Mia woke, curled up against Isao's side. She stretched out and kissed his cheek before getting up to shower. When she was done, she headed out to the kitchen.
He opened his eyes with a smile. He'd never been so happy. He climbed out of bed and headed for the kitchen. He paused quietly in the doorway, watching her cook.
Mia turned and gave him a small smile before moving the pan off the burner. She began plating up the food and handed him one.
He gave her a soft smile, his eyes loving. "I can't believe you love me.."
She kissed his cheek, "You're cute."
"Is that a fact?" He teased as he sat down.
She chuckled and sat beside him, beginning to eat quietly.
He kept stealing glances at her as he ate. When he was done, he washed his plate and then kissed her cheek. "I'm the luckiest man in the world."
She blushed slightly, "Well, I'm the luckiest woman in the world."
He laughed softly, then facepalmed as Yamae wrapped a bright scarf around his neck. "What is this atrocity?"
Yamae rolled his eyes. "Your present. Be nice or I won't give you one next year." He grinned at Mia as he opened the fridge and poured a glass of juice.
Isao ducked his head, muttering "I told you idiots…"
"Since when do we listen?"
Mia watched them with a smile before asking, "What's the present for?"
Yamae stared at her. "He didn't tell you?"
Isao groaned and covered his face as he sat down again. "Dammit.."
She shook her head.
"It's his re-birthday." Yamae grinned at the other's reaction.
Mia chuckled softly. "I see."
"He's like this every year." Ryon mused as he entered. "We kidnapped him last year and took him drinking just to relax him." He gave her a small smile as he got a cup of coffee and a blood bag. He had dark circles under his eyes and his face was pale. "Maybe this year he won't be so damn tense?"
"Are you feeling okay?" She asked Ryon quietly.
He waved the question away. "Maybe Quinn should pick up some pizzas and beer. Movie night?"
Yamae grinned, squeezing Isao's shoulders.
Isao finally grinned. "Okay, okay. I know you two won't let it go. Call twinkle toes."
Yamae cheered. "Wonder if Feathers would like to come?"
Isao put his head on the table. "I take it back. He's going to embarrass me all damn night."
Mia raised an eyebrow but stayed quiet.
"Too late now." Ryon waved his phone. "He'll be here after Quinn gets off."
Isao raised his head, looking at her desperately. "Hide me?"
She shook her head, "This sounds fun."
"Traitor." He growled.
Yamae clapped his shoulder, heading for the living room.
Ryon pushed off the counter with a wince and looked at Mia. "Make sure he doesn't run."
She nodded and watched Ryon carefully.
He drained the bag, then his cup. His eyes were bright, and she could hear his strained breathing when he passed her on the way out.
She sighed and shook her head.
"Tag team?" Isao's eyes followed the other man worriedly.
"You catch him, I'll heal?"
"Alright." He stood. "Hey Ry, wait up."
Ryon turned to look at him. Then his eyes rolled up and he collapsed.
Isao raced to catch him, then cursed. "He's on fire!"
Mia went to his side and began pouring yellow light over him.
"'M fine.." Ryon blinked at her.
"No you're not," she said softly, focusing on trying to heal up anything she could find as well as lower his temperature.
"It's that damn bite, isn't it?" Isao yanked Ryon's shirt up and paled.
His side was black, the skin brittle like burnt paper.
Ryon scowled, trying to pull it down. "I'm fine, dammit."
Mia growled, "Shut it, Ryon. You're not fine."
"He wasn't a vamp…" Isao stared in shock. "You idiot!"
Mia raised an eyebrow but continued pouring energy into him.
"We got Ryu back. That's all that matters." Ryon tried to rise, growling when Isao didn't release him. "If you don't let me go, I'll-"
"You'll what? Disintegrate on me?" Isao's words were sharp, his eyes blazing.
"You're important too," Mia said softly. "We care about you and just want to help."
Ryon sighed. "Not really important." He stopped struggling, focusing on his breathing. "Just a inconsequential warrior."
Isao clenched his fists in Ryon's shirt, biting his tongue at the sharp retort he had on the tip of it.
Mia stared at Ryon for a moment before slapping him. "You're our friend! You're important to us and you aren't inconsequential."
Ryon looked at her in shock as Isao snickered.
Mia quietly went back to focusing energy into Ryon.
"Number fifty." The comment was quiet, Ryon staring at the ceiling.
"What?" She asked softly.
"Things never to say to you. Guess that's number fifty." He gave her a small smirk.
Isao choked off a laugh.
Mia rolled her eyes. She pushed the energy faster, coating him entirely in yellow. She then closed her eyes for a moment.
Isao gasped as the black receded, the skin becoming like new.
Mia opened her eyes before swaying slightly.
Isao grabbed her arm. "Woah there. Take it easy."
"I'm fine," she gave him a small smile before trying to stand.
"Just take a minute. I'll be back." Isao hefted Ryon, carrying him down the hall and depositing him in his room.
He came back and gently took her arm, leading her to the couch. He sat her down, then got her a glass of water.
"Thanks," she said quietly.
"That's what I should be saying." Isao watched her in concern. "You shouldn't have been able to do that."
"What bit him?"
"Shifter."
She sighed and took a sip of water. "He'll be okay now, right?"
"Yeah, I think so. Will you be alright?" He sat down, his eyes troubled.
"Probably," she nodded. "Just a little dizzy, but that's usual when I heal."
"That's just it, Mia. You should not have been able to heal that. No vampire has ever survived a shifter bite. In fact, most turn to ash minutes or hours after being bit. Their clan was wiped out by shifters."
She frowned, "I don't know what I did, I just focused on trying to heal.."
"You don't think.." He shook his head.
"What?"
"That the Sano's know? It would explain why they're trying to get rid of you. They ally themselves with rogue shifters often."
She frowned, "Maybe.."
He dropped his eyes. "I don't like that idea." He stood and paced, his eyes flashing as he struggled to remain calm.
"It'll be alright."
He didn't seem to hear her, his hands clasping and unclasping shakily.
She stood and wrapped her arms around him, "Everything will be fine."
He buried his face in her hair. "I'm scared."
"I'm sorry. Try not to focus on it for now though."
He slowly calmed, his hands relaxing.
"I love you."
"I love you too. I can't lose you. I won't lose you." The words were defiant.
"Let's not focus on this for now. We're supposed to relax today, right?"
"You mean I'm supposed to be embarrassed to death today." The words were reluctantly amused.
She chuckled and kissed his cheek.
He blushed, a smile flitting over his face.
She moved to sit back down, pulling him gently to the couch.
He laid his head back and stared at the ceiling.
She leaned against him, resting her head on his shoulder.
"You haven't asked.." His voice was soft.
"Asked what?"
"Who Feathers is." He chuckled quietly.
"Figured I'd just meet them at some point. Should I ask who he is?"
"Thought you were full of curiosity?"
She chuckled, "Sometimes, yes."
He turned his head with a grin. "You know what? I think I'll let you be surprised."
She shrugged, "Alright."
He returned his gaze to the ceiling, his thoughts racing.
She cuddled against him, closing her eyes and dozing.