127 Life with you part 2 (1/2)
”You asshole!” Arei growled as he kicked the sleeping Ry from bed. Two barmaids and a young man had woken and bolted from the room the second Arei had barged through the door. ”How could you not have said something!”
A billow of laughter sounded from the floor on the other side of the bed. Ry clutched his sides as best he could, propped up by his elbows on the floor. ”What I would have given to see your face!” He laughed. Ry pushed himself up from the floor using the bed to steady himself. His mischievous eyes twinkled over to Arei. ”Payback for whatever you did last time you were here.”
Arei's brows bunched in confusion. ”What are you talking about? Why would I need payback for anything I've done here?”
The playful glint still shown in Ry's eyes as he answered matter-of-factly. ”Because whatever the hell you did six months ago, has the girl thinking she's in love with ME.” He lifted a bottle from the dresser, glanced down into the bottle, and swirled the liquids around inside before lifting it to his lips and draining the bottle. ”I've had to make so many damn rules lately… no swimming together, no sleeping over, no cuddling, no nudity…” He glared over at Arei. ”Her current form came shortly after her following me to the bar one night. She discovered a more appealing form would be better suited for her goals.”
”Better suited for her goals… Wait cuddling, sleep overs, and nudity??? What the actual fuck, Ry?” Arei asked running an irritated hand through his hair before throwing his hand up in the air. ”Well, that explains the naked swim of last night… What the hell have you two been doing?” He's eyes shot heatedly toward his brother.
Ry chuckled, ”We haven't been doing anything. As I said, rules… and whatnot.” He arched a questioning brow. ”But what have you done with our dear lil beasty?” He laid the bottle back down and bent to find his pants in the scattered garments surrounding the bed. After he pulled a pair on he looked back to Arei. ”In all seriousness, you must remember, no matter what form she's in, she is still surprisingly innocent… and a woman. Whatever went on the last time you were on this island has her pressing for more mature things out of life.” He shook his head. ”And that education will not be coming from me.” He pulled a shirt over his head then walked over to stand in front of Arei. ”Her last review through the courts happens in eight months. I'll be back before that time and take her in. As long as the next couple months goes smoothly, she'll be seen as a free creature and will be able to take her place among our people.” He patted Arei on the shoulder. ”Until then it's important that she stay focused and learn as much as she can. What happens afterwards… well that can be up to the two of you.”
Arei turned and followed Ry out of the room. ”So, you've told her there are two of us then?” His brows furrowed when Ry only shrugged.
Arei shook his head. ”You'll be the only demi-god to die from over drinking.” He through his hand up to his brother. ”I… the god's… have to figure out what to do with our not so lil' girl…”
”Take care.” Ry shouted to his departing back. ”Take care…” he whispered as the beer was set before him. No doubt his brother would be the one demanding a drink by the time he made it back.
Arei stopped by a baker on his way through the town. He ordered a bag of sweet rolls and headed toward the lagoon. His movements became more cautious as he pushed through to the open beach. There would be no way, after last night, he'd be able to walk away again. His eyes scanned the waters not taking long to land one a bobbing head of silver. He scrunched his brows. ”What in the…” He set his arm full of things down on the beach and ran over to where she stood knee deep in water and struggling with the hem of her skirts. ”What are you doing, lil one?” he called as he neared her. The jump of surprise was just the momentum she needed apparently, because the second she jumped the dress came loose throwing her off balance. She landed on her bottom in the water with a tiny, pained splash. Arei rushed over too her, lowering his hands down for her to take. ”Are you alright, kitten? What in the world are you doing in the water in such garments?” He asked. He regretted it instantly, when his eyes began to search over her for injuries as he pulled her to a standing position. The thin blue fabric from last night now clung wetly to her every curve. The taught pink buds of her nipples where now visible through the wet fabric. Arei quickly released her and stepped away.
”Are you still feeling unwell, Sir?” She asked stepping closer. Her curious eyes peered up at him as a small hand brushed his heated cheeks. ”You're flush and your cheeks are heated. Would you like to go inside and cool down?” She offered.
Arei forced a neutral smile as he turned back to the temptress before him. ”Your dress kitten…” He said brushing a finger lightly over the damp material of her elbow length sleeve.
”Oh…” Her eyes moved over her dress for the first time since her fall. ”but you said to stay covered if I swim during the day. She tugged at the clingy wet material. ”It is a bother though, you must know…” A heavy frown marred her pouting lips as she studied the now tattered hem.
”I said that... yes…” One of Ry's 'rules' no doubt. He gently turned her away from him and toward the cave. ”What do you say, you get changed, we have breakfast, then get to something fun? I brought sweet rolls and crispy pork!” He said, knowing they were her favorites. She practically danced with excitement, but when she tried to turn fully around toward him again, he nudged her forward. ”Aht, aht, kitten. Keep that perfect little ass of yours moving forward.” He quickly snapped his mouth shut as he realized what he'd said and no doubt where his eyes had been looking when he'd said it. She stopped in her tracks glancing back over her shoulder at him. Her cheeks were lightly tinted and a surprised curiosity played across her features. ”Run along, I'll be in shortly.” He said as gently as he could. At this rate he'd never make it the eight months until her final appearance before the council.