Io Silas POV
As I rouse from a heavy slumber I am first aware of the coolness of the air and it's loamy fragrance. I awoke to soft sheets, and the morning light trickled in through the blinds. Shedding myself of the remaining glimpses of a dream, my eyes were still shut as I soaked in the warmth of my covers before letting my blue eyes see the sun's rays.
Something heavy is lying on me. I was squashed between two. There is the hug of gentle arms that still gives the space to breathe; then there is the hug of strong arms that clings on for dear life. I ran my delicate long fingers through the locks of silver and orange hair. Wondering how either of them got in even though I locked the door.
Slowly and reluctantly, I open my eyes. To I blink, close my eyes, and blink again. Streaks of sunlight penetrate the window and blind me. A yawn escapes my lips as I sit up, drag my feet off the bed. Rubbing my knuckles onto my eyes. I stretch my arms above my head and yawn. I watch my legs dangle above the off-white polyester carpet.
The sound of the rustling bed sheet caught me attention. The sounds of soft whimpering me surprised me. I snap my head in the direction of Yuki to see him gripping onto my dress shirt tightly. Muttering in a desperate tone,
"Master don't leave....I....you."
Although I couldn't hear all that he said my heart broke. They have been through so much. They will always, to me at least, be kids on the inside.
I pat his head, his ears popping out twitching occasionally. I stroke his head gently, like I used to do before everything happen.
His piercing blue eyes flutter open. His long eyelashes highlighting his gorgeous pair of gems. He leans into my touch, placing his larger hand onto mine where it lay on his cheek.
Then he moves closer with those eyes that look so deeply into my own. I chuckle, smiling warmly,
"Hey, it's me."
His eyes and breathing becomes softer, the pensive look melting into a smile as soft as the morning light. His body squirms just a little as his muscles relax. There is something about that gaze of his that made my heart feel at ease.
He rubs his cheek affectionately like a child against my palm. I must admit although a grown man was doing it, it was absolutely adorable. Leo aroused from his bed, a yawn escaping his lips as he slieepliy rubbed his eyes. Drool trickled down his mouth causing me to chuckle at the sight.
He notices me and flushes red in embarrassment a childlike pout on his seamlessly flawless face. A whine escaped his puffed out cheeks.
"Nyaster! What is he doing here!"
I shake my head helplessly, wanting to roll my eyes as my lips quirk up into a smile.
"How did either of you get in here. I remember locking the door."
I looked at the quizzically cocking a brow. I pretended I was mad by crossing my arms and frowning.
Both looked at each other angry, confusedand upset before turning to me with an apologetic expression on their face.
Ruki began flailing his hands like an inflated mascot. Stuttering as his cheeks flushed red.
"Well. I-uh I-uh mean I mean I d-didn't I uh-."
"You didin't mean what?"
I asked with a teasing tone.
He flushes red in embarrassment. Hiding his face in my shirt. Leo looks at him, jealousy evident in his eyes.
I chuckle and rub both of their head affectionately. Making their bed hair even more messy. I laugh at the sight of the two dishevelled people laying on the very cramped bed.
"I was just messing with both of you."
They both snapped their heads to me.
"You know how to joke."
I roll my eyes before nodding. My eyes telling them 'you think I can't joke even if I am your teacher.
They laugh in amusement. The bed creaks as I stand up. I turn towards them.
"Well how about we get some breakfast. Then do a little touring. I just want to relax as I travel."
"Alright master!"
Leo springs out of the bed excitedly his tail wrapping around my waist tightly.
"Unfortunately, I can't accompany you."
Yuki look depressed as he said that. I pat his head.
"We'll have plenty of more opportunities. Do the duties you need to do."
He pouted before pulling me into his broad chest and squeezing me tightly.
"I'll be back soon. I just need to deal with some small things."
"Are you sure you'll actually be able to travel with me. After all you have your own duties."
"I'll have my assistant handle it. I can't afford to waste more time without you."
"Alright, alright. You are all quite clingy and sticky overtime. I'll be back here before the 8:00 PM, if not I'll contact you via a communication device."
"Alright...."
Yuki hung his head low, not separating from the hug. I rub his back before pryiong off the sticky male.
"Bye master. I'll be back soon."
"Okay, stay safe."
He nodded, taking one more glance before leaving.
Leo turned towards me, jumping up and down in excitement.
"Shall we go!"
I chuckle at his cute antics, nodding as stroke his hair. He purrs happily in response.
"Come one let's head to some hot spots. I'll buy you some things if you like."
"Yay!"
----------------------
Not a single empty place could be spotted between the stalls. Some held a hand against their forehead to shield themselves from the sun, others made fans out of newspapers or magazines. The sun mercilessly shone down upon the market. Beads of sweat glistened on people's forehead and many faces turned red due to the sweltering heat.
The salty odour of sweat mingled with the nose tingling aroma of spices and the sweet smell of flowers coming from the florist's shop. All of these smells mixed together and gave the market a rather unique scent, which hung in the air from early morning to late evening.
The footpaths were crowded with stalls selling sacks of nuts and dried fruit, or meat roasting on roasting skewers. Powdered spices lay in rust red and dusty yellow piles, or spilled bright green from sacks as large as feed bags. Rich and unfamiliar scents cut through the smell of engines, so heavy she could taste them in her mouth, like the air inside a fabrication green house.
Market stalls lined the route, and I paused for a moment to survey the flamboyant scene and observe the milling throng. Lovers strolled hand in hand, casually browsing, whilst housewives hustled and bustled, and haggled over the price of the exotic fruits and other imported merchandise, with vendors of various nationality.
A hand intertwines their fingers with my own. My head turns towards the taller male next to me. He smiled at my affectionately. I rub his knuckles gently.
"You scared. You haven't been outside since going into the forest. I was surprised to find you their injured as a kitten. I remember you were injured from the battle and shrunk into a cute kitten. How did you even find me? I remember erasing the traces of me?"
"Well I-uh put detection magic on you. But hid it on an item on your body so you wouldn't detect it on your body."
I put my hands on my hips.
"Really?"
"Sorry..."
I chuckle patting his fluffy head of bright orange hair.
"I don't regret it. You kept me great company. I know how much it affected you kids when I left. My only regret is that I wasn't there when you were growing up. Seeing you going out on your own adventures. Not saying 'welcome home'. How it must have felt for them to feel betrayed."
I stare at the bright baby blue sky, where clouds drifted lazily along.
The hand holding mine tightened.
"It's not your fault. It was never your fault. You did it for the world, for us. For me..."
"Perhaps so, or it may have been for my own selfish desires."
"I'm sure the others don't think that! I don't think that. Well the other are in l-"
Leo slapped a hand over his mouth. His eyes widen open.
I cock a brow in suspicion.
"What were you going to say?"
"I-uh I was going to say I love cookies!"
I chuckle and pinch his cheeks.
"Alright I'll get you some when we pass a place that sells it."
He nods his fist clenching tightly.
'Only if you knew how much..."