"It was just a nosebleed! Why is Quil looking at me like I died?" I exclaimed and pouted at Quil who had on his tough guy face standing at the end of my bed.
"Crim, I don't see why you're arguing over some time off," Itsuki protested softly.
He leaned against the wall near my door. Haru was sitting on the floor next to my bed and I was currently in a testosterone sandwich with Aki on my right against the wall and Yoshi to my left. Uru lifted her head to howl quietly. Quil stared down at her, before reaching out to stroke her fur.
"It's not like I'm arguing. Well, I am, but only because I don't think I need a vacation," I defended. I'd never been on one and I was already behind on commissions. I couldn't take more time off over a nosebleed.
It was evening and I had been knocked out for an entire thirty hours. The moment I woke up, Haru did a scan using his magic to make sure I was okay and now the guys were all proposing I take some time off.
"Is Crim awake and being stubborn?" Malachi called out from the hall. The others had told me Malachi went to get some things for this potential vacation, so when we were ready all we would need to do is pack a few clothes and off we'd go.
"Yeah, and yeah," Itsuki replied.
"Crimson, you need a break. You're stressed." Haru frowned at me.
"I'm always stressed when I have to see my parents. This time is no different," I muttered.
To be honest, I was even more concerned about this visit. I knew my birthday was gonna be soured thanks to my father and all the shit that was going on.
With Storm's case, the divorce my mom hadn't even told him about yet, and the incident last time that screwed up his meeting, I bet he would try extra hard to ridicule me all night long to get back at me.
"It is different this time because we're not gonna sit and watch you get even more stressed over the next three days, unlike Mr. Bipolar would have," Quil announced.
Malachi came into the room; relief blossomed on his face when he confirmed I was awake. "You good, Hottie?"
"I'm okay, Hottie McHot Pants."
Aki was still asleep, resting his head on my shoulder and Yoshi looked to be dozing off on my other side. "Were Yoshi and Aki up until recently?" Malachi asked.
"Ya. Aki was gone the moment after Crim said she was okay," Itsuki replied, smiling at the trio on the bed.
"Yoshi?" Malachi asked, looking at Yoshi who didn't move.
"They're tired. They were up the whole time wanting to make sure they were awake when you woke up." Quil looked at me as he spoke.
I smiled, feeling a little special with everyone's love and attention. It felt nice to have people care for you when you were sick or unwell. I didn't feel one hundred percent better, but I didn't feel super sick as I usually did around family visit time, which I had to thank Haru for.
"We don't need to do a trip or anything," I announced.
"Crimson, when was the last time you went on vacation?" Itsuki inquired.
I frowned, looking down at my lap. "I haven't been on vacation before," I whispered. I didn't need to look up to picture their stunned expressions.
"Never? Not even when you were a kid?" Malachi questioned.
I shook my head. "Nope. Disgraced child, remember? I didn't deserve to go on vacation and when I moved out and lived with James we always tried to plan something, but there was always the issue of his family or someone he knew seeing us together.”
I looked up to see all four guys staring at me with upset expressions. Even Haru looked displeased by my confession.
Uru growled softly to add to the conversation.
"Crimson, you work your ass off. You should be going on vacation more than once a year," Malachi stressed.
"I guess? I don't know. I just keep delaying it so...I'd love to see my best friend though, sometime," I admitted, wishing I could talk with Hakua. We hadn't been able to chat at all since she'd been forced to transfer training temples due to the shitty reception up there. I could only imagine how lonely I would be if the guys weren't in my life.
"Your best friend, as in Hakua? I think you've mentioned her a few times," Itsuki recalled.
I nodded. "Yeah, she's out on the outskirts so the travel time and all, I can't go. I'm behind on commissions. I can't keep letting my clients down."
"Aki took care of that," Malachi announced.
I looked at him curiously and he smiled.
"He left each of them a detailed message that you'd been pushing yourself lately due to the large influx of orders and fainted. He asked if you can have two weeks to rest and reassured them that their commissions would be made as soon as you got back."
"What? Weren't people mad?" I asked, shocked that Aki was able to do that in less than thirty hours. It took me hours to write a good enough email to send to everyone without checking it a hundred times.
Quil sighed and shook his head. "Aki said everyone was very supportive and worried about you. They know how much time is dedicated to their artwork and have been worried for some time that you'd burn out. We already received a few flower baskets from your loyal clients including a huge teddy bear from J.H."
"Teddy bear? From J.H., wow. He's one of my oldest clients. Him and a certain someone," I smiled, looking at Aki who was still asleep.
I was so grateful to the art community and my loyal fans for being so understanding about the situation. I could feel the tension leave my shoulders at the idea of having some extra time to recover, deal with my family meeting, recoup from said family meeting, and catch up on commissions.
"Wow. I'm...rather speechless," I admitted.
The others exchanged glances and Haru smiled at me, placing a hand on my lap. "Crimson, let’s go on vacation. We can go see your friend and stay for three days before your family birthday thing," he urged.
"And when we come back, we’re having a huge birthday party. No excuses, buts, or no's," Malachi emphasized.
I looked at the others who all nodded in agreement. "Well, I guess if you guys don't mind. I wouldn't mind seeing Hakua. Will Aki and Yoshi be okay with it?" I asked.
"Of course. Your happiness is our happiness. They would love to go. Aki's been there plenty of times and loved it," Itsuki reassured me.
"Alright. I guess we're going on a trip tomorrow," I beamed at them.
The guys had wide smiles on their faces and Uru howled happily.
I can't wait to see Hakua.
"I leave you for more than a month and you not only broke up with that asshole James, now you’re dating SIX hot sexy beasts! What's wrong with you?"
I rolled my eyes and lifted the cup of tea to my lips. I took a few sips of the steamy herbal liquid before lowering the cup and setting it on the table. I stared at my best friend who sat opposite of me.
"Nothing is wrong with me. Things just...happened?" I shrugged. I stared at her confused expression and smiled. She hadn't changed one bit.
Her hair was still long with its unique teal color, and her eyes were a plum purple. She was the same height as me and wore a white robe similar to my pink one.
We'd arrived at the sword training temple right before ten. Hakua had freaked out when she saw me with my six men in tow. Her parents were just as delighted to see me and took over today’s classes to give Hakua the next three days off so she could spend it catching up with me.
I'd made quick introductions and the guys told me to have a girls’ day with Hakua. They mentioned they would check in at the hotel nearby, but Hakua wasn't having any of that and offered a part of their home they had for special guests.
After the guys settled in, they went and did their own thing, saying something along the lines of wanting to go snowboarding, and Malachi declaring he'd kick everyone's butts. That left Hakua and I to enjoy a spa day. I got a full massage, manicure and pedicure, and even got my hair done. I really enjoyed the two-toned hairstyle I had during my date with Yoshi so I decided to have the same color transition done this time too.
Now my hair was past my shoulders, I could actually tie it up into a short ponytail. With all these changes, Hakua thought I must have hit my head a little too hard. She glanced at the pocket watch on my neck.
"So everything you just told me is legit? You were minding your own damn business having to wait for that sleazebag of a dick at that stupid lamp post at two in the morning when a thief crashed into you, dropped THAT pocket watch belonging to Storm Yuna, and you were somehow able to open it?" Hakua summarized, shock written all over her face.
"Yup. I don't know why and the guys don't understand it either, but I opened it and her essence crashed into me and now I have her magic. For now, we’re just trying to figure out what the side effects will be," I explained.
"Well, six sexy hunks is a side effect I'd embrace with open arms." She wiggled her eyebrows and sipped more of her tea.
"Of course you would, and for your information, a certain bartender misses you dearly," I revealed. Her face flushed, and she almost coughed up her tea.
"You mean Jeff? He hasn't called me," she grumbled.
"I've been trying to text and call you all this time and nothing goes through," I complained.
She frowned, putting her tea down. "I know. This place sucks, Crim. I feel isolated and there's nothing here. We can't communicate with anyone outside the area and I feel it’s done on purpose. It’s as if your father doesn't want me near you for some reason."
She took a deep breath before her serious eyes met mine. "Your father's up to something isn't he? And please don't tell me you got sick again."
"I...well, the guys wanted me to come here for a few days ‘cause I've been having health issues, I guess. As for my father, I have a feeling he or someone close to him is trying to sweep Storm's death under the rug like it’s nothing," I confided.
"Health issues! Please don't tell me it was bad enough that you had a nosebleed and passed out? As for your father and the Council, it seems they are putting some major effort in trying to cover up her death," Hakua commented with a frown.
I sighed and repositioned myself, leaning back on my hands to glance at the decorative ceiling in Hakua's room. "Well, to make a long story short, I almost died with the whole taking Storm's powers by accident ordeal and then I was knocked out for another four days and during the most recent incident, I had a nosebleed and passed out, which was what prompted this vacation. The guys thought I needed a break. Oh, there was the time I got jumped by assassins and I ended up falling off a building—"
"Stop! You got attacked?" Hakua shrieked.
I shrugged. "Ya. There's a lot of crime being committed in Nokamato now, Hakua. It's getting worse. You can feel it in the air. It's not safe to walk alone even in daylight."
Hakua crossed her arms and looked deep in thought. "What if this is their way of trying to divert everyone's attention from Storm's murder? The Council hasn't made a public statement since announcing her death and funeral arrangements. And you said your father cast the guys away and told them to return to Homatomashi and to just move on. The crime rates have tripled and everyone’s afraid of revolting because they think they can’t succeed. Storm was an individual many people looked up to. If she was murdered because of whatever set up or plan was initiated, no one else would stand a chance. The Emperor is unwell and is still recovering and his son still hasn't shown back up."
"If they cover it up and leave the people in fear, they wouldn't dare try to oppose a change in government. But what if someone from the outside is influencing everything and wants the government to change? Once they took over and we discovered they were the real culprit, they would already be in power, leaving us in a stickier situation than we’re already in." I bit my lip in frustration.
"Do you know who would replace your father on the Council?" Hakua asked.
"My mom probably. It's been a long time since I've seen her use her magic, but I’m sure she’s still as strong as when she was younger. Her team was well known and loved across Nokamato. The guys said there's a high possibility they would choose her," I explained.
"But even if your mom takes over, that still doesn’t get rid of your dad," Hakua pointed out.
"Ah, about that," I mumbled.
"What?"
"Mom's getting a divorce," I announced.
"She's divorcing him! No way. How? There's no way he'd sign divorce papers and you know how hard it is for couples of higher hierarchy to get through the process. They would need a serious legitimate reason. Not 'I don't love him anymore' or anything sappy like that."
"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.
"Goodnight, Hakua."
"Goodnight, Crimson. Let's do a sword training lesson tomorrow morning. I've missed having someone with skills like yours. We can play around with your newly acquired powers." Hakua grinned and excitement sparkled in her purple eyes.
"Deal. Sleep well," I bid farewell and walked into the hall. I glanced at the garden and took a deep breath of the chill air.
It wasn't super cold where Hakua lived, but the mountains were filled with snow and there was the area where there was constantly a blizzard. Time for bed. I wonder where the others are sleeping?
I moved down the hall and turned to see Quil relaxing against a wooden pillar. He wore a black robe and was staring out at the garden.
"Quil?"
He blinked out of his daze and looked my way. A small smile formed on his lips and his expression softened.
"Hey," he spoke softly.
I smiled, walking up to him. He held out his arms and I stepped into his embrace. "Were you waiting for me?"
"Yes. Did you have fun with your friend? I walked by earlier, but you two were still talking," he confessed.
"Yes, it was great. I really missed her and I updated her with what's going on. I trust her enough to not tell anyone else. You didn't have to wait for me. Were you here long?" I inquired. It made me feel warm and fuzzy that he waited for me.
"No, just a few minutes. Itsuki's setting up the futons, but didn't want you walking back alone. And it’s fine you told her. I can see she cares deeply about you and wants the best for you. She wouldn't put you in danger," Quil approved.
"Arigato, Quil."
He looked into my eyes and his smile widened. "Why? I didn't do anything."
"You waited for me, when you didn't have to. You and the others accepted Hakua with ease and didn't ask questions or anything. You all gave me the day off to enjoy her company and I'm just so grateful," I acknowledged with a smile.
"No need. If you’re happy, anything is fine with us. Plus, she has character," Quil smirked. He leaned down to my ear. "And if you ever need to relieve that tension we're causing, you can always come to me," he whispered, then kissed me on the cheek.
I froze and my face went red. "You...heard...that?" I squeaked.
He pulled back and gave me a playful grin. "Heard what?" he teased, sliding his hand into mine.
We began to walk back to our room and I prayed the cool air would cool off the growing desire I had for Quil after his comment.
These men are gonna be the death of me.