4 Chapter 4: A Spark

"Yes!" Semi cheered. "But...why?"

It was clear something was wrong. Malachi was fuming and he didn't answer Semi at all. Kiara came out too and started yelling about something I couldn't comprehend. She told Malachi that if he didn't stay, she would fall apart to which he replied; "You're already falling apart! Go on, I don't want to see your face again."

Kiara huffed and stomped out of the store. Semi and I remained quiet as Malachi approached us. "Grab whatever you want, free of charge. Clothes, weapons, you name it." He grunted while setting his full satchel on the counter.

Semi and I looked at each other before eagerly running to grab things. I grabbed a nice machete along with a couple of daggers. After that, I went to snag a pair of boots I saw earlier and even a big coat with loads of pockets. After regrouping with Semi and seeing his stockpile, we grabbed some food and water before heading back to Malachi. He told us that we were leaving but Semi insisted we do something first.

"I have to go see my parents." Semi whined.

Malachi sighed. "Tell mama I said 'hi' and don't forget about that gift mom promised me last week."

Semi agreed and we left our goods with Malachi before heading out. Going to see Semi's parents? I wonder what they're like. He took me through the streets of Arcea and then the neighborhood. It was nice, each house only slightly different from the last but distinguishable all the same. It took some time but we reached a big-ish house which we entered. Semi called out to 'mama' and 'mom'. Two pretty women came running to the door where they hugged and kissed Semi for a solid five minutes.

"Semi! You're back." One soft woman said.

"We missed you so much, hon." The taller one cooed.

Semi brushed them off before introducing me. "This is Aero, he's my-"

Semi's parents gasped. "Your boyfriend!"

I didn't know what that word meant. What's a boyfriend? Apparently this is embarrassing because Semi turned a shade of pink while arguing that I was not his boyfriend. "No! He's just my traveling partner, don't be like that!"

The taller woman sighed, placing a hand on her hip. "And here I really thought you brought home a lover."

Wait, a lover? I know what that means...so...they thought I was Semi's partner? Oh shit! I felt my face grow warm and scolded myself for even entertaining the idea. It reminded me of the times he grabbed my hands and I wanted to hide. This is so...overwhelming.

"Oh, Julie! Look what you did to the poor Elf-boy." The rounder woman frowned. "I'm sorry, don't mind my wife!"

Semi glanced at me and grabbed my hand. "I love you mom, love you mama. But we gotta go!" Semi dragged me out of the house and ran with me until we reached the road. "Aero, I am so sorry. I didn't think they'd say those things..." He said after we stopped.

I couldn't even form words. I didn't want Semi to look at me like that for any longer but he just kept looking at me with that...that face! I turned away but he put himself in front of me again, apologizing repeatedly. "Semi, stop looking at me like that!" Now that it was brought to my attention, I couldn't stop thinking about that look he gives me. It's more than kindness and I can't seem to shake it from my mind.

"Like what?!"

"Like...that! That face!" I stumbled over my words. I couldn't stop thinking about the idea of Semi and I being partners. "Where I come from, we don't just throw around the word 'partner'! It's a special thing...for Elves, it means so much." I explained, my voice low.

Semi looked down at the ground. "I get it and I'm sorry. My parents can be a bit much some times. Just don't take what they said seriously."

I nodded and tried to forget about it. I thought about Malachi's shop and how we needed to return. That's when I remembered what Malachi said about his gift. "Wait, Malachi wanted his gift from your mom." I reminded Semi with a worried look. I don't want to go back in there.

"Don't worry, I'll go get it. Just stay here." He went back into the house and I figured he'd be a while.

I sighed as I sat on the ground. I put my hands in front of me and looked them over, Semi's the reason I'm here but is that such a bad thing? I like being around him, he makes me feel alive. I haven't been on such a wild ride since Felix died. I smiled to myself, I miss him so much but Semi reminds me of him...They've got that can-do attitude that keeps me on my toes. And for that, I'm glad. I needed this. I know it's going to be hard sometimes but this feels right.

I wondered why Semi travelled when he could just stay here but then I remembered why he's banned from so many cities. He's probably protesting as much as possible. I wonder what for. I'm sure it's something he's adamant about, something that matters to him. He's a passionate person, that's for sure. Semi overwhelms me but...I don't hate it at all.

Just then, he came sprinting out the house with a box and passed me by. "Aero, let's go!"

"Huh?" I jumped up and chased after him. He's slow and clearly not fit. "Why are we running away?" I asked as we left the neighborhood.

Semi was trying hard to speak, he couldn't catch his breath and running was making it worse. I decided to carry him on my back and let him rest a little. He wrapped his arms around my neck, the box he was holding just inches below my face. I assumed we were heading back to Mal's Inventory so I retraced our steps. "My moms, they wanted me to stay this time. They said the protests have gone too far, they're worried." Semi explained as I carried him to our destination. I started walking once I thought we were far enough. He's not heavy but running isn't something I enjoy.

"Really? Your parents are trying to keep you home?" I asked.

Semi held on a little tighter, reminding me of the encounter just moments earlier. I didn't say anything but I did feel my stomach do flips. "Yeah, they don't want me to get hurt but it's not like they didn't do the same when they were my age." He grumbled something about his parents meeting at a protest in a small city closer north.

"Are you sure we should be leaving then? I mean, your protests do seem a little dangerous." I added.

Semi covered my eyes and I almost fell. "They're meant to be dangerous, stupid! This is for the end of the war, Aero, for peace among the races!"

"Okay, okay! I can't see, Semi!"

He removed his hand and light filled my eyes again. "Besides, I'm not a kid anymore. I know what I'm doing."

I nearly laughed. "You're fifteen."

"Shut up! I'm old enough to own a weapon therefore I'm not a child." Semi told me. I wasn't sure that was right or not so I kept my mouth closed. We made it to Mal's Inventory and saw the Aviator standing outside with our bags. "Put me down." Semi grumbled.

I did as he asked and Semi met Malachi first, giving him his gift. I came over at my own pace and picked up my bag. "Thanks kids. How was the visit?"

"Terrible." Semi muttered. "They thought I was in a relationship with Aero."

Malachi looked up at me and I nodded in confirmation. Malachi laughed a little. "I thought you were too! But I guess that's not the case." He picked up his satchel and handed Semi his. "Let's get going before my sister comes to bite my head off."

The three of us set off. Where are we going? I didn't know and didn't ask. I assumed Malachi and Semi spoke about it beforehand but maybe they didn't. Either way, they seemed to know exactly where they were going without needing to speak any further. I simply followed blindly, trusting that they wouldn't hurt me like my conscience told me they would. It's been drilled into me since I was ten that Humans are killers and if you see an Aviator, take shelter. Yet here I am, fighting those rules. I felt...like I could do whatever I wanted. As if I could conquer the world.

I looked over at Semi who was more calm now. His attitude seemed to return to normal and I was glad. He had been so different earlier when he snapped like that, it kind of scared me. I have to remember that Humans anger easily. They're unpredictable. My aunt told me to never to underestimate Human ingenuity and never underestimate Human stupidity which both seem applicable to Semi. I smiled a bit, he's pretty dense when it comes to basic knowledge. I mean, he wandered straight into an Elven village and didn't expect to be found out. How wild is that?

"Whatcha thinking about?" Semi asked. He slowed his pace to walk next to me.

I gave him a smile. "You."

Semi's small ears turned red and it spread to his face in a matter of seconds. "Oh." He muttered. "What about me?" I wondered why he was embarrassed, I thought it was a good thing to think about others.

"Just...you." I told him. I felt a little embarrassed as well but I didn't know why. Maybe it was the way he looked up at me so expectantly, I couldn't tell. "I think you're remarkable." Semi stared at the ground for a minute before punching me in the arm and laughing. "Hey!"

"If you keep up the sappy stuff I might just have to marry you!" He joked. It was on obvious joke but it made my face warm despite the cool air around me. "I have a bit of a thing for hopeless romantics." He winked at me.

I nudged his arm in retaliation. "Don't be so irresponsible."

"What part of marrying a guy like you's irresponsible?" Semi asked while putting his hands behind his head. "Sounds like a solid goal to me." I opened my mouth the speak but nothing came out. Semi turned and looked at me before smiling so big his eyes closed. "How about you take me more seriously."

A grin spread across my face. "Maybe I should..." I started, "or maybe..." I place my hand on his spiky hair and rubbed his head. "You should act more your age!" Last time I checked fifteen year old's weren't too concerned with marriage, but what do I know about Human adolescents?

Semi pushed my hand away but didn't let go of it. He held it and we walked like that for a long time. Our fingers interlocked. I've never held another being's hand but I knew exactly what it meant, it's what they call 'a spark'.