Witchling Academy Semester Eight - Avery Song Page 0,23

as we dried off and wrapped each other's wounds in new bandages.

When we finally wore our pajamas and slipped between the bedsheets and thick comforter, I couldn't help feeling drained.

"Your parents said you didn't eat today," Kaito whispered. His hands were going through my hair, which was now down and splattered along my back. I was snuggled into his side with my head resting against his shoulder and left bicep.

"Ya," I admitted. "We can just get a big breakfast or something," I whispered. "I want to hang with them."

"Don't mind if I come?"

"Not at all," I replied. "I want you there."

"Okay," he replied and yawned, just as I began to drift. "Brianne?"

I had the intention of replying, I really did, but this was the first time I was so damn comfortable in my own bed, and the warmth of Kaito's body only made my mind further settle into a comforting realm of inner peace.

I felt his lips on my forehead, cheek, and top of my nose before he pulled me further into him.

"Sleep well, Notorious Queen," he quietly encouraged. "Let's tackle the world together."

Maybe this forced time off is exactly what I need to survive through the shadow moments.

3

Early Winter Break And Slow And Steady

~FINNICK~

* * *

"Finnick? Have you seen my brother?"

I paused in unpacking my stuff as Katsume arrived at the door of the large room Kaito and I were going to share for this unexpected holiday stay.

"I think he went with Brianne, Jax, and Connor to get some stuff we forgot at the dorms. They're doing another sweep of all the dorms for next semester, so they decided to go make sure we had our necessities over here," I explained as Katsume leaned against the door frame and sighed.

"Ugh. I swear he's avoiding me on purpose. Wait till I get Mom and Dad to spam call his phone. Then he'll see," she vowed with vengeance.

I nervously smiled as I pointed to the bedside. "Uh. Kaito left his phone to charge."

She blinked and slowly looked over to the very spot I was pointing at, and I could see the intense annoyance bubble in her expression as she clearly began devising a Plan B.

"Ugh. He's lucky I have a date with Starlight or I swear to the damn gods, he'd be dealing with these very hands!" she declared with passion.

"Do you want me to pass on the message?" I offered, hoping it would potentially save Kaito from being destroyed by his older sister's wrath.

"Ah. It's nothing vastly important. Our parents just want him to call to make sure he's okay," she admitted. "He hasn't come back home yet so I guess they're worried about everything going on."

"Right," I whispered and bowed my head slightly. "Sorry."

"Why are you apologizing?" she inquired with an arched eyebrow.

"Kaito didn't want me to be alone yesterday," I admitted. "The day before he spent with Brianne while we remained at the dorms, but since they announced they were doing a full investigation, he offered to stay with me since Jax is staying with Connor at his mom's hotel. I could have gone along, but I guess..." I trailed off to try to find a legitimate excuse for my absence.

"Didn't want to be a third wheel?" she concluded and I gave her a sheepish grin. "Ya. Brianne spent yesterday at Mia's and Miya's place. It's been a while since she's gotten to hang with them and I didn't want to interfere with that. Kaito was going to visit home before we accepted this trip deal to Switzerland, but I guess he knew I'd be a bit lonely."

I shrugged just slightly but didn't hide the sadness in my eyes as I was reminded that I was alone in this world. With Christmas approaching, those haunting memories were beginning to creep in. Years had gone by since my mom's passing, and it was officially a year since my dad's murder.

The mere thought made my throat feel tight, but I tried to think of better things. At least they were at peace and not in any sort of pain, together in a place of paradise where no one could hurt them for the sake of getting to me.

It didn't exempt me from feeling lonely, but that was what made Kaito's offer to stay behind yesterday to keep me company more touching.

Katsume stared at me for a long moment before she slowly nodded and closed her eyes. "I'll let my parents know he had business to take care of and will