His tiny hostage [G/T]

IX - Picnic

"Can we have a picnic today, older brother?" Koa's eyes were wide and filled with a hopeful gleam, his voice a soft plea that tugged at Otis's heartstrings.

"Why would we?" Otis asked, his tone carrying a note of skepticism, though he couldn't help but be swayed by the earnestness in Koa's gaze.

"We want to go to the park and have a picnic!" Koa and Ezra chimed in unison, their voices bubbling with a fervent excitement as they danced around Otis, their anticipation nearly palpable.

"Fine," Otis relented with a resigned sigh, his resistance melting under the weight of their combined enthusiasm. He dressed carefully, donning layers to guard against the biting cold of the day and opting for clothing with ample pockets. The chill in the air reminded him of the potential dangers the park might pose, and his mind lingered uneasily on Bluebelle. The park was a vast expanse of uncertainty, filled with risks that could easily overwhelm her. Despite his brothers' good intentions, he feared they might not fully grasp the dangers involved. His unease gnawed at him as he prepared for the outing.

"Let's go, big brother!" Koa and Ezra cheered, their voices ringing with unbridled joy as they donned their scarves and mittens. Otis looked around, momentarily relieved to see Bluebelle absent. But just as he began to relax, Koa's next words cut through his fragile peace.

"Us five are all going to have one!"

"There are only four of us, Koa," Otis pointed out, trying to make sense of the situation.

"No, there's five. Me, you, Luca, Ezra, and Bluebelle," Koa said with unwavering certainty.

"The hostage is here?" Otis's heart sank, a wave of dread crashing over him. His mind raced with anxiety over the potential danger.

"Yeah, look!" Koa exclaimed, pulling Bluebelle from his pocket. She emerged with a mixture of surprise and vulnerability, her summer dress—exposed back and all—rendering her both breathtaking and perilously exposed. The beauty of her appearance was overshadowed by the stark reality of the situation.

"It's dangerous," Otis said, his voice tight with concern.

"I'll be okay, Mr. Otis, I promise," Bluebelle responded, her voice trembling with a blend of determination and fear. Her brave attempt to reassure him only deepened his anxiety.

"Fine," Otis conceded, though his heart was heavy with foreboding.

As they arrived at the park, chaos erupted. Otis meticulously set up the blanket and arranged the picnic basket, his mind still preoccupied with worry. Meanwhile, his brothers, absorbed in their own excitement, inadvertently left Bluebelle to navigate the busy park on her own. She squeezed through the metal fencing, her face a portrait of distress as she scurried towards him.

Otis's heart raced as he witnessed the unfolding scene. Panic surged through him when he saw a Cerberus, its eyes wild and untamed, begin to chase after Bluebelle. He rushed to her side, his protective instincts kicking in as he scooped her up from behind. She let out a sharp cry, her initial panic fading into a mix of relief and fear as she recognized him. He carefully set her down on the blanket, his mind a whirlwind of concern as he checked on his brothers. They seemed oblivious, lost in their own games, leaving Bluebelle to face the chaos alone.

Otis's relief was short-lived. As he turned back, he saw Bluebelle being besieged by a swarm of squirrels. His heart ached at the sight of her distress, and he sprinted back, shooing the squirrels away with frantic urgency. His worry eased slightly when he saw that her wound remained undisturbed, but his anxiety remained.

As he knelt beside her, he heard a faint, troubling sound—a soft rumble from her stomach. Her cheeks flushed a deep red as she clutched her midsection, clearly starving. Guilt overwhelmed him. He wanted to comfort her, to offer solace. Using a spare bottle cap, he pressed down on a piece of sandwich, crafting a tiny morsel for her. But just as he extended it to her, a crow swooped down and snatched it away. Bluebelle's eyes widened in shock, and she ran to him, her face a mask of desperation.