Worth More Than a Sapphire

Chapter 6: Another Visit

You didn't even mind the puddles that had seeped their way into your shoes. You didn't notice how your hair uncomfortably clung to your face. Maybe it was more appropriate to say you didn't care. Your smile just wouldn't leave, and your cheeks were painted with splashes of pink that clearly had no intention of leaving. You inhaled shakily, from the running or emotions, you weren't sure.

    Closing the door of your home sweet home, you started to slide off your backpack.

    Wait.

    Why was it still heavy?

    All of the airy joy from before was gone in an instant. You unzipped the bag, hesitant to look even though you knew what was in there. You peeked in. There it was. The stupid, stupid gem. The problem child of rocks.

    You slumped back onto your couch, holding it tight. Great. You held it up to the light, watching little blue rays shine off of it. A little twirl of your wrist, and the blue sparkles danced around the room. If you spun it fast enough, the entire room seemed to be coated in a thin layer of blue sheen. That sort of brought your smile back, but upon the realization that you were holding what could be a highly fragile precious gemstone up so high, you quickly brought it down to your chest.

    It was gorgeous, sure, and undeniably impressive in size, but... Not much more.

    The window beside your seat creaked.

    Without taking your eyes off the sapphire, you spoke. "Why did you take it?"

    Lupin froze, one foot already in. "You didn't know it was me."

    "It was a guess. Why did you take this one?" you repeated.

    Lupin slid over the armrest to sit beside you.  He made a vague noise of disinterest, thinking before settling with, "It's pretty... And big. I know a certain girl who'd die to get her hands on it, and that's more than enough for me."

    You turned and held it out to him. "So why did you give it to me?"

    "Safe-keeping."

    "Bullshit!" you cried. You recoiled a little at how upset you must have sounded, and attempted to remedy your tone. "I mean, I don't think that's true. You have other people you can trust, not a stranger."

    "You'll find me and my friends are quick to trust certain people."

    You skewed your mouth and turned away.

    "It's like a sixth sense," he added. "Like how babies can read a person's intentions instinctively."

    "Or a dog," you grumbled.

    "Or a dog," he agreed, unoffended. "You should feel a little more honored about it."

    "I'm not," you admitted. "At best, I'm confused, and at worst, this upsets me. What do you call a person helping a thief?"

    "A friend?" It wasn't a heavy statement, but the hopefulness in his voice settled your mood.

    You groaned, but at the same time, you took note of the irony of this situation. Lupin, wanted criminal, just stopping by like an old family friend, to see you. You, who had only just today told his nemesis that you had feelings for him. Lupin had to know this - He seemed to know everything.

    "You have to know why this is a bad idea."

    "Do I?"

    "I-- But just today..." You struggled to find the words. "Zenigata."