Moving Forward *Book 2 of The Death Market* (COMPLETE)

I Want You To

Song: I Want You To - Weezer

"Obi catch me!"

I look up in time to find Iladriel falling from the tree limb above me. I with a sigh, I hold my arms out and catch her. I really don't know how she's managed to be such a good pick-pocket and fighter over the years if she's so clumsy when she's trying to sneak up on someone. At least she's trying. She thanks me and I drop her, earning grumbled complaints as I laugh at her. When she gets to her feet, I ruffle her hair and ask what she was doing.

"Trying to sneak up on you, of course."

"I feel like you should work on your ground stealth and coordination first before you kill yourself falling out of a tree."

"But it's not as fun."

"I know but you're going to get hurt and when you do, you won't be able to move around as much and you'll be even more bored."

"Will you help me? Miss Harlowe is busy so it's not like you can hang out with her anyway."

Two hours later, I sprawl out across a tree limb and let my arms dangle down. I'd been helping Iladriel with tips and tricks for moving stealthily in the trees without falling. She actually did fairly well, but only slipped a few times. I've realized part of her issue is her shoes though. They're rather old and falling apart, so the soles aren't holding up very well. She can't get enough traction to hold on.

"Did you get tired already, Old Man?" She snickers as she hangs upside down from a higher branch on the tree beside mine.

"Hey! I'm still young...ish."

"Sure you are, Old Man." She giggles and I reach out to lightly push her, making her swing. "Hey Obi, are you in love with Miss Harlowe?"

"Yes, why?"

"I think I'm in love with Ryuu but I hate that he works so much I can never see him. You're gone a lot so how are you and Miss Harlowe still happy together?"

"I forget how frank you are sometimes..." I sigh. "Why haven't you spoken to Harlowe about it? That seems like a more woman to woman thing."

"I tried and she just said 'things will work. Be patient.' It's not very helpful."

"Well, we're happy because we do our best to make the most of the time we have together. We know that no matter what, we'll be here for each other as soon as we can. We both have our responsibilities but we don't let it come between us. You have to be patient with Ryuu. His job is very important so he can't slack off. What if one of the princes or myself got really sick and he was the only one that could heal us? He has to be ready to help us but I know he enjoys to see you."

"I kind of miss him..." She sighs as she flips down to settle on the branch. "I don't know when I could try to see him again. Would he even want to see me again since I called it off?"

"You never know," I hum. "The world works in mysterious ways."

My riddle also means, I arranged it with Ryuu and Garak before I left to have them come visit for her birthday. They'll be here in two days.

A small smile crosses my face as I watch Iladriel and Harlowe prepare lunch together. It's moments like these I know mean the most to Harlowe, since Iladriel is still unaware that Harlowe is her mother. They are just really close and happy with each other. Harlowe is a mother figure for her regardless and Harlowe treasures that. I wish that Iladriel knew, but I'm not sure how she'd react to it being hidden from her for so long.

"Obi!"

"Iladriel!" I mimic and she tosses a cherry tomato at my forehead.

I catch it with ease and pop it in my mouth.

"Miss Harlowe said you got me a present for my birthday! What is it?"

"A present."

"No duh. But what is it?" She presses.

"Patience is virtue, Ila." Harlowe chides. "Birthday is in two days, you find out then."

"That's so far away though!"

"It will be worth it. Now let us eat."

Harlowe sighs as she rests her head on my shoulder. After Iladriel finally went to bed, we grabbed a bottle of rum and are taking turns drinking from it as we swing lightly on the porch swing. I miss this kind of peace whenever I have to return to the castle. I don't think I could ever just fully stay stationary like this but I like the break from the castle and I love being here with them.

"I love you." I mumble as I kiss her head.

"I love you too Obi." She tilts her head up and I capture her lips with mine. "I hate when you are away so long."

"I do too. I've been talking with Master about trying to have at least two weeks that I can spend with you."

"He is still unaware of who I am... was... is he not?"

"You're still safe. No one beyond Mitsuhide and myself outside of where you came from knows who you are."

"How is he not curious of strange woman who took your heart?" She arches a brow and I shrug.

"Well, he is extremely curious and has bugged me ever since he found out but I told him you were an extremely private person so it wasn't likely that he would be able to meet with you."

"I feel as if he were to order it I would have to agree?"

"Most likely but I don't think he's realized that's an option yet." I chuckle. "I mean, as long as we don't go in there announcing your past to him, he wouldn't have any idea about you any way."

"That is true."

"Just know that if it were to happen, I would do anything it took to keep you safe."