Page 15 of Calming the Storm

“Regardless of your decision, thank you for loving us, even though we all have our own issues and still have flaws and insecurities we have to face,” Quillian acknowledged.

“And we thank you for accepting us into your home when we were nothing but strangers, and trusting us to help you adjust to the circumstances you were randomly placed in,” Itsuki finished.

I stared at each of them, unsure what I could possibly say in that moment. I knew what I wanted and didn’t have any second thoughts about my decision as I glanced at the men before me.

We’d met under the weirdest circumstances, but they accepted me. They loved me regardless of what everyone else said, and even though they struggled with their own grief with the loss of the woman they once loved, they were willing to try again.

Willing to open their hearts for me.

Knowing they were able to do that was enough for me to say the following words.

“I love each of you, and I want this. You’ve loved me when at some points I struggled with loving myself, with all the negativity that clouded my mind and tainted my vision of who I could be. Instead of contributing to the hate, you countered it with love, and my feelings of appreciation continued to grow. Words can’t express how happy I feel to be in a relationship with six amazing men who would do anything to ensure my safety, as well as strive for peace here in Nokamato and Homatomashi as a whole. I’d be overjoyed to accept this gift and want to continue being with all of you. Arigato. From the bottom of my heart, thank you all.”

The guys had wide smiles on their faces. I used my free hand to wipe away my tears.

“I think we’ve made Crim cry at least five times today,” Quil pointed out.

“Just blame Malachi so that her father doesn’t slice our cocks off,” Itsuki replied with a small grin.

“My cock will not be used as a sacrifice for you haters,” Malachi huffed as he walked over to me.

He grabbed a tissue from a box on the coffee table and sat down next to me, helping me wipe my tears away.

“Have to admit, Crim is kinda cute when she cries,” Haru complimented.

I had to laugh.

“I’m ugly when I cry. I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

“Adorable,” Itsuki whispered to Haru.

“You two are a bunch of sweet talkers,” Malachi pointed out. “That’s coming from Mister Hottie McHot Pants who is always too sizzling hot for anyone but Crimson.” Yoshi sighed. “And they ain’t hating,” Aki added.

“Hmph. Just ignore them, Crimson. You’re a masterpiece when you cry. Like the Mona Lisa,” Malachi declared.

“There he goes.” Quil huffed, and we all laughed.

Aki walked over to my other side as Urufu hopped down to our feet.

“I’ll help you put it on,” he volunteered.

I nodded quickly with a broad smile and passed the bracelet to Akihiro. I held out my wrist, and he helped me put it on. I couldn’t help but lift it up and stare at its unique appearance. It practically glittered in the light. It would be hard not to get distracted and look at it over and over again.

“Oh, by the way, it’s waterproof,” Yoshi revealed.

“And fireproof,” Itsuki added.

“Basically lifeproof. We got the jeweler to place a spell on it so that it can withstand anything: heat, water, snow, you name it,” Quil explained.

“Lava?” I asked out of curiosity.

“Yes, but let’s not test that theory.” Haru chuckled.

“Or any of the dangerous ones. You can wear it when you bathe. That’s the safest trial option available,” Malachi teased.

Quil grinned and winked at me. “I volunteer to witness that trial.”

“You’ve already had plenty of times to be with Crim. Give the rest of us a chance,” Malachi grumbled.

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