"If it wasn't for you being a reaper I could totally beat you," Willow huffed, making a valiant effort to catch up to Jack as they ran along one of the trails on the island, having been at it for a hour. " I was the fastest runner in my class you know!"
Mostly because she hated losing, but he didn't need to know that.
Jack turned and jogged backward, grinning playfully as he matched her pace.
"You can't already be tired, it was your idea to go running!" He slowed down slightly, allowing her to catch up. His words made her pick up her phase, even though she knew she couldn't outrun him her competitiveness still made her try. "Don't tire yourself out, I did promise you to take you and Fahima skating." He chuckled, running beside her with ease while her own lungs burned. They continued their jog, and curious BustyrÃa watched them as they sprinted down the well-worn trail.
Willow finally conceded, slowing down and gasping for breath as she bent forward with her hands on her knees.
"Fine," she panted irritated. " you win."
"Oh, what's my reward." He leaned forward with humorous eyes.
"Being able to breathe," she giggled, wiping her sweaty forehead with the hem of her blue sports top.
"Need a piggyback ride back?"
"Be careful, I might take you up on the offer." She breathed, feeling her legs feeling slickly wobbly after it being so long. He turned his back to her and crouched down, motioning for her to jump on. " you sure?" She said uncertain.
"Hop on, how would I look if I allow my pet to faint in front of everyone." He smiled over his shoulder, making her roll her eyes but due to her legs she accepted his offer. He began walking downhill toward town with her on his back, and as they strolled, he asked, "Wanna go past the baker's and see if he has any cupcakes left?"
Willow chuckled. "Sure, but only if they're as sweet as my victory was supposed to be."
Her words made him chuckle as Jack carried her toward the bakery, while a few people gave them curious glances. Suddenly, a loud giggle drew their attention. It was Caroline, holding bags of shopping, and Mia, clutching one of her sloth teddy bears.
"It seems like you guys are having fun," Caroline smiled. "I did hear you were running around the island."
"I was running, Willow was dying," Jack said, earning himself a swat on the head from Willow. Mia, on the other hand, eagerly approached them with outstretched arms.
"Hi, my little pup!" Jack greeted Mia with a warm smile.
"I want up too!" Mia declared, her hands opening and closing.
"Now, now, Mia. Jack can't carry you when he's carrying Willow," Caroline gently reminded her, taking hold of Mia's arm. "Remember, they're coming to your birthday, and we still have lots of fun stuff to pick up for it."
Mia's birthday was just four days away, and Jack had already spent time helping with the decorations while Willow had spend time with the girls. Yesterday, Willow had been with Fahima, who had returned from a reaping feeling down, prompting Willow to ask Jack if they could go skating together since Fahima had never tried it before.
"Can't wait," Willow smiled warmly as she slides down Jack's back. Mia nodded and went back to holding her mom's hand.
"You two have fun!" Caroline waved as they walked off, while Jack waved after them before turning to Willow.
"so about that cupcake." he grinned, nodding toward the bakery. In no time, they were heading back to the mansion, each of them eating a delicious cupcake.
"How long before we're meeting with Fahima?" She questioned, between bites.
"About half a hour."
"Can you teleport? I really need to take a shower beforehand." He reached out his and and as she took it they appeared in her bedroom. Willow walked towards her closet to find a new pair of clothes while Jack vanished. She needed something more suitable and settled on a pair of leggings and a knitted red sweater and a pair of fingerless black gloves before heading to the bathroom.
When she came back out was Jack sitting on her bed in a long sleeved grey shirt and light jeans.
"Ready to fetch Fahima?" smiled, offering his hand, which Willow gladly accepted. "You ready?" Fahima spun around startled and looked at Jack and Willow.
"Can't just sneak up on me like that!" she smoothened out her green knitted dress before giving them a smile. "But I am ready." Jack reached out his hand and she took it.
Half an hour later, Willow was seated on a bench, tying her white skates while she watched Fahima cautiously navigate the ice, gripping the rail tightly for support. Jack, on the other hand, skated around effortlessly, making Willow wonder if there was anything he couldn't do.
Once her skates were securely fastened, Willow excitedly got onto the ice, wobbling a bit at first until she found her balance. She began skating slowly, gradually gaining confidence as she circled the rink. She made her way over to Fahima, who was still clinging to the rail.
"You know, it's way more fun when you're not holding on," Willow smiled, offering her hand to Fahima. After some gentle coaxing, Fahima finally let go of the rail and slowly started skating alongside Willow. As they skated, a group of children zipped past them, one of them nearly toppling headfirst onto the ice. But Jack swooped in and caught the child seconds before his head hit the ice.
"Thank you!" the child's relieved mother exclaimed as she rushed over to them.
"Of course, better be careful, kid," Jack replied with a friendly ruffle on the child's head. Willow couldn't help but wonder if he somehow sensed the accident about to happen before it did. Jack skated closer to her and circled her a few times.
"How are you so good?!" She said slightly envious.
Jack grinned, skating playfully close to her. "I used to skate in the winter with my family because my sister loved it," he explained. "And I'm just that good," He added the last part with a playful wink.
Laughing, Willow playfully attempted to push Jack across the ice, but he smoothly countered by grabbing her shoulders and pulling her into a spontaneous hug. Their laughter echoed across the rink, and they heard a short squeak from Fahima, and looked towards her, seeing her sitting on the ice.
Jack released Willow and glided over to help Fahima up from the ice while Willow focused on not hitting a child. It had been a year since Isabell, Iris and she had gone ice skating, but it couldn't be so hard to remember, right?
She maneuvered through the giggling kids who darted around in playful chaos. As she weaved through the crowd, one particularly enthusiastic child accidentally got pushed into her path. Willow tried to evade the collision, but her foot slipped on the ice, and she braced herself for impact with the ice. Yet, instead of a painful fall, she felt a strong arm encircle her waist, and with a humph they glided over the ice together, Willow protected in Jack's arms. Willow blinked in surprise, her gaze rising to meet Jack's.
"Thank you," she gasped, while he loosened his grip, allowing her to pull away. "That could have really hurt."
Jack got to his feet, his expression still somewhat alarmed. "Be more careful. I can't exactly heal you if you get a skull fracture," his eyes slightly wide, and his breathing a bit shallow as he extended a hand to help her up.
She chuckled, waving toward Fahima, who was making her way toward them. "I doubt it would have been that bad," Willow replied, trying to alleviate his concern. "But I promise to be careful," she added quickly, noting the lingering worry in his expression.
"Willow Anna Weber you cannot just leave me to fall!" Fahima yelled out with a squeaky giggle as she tried to skate over to them.
Willow took Jack's hand, and together they skated over to Fahima, who greeted them with a joyful giggle and clung to Willow.