Then it’s my turn, and I know I can’t keep hiding behind Anxo anymore. Their two steps forward have me taking two instinctive steps back, and it immediately stops their approach. To their credit, my reluctance doesn’t falter their teary smiles in the least.
I turn to Angel, silently asking if I should leave the safety of his arms. He doesn’t hesitate before kissing the crown of my head and whispering he is right behind me before lightly nudging me forward.
“Sunshine, this is my maa Yua Nakaya, the queen of Famine.” Seiji introduces them from behind the woman with August still in his arms—carefully observing me in an unfamiliar environment.
The woman holds her hands out and waits for me to initiate contact, and when I do, she grips them firmly, mumbling in her mother tongue. “Dean is going to sob like a baby when he sees you all grown up, Watashi no taisetsuna ko.”
She moves in for a hug. At first, I stiffen but soon melt into her warm, motherly embrace. The familiarity of her gesture reminds me of Harvey’s mum.
I can’t wait to see Stella again.
“And that’s Horsemen Famine aka my dad, Akihiko Nakaya.”
Seiji’s father has his own set of markings that cover his arms and are on display since he’s wearing a black suit with sheer sleeves. I’ve noticed how Horseman are always proud to show offtheir markings. Papa used to fold his sleeves just so his would poke out too.
“Oh, how long I’ve waited for this moment.” Horseman Famine’s voice falters near but he maintains the heart-melting smile which forces me to let my guard down and give him a small but honest one in return. The kind-looking man steps closer, “Can I get a hug too? I’ve been waiting to meetlittle Deathfor so long.”
What a cute nickname!
“Chikusho, you’re not calling her that!”
“Hush Yua, it’s my turn now. Don’t leave your favorite old man hanging, little Divine,” his arms now confidently awaiting me. I don’t get why he is calling himself old. When did people in their Divine thirties start calling themselves old?
Taking a deep breath, I slowly step forward and fall into his arms. The second his arms enclose me in a delicate and protective hug, the tight restraint I’ve had on my emotions nearly shatters.I really need to stop crying every time someone hugs me.
Ever since I started encountering people from my past, even if my brain can’t comprehend their importance, my Divine never misses a familiar presence. The warmth rushing through me is my Divine’s acknowledgment and acceptance of someone I remember being safe around. I think it’s his fatherly aura that calls out to me, and I can’t fall into that abyss now.
The first time Angel hugged me, I felt a similar rush of feeling that overwhelmed me, but I’ve grown a little more accustomed to physical contact since then.
“I don’t think you call yourself my favorite old man when you’re the only old person I know,” diversions work best when trying to avoid feeling too much.
“Yeah…you’re his daughter, alright. I pray you’re more mature, or I will have to retire sooner than I’d likelittle Death.” My shoulders shake when I laugh into his chest.
I gradually move back, fearing I will start crying if I stay too long. Thankfully, he gives me an understanding nod and doesn’t mind the distance I’ve created once more.
“How do you like home,little Death?”
“Didn’t I tell you not to call the sweet child that?” His wife swiftly smacks the back of his head. Oh, now I get where the smacking culture comes from.
“It’s perfect though! It will help everyone when Dean comes back and they both start working together.DeathandLittle Death.”
Alright, I need to add my new favorite people to the list.
Papa (I'm going to downgrade him if he doesn't come back soon.)
My Little Monkey
My pretty Angel
Grace, Harvey, Hazel, and Seiji (I had to switch Harvey back because he is my sister’s mate, and I have to respect my sister’s mate. And maybe because I love my best friend a little bit.Just a little bit.)
The Nakaya folks
“How about you retire now and take me on a trip? Or give me another baby like you promised.”
“Nope! No sex talk on the dining table, guys.” Seiji objects, rounding the table to take a seat beside his mother.
“Watashi no akachan,” she coos at her son. “I’m still waiting for him to grow out of his shell. My baby boy is so shy and quiet sometimes.”
