~SCARLET~

"She's gonna hate me! I'm weird."

"Scarlet, can you stop pacing like that? I swear you're activating my OCD," Cece complained.

I turned my head into her direction, staring at my best friend who sat cross-legged on my three-seater sofa. "Your OCD has nothing to do with the amount of anxiety that's running through me," I retorted, allowing my hand to go through my hair for the twentieth time.

"Scar, love. Please stop pacing and you don't need to be so nervous. I don't want to call Junho to buy another TV." Michael gestured to the short-circuited television next to the door and the brand new flat screen that had yet to be plugged in.

I sighed, stopping in place. It had been three weeks since the bomb incident, and I was still short-circuiting and setting things on fire.

It was only a few weeks ago when Kendrick presented me with my final assignment. I'd ended up being paired with Team Seven, one of Paranormal INC's top teams in regards to unsolved cases and crimes of the paranormal variety.

I had never imagined that during that final assignment I would be knocked into a crystal ball, requiring me to catch it without my gloves on. That moment sent me into a vision in front of the team, and to make it even better – the leader of the team happened to be a very sexy man that I’d had a one-night stand with two nights before.

I was now an official member of Team Seven. I was also the first female on the team, but thanks to our last case, I was on leave due to injuries I sustained on the job.

Michael had healed the wounds and bruising around my neck, and I'd slept for a good week, thanks to being unconscious due to the immense magic usage. I had almost reached my magic limit from what Cece had explained, and now, the boys were anxious about me doing anything.

I bet breathing was a concern to them. I could feel the elements around me feed off my anxiety, and that was probably the reason why weird things were happening in my flat. They were worried I would short-circuit the TV, toaster, or some other electronic device, or I'd start setting shit on fire...again.

Marcus had notified Junho that they were coming by tomorrow with their group – that group included their girlfriend, Makoto.

I was now panicking; my mind worked in overtime at the possibility of me fucking up this encounter. Cece had been my only female friend for five years. I'd heard a lot of good things about Makoto, and I wanted to make her feel welcomed. I just didn't want to ruin it all.

Michael approached me; his arms wrapped around me and pulled me into a hug.

"It will be just fine. Your social skills are awesome. You guys will connect for sure." he reassured me.

"Can you use your prophecy magic and see if that's true?" I questioned, pulling back to look at him.

He grinned. "That's not how it—" he began, but trailed off; his eye narrowed for a moment.

"Michael?"

Cece glanced up from her phone, noticing Michael's sudden daze.

"You triggered it," she announced.

"What? Um, Michael? Are you alive there?" I asked; my hand left his waist to wave up in his face. It took three tries before he snapped out of it, blinking out of whatever trance he was in.

"What?" he asked.

"You okay? What did you see?" I wondered.

He blinked a few times before a wide grin formed on his lips. "You'll have fun, that’s what I saw," he replied.

I groaned. "That doesn't tell me anything!"

"Okay. You want a hint?"

"Yes!"

"Whale float."

"...What? Why would I have a float? Especially a whale one?" I inquired.

He kissed me gently on the forehead. "You have to wait and find out. Now, I gotta go. I'll be back in the early part of the week to check in. Don't burn my house down. And your motorcycle is parked in the underground garage," he disclosed.

"Aww, you’re no fun! But, YES! My motorcycle's in. I wonder if Makoto likes motorcycles?" I wondered.

"You'll find out tomorrow. I'll see you soon." He gave me a kiss on the lips before he said farewell, waving goodbye to Cece. He reached out to open the door when it clicked; the door opened to reveal Junho.

"Hey. Leaving?" he questioned to Michael, giving him a pat on the shoulder.

"Ya. I won't stay long. I just want to check on my baby sis and make sure she's not having a hard time with that woman," he mumbled.

Junho frowned, giving him another reassuring pat. "If you need anything, let me know. My family is visiting for business, so I can always get my sister to check in," he reassured Michael who nodded.

Michael said he was going to visit his family in ArchAilennia, Realm Ten. I still tried to keep all the realm info in my head. Cece decided it would be easier for me to learn by focusing on one realm at a time – Heila was our current focus.

"Thanks, man. Make sure Scarlet doesn't burn the house down."

"Hey! I can hear you," I interrupted.

"Yes, yes. You know it's true. Be good, Firecracker," Michael called out, laughing.

I let out a frustrated huff.

"Stop calling me that!" I yelled.

Junho smirked; his playful expression made him look even more attractive.

Ever since I'd accidentally short-circuited one of Ethan's laptops, causing it to literally spark everywhere like a fucking firework in the living room, the boys had been calling me Firecracker. I didn't hate it. It just reminded me that I owed Ethan a computer or some type of compensation. He reassured me he had a ton of laptops and it wasn't a big deal, but I still felt bad.

Michael left; Junho closed the door before approaching me.

"How about sexy-redhead?" Junho recommended.

"Hmm, not bad. Maybe as a code name," I suggested.

He smirked, leaning down to give me a quick kiss.

The guys had been very affectionate as of late. I didn't know if it was due to the fact I almost died or because we now had some free time to develop our relationship. Whatever it was, I hoped during this week I'd get to enjoy some time with them while chilling with Makoto and her group of guys.

"Isn't it rare for one girl to have a group of guys as friends?" Serenity wondered.

"Hmm. I agree. I wonder if they share with Marcus. Like how Scar shares the guys,” Aurora replied.

I don't know. I should have asked Michael. His brother is a part of their group, right? Maybe he would have some insight.

"What are you thinking?" Junho asked.

"Junho, don't ask her questions. Let me enjoy this moment of peace, while my OCD calms down," Cece called out.

I rolled my eyes. “I wondered if Makoto and her group of friends are like us? Or are she and Marcus a couple and the guys are really his group of friends?” I asked.

Junho slipped his hand into mine, pulling me towards the one-seater. He sat down, pulling me into his lap. I sighed, relaxed in his embrace and enjoyed his fresh citrus scent.

"I don't know much. Michael would have more knowledge because he talks to his brother often. But the last couple of weeks, he hasn't heard from him. I think he said they had some mission to take care of, and he'd be super busy. At least he's coming down with Marcus," Junho explained.

"But Michael won't be here." I reminded.

"He said he'll come check in. He's not on good terms with his family. He merely goes to see his little sis, or she gets extremely cranky. Angels aren't the best to be around when they're upset." Junho revealed.

"Oh. Hmm, well I guess I’ll learn more about it in my lessons?" I asked.

Cece rose to her feet, yawning. "Yup. I'll give you a lesson on each of these guys’ spirits." Cece announced in a chirpy voice.

Junho frowned, narrowing his eyes on her.

She rolled her eyes. "Don't give me that look. Fine, fine. Except for Junho," she huffed.

I looked into his turquoise eyes. "Tell me what you are!" I demanded.

"No."

"Awww, why?" I complained.

"Because you promised Marcus you’d guess."

"He's a bear shifter."

"He's not a bear shifter, Scar." Junho snickered.

I groaned. "I give up." I exclaimed, resting my head on his shoulder.

He grinned, his arm around my waist while his hand trailed aimlessly along my legs. "You didn't even try." he accused, amusement filled his voice.

"There's probably like a thousand shifters out there. I bet there's even a unicorn shifter! Is there a whale shifter? Are you a whale shifter?" I nominated, smiling widely.

Cece laughed while Junho sighed, shaking his head.

"No sweetheart. I'm not a whale shifter. And yes, there are unicorn and whale shifters out there," he replied.

I frowned. "Whatever." I rested my head back on his shoulder.

He chuckled at my defeat, pressing a kiss to my forehead.

"I'm off to bed. Night." Cece waved goodbye, heading towards my spare bedroom which I'd gotten refurnished as Cece's guest room for when she came over.

We heard the door close, leaving us alone in the living room.

"How are you feeling?" Junho asked, his voice low.

I could see how tired he was, having been out all day working and organizing the house all of us would be chilling at for the next five days. "I'm okay. I don't feel super weak. I'm making sure to eat regularly and resting when I need to. You look exhausted," I explained before pointing out his exhaustion.

He gave me a tired smile. "Ya. I wouldn't mind going to bed, early," he admitted.

I leaned in to kiss him, wanting a moment to enjoy him before we headed to bed. He let out a soft moan, deepening the kiss.

"Meow."

We pulled apart to stare at Moonlight, who sat in front of us. I raised my eyebrow at him.

"Moonlight, we were having a moment."

"Meow."

"You're a mean cat."

"Meow."

"I'm well aware that I have to get up early tomorrow and shouldn't be up right now kissing Junho, thank you very much."

Junho gave me a confused look.

"You speak cat now?" he questioned.

I blushed, having not told them about Risuki being a Starlight god and that he could talk to me in my mind like my spirits.

"Um....it's hard to explain. I just know from the tone of his meows?" I suggested.

He chuckled. "Well, he did sound like he didn't approve of us kissing when we both should be sleeping," he commented.

"Sleep is for the weak!" I proclaimed.

He sighed. "You’re going to be so out of it tomorrow if you don't sleep. We don't want that, now do we?" Junho suggested.

I frowned. "Nope. Let's go to bed," I whispered, feeling the nerves creep in again.

Junho must have noticed; his hand tightened around my waist. "Scarlet. Trust me, it will be fun. Marcus said Makoto isn't your typical girl down the block. You two could be friends from another life or something. Just be positive and if you get stuck, we'll help you out, okay?"

I looked into his eyes before I smiled. "Okay."

His arms hooked beneath my arms and knees, lifting me up as he rose to his feet. I grinned, happy I didn't have to leave his arms.

"Let's go to sleep. Moonlight, are you coming?" Junho asked, looking down at the black fur ball whose turquoise eyes matched his.

"Meow!" Moonlight replied, making his way to the bedroom – stopping in the hall to wait for us to follow. We both smiled.

"Didn't Marcus say Makoto has a kitty too?" I asked as we Junho began to walk.

"Um, apparently she's not a kitty. She's a Foxshier."

"A what?"

"I don't know. That's the term Makoto classifies her as. She's a familiar by the way."

"Oh? That's interesting. Maybe her Foxshier will get along with Moonlight."

"Meow." Moonlight rubbed at his fur, something he didn't do often which made me curious.

You know her?

"Maybe." Risuki's voice filled my head.

I could hear his hesitation. You’re hiding something.

"I'm going to sleep," Risuki replied – Moonlight scurried to the “Scar room” which was left open.

I sighed. Fine. Be stubborn.

"I guess tomorrow will be the start of our little vacation," I rejoiced.

Junho grinned. "Yes. Let's enjoy every moment," he replied.

I closed my eyes; sleep began to claim me as Junho reached my room, closing the door with what I assumed was his foot.

I'll enjoy these next couple of days no matter what. At least, I'll have my men with me. In stars, we trust.