Chapter 34: Chapter 34

CHAPTER 33

RUBIN

I carefully caressed his cheek, running my hands on his beautiful curls that is currently framing his face, brushing his forehead tenderly. He is sleeping soundly, his mouth slightly opened.

I smiled wistfully - I don’t want for him to wake up, yet.

I tucked my hair beneath my ear and leaned down to kiss his forehead, pecking his lips and pulling away abruptly, for I do not want to be tempted of the idea of snogging him quite blatantly without his consent.

Caelum looks so serene when he is like this – asleep on my lap, with no worries about what is going to happen; no worries about my limited time here with him.

I huffed.

How am I going to explain all of these to him?

The question that popped inside my head appears to have alerted him as he shifted on my lap, his eyelids twitching before he finally opens his eyes. I braced myself for his hate and anger, for his wrath to dawn, instead, I am met with the warmest embrace I have yet to receive from him.

“Rubin!”

His relief was apparent, while he kept on murmuring my name as though it were a prayer. He pulled away, touching my face like he couldn’t believe that I am standing here, right in front of him.

“How did I – I mean – how am I?” He let go of me, rubbing his hands on his face, “I traded my soul –“

“Yes, you did.” I gritted out, trying not to break under her guilty gaze. “Without even informing me, you have traded your soul.”

Caelum shrugged, flashing me an apologetic smile. “I’m sorry,” He pulled me closer, nuzzling his head on my neck, “I am so stupid.”

“Yes, you are.”

“But, how come I have been restored? Did Hades let me go? Did he void the trade I made with him?”

“No, he didn’t.” I sighed, biting my lips. I bowed my head, trying to find the words I shall say to him that will explain my situation.

A silence passed between the two of us and I can almost imagine the cogs in his head working thrice as hard as he thinks. It takes a little while after when I heard his sharp intake of breath, “You made another bargain?”

I bowed my head, before tucking it in between my shoulder and scratching my ear. I tried to burry myself within the depth of my knees but the jerk on my chin made me look at Caelum, filling me with such guilt as I catch his accusing gaze, “Rubin, tell me what is it that is bothering you? Why are you acting like this?”

“I didn’t do it on purpose.” I whispered, bowing my head again but he sharply jerked my chin back, making me cry out.

“What did you do?”

“I stick with the original bargain – of Hades taking my soul.” Caelum closed his eyes as he groans, letting me go, “No, that won’t be possible. I saw you drink that nectar! Even with just a vial, Hades cannot take your soul for it was tampered, already.”

I sighed once again and turned, refusing to see his face as I say the next words, “He could. I have asked Aphrodite to restore me back. Hades has given her choices and I asked her to choose you, Caelum, because no matter how much I want to live here on earth, I won’t survive or even experience happiness without you.”

The sound of fist hitting flesh is the only thing that made me look back at him.

Caelum’s face was murderous but his eyes were full of guilt and sadness as he said, “Do you think I could? Do you think, I do this petty sacrifices to show off my powers? Rubin, I do not care, okay? If Hades takes me then, so be it. It should be my punishment for defying and escaping Hades the first time I died. I don’t need you to save me.” His words were like arrows aimed at my heart and I didn’t like how it hurt me.

I chose to ignore it.

I moved closer, laying my head on his shoulder which made him stop his viscious rant, “It doesn’t matter now. Please stop being mad at me anymore – I only have thirty four hours left.” I wrapped my arms around his waist and tried to stop myself from shaking as I cried.

His hands wrapped around while he cried silently, caressing my hands as he takes them on his, “If that’s how it should, then allow me to marry you.”

I pulled my arms from his waist and he reluctantly released me.

I craned my neck so I can see him better, noticing the uncertainty and fear in his eyes while the rest of his face remains expressionless.

I gave him a smile, saying, “Must you propose to me in such a rude way?”

Caelum lets out a nervous chuckle, tackling me so that the two of us collapsed under the coxcomb blooms.

*

“Why take me to this foggy stretch of land, Caelum? I thought you are going to show me the best of earth before we marry?” Caelum shakes his head at me, leading me on, flashing his lights across the marshland and waving it as he called out, “Mike!”

“Aye!”

The response we have received made me jump a little. Caelum dragged me towards the shining lights, his face split in a wide grin.

As we draw closer, I noticed the humming machines and big bloated stuffs that floated up on the air with a huge basket at its base. Before I even open my mouth to ask questions, Caelum put his arms on my shoulders to stop me from taking a step back, “No need to be afraid of it, this is called a hot air balloon.”

Caelum indicated at the floating thing as he explains, “It starts out with cold air, and then it uses this machine to make that cold air, hot. With the now hot air, it propel itself up in the sky. It is crucial that we should ride on a clear day with no wind present to assure us a proper lay off. You’ll enjoy the sight above, I’m sure.”

“But it is foggy, how can we see anything at all?” Caelum only smiled, slipping his hands down on mine and holding it tight as he point at the stationary man who stands next to the hot air balloon.

“Mike, will you give me a hand?” The said ‘Mike’ rolled his eyes, smirking at Caelum and I. Mike provided us a ladder we can use to climb on the basket and before I knew it, we’re off the ground.

Caelum is smiling so wide that it surprises me to see him so cheerful.

“Turn unto your right, Rubin, I don’t want you to miss it.”

I followed his words and gasp when I saw it – the bright golden sun is like an orb floating at the sea of equally golden clouds. Everything from below seems to not exist as we watch the sunrise. Caelum wrapped his arms on my waist with my hands nestled on his while I lean closer to him.

“This is magical! I take my rude words back,” Caelum lets out a chuckle, tightening his arms around me. His actions are so sweet and natural, with no deliberate thinking, making me choke back some tears. I looked down at my recently earned magical watch that reflects my remaining numbers, making it appear on my skin.

“Where are we going exactly?”

Caelum pulled my sleeves down hiding the magical watch from view and tightening his arms around me as though he doesn’t want to let me go.

“You don’t have to worry about the remaining time. Just spend every moment with me, happily – that’s what matters more.”

I wanted to argue with him, to tell him how he is wrong and how he can’t possibly know what I am feeling right now because he is not the one who is dying but I restrained myself. I swallowed all the words and chose to store this thoughts at the back of my head, gently nodding at him and avoiding to look at his eyes as tears prickled mine.

There seems to be a lump developing in my throat and I stay silent, pondering about my thoughts of leaving Caelum alone again without even spending that much time.

“Hey,” Caelum turns me so that I am facing him. He puts a finger under my chin so he can see my face, “It will be alright, okay? I will make sure that you will enjoy this day.”

I bit my lip and sniffed, “But I don’t want to spend just this day with you. I want more time, more experiences – more of this…laughter, of sadness, of everything! This is so unfair, but I couldn’t, I won’t allow you to die because of me.” I whispered with such hate I chose to bear alone, spouting the words as though they brought bitter taste in my mouth. Caelum leaned his head on top of mine and nuzzled his nose on my ear.

“I know it is unfair. I’m so sorry my plan has failed.”

“You don’t need to apologize.” He nuzzled my nose with his and kissed my forehead, making me sigh.

“Caelum, I am scared.” I whispered, grabbing tight of his arm, “ I don’t know how Hades will come and take me when tomorrow comes. I don’t want to leave you.”

I bit my lip and sniffed, my body shaking. We stayed like that for a while, ignoring the sun that has now showered the vast mountain of its light, dissolving the sea of fog that has surrounded us so that I can see the other balloons - its magic expanding to the rivers and the trees and the life below.

“We’re closed to the ground now. I’ll cook you some breakfast, come on.” Caelum fumbled with the machine on top of me and we descended.

We say our goodbye’s to Mike and together, me and Caelum ran, barreling towards the tree. We tried to even out our breaths and I shivered, feeling the slight tingle on my skin as Caelum held my arms before he flicked his wrist.

Autahvuwns Manor welcomed us with its red tiled roofs and ever glistening fountain. Caelum marched up to the front door with me following close behind, expecting that as the door opens, Aeon and Newman will be waiting for us by the threshold. My heart felt like it was being squeezed as we entered the empty manor, our footsteps echoing to what used to be a familiar haven for me, now a place of memories.

“I know you felt disappointed not seeing them here but I do not know how I will deal with your divided attention. I want this remaining hours to be spent between the two of us. Call me selfish, alright, but I won’t have it in any other way.” Caelum shrugs, walking out of the parlour, heading inside the kitchen which is next to it.

I shake my head at him, trailing behind with a small smile on my lips.

“What would you like to have, ma moitié ?”

“Anything that you can prepare for me.”

Caelum gave me a serene smile as he started working by the knob, occasionally glancing at me. Soon, the wafting smell of pancakes made me stand from my seat and look at what he was doing – it smells like pancakes but they are thinner, as though they were made of papers.

“This is called a crepe and the fruit, well, I would like to do some flambé -I hope you are not that afraid of the fire.” Caelum concluded as he tossed the fruit on the pan and bathe them with wine and honey. He worked on them on top of the knob and I gasped as the fire shot up, startling me.

“Whoa!” I covered my mouth before frowning, hitting Caelum’s shoulder, “Caelum, you’ll burn the food.”

“Nope, just watch ‘til the end. Be patient, ma moitié, no one’s gonna burn nothing.” I rolled my eyes, simply offering him my plate and watch him with intent as he arranged the paper thin pancakes on my plate. He accompany them with some bananas and strawberries, finishing it with some crème on top.

“Thank you, ma moitié.” Caelum blushed as I returned the endearment to him. He settled across me with a cup of coffee on his hand, holding it over his lips so he can hide his face behind it.

We silently ate our breakfast.

I discreetly shifted my wrist when he is not looking, bothered about how I am going to spend the remaining twenty eight hours.

“Come on,” Caelum rose from his seat and I followed after him, excited about where we would go next. I raised an eyebrow when he slipped on an apron and tied it around his waist.

“What are you doing?” I watch as Caelum gathered our plates and headed by the sink.

“Isn’t it obvious?” Caelum rolled his eyes at me as he threw an apron on my face and laughed.

“We’re really doing this?”

“What? You haven’t done the dishes before?” I blushed a deep red, squaring my shoulders while I tried to defend myself from his accuse, “Well, Aunt Lilia let me wipe them.”

Caelum looks at me as though I have grown a second head before he leaned his head back, laughing. “Unbelievable. I will never marry such a lazy woman like you.”

My face fell at his words.

Snatching the sponge from him, I began cleaning the plates, scrubbing them rather forcefully. I gritted my teeth. Well, if I will have another life, I will never marry a boisterous man like him – airhead!

My hands tightened at the plate I am holding and I debated about what I shall do with it – shall I throw it at him or maybe hit him with it? Either way appears more thrilling once I see it happening.

Caelum wearily eyed my fisted hands and scratched his neck, “Hey, I don’t really mean it like that,” He whispered as he tried to snatch the sponge from me, making me flinch away and draw some distance between us.

“It doesn’t matter if you mean it or not because in the end, we will never marry for we won’t end up together. You are free to tease me and make fun of me because you – oh!” I gasped as Caelum yanked me away from the sink.

He lifted me off my feet and settled me on top of the counter. His eyes appears to drown me further as I stared at him, frowning, trying to figure out what’s going on inside his pretty little head as I melt under his gaze.

He doesn’t deserve this perfection, ugh!

After a few minutes, he reached out to his back pocket and produced a rose bud. He sang to it softly, his breath tickling them, making the petals dance and the rose opens to reveal a gold ring, “Here it is, so you won’t have to complain about me not marrying you.”

He rolled his eyes, his expression full of mischief as he watched me, my mouth wide open while I sat, enthralled with the rose as it floats.

“Will you marry me now that I have proposed?” I gasped, not believing his demand as Caelum takes the golden ring and caressed my hands, preparing to put it.

“Caelum!”

“What?” He asked, his hand that is holding mine tightening. “You wanted to marry me, right?”

“I do. I really do, but…” I huffed, glaring down at my hand, “Hades will take my soul and you will be left alone. I don’t want for you to suffer once I am gone.”

Caelum bowed his head and ran his hand on his hair, smirking ruefully, “It doesn’t matter what I feel, Rubin, what matters to me is you – your feelings, your desires, your happiness. I don’t care if Hades ruin us again. What matters is that you are married to me and no matter what happens, we are tied to each other, in this life and the next.”

His words weighted so much that I have to lean down amd capture him in a tight embrace. Because he did not anticipate my action, both of us toppled over the floor and laughed at our own silliness. I held out my hand for Caelum to take and he slips the golden ring on my left finger, kissing it, showering me with warmth that only him could provide.

Caelum pulled me up to my feet and we stand next to the sink, him scrubbing the plates while I do the wiping. The job did not take that long to finish and soon, we’re sitting on the sofa by the parlour, limbs tangled with each other.

“Do you want to drop by the beach of Lakhowt island?” I shake my head at his suggestion, crossing my arms over my chest.

“Nope. I don’t want the relentless rain – it made me feel so sad. In fact, I detest it!” I pulled my legs from his and put my chin on top as I folded them in.

“ How about the fields?” I suggested, leaning my head on my knees and imagining them, “The golden flowers are so enchanting and we can watch the sky before I-“

I averted my eyes, my voice dying down as I burried my face under my arms. Caelum leans close to me as he pulled me into his arms.

“Alright, the field it is then. We will marry by the river bank with the sun, the sky and the whole of nature as our witness.” I smiled at him, watching him as he flicked his hand, the parlour fading away to be replaced by the vast sea. The waves lapping at my feet as we remain seated on the sand.

“Come on!”

“Where are we?”

“Somewhere nice and warm.”

“What place exactly?” I asked while I try to drink in the view – how can the water be so…blue?

Caelum shakes with silent laughter, throwing his head back, “Caelum, where did you take me?”

“Hawaii, ma moitié, Maui island. Come on, we would have to explore the whole island and not have you gawk at the water alone.” He takes my hand and lead me towards the end of the shore at the foot of the cave where I guessed, no mortals has ever been before.

He waves his hand and opens the entrance to the cave. “Let’s go.”

“Why? What’s in there?”

“Stop asking and follow me,” The complaints I have been formulating died in my throat as I was dragged inside by Caelum, who seems so eager with the exploration. “Come on. I specially saved this view for you, no humans have ever seen it for it is not supposed to appear before them.”

“Wow!” I stand next to him, gob smacked; any form of words elluding my mind as I was momentarily struck dumb. The entrance opens up to a beautiful cove that contains shining rocks with a cerulean pond nestled in the middle where the sunlight is filtering in by the sizeable hole at the ceiling – letting in enough brightness to give beauty to the majestic view below.

“It’s like heaven.”

“Indeed,” Caelum nodded, not really listening to me as he started stripping off his clothes. I blushed, unable to stop myself from staring at his body.

It is so – godly.

“Don’t just stand there with your jumper and trousers on, strip it all down and join me!” Caelum dives in the water and later emerged, his hair like a dark halo around his face making him appear like a young boy. “Rubin, come on!”

“Alright, alright.” I rolled my eyes and hastily stripped off my clothes, shivering slightly as I stand by the edge of the water, looking at him wearily.

“What are you waiting for? Jump!”

I furiously shake my head and take a step back. Caelum sighs as he swam closer, just a meter away from where I was standing, “I’ll catch you, Rubin. Go on, just jump!”

I braced myself, closing my eyes as I pounced, not really sure of what I am doing.

Cold water bites my skin yet his warmth later envelopes me. He helps me up and steadied me above the water. I shivered, trying to tap my foot on the ground but it’s like a few feet deeper.

“Breathe, okay? I am here. I won’t leave you.” Still afraid of answering him, I reached out for his neck and latched on, making him laugh. Caelum waves his hand and I observed him as he summons a driftwood from the depth of the cove.

“Here, lean unto it. It will help you float.”

“But I don’t want to let you go.”

“No. You won’t let me go, you are just going to hold unto this wood and I will guide you.” I stared at Caelum’s eyes, whispering, “Caelum, I don’t want to let go.”

His face fell as he realize the weight and true meaning of my words. He let me float next to him, his arm securely holding me in place so that I won’t sink, “Shh, shh.”

“Can we stay there and not here? I don’t like water that much.” Caelum nodded in understanding and he guided me to the shallow part of the lake. “Here,” he indicated at the stone at the base, “Put your foot on it and hoist yourself up with this,” He softly said as he wraps the vines on my hand, pushing me up. I shivered as the cold wind hits my skin while Caelum followed, rising up from the water. He warmed me up by wrapping his arms around me, chanting words in the old tongue that momentarily soothe my raging nerves, calming me down.

Caelum brushed my cheeks with his fingers, caressing it gently, “Are you alright?”

I looked at his eyes and nodded, “I am now.” I gave him a little smile, sighing, “Can we do something that is more fun?”

“Right then, if I have bored you that much, I shall make this next thing…exciting. But first, put your clothes on.” I looked down to point out that we are still dripping when I notice the lack of water droplets from my skin. Shaking my head, I hastily put my clothes on, grabbing his arm as Caelum flicked his hand.

The cove faded back and suddenly we are standing in a street where Gaeans pass us by – Italians in particular.

The fountain of love stands in the middle of where we have currently materialized.

Unaware mortals sat next to it, throwing coins and wishes, oblivious about the cherubs that are currently eavesdropping about their desires. The cherubs lingered next to couples, spying just like how they used to when I am watching them back at Eros.

“It’s a pity, I cannot see them anymore.” I whispered more to myself as I try to spot Ole Boi amongst the crowd. Caelum rolled his eyes, pulling slightly at a stunted man who is sporting a pipe, glaring at us with those droopy yet piercing blue eyes, “Ole Boi?”

The stunted man’s eyes widen at my mention of his true name. I have not expected for him to run up to me, hugging my legs, “Oh, mistress.”

“How’ve you been?”

“You know the usual – requesting love partners, granting wishes there and here, just dull and sometimes exciting job as how it all should be.” Ole Boi drawled, rolling his eyes before glaring at Caelum, who matched his hateful gaze. “I must go now, mistress. Dwelling with such dark negative power contained by a Dieoublie was never good occurrence with us. Jinx in my job I say, every time I see him!”

“Why you little –“ I stand in front of Caelum, worriedly watching Ole Boi as he barely escape the wrath of him. “I am going to strangle you, someday, you little imp with wings. Just wait until I get my hands around your neck and you’ll be dead meat the next time you open your foul mouth.”

“Caelum,” he instantly relaxed as I put my hand on his arm. His gaze focused on mine, he huffed.

“This is not so exciting. Let’s go somewhere else.” I need not to put my hand on his arm as he takes it and flicked his own, the fountain of love fading to reveal the Lakhowt Island.

I watch as Caelum walks away from me and settled down on the cold, damp earth. I quietly followed him, a bit confused as to why he took me here when I made it clear that I never liked such relentless rain.

“Hold out your arm.” I do as he asked and gasped when I saw the numbers.

“You’ve only got twenty four hours left.” He sighed, “Come on, I’ll make some chowder for you.” Caelum take me in his arms and he lifted me, carrying me up the hill with such ease.

“Can you let me watch you prepare?” Caelum just nodded, his eyes focused onwards as he opens the door to the cottage, heading straight for the kitchen.

He took longer than usual to prepare a meal and I love how it relaxed me as I curiously watched him. He sliced a hole out of the bread and asked me to clean it for him so we can use it as a bowl. I was so occupied with the bread bowl that I have not noticed Caelum who has already finished with the soup.

“Can I do it?”

Caelum hesitated before he nodded at me. I gave him a tiny smile, whispering as I ladled a serving for him, “I am so glad, my soon-to-be husband can cook. We will never starve.”

Caelum shakes his head at me and the both of us shared the bowl, occasionally discussing Aeon and how he will react to a new menu. I also acknowledged the creative idea of using a bread bowl and how it was such a convenient thing to use, saving me from having to wash the dishes.

Because I have no chores to do, we proceeded at the living room and sat by the sofa, “Would you like to watch some movies?”

“Movies?”

“Yes, ma moitié, it is like a television program but it runs for two hours at max. It comes with different genre such as comedy, romance, horror, action, the list goes on.”

I debated at the options, cocking my head to the side, “ Can we watch some horror movies? I am quite curious as to what it is about,” I snuggled close to Caelum as he smirked at me.

*

The suspense I can handle; the sound that accompanies the moving pictures is bearable but when the lady pushed the little boy – I do one thing I am very good at, I screamed!

“Will you stop it? Ugh – I shouldn’t have suggested movies in the first place if I have known.” Caelum avoided the slap I am directing on his face as he held my hands on his lap. “Caelum Bloody Rouen – Aaaah!”

“Please! Stop screaming and bloody watch it quietly. La llorona isn’t going to bolt out and-“

“Aaah!”

“Oh, Zeus! Mighty powerful god, help me. My eardrums isn’t going to survive if you kept tothis –“

“Turn it off, now. Turn it off, Caelum – I can’t – turn it off, NOW!”

I reached out my hand and snatched the remote control from his, gritting my teeth as I directed the remote at the television. My eyes when the volume goes up and Caelum doubled over in laughter. I can’t help but scream as the movie goes on and I cannot even turn it off.

Caelum finally stopped and I chucked the control at him, covering my ears as I watch him turn it off. I let out a huff, throwing another slap on Caelum’s arm.

“Ow, that really hurt!”

“Well, it’s supposed to feel that way,” I snapped, turning away from him only to hear him snort as he tried to stop his laughter, failing miserably. “It is not funny, Caelum. What I just experience is not funny.” I glared at him, fighting the urge to hit him again.

“Alright,” he raised his hands up and bowed his head, “I know it is very scary but some scenes gave me a laugh specially when you are trying to use my arm to shield your eyes. I’m sure you quite enjoy it yourself.” I rolled my eyes at his lame reasons, leaning away from him. “Now that you are hype up, let me take you somewhere.” He did not wait for my answer as he takes my hand and flicked his.

I watch as the living room dissolves and we found ourselves sitting down on a bench, facing the largest carnival I have ever seen.

“Wow.”

Screams pierced my eardrums and I eyed the long caterpillar-like vehicle which barrelled down the rickety rail. There is a giant wheel that spins in all directions and I am pretty sure that there is more to what I am seeing right now. I stared up at Caelum to see him beaming from ear to ear, “Come on!”

He yanked me inside the carnival; both of our faces splitting because of the grin we are sporting, our excitement full to the brim.

“Caelum, what’s that big caterpillar-like thing?”

“It’s called a roller coaster. You wanna try that first?”

I nodded at him and Caelum assisted me as we lined up behind ten more people who are equally excited as we are. Caelum pressed his wrist and I nudged him, noticing the beats he is gathering. “What? I have to survive too, you know.”

I shake my head at him, happily sneaking under the warmth of his body as I leaned closer. The guy that is manning the vehicle wave us all inside while he lets the others off. Caelum wriggled pass the others as he aimed for the front seat.

He safely tucked me in, tightening some belt on my waist that made my breath hitch, his hand lingering down to the part where I felt quite alarmed and embarrassed. “Caelum, uhm, what’s taking you so long down there?”

I blush profusely when Caelum smirked at me, the two other girls from the back letting out giggle as they look at us.

I wasn’t given any chance to glare at them when the ride lurches and picks up speed and we steadily climb up the steep railing. Caelum glanced at me, biting his lip, “What is it?”

The ride slows down as we reached the top, Caelum still smiling, “Wait for it.”

I glared at his words, not getting what he meant by that. I was about to open my mouth to ask him a question only to hold tight on my seat, “Caaaaaeluuuuuuum!”

The wind felt like it is almost a solid wall as we plunged down the ten meter rise. Everybody is screaming except for Caelum who raised his hands, laughing. After I got over my shock, I mimicked his moves – raising my hands , “Woohoo!”

Caelum lets out a howl as we both laughed, enjoying ourselves.

I guess this is the best five minutes of my life.

The exhilaration soon died as our ride slows down. The man ushered us out of the roller coaster, bidding us goodbye and wishing for us to ride once again. I turned at Caelum, shaking with excitement, “Caelum, can we ride again?”

Caelum did not answer me, instead he led me at the spinning ride and we quickly entered as they were about to close the gates. Caelum directed us to a floating chair and he secured me with chains, sitting next to me. “Hold on tight.”

Those were the last words I hear before the loud blaring siren drove me deaf for a minute, muting my scream down to a muffled one as it began to spin. Caelum is tightly holding my hands and I laughed out loud, enjoying the feel of the wind with Caelum closed by – holding me like he won’t allow me to leave this ride.

We explored the carnival until the sun finally sets, showering us with vibrant red and orange while the dark looming clouds from afar promised a rain tonight. Caelum pushed a pink cloud thing that sits on top of a stick, on my hand and gave me a smile. He snatched a fluff on the sides and popped it in his mouth.

Did he just ate -?

“Try it before you judge.”

“I never expected that they sell and consume clouds here on earth. The last time I check, the clouds are purely made of vapor, mostly water.” Caelum rolled his eyes before stuffing a fluff inside my mouth. I am about to spit the thing out when I realize that it has already melted.

“Oh!”

“Oh.” Caelum smirked, “Good?”

“Um, let me have another go at it before I tell you about my opinion.” Caelum smirked holding out a large clump of the cloud thing next to my mouth. “Hmm, it is sweet – I wonder how they do this.”

“Don’t be too amazed. They simply heat the sugar and spin it unto this stick. They call this, candy floss .” Caelum stuffed the cloud delight on my hand and finished his popcorn, “There’s one ride we haven’t tried yet, come on!”

He dragged me over the big wheel that is turning slowly, guiding me as we load inside the metal baskets. The big wheel ascends and I am mesmerized, “This ride is called a Ferris wheel.”

“Fairies wheel?”

“Look there!” Caelum pointed far across the land where a burst of red spark light up the night sky. After a while, another one flew up and erupted, showering the sky with green lights.

“What is that?” I asked, still enraptured by the beauty of the sparks that I haven’t noticed him as he draw close, “It’s called fireworks.”

He whispered, his lips only a centimeter away. I smiled grabbing the back of his neck so I can kiss him fully on the lips.

I can feel the carriage moving down and soon enough a flash broke us off. Thinking of fireworks, I worriedly look around to check for any signs of them when I saw a person, handing out a piece of shining paper while he held a box on his other hand. “Two dollars for this, dear, not part of the package!”

Caelum rolled his eyes, ignoring the guys mutterings as he crashed his lips on mine for the second time. The sudden flash blinding me made me close my eyes as I felt my cheeks heat up of embarrassment.

He pulled away slightly, his arms still around me as he reach out for the guy to hand him some papers. Caelum takes the shining paper, holding it up on the lights so I can see my blushing face being kissed by no other than Caelum, “Look, Rubin. We got some decent pictures before our wedding.”

Caelum pulled me out of the carriage as they started to let others in. We headed by the dimly lit alley and Caelum flicked his hand, bringing us back to the field that is overwhelmed by darkness - the sky inky black in colour, dusted with bright shining stars that twinkles.

I smiled bitterly, looking down on my wrist -less than fourteen hours left.

“Come here and lay your head on my chest,” Caelum whispered as he spread the blanket down on the grass. I followed him as he lower himself down on the earth, stretching his arms and I lay my head over his chest so that I can hear his heart, beating.

“Caelum?”

“Hmm?”

“I want to try something.”

“What is it?” He wriggled free of my hold and I felt him rising up to a sitting position. Blushing, I hold him down, focusing on what I intend to do instead of culturing my developing embarrassment.

“What is it that you wanted to try?”

I closed my eyes at his question and gulped the anxiety that has driven my hands and feet, cold. My hands shakes as I lounged at him, answering his question with a blatant action.

He was taken by surprise that his mouth is wide open, granting me an easier access as I slipped my tongue inside. Caelum tensed but soon, his body relaxed. His hands roamed the sides of my body, running his hands up and down before slipping them inside my clothes, making me moan, “Oh!”

Caelum stopped and I cursed myself for being so loud, “ I am sorry. I got carried away.”

He muttered, watching as Caelum draws from my hold and I bit my lip. “I mean, it is completely understandable if you don’t want to do it. I mean-“

“It’s okay.” My audacity of speaking out loud about my feelings have never wavered and I am thankful that it did not. Caelum’s eyes roamed over my face , checking for any emotion that I am showing.

“Are you sure? I mean we’re not married yet.”

I rolled my eyes and pull at his shirt, “I am certain. It doesn’t matter if we are not yet married, Caelum, because in less than twenty four hours, we’ll be together, forever.” I smirked, hopefully copying the way he does it. Caelum flicked my nose before leaning in closer – making the butterflies flutter in my stomach as Caelum took my breath once again.

I will never get over this emotions I feel. Even if Hades will take my soul from me, I will make sure that I won’t forget how Caelum’s kisses made me feel.

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