Facing the Storm

by Wilson, Yumoyori

  "Turn around for a second," I whispered.

  He didn't question me as he removed his hand from my shoulder and turned around. He stood there and waited, which irritated me, but I gave up fighting any more. With a sigh, I took a step forward and lowered my head to his left shoulder.

  My first set of tears fell, and I whispered. "Tell anyone and I'll kill you."

  "You have my word," James replied.

  With those last words, I let the tears fall, hoping I'd be able to be a better lover to Crimson. That we'd all be better lovers and most importantly:

  Be better protectors.

  ~CRIMSON~

  "I don't wanna go," I whispered.

  The soft touch of Aki's lips pressed against my forehead, helping my creeping anxiety to settle at the level it was. He held me a bit tighter, and his tails added an extra sheet of security before he spoke. "Crim. It will be fun."

  "I don't know if I'm ready yet," I confessed.

  Today was Friday, two days after I'd revealed the truth to ChiyoChi. I knew she'd told the guys what I'd shared with her, but I didn't know whether they were affected by it. They were acting normally, or at least I thought they were, and I didn't know whether to feel relieved or even more anxious.

  Aki had stayed with me all yesterday. It wasn't like we did anything spectacular. It felt almost like a normal day. Normal as in my lifestyle before I'd officially become a shifter when the guys had newly entered my life.

  Aki and I had a warm bath together, and though I was a bit nervous in the beginning, it was a little easier to be in the bath with him and actually kiss. I could handle back massages again, and Aki took advantage of this, making sure I got the best massage from him.

  We then headed for breakfast, which I was surprised to see we weren't alone. I'd assumed the others would be doing their own stuff and no one else would be home but Aki and me. However, everyone was there including James, which again, left me a little surprised.

  I didn't have any hopes he'd stick around this long, but I wasn't going to act like I wasn't pleased about it.

  He did love pissing off all the guys, but it seemed he got along with Haru the most, and Aki and Itsuki were second and third. Maybe it was because Haru and James were both fox shifters. Who knows?

  Either way, it felt nice to all eat together instead of being in my room eating either by myself or with just one of the guys.

  We then went for a walk after breakfast and spent a good portion of the morning looking at the commissions and trying to schedule it all out.

  I knew my schedule was up in the air, especially with our current situation, and we had no idea when we'd have to go get the final crystal, but Aki reassured me that within the next eight weeks, this would all be over. That was the plan.

  Eight weeks before we faced N.R.O.

  The afternoon was spent painting. I was apprehensive at first, but Aki and Yoshi had brought a bunch of smaller canvases and all my paint supplies from my place in Nokamato here.

  Once I was in a comfortable position and my familiars decided to appear and surround me, it didn't seem that hard to try. Even Fushichou, who I called Fushi for short, joined in all his phoenix glory. He was able to change to a smaller size that was almost the same size as Chiryoshi. With both of them sitting on my shoulders and Urufu and Mizuko sitting on each side of me with their heads on top of my crossed legs, I'd gotten to work.

  It amazed me how I'd forgotten what painting always did to me. It helped me escape into a reality I knew wasn't real and let me enjoy bringing out my imagination onto a blank page.

  All afternoon I painted, Aki quietly staying on the bed and watching me the entire time. I'd assumed he would have napped, but my Kitsune seemed to acknowledge he was watching, her excitement level was high all afternoon long as she rolled around in my mind.

  She was happy. My familiars were happy. And surprisingly enough, I was happy.

  For what seemed like a long time, I was actually happy and content for that afternoon, painting away different commissions and enjoying my moment of tranquility.

  That evening, Aki and I just talked, and I had the courage to repeat what I'd told ChiyoChi. It was easier, and I didn't shed as many tears, but what touched me the most was the way Aki simply held me and listened to every word.

  Every word, every sob, every whimper that left my trembling lips. I'd been so afraid of them judging me, for looking down on me after what happened since that's what society did. That's what the papers did whenever "another" prostitute was raped and tried to seek justice. I assumed it would have been the same with me. I assumed the guys would take Eric's side and blame me for what had happened.

  It wasn't simply the wrong place at the wrong time, or as if I was wearing something provocative to lead Eric on. He kidnapped me and did horrible things to me, yet my mind told me that the guys wouldn't care. It was such a silly error of judgment but was so strong in power that my silence was the only thing to helped me get through each day.

  I'd felt like I was suffocating within myself, and thanks to ChiyoChi and the guys for suggesting that I have a change in my training, I'd finally faced the demon I was afraid of the most.

  I'd fallen asleep after that but had promised to go out with Malachi the next day for some fresh air. The others said I needed a good break, and that started with trying to go back out into civilization.

  It sounded like a good idea last night, but after being awake for 30 minutes consciously thinking about it, I wanted to back out of it.

  Aki ran his fingers through my long hair, prompting me to lift my head up to look into his green eyes. "I think you're more than ready, Crimson."

  "But..." I trailed off, trying to think of a perfect excuse but coming up with nothing solid. "What if I freak out."

  "Malachi will be right there. He won't leave you alone."

  "But what if he can't calm me down. What if I make a scene and he can't do anything. I don't want to disgrace him. I'll just stay home."

  Ya. Staying home would be safer.

  Aki gave me a remorseful look, leaning down to give me a kiss on my nose. "You won't freak out, and if there’s a slight chance you do and Malachi can't console you, I'll be there."

  "You're coming?"

  "I'll be 'there,' if you get what I mean," he replied.

  "You don't need to come. I feel bad."

  "I'm on guard duty." He winked and gave me a kiss on my right cheek. "I volunteered to come."

  "Won't Malachi be mad?"

  "Malachi agreed for me to be on guard." Aki smirked when I pouted my lips, trying to find yet another excuse. "Crim."

  "What if I just fuck this up?" I mumbled.

  "You won't. This is just a first step and it's okay to trip. We'll make sure we catch you," Aki vowed. I met his eyes once more, my ears twitching a few times as my Kitsune moved comfortably to the edge of the surface to add her support.

  "Gomennasai," I whispered.

  "Why are you apologizing?" Aki asked, lifting his hand from my hair to stroke my cheek with his thumb.

  "I keep...repeating myself. One minute I'm excited to try something and then...the next I'm all depressed and want to back out. I know I've been a pain or repetitive...I'm trying."

  "You're doing no such thing. I don't want you thinking that way." Aki pulled me into his arms and kissed the top of my head; his hands trailed slowly down my bareback.

  The slow movement was relaxing and made my current three tails sway back and forth. It was nice that most of my wounds were healed now, and Haru was going to do a final assessment tomorrow. It was even more satisfying to know I could be touched there again and having Aki demonstrate that with his touch reminded me that I was healing. I am getting better.

  "Just try to have fun, Crim. Let yourself go and don't think about anything but living the best life. Think of today as your last time on earth and how you'd want to spend it. Also remember, I'll be there if you need me."

  I nodded against his chest before I pressed my lip
s against his flesh. "I love you so much."

  "I love you even more."

  We remained in a tight hug for a minute before Aki whispered, "Are you going to shower first?"

  "Ten more minutes of cuddle time," I replied with my eyes closed. "And I want a bath."

  "With me?"

  "With you."

  "You're getting used to those."

  "I am. Not ashamed of it."

  "Never want you to be," he murmured. "Ten minutes and a nice hot bath to start the day."

  I made a small sound to tell him I agreed, wanting to continue enjoying the sound of his heartbeat while my tails moved back and forth. He went back to stroking my back at a slow and calming pace, and I decided to enjoy every second of this.

  Just think of today as your last. Be free to do what you want.

  Live.

  "I never expected you to be able to drink so much!" I gawked at Malachi who grinned and took down his 20th shot.

  "Lions have extremely fast metabolisms," Malachi replied. His confident look made me giggle as the loud music pumped through the packed club.

  I was so thankful that I hadn't chickened out on my date with Malachi. It started off with him taking me out to breakfast. We sat and simply talked about random things, like how Malachi liked his eggs sunny side up, which he said his parents used to think he was weird because the rest of the family loved them well cooked.

  We'd finished breakfast and went through a stroll around Homatomashi. We looked at different landmarks, Malachi knew all the history regarding each place before he took me to one of the famous art museums I'd gone to with Aki last time. With the Winter Festival approaching in a few weeks, the gallery had transitioned to fall artwork. They even had some of my art pieces that had been transferred from the art gallery from Nokamato on request of the Emperor himself.

  Malachi explained Yomato had no idea it was me until Jiyuna told him last week, and now the Emperor wanted a whole gallery made for my art work when I was ready to return to doing my passion. That would also be after I caught up with my commissions, which included a long waiting list.

  Either way, it excited me to think people still wanted my artwork. The image I'd drawn the night that I talked to ChiyoChi, would be kept in storage until after the peace talks were established.

  The guys were working together with the Emperor to create a campaign regarding sexual rights for men and woman and to heighten the consequences of rape for all—regardless of gender, race, or type of being you were; human or shifter.

  I knew I wasn't ready, but I was offered a position on the justice team. It would be a set of teams that would ensure peace was maintained across Japan and would soon branch out to international affairs when the time was right.

  The issue with prostitution and the rights of woman as well as men would be reviewed and addressed with the help of my parents, the emperor, and other peace associations who tried their best to remain neutral until people were proven guilty with evidence.

  Malachi also talked briefly about the recent discovery of women who were similar to ninjas and had Masters they had no choice but to follow. Some were physically and sexually abused, others were used to conduct their own missions and eliminate anyone who would cause conflict with their Master.

  It was a complicated topic, and Malachi said he didn't know enough to confidently discuss it, but Yoshi, Aki, and the others agreed that we wanted to find these victims and put an end to it all. Maybe even give them the freedom they desperately sought but were never given the chance to experience.

  After our talk, we enjoyed walking around the parks that still had cherry blossoms and then went for dinner. I thought we'd go home after that, but we'd passed by a club I used to go to years ago, and I simply couldn't resist the urge to go in.

  We were both wearing decent attire; Malachi wore mustard colored khakis, a white dress shirt and his hair straightened and left down which gave him a smooth, softened look without losing his masculinity.

  I, on the other hand, had donned leather pants, black boot like heels, a white shirt that was thin enough to show the black lace bralette I wore beneath, and my favorite leather jacket. My hair was up in a ponytail with a black ribbon with gold incantations, and I was even wearing the charm bracelet I'd gotten for my birthday.

  We'd settled at the bar and began drinking, enjoying the loud music and the energetic atmosphere. It was rather weird that I felt safe here, or maybe it was because I was with Malachi. My Kitsune could sense Aki nearby, and that was an added comfort to me and was allowing me to let loose and enjoy the night.

  I was finally having fun and now that the music had changed to the perfect dance beats, I was debating whether I would be willing to dance. To enjoy dancing with Malachi at a more intimate level.

  "Do...you want to dance for a bit?" I asked shyly, thanking the bartender who brought us another set of shots.

  Malachi smirked, and it could have been the alcohol or the amazing multi-colored lights of the club, but he looked ten times more handsome as his eyes twinkled with joy.

  "I'd love to dance with you Crimson. It's been a while."

  "Did you use to dance with Storm?" I asked. It was a weird question to bring up, but I was curious.

  "Nah. Hip-hop and stuff like that wasn't really her thing. I'd just come by myself at times to keep up with my moves for future competitions."

  "Competition?"

  "Champion for years. I could have gotten a scholarship and been on those talent shows as a judge if I wanted to," Malachi revealed.

  "Um...I can move my hips...?" I blushed, realizing I was no hip-hop champion. Malachi chuckled softly and leaned over to give me a deep kiss. It was unexpected, but my body responded without a second thought, my lips moving with his.

  I didn't even realize we were French kissing until we were both out of breath and needed a moment. Malachi's seductive expression made my stomach knot and reminded me how desperately I needed a good, fulfilling sex session. I'd neglected my personal pleasures because I felt I didn't deserve to be pleased.

  Yet, now that I'd realized I wasn't in the wrong, it had rekindled the fire inside me and made me want to be touched and make love again. Was I at 100%? Not yet. I wasn't even sure I'd last this date without a breakdown, but I wanted to try.

  Trying was better than doing nothing but wishing.

  "That's more the enough," he whispered against my lips. With one last clink of our shot glasses, we threw back the burning hot vodka and headed for the dance floor.

  Malachi took the lead, maneuvering us through the dancing crowd to the perfect corner that was balanced with the volume of the music and lighting. It wasn't hard to dance with him, and before long I was grinding against him to the rhythm of the beat.

  Even though his hands were on my hips and his hot breath teased my flesh, I was too far gone to care. In all honesty, I yearned for this. To be lost in the sounds that engulfed us and let the alcohol remove all my troubles, leaving me feeling empty and light while I allowed my body to enjoy this moment.

  I'd forgotten how it felt to please my men, loving how my closeness turned Malachi on and he wasn't afraid to let me feel the hard bulge in his jeans that pressed against my ass. I wanted him so badly, but each time I tried to think about it, I pushed it away.

  It wasn't until the music slowed and I turned in Malachi's hold to face him that my feelings hit me all at once. The love in his sky-blue eyes was so raw and pure, it shook me to the core.

  He loved me. Truly loved me after everything that had happened. I could have killed him, and he'd still look at me with those same passionate eyes. Even knowing every single detail, he could still dance the night with me. He could still hold me in his arms and kiss my neck with intensity. He could bring me into a world of equilibrium and that was what I needed.

  His left arm wrapped around my waist, pressing me against him as his right hand reached out to cradle my face.

  "You're okay, Hottie. I'm right here and I'll never hurt you."
He whispered so soothingly I couldn't help but let my tears fall.

  "I love you so much..." I said softly.

  "I know, Crimson. Just as I love you." His reply was followed by a tender kiss to my lips. "You know that, right? That I love and adore the strong woman before me."

  "I'm not strong."

  "Yes, you are, Crimson. You are the strongest woman I know, and nothing will stop you. Not the past, nor the present. No one will stop you from reaching the future you're destined to live."

  I leaned up and kissed him hard, and he kissed me right back, lowering his right hand and wrapping his other arm around my waist. After the heated kiss, he hugged me, shielding me from the world as I cried. He let me be vulnerable yet made sure that no one else would see that side but him, and I was truly thankful. I was grateful to have such amazing men, and I wouldn't get tired of saying it.

  Arigatou Gozaimasu, Malachi.

  I didn't think Malachi and I would stay the night at a hotel. Yet here we were, the both of us naked and facing each other at the end of the bed, while the soft sounds of music flowed through the dimly lit suite.

  I wasn't afraid of Malachi, but I wouldn't deny I was nervous. It had been weeks since I'd had sex, and it would be the first time I'd do the deed after the incident with Eric.

  Malachi decided to do things differently. His arms wrapped around my waist as we pressed our bare bodies together and simply danced to the slow yet sexual R&B music.

  The slow Jazz rendition of 'Ain't No Sunshine' came on and it seemed to make this moment perfect. Malachi twirled me around and my back pressed against his. I was slightly afraid by the position, wondering if we'd do it like this, but Malachi whispered into my ear for me to relax and to simply follow his lead.

  He knew my insecurities and I needed to let him do his thing. The sexual tension was thick between us, and it felt like it had been years since we'd seen each other or even been this close in proximity, which was false yet felt so true.

  We were grinding again at a slow swaying pace, and I could feel Malachi's cock grow hard with each movement. He concentrated on licking and nipping my neck, humming to the song once in a while and allowing me to relax in his embrace.