Crimson Raven | [MYTHICAL SERIES BOOK 2]

THIRTEEN || New Mysteries

"...I'M SORRY." 

Was all that came out of Sakari's mouth when their eyes fell on Haru's emerald. Her friend's color had returned to her face, but she still felt exhausted as she lied down in her hospital bed. The heart monitor next to her softly beeped in the white-blanketed room.

"Sakari, it's not your fault." the blonde reassured her. "You didn't know this was going to happen and neither did we at the headquarters."

"I know. But as your old friend and boss, I felt like I should have been there sooner." the curly-haired adult threaded her trembling hands together. "I promised Jun and Sai that I wouldn't since their jobs are demanding and they require a lot. ...And I promised Shisui as well."

Haru's face softened. She hated seeing her friend like this. It had been years since it last showed, but she had a feeling that Sakari still held the guilt from back then in her heart. Seeing people get injured or worse. These Crimson Raven cases especially didn't help matters in the least bit.

"I get the burden, but it is not healthy to weigh yourself down. We have a new hero now. He has had the heroic torch passed down to him. He can handle this....from here on out. You can still help him. Just...please. Don't overwhelm yourself."

She gently rested her hand on Sakari's, causing the other to look at her.

"I will be fine. Thank you for helping me." a smile set on her features when she saw Sakari put one on." Sakari's swirl markings had returned and Haru's eyes shifted to them. "Have you told your wife yet? About those?"

Sakari had explained what happened earlier to her friend, hence why she knew. The headquarter CEO rested a hand on their markings and she shook her head. "No, not yet. I need to do that. I just think it would be a shock to him."

"Oh, it definitely will. I'm not used to it myself but," Haru rested back to avoid the cough that threatened to elevate up her throat, "It's pretty neat, you know? Since you were a huge fan of the entities when we were kids, only to find out you're half of that species you looked up to."

"Heh, yeah." that made them feel a little more high-spirited. "Well, I think my visitation time is up. I've already let Sai and Jun know and they'll be here soon."

After Haru thanked her, a nurse came in to let Sakari know she was going to check her vitals. Sakari nodded and left, making her way back home.

Shisui, in the meantime, had been pacing back and forth. He had gotten a text message from Sakari saying that she would be back soon, but there was something important they needed to talk about. Their son, Katsuro, was gonna come after her once he finishes things up at work.

When the blue-haired woman heard the door open, relief washed over him upon seeing the mentioned brown-haired partner of theirs. He could see the utter weariness painted on their face and eyes, even if the swirls on their face seemed to contrast that.

"S-Sakari, what happened? My gosh, you look worn out, love. Hold on, I'll get you some tea and you can relax on the couch." Shisui helped their wife there and gently massaged their shoulders. "What kind would you like?"

"Well, we're out of the red bush tea my dad would make me and Mom all the time. Do we still have some of the matcha green tea?"

"Yes, we do. I'll get that made and be right over." Shisui noted and went to do so. As it prepared and Sakari could hear the sounds from the kitchen, she rested the coat of hers on the arm of the couch. 

Once the tea was done and their cup was handed to them, Sakari thanked their wife and kissed them on the cheek. Shisui then sat down and gently caressed the side of his partner's face.