I would have to give up my new friends. I mean, I didn’t want them to get hurt by accident. My mother was really violent and I didn’t want them to get hurt in the cross hairs. I turned with determination.
“We can’t be friends,” I announced, “I don’t want you to get hurt.”
Henry paled and looked to Marco.
The man blinked three times before shaking his head in shock. “I don’t know if I should be fucking pissed your life is that dangerous or amused that you think we could get hurt.”
I frowned, feeling frustrated. “Marco, I know all of you are massive giants, but there are a lot of big people out there and while I will always cherish my first friendships…”
Marco chuckled and remarked, “amused it is then. Also, giants?”
I shrugged and replied, “I’m pulling from the Bible and fairytales here. So either giants or dragons, you pick.”
Marco offered a wicked smile as Henry shook his head as he answered, “dragons.”
Henry smiled with strain before approaching me. “Listen, Maya, you really don’t need to worry about us. I promise you, we won’t get hurt.”
I frowned. “But-“
“Trust me?” Henry pleaded. His fingers slipped into mine as I looked down at our hands. I nodded because when it was just Henry and I, my body felt a bit like honey. Sweet and slow.
I didn’t trust him. Well,I did. But he clearly didn’t know what was good for himself.
“Fine,” I sighed. “I’ll just have to protect you all.”
Marco let out a booming chuckle while Henry smiled softly. “How about you protect us and we will protect you as well? It’s what friends do.”
I pursed my lips, contemplating and said, “okay deal. Plus I don’t know how to handle people like that Lorn guy.” Marco snarled from the couch at my expression.
Henry frowned, “what happened with Lorn?”
“She accidentally bumped into him and he… was being difficult,” Ledger muttered while followed by Sai and Anani.
Sai scooped me up into a soft hug and muttered, “sorry.”
I patted his head before pulling back, “thank you.” No idea what he was apologizing for, but that was what you did when someone said ‘sorry.’
“Did he just apologize?” Anani hooted. “That’s amazing.”
“Shut it,” Sai growled.
Marco stood with a grunt, “Sai come with me, and you four should start some homework.”That wasn’t a half-bad idea.
I frowned at his possible departure, but he walked over and pressed a kiss to my forehead. I preened under his affection like the starved woman I was. Sai hugged me lightly, careful to not press any bruises before they went to the foyer.
“Where did they go?” I asked Henry with unabashed curiosity.
He looked away, “um, an errand I think.”Now why did that ring partially false?
I nodded and gripped his hand again. He blushed but I didn’t care. We both walked toward the kitchen. I picked up the mug of tea and took a long sip. I hummed my approval at the taste, reminding me of berries that grew outside the church basement window. I voiced that description.
“Why were you in a church basement?” Ledger asked quietly after a moment.
I froze and took another drink, “it was near our house.”
Sorta. Okay, it was my house.
“I thought you had never really left your house?” Anani narrowed his eyes.