Say You Love Me

Ch. 8 Let's Go On a Job

Nashi

I slowly opened my eyes. I squinted my eyes in annoyance by the light seeping through the curtains. I groaned.

Memories of yesterday seeped to my brain. Just the feeling of Storm holding me felt so..nice.

NO
NO
NO
YOU SHUT UP YOU STUPID HEART. YOU DO NOT HAVE PERMISSION TO FEEL THINGS!!!ESPECIALLY FOR THAT BOY!

I took a deep breath, cleared my mind and got up and got ready for my day. I quickly change and began heading towards the guild. When I got inside, the guild was as noisy as ever. At least something was normal. I headed towards the counter when I felt a pair of eyes staring at me. From the corner of my eye,  I saw Storm staring at me, his eyes tight and worried.

STOP LOOKING AT ME OR IM GOING TO BE BOTH BEAT YOU AND MU HEART UP!

"What's his problem?" I grumbled to myself as I sat down on the counter.

"Hey... I heard what happened yesterday... are you okay?"

I looked up to see a pair of golden flecks. Reiki. "Just peachy!" I responded sarcastically with pursed lips.

Reiki looked down saddened. "Look I'm sorry that this-"

"Don't be," I cut him off. "You're not at fault. It's their fault for being so overdramatic." I grumbled.

Reiki expression didn't change, he just nodded his head looking down.

My whole body stiffened. As I looked past the red haired mage to see the iron dragon slayer walking my way. What does she want?

I watched as she nervously walked up to us. "Umm... w-we were ummm..." she stuttered.

"Spit it out." I spoke bitterly.

"W-we were wondering if you wanted to go on a job?"

A wave of hope flashed over me. Perhaps they have gotten over the prior events. Maybe they finally forgave me? All hope was lost as I saw from the corner of my eye the takeover mage behind the counter, watching us intently. My heart dropped. They weren't trying to make amends. They were only asking me because of Mira.

A darkness overcame me. My face fell in confliction. I didn't want to go on the job if they really didn't want to. However, I needed the money... "Sure."

Grace frowned. "Really? You sure?"

"You don't have to look so disappointed" I grumbled to myself. However I hid my hurt with a smile. "Yeah I'm sure, what job is it?"

"Umm... capturing a group of bandits... we're leaving tonight..." she said awkwardly looking back towards her friends, who had a curious expression on their face.

"Okay, I guess I'll see you tonight."

"Right..."

I watched as Grace turned her head away from us, only to see her silky midnight hair. She walked towards Nova and began whispering to each other while glancing back at me.

Ugh this job is going to be a pain.

"You sure you want to go on a job with them?" My eyes turned to the scarlet haired mage who was staring at me in concern.

"I need the money. Our parents haven't come back from their job yet, and we need someone to pay for the rent until they get back." I whispered.

Reiki's gaze did not fall from me. I squirmed at his gaze nervously, waiting for him to speak. He sighed breaking his stare. "Don't worry. I'll be on the job too, so you don't have to worry. I'll protect you."