarBear." She turned around.
"ScarBear?" I asked, confused.
She looked over her shoulder. "That's your nickname. Mako is MakoBear, EliaseAnne is EliBear and now you’re ScarBear. See you around. Nightmare, you can stay with Moonlight if you want. Bye, Risuki," she said farewell to the two gods and me before making her way down the hall, turning the corner and disappearing from sight.
"Wow...that was different," I whispered.
"Interesting," Aurora mumbled.
"I like ScarBear," Serenity pointed out.
I looked down to the two familiars sitting together in the hall. They turned their heads to look up at me.
"Well...you two wanna come with me to the hot springs? You can play around or something—”
"MEW!"
"MEOW!"
They bounced in place, beginning to run around me. I laughed.
"Alright, let's go. Michael's waiting." I laughed, heading towards the springs.
I hope they work things out.
MAKOTO
"See. It's not that bad," I emphasized, sighing in relief as I sank deeper into the steaming hot water.
"It's only because your feet touch the ground," Daniel mumbled.
"Stop complaining and admit you’re enjoying yourself," I replied, splashing him with water.
He groaned. "I'm gonna die," he complained.
I'd woken up the moment Daniel finished freshening up; Midnight explained that she went for a walk. We'd headed to our private hot spot; the large hot spring was filled with clear water.
Steam clouded the area that was surrounded by nature. I glanced up at the star-filled sky, smiling at the twinkling lights.
"Mako."
I returned my gaze to Daniel; his arms outstretched along the stone edge of the spring. His hair was pulled back and in a little bun, courtesy of me wanting to see him with a man bun. I had to admit, it looked nice on him which was followed by me asking him to grow it out. He said he'd think about it, but I prayed he would.
I glanced at his bare chest, droplets of water rolled down his chiseled chest and abs, his V lines disappeared in the towel around his waist. I hadn't noticed before, but now that I was taking a moment to analyze his body, I'd realized he'd gained more muscle and definition. Was it due to all the training he's been doing?
He pushed himself off the edge, cautiously making his way to me. I knew he hated water and couldn't swim, but for him to let go of the edge he had been gripping for life a few minutes earlier shocked me.
"Dani—" I began, but couldn't finish; his body embraced mine, pressing me against him.
I blinked; my heart went into overdrive as I froze in place; Daniel's fresh lavender scent mixed with my cherry blossom shampoo.
"Daniel?" I asked softly, unsure how to proceed. I let my hands slide along his back, returning his embrace. We stood in each other's arms for a long time, the sound of night creatures and soft cool breeze passed us; the only thing helping keep my nerves at bay. Just the fear of him wanting whatever was between us to end, made my eyes sting with tears.
"Daniel...if you don’t...want this..." I began, choking on my words. I hadn't realized how much I'd fallen in love with all my men, and I didn't want Daniel leaving me. I loved him.
"Mako. Stop," he whispered, tightening his hold.
"But...I'm confused. I don't know what you want, Daniel. I get the whole Midnight situation and I understand...I'm trying to be patient and see everything from your perspective, but I'm failing. I've never dealt with this before and I feel like I'm on a seesaw. One half is telling me you love me while the other...makes me wonder if you hate me..." I whispered, tightening my hold on him as I cried into his shoulder.
He let me cry; his hand rubbed my back as he whispered sweet words in my ear.
"Makoto, if only you could see a glimpse of how much I care about you," he whispered; his voice trembled before he pressed his lips against my neck. He pulled back to look at me, those golden globes were glossy with his own tears.
"I...I just need a bit more time. I love you, Makoto, that's for sure. But...I just need a bit more time before I can reveal me. Not just the one you see before you. All of me. I know you'll accept me. I just need to gain the courage to accept myself," he revealed.
We stared into each other's eyes; his hand lifted to rest against my cheek. A tear rolled down to meet his thumb that rubbed it away.
"Okay," I replied.
He pulled me into his arms and he gave me a passionate kiss; his tongue slipped into my mouth as his hands began to roam down my back. I let my hands roam his back as we continued; our exhales increased as we moaned, enjoying each other's taste.
When we both struggled for air, we pulled away, pressing out heads against each other as we caught our breath.
"I'm sorry," he whispered.
I lifted my eyes to meet his. "For what?" I asked, confused as to why he was suddenly apologizing.
"For lying. I...know that it upset you, and I shouldn't have. I just freaked out, and I try and deny how I'm feeling when I'm put on the spot," he admitted, lowering his head.
I pressed myself against him, biting my lip. It hurt to see him in agony and my heart ached to make it right somehow. Maybe I just need to give him more time?
I pressed my lips against his neck, trailing upward to his chin. I let my hands slide against his chest, pushing him gently towards the stone wall of the spring. He caught on, walking backward until his back was pressed against its smooth surface.
"Daniel. I'll be patient. Midnight’s asleep, but when we get back to Minato, I'll talk with her, she’s...very defensive when it comes to my well-being. We've been through things...that are hard to discuss. She just doesn't want me to get hurt. I know you wouldn't hurt me intentionally. I get it. I'll try to wait until you’re ready," I revealed, giving him a small smile before my arms hooked around his neck, giving me enough leverage to kiss him.
His arms wrapped around my lower waist; his hand rested on my ass. I pulled back after a few minutes of back and forth kisses; both of us taking turns to kiss each other's necks.
"I think we should get out. The heat’s making me dizzy," I confessed, trying to stay orientated as my surroundings spun. Daniel pressed his hand against my cheek; his eyes glowed a bright gold, and his hand felt warm.
I sighed in relief as the world stilled; my dizziness faded. "Thank you," I whispered.