Puppet {ManxMan}

CHAPTER 43

Malachi wasn't having the best day. Being in an apocalypse, it wasn't certain what a good day would be defined as, but I'm sure it could be worse. Then again, the way he kept pacing and shaking his hands in front of his stomach begged to differ. The problem was I didn't know what was wrong, and Cass was no help, snickering in pure amusement whenever he saw Malachi freaking out, as if it wasn't a big deal.

"Okay," I stopped the madness finally by stepping in front of Malachi to stop his pacing, "What is your problem? I'm trying to work right now, and you're distracting me."

"Sorry," he muttered, and Cass laughed, bending over and holding his sides.

"Don't you know?" Beth asked from where she stood beside Ian, holding his staff while he leaned against the wall, "It's almost his and Arthur's five-year anniversary of being married."

I just held my hands up, "So?"

"He does this every year," Ian explained simply, "Always freaking out and thinking too much about what he's supposed to do. Cass thinks it's hilarious."

"What, it is!" Cass insisted, "Look at him, he's a wreck!"

I sent a quick look to Malachi, who was wringing his hands and glaring at Cass in irritation. He did look pretty freaked out, like if he couldn't come up with something overly romantic that it would ruin his life and relationship.

"I think it's sweet that he pays attention to things like this," Beth said, "It shows he really cares about Arty. In any case Arthur loves it. He doesn't like Malachi stressing himself, but he does appreciate it at least."

"Well, calm down," I said, folding my arms and looking back at Malachi, "If you know Arthur then you'll know he wouldn't care about special presents or anything."

"I know," Malachi nodded, "Still. My father used to pound into my head the importance of never forgetting an anniversary, to always have something ready. It's more of a way to keep something special between us."

"Yes, because you don't do that already with the flowers you're always bringing him," Ian said in amusement, "You've gotta be one of the most romantic men I've ever met, it's pretty pathetic."

Malachi coughed into his fist, his dark skin tinting red on his cheeks as he looked off to the side, "I just.... Don't want him to ever forget I love him."

"Yea, take notes you two," Beth said, jabbing Cass in the ribs with the end of Ian's staff before nudging Ian, "You want to eventually get into a super good, healthy, long relationship, pay attention to how Malachi treats Arthur."

"Are you saying I'm not romantic?" Cass asked, rubbing his side and pouting, "I can be romantic!"

Ian snorted and cleared his throat, turning his head and trying to fight the huge smile while Cass glared at him and Beth giggled against the back of her hand. I just rolled my eyes before looking at Malachi, who was scratching the back of his neck and staring at the ground.

"So what are you planning then?" I asked, "Or have you not thought of anything and that's why you're freaking out."

Malachi nodded his head slowly, searching his pockets before pulling out a weird little device. It fit in the palm of his hand and was silver with knobs, tiny gears, and a little cylinder with several lifted impressions on the surface. I just stared at it blankly for a long time before looking up at Malachi, arching an eyebrow.

"Okay.... What the fuck is that?"

"He won't tell us either," Cass admitted, and I rubbed the back of my head.

"We can't help you if you don't tell us what that is. It looks like a lump of metal with no purpose."

"It has a purpose," Malachi mumbled, slipping the weird thing back into his pocket, "I'm making him a box, but.... I wanted to use a sapphire for it. There are no jewelers available nowadays, so...."