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His face blanched. Am I going to have to walk naked through the island?
My face broke into a grin, and I snorted. He shook his head slowly. “How do you feel about a seaweed skirt until we can get you clothes?”
He groaned before agreeing to the plan. I gathered some of the seaweed floating around, quickly weaving a skirt for him. Then I handed it to him and took the seashell necklace. Instantly, his fins disappeared, leaving long, strong legs in their place. My face warmed when I realized I was staring, and I turned away to stare at the sky instead. It was mostly clear, though a few dark clouds floated far enough away to not worry. If we were lucky, they’d pass over us.
We went closer up the beach, and my own legs appeared, loose trousers coming with them, a short tunic covering my torso. We walked up the sandy beach, the warm sand squishing between my toes. Let’s head to my house first. It’ll be empty. My parents won’t be there, obviously. We can get supplies before going into the jungle. And shoes for you.
I agreed, and we trekked off to his house. It wasn’t too far away, and it wasn’t long before we stood in front of the large house. It was three stories high, constructed with wood like the other island houses, painted light blue with a dark blue door. “Impressive,” I said, noting the palm trees on the side of the house.
Kaga opened the door, and as it swung open it revealed the interior. I was greeted by a warm and inviting atmosphere. The spacious rooms were adorned with tasteful furnishings, and sunlight streamed in through large windows. Kaga walked up the creaky wooden stairs to the third floor. The white paint on the floorboards was cracked, but not peeling; the perfect beach house. At least, I guessed so.
He went all the way down the hall, with me following, staring at the muscles moving in his back. We arrived at a dark wooden door, plain except for a row of shells attached to the frame. I eyed them as he opened the door. Inside, his room was spotless. His small bed was neatly made, with a desk and a dresser on the other side of the room. His window was open, and the smell of the ocean wafted in, the salty breeze caressing everything it touched.
Kaga went to the dresser and opened a few drawers, pulling out clothes. Shoo, he said to me, gesturing at the door. Go get supplies ready.
“This is your house,” I said, staring at him. I crossed my arms and didn’t move. “You get the supplies.”
He snorted. Fine. Leave, now.
I didn’t make a move. I wanted to make sure I wasn’t going to be bossed around.
He smiled wickedly at me. Actually, I changed my mind. You shouldn’t leave.
In one swift movement, he threw his clothing onto the bed. “I’m glad we agree,” I said. “I do what I want.”
So do I, Allura. His wicked grin turned even more wicked, and his eyes glinted. Slowly, he reached for the seaweed skirt and untied it.
Chapter 20
My cheeks warmed as I whirled out of the room, the images of our kiss coming to mind. I slammed the door shut behind me, Kaga’s laughter in my head. I uttered a curse, then headed downstairs to see what supplies I could find.
I tried the kitchen first, mostly because I was hungry. In one cupboard, I found a stack of fish jerky. I popped one in my mouth, loving its savory flavor, while putting the rest on the counter. I also found a bag of rice, a stack of seaweed, and a few other ingredients. Nothing already made, though, except the jerky.
Since I hadn’t made rice in years, I decided to leave that to Kaga. I didn’t know how well it’d keep on our journey, but at least we could eat it tonight. Kaga’s family also had a few satchels on a hook by the door, which I commandeered.
Kaga still wasn’t downstairs, so I wandered around his home. The walls were painted with ocean waves, clouds dotting the top edges. The shelves were adorned with seashells, driftwood, all sorts of things from the sea.
I ran my hands over a bumpy piece of coral, biting my bottom lip. His home was similar, yet so different, to my room in the castle. Seashells everywhere, the smell of the ocean. Was it possible we weren’t so different after all?
I snorted at myself when I heard a creaking on the stairs. Kaga joined me, pointing to the coral. He was wearing dark pants with boots pulled up to his knee, as well as a loose-fitting cream shirt. He almost looked like a pirate. I found that when I was six. Ever since then, I’ve wondered what else I could find across the world.
“It’s beautiful,” I said, not a hint of sarcasm in my voice.
Are you ready to go? We should camp near the moonflower and wait for it to bloom.
I quirked up an eyebrow. “It could be a month from now until it blooms.”
Kaga held up his hands in a shrug. Better than missing it.
“Or we could sleep on these nice beds here and go find it before the full moon.”
Kaga crossed his arms and stared at me, save for a small twitch at the corner of his mouth, as if he was trying not to smile.
“All right, all right. It’s your voice. Let’s head out.”
His face broke out in a sunny grin, and I turned away when my stomach fluttered.
We have supplies out in the back.
