Led by the Wind through the Sky

Protecting you Both

Rena woke early the next morning. She hadn't gotten much sleep as her mind was busy going over her plan. She had warned Gun to stay away from Sky, and he obviously hadn't taken her seriously. She would make sure he regretted that.

She quietly slipped out of bed, careful not to wake Prapai or Sky, who were still fast asleep. Sky had shifted closer to Prapai in his sleep, his head resting on Prapai's shoulder. The sight was almost enough to make her reconsider, but time was of the essence. She left a note on the kitchen counter, something vague about running errands and needing some time alone. 

As she stepped outside, her mind focused on the task at hand: Gun. He had controlled Sky's life for too long, and now he was trying to worm his way back in. Rena wouldn't let that happen. She made her way to a small café across town, where she had agreed to meet her contact.

When she arrived, Rena scanned the room until she spotted a man sitting in the corner, his back to the wall. She approached the table and sat down across from him.

"Rena, it's been a while."

The man was an old family friend that she hadn't seen in years, but she knew that she could trust him to handle this matter. He was the one who introduced her to the races.

"Jeff. Thank you for meeting me on such short notice."

"I figured it must be important. What's going on?"

Rena hesitated for a moment, choosing her words carefully. 

"There's someone who's threatening someone very important to me."

Jeff raised an eyebrow, clearly intrigued, and he smiled. 

"Oh? Did you finally tie down that racer you were so crazy about?"

She narrowed his eyes at her teasing. Jeff had been like an older brother to her and he treated her like his younger sister. Apparently not seeing each other for years hadn't changed that.

"Shut up!"

"Sorry, sorry. So, who's doing the threatening?"

"His name is Gun. He comes to the races, but I don't know much about him."

Jeff nodded slowly, his expression turning serious. 

"Gun, huh? I've heard of him. Nasty piece of work. Are you sure you want to get involved in this?"

Rena met his gaze, her resolve unwavering. 

"I'm already involved."

He studied her for a moment before giving a curt nod. 

"Alright. How do you want him dealt with?"

"I... I want him to no longer be a threat."

He took a sip of his coffee, his gaze thoughtful. 

"Be careful, Rena. Gun's not the kind of guy who lets things go easily. He'll keep coming back if he isn't stopped... permanently."

"I know," she replied.

"Very well, but this will cost you."

"I understand. Thank you."

They both stood up and Jeff smiled down at her.

"You know I'd do anything to help you, Rena. I know you distanced yourself because you didn't want this life, but don't be a stranger."

As Jeff left, Rena felt relieved, but also sad. Gun would never be able to hurt Sky, but the thought of what she had done to make that happen wore away at her.

By the time she returned to Sky's apartment, it was almost lunchtime. Prapai and Sky were in the living room, clearly anxious. Prapai was the first to notice her, his eyes narrowing slightly as he took in her appearance.

"Rena, where were you?"

"I just needed to clear my head. I'm sorry I left before you woke up."

Sky looked at her with a mix of worry and confusion, but he didn't press her for details. Instead, he walked over to her and wrapped his arms around her.

"You should be. I wanted to snuggle with you."

Prapai, however, wasn't so easily convinced. He put his hand on her shoulder and stared into her eyes.

"Are you sure everything's okay?"

Rena forced a smile. 

"No, but it will be. As long as I'm with you both."

Prapai didn't look entirely satisfied with her answer, but he let it go, for now. 

Rena knew she was walking a fine line, but she had to keep up the charade. She wasn't sure if she would tell them the truth. She wondered if they would look at her differently if they knew what she had done. But how could she keep such a secret from them?

No matter what, she would protect the people she loved. Even if it meant stepping into the shadows herself.