Short Stories I wrote for fun |April|

Ice & Villainy Pt. 4- April 14th

As I stood there, lost in my thoughts, a soft voice broke me from my reverie. "What'chya doin' lass?" It was Harry, always soft-spoken, but especially with me. "Nothing, just thinking," I replied, looking out at the polluted air and smoke that shrouded the sunset. "What about lass?" he asked, his tone gentle and caring."I was just thinking about how unfair the isle is. I wish I could take you all with me, but I can't because of this stupid thing," I said, waving my hand in frustration as a sudden rush of cold wind and small hail pelted us for a moment before disappearing.Harry took my hand and pulled me closer, his arm draped over my shoulders as we both gazed out at the barrier in comfortable silence. After a while, I mustered the courage to ask him a question that had been weighing on my mind."Hey, Harry?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper. He turned towards me, his eyes soft and kind."Yes, lass?" he replied, his voice still gentle."Would you still care for me if I was someone else?" I asked, feeling my eyes start to water.Harry looked at me quizzically for a moment before realization dawned on his face. He pulled his hand under my chin, lifting it slightly as he spoke."Red, you are amazing. You have a sharp tongue and dominance, and you're powerful, smart, strong, and kind. Not many people can find all those qualities in one person. You have done so much for us. If you had done nothing before, we would all be dead. We care for you, Red. I care for you. All of us do," he said softly.As he leaned in, my breath caught in my throat, and I mustered the courage to lean in as well. But before our lips could meet, a sudden voice broke us apart."Crim, where are you?" Uma called from a distance.We quickly pulled away from each other, and I felt my cheeks flush with embarrassment. We had almost kissed, and I wasn't sure how I felt about that.Thankfully, Uma was far enough away that I had time to compose myself before we reached her."I'm done with my shift. What's the news you wanted to tell me?" she asked as we approached."Oh yeah. Is there any place a bit less crowded? I'd rather not scream this to the whole isle," I said, and she led us to her boat, the "Lose Revenge," and her captain's cabin.It had been a while since I'd been there, and I noticed some changes in the decor, but nothing significant."So, what's the news? Good for us first," Uma said eagerly."Um... well, there are two things. First, I think I found The Demon's den. And second, Mal won't be in town or on the isle for a month," I said, and Uma cheered with excitement."But...," I added, trailing off."Why does every good news have a 'but'?" Uma whined."Careful, Uma. Wouldn't want Mama hearing that, would you? Especially since she's always saying, 'Everything comes with a price,'" Harry said, amused.I couldn't help but notice the glint in his eye as he bantered with Uma. It wasn't the same glint he had when we were alone or when he talked about his family, but there was still something there, and I found myself drawn to him."Okay, okay, so do you want to hear the bad news or not?" I asked, trying to shake off my feelings."It's not necessarily bad news, but it might be bad for you guys," I said, frowning. I didn't want anything to happen to them.