Hiraeth: Belonging (II)

Chapter Six

Aka's voice thundered through my brain. "Whoa!"

I rubbed my eyes and awoke in confusion. Mike was still in my arms, although his head was to my side instead of on my shoulder. Our blankets were tangled around his legs.

"Hey, mates! Check this out!!!" Aka exclaimed, running around the cave excitedly.

Everyone was already awake except for Mike, who continued breathing slowly against me. I felt warm and protective of him in this state, so I didn't dare speak and wake him up. I just glared at my dragon friend angrily, motioning for him to shush.

"Awww!" Kira said quietly, walking over. "Look at how cute they are!"

"Ooh, Roxie, looks like you've got yourself a prince," Derek taunted, raising his eyebrows.

I ignored those two and instead listened in on a conversation between Parry and Karter.

"He's gonna stay here, I just know it," Parry was saying. "Especially after certain beings decided it would be a good idea to yell at him."

Derek, Kira, Serenity, and I hung our heads.

Karter nodded. "I know... But whatever he chooses, we'll support him."

Troy joined in. "Mike's leaving us?"

Parry looked at Karter, who nodded to Troy. "Most likely."

I wanted to interrupt and tell them Mike's actual decision, but it occurred to me that he might have changed his mind. Plus, his choice was risky and uncertain. How would it ever work?

Troy's eyes got watery, but he only stared at the ground and muttered, "I know. It's okay. It's his choice."

"I shouldn't have said anything, huh?" Derek asked meekly. He was crying, and although he spoke in a whisper, his voice was powerfully sad. "I realize that... That I was beings stupid."

Kira shook her head. "No, Derek. You-"

"-Yes. Yes, I was stupid. I am stupid. I upset Mike. I was selfish, and now he's gonna leave."

"You're not stupid," Mike suddenly spoke. I looked down at him. His eyes were just opening.

Has he been listening this whole time?

Everyone looked at him in surprise, but he didn't move, he just kept talking. "D-Derek, you're my best friend. I'm not mad at you, and you're not stupid. Y-You had every right to complain. It's cold and dark here, I get why it bothers you. Stars, it could be hurting you."

Derek wiped his face and knelt down in front of us.

Mike sat up, keeping his hand close to mine, and smiled at his friend. "I'm sorry. You shouldn't be sorry for anything."

"Why are you sorry?" Derek asked, laughing in relief.

"I-I-I've somehow made you guys think I'm leaving you."

My friends and I smiled.

"I'm not."

Derek hugged Mike quickly, squealing with happiness. "YAY!!!"

"You're not staying here?" Troy asked.

Mike shook his head. "No, Troy. I'd n-never leave you."

Troy, Kira, and I joined the hug. Aka and Serenity quickly followed.

"Get in here, Frances! Y-Y-You too, juniors!" Mike joked, referring to Parry and Karter.

Oh yeah, high school. That's going to be a thing again.