Chapter 6: Chapter 6

Chapter five : Chasing cupids

RUBIN

"What the fuck?"

I stare back at him as he loom over me–he is so tall that I have to crane my neck to be able to stare at him. My wings appeared instantly, nervously fluttering on my back, my hands steadily growing sweaty as I swallowed. I was quite shock that I was still breathing for I am afraid of what he will do. A few seconds passed and I squared up my shoulders, taking the book from the floor while trying to gather up more courage as I began to speak, “He-hello there. It's me, Rubin, Rubin Hearthrowe. What about you? What is your name?" I cringed at how shaky my voice appeared and instead, tighten my hold at the book. He glared at my hand which is currently holding the book. I let go of it and cringed as the book thudded, its sound echoing followed by a lingering silence. I sighed having this urge to kick myself for letting go of the book once again. I should’ve put it inside of my satchel. “Look, I'm sorry. I just wanted to talk–"

"Wanted to talk? Wanted to talk?! You are snooping around my flat, reading my books, handling my things, and you just wanted to talk?"

"I said I am sorry. I didn't mean to... snoop around. It's just that your room–it's quite entertaining." His eyes appeared stormy than before, his lips contorted into a frown. "I swear. I didn't even know that this books existed! The covers were like the ones my Uncle used to paint on my room and the dates on the map, it dated way back–everything’s quite overwhelming. A thousand of years old worth of information...I just can’t believe that you possessed such treasures."

"I know and they are worth more than anything in this flat,” He glared at the book and take it from me, “This books contained the root of your very existence and I wouldn’t let you get a hold of this, if possible. It just contains more than you can handle.” He put the book on his bedside table and gave me a murderous glare, “If it's overwhelming for you then you shouldn't have wandered here in the first place.” he snorted but the sound did not appear to be irritating–I find it to be funny and cute. I gave him a smile on which he scoffed at.

"It is overwhelming, alright, but I still like it. This is refreshing.” I carelessly toss my hair back, the vicious curls now escaping the intricate design my aunt have plaited. I glanced around, “Did you just say that these books is about our very existence? Does it contain a guide about my mission and how I will survive here on earth?” I started to walk around, not bothered by his glare as I make my way back to his living room, the soft pad of his feet against the carpet somehow comforted me instead of making me feel threatened. “This is like being back at Eros again. My grandma’s library is just like this, except for the paddle you put on top of the mirror–that’s just…whimsical. It made me feel like I belong here, like this is some kind of an extension of our world.” He gave me a dubious stare before he sighs, sitting down at the sofa. He takes a book beside the sofa while he followed me with his eyes. “It’s amazing to meet someone so interested about everything concerning the past. Uncle always told me to stir away from it because there’s no point wallowing about, for you can’t change it. ” I watched him as he shifted, clenching his jaw. I bit my lip–did I say something wrong?

As if reading my mind, he snorted again, his eyes dark with irritation. "Oh, get to the point already and say your purpose. I do not have so much time in my hands to listen to your blabber. " he shrugged, his tall form now leaning on the sofa as he sit up. The glint in his eyes made me wonder what he’s thinking but I chose not to ask.

"Right,” I cleared my throat before looking him in the eye. "Well, I just wanted to ask if you are a cupid too and if you are my contender? It just–" I did not have much time to ponder on what he is doing before he started to drag me. “What are you doing?” the questions stumbled out of my mouth, still distracted of the beauty of history that is around me. I glared at his hands that are digging deeply on my skin and hissed at how tight they were being.  I sneakily grabbed an apple  and slipped it inside my satchel, trying to stop myself from crying out as his grip on my arm grow painful. “Wait, I have to know what you are!” his strides outmatch my few short ones and my limp wings from awhile ago doesn’t help me at all as he continue dragging me. “Are you a cupid or not? Why are you kicking me out when you haven’t answered my question?”

“I should kick you out because you are disrupting my work…my life.” I watch as he settled me next to the door and tied his shirt on my wrist. I can feel the word bubbling up and I cannot stop myself further as I said , "If you are a cupid too, why do you do this to me? I am your kind. We are equals!” He stroked a black pad on his hand before he glared at me. He quickly spoke on the black pad, irate, his jaw clenched as he snarled. “Newman, I need to speak with the manager, direct me to her,” I waited with bated breath, listening to him as he rant about shitty security and giving information I couldn’t understand. After a heated argument, he puts the black pad in his trousers and stared at me, making me ask him, "Is this part of my mission?” my voice quivered as I speak, tears falling down my cheeks. “Why are you doing this? I’m your fellow cupid.”

He laughs at me before he wipes my tear, the action both surprising us as his eyes widened. He cleared his throat and turns his back towards me, " Technically speaking, I am not a cupid. I am a Dieuoubliè so don’t think of me as if you and I are equal." He said turning to the side and puffing his chest as he gaze back at me. "A Dieuoubliè?" I wondered out loud, still holding his gaze.

"I am a forgotten. A bringer of chaos, conflict and jealousy..." he ticked off his fingers for every word he say, his face growing more sullen than before. “Counter part of Cupid, sometimes the cause of death because of confusion, depression–all of the negative things, the other side of what love gives, that is me.”

“How could you become so evil? What happened to you?”

His eyes hardened at my question and I bit my lip. He sauntered low to my level only to stumble on one of the long ribbons from my dress, making his lips crash unto mine.

My eyes widen.

I didn’t have time to think about the incident when he pulls away in an instant. His face is flushed as mine did, his jaw tightly clenched as he bit back the words, pointing his finger at me, “ No one can know.” He glared at me, his hands shaking as he wipes his cheeks as though he is trying to get rid of the blush that is steadily forming on them. He bowed his head and started searching my robes, taking the books out of my satchel, a glare still directed my way. He sighs, shoulders hunched, “The police men will come and collect you. They might be harsh but you will survive. Just say, ‘Je suis désolé’, okay?” I glared at him, “Repeat after me, ‘Je suis désolé’“ I huff before saying, “I can speak French.”

He gave me a shrug “Oh, good.” He gave me a pat on my head before saying, “By the way, Caelum is my name.” He quietly says before he stalks off to his bedroom.

A couple of minutes passed before a knock on the room startled me. Caelum appeared next to me, his brows furrowed as he put something on my wings and I was surprise when my wings retracted back. The man guarding downstairs appeared as Caelum opens the door. “I’m glad you are here to escort her down, Newman.”

Wait, Caelum knows the door man.

The said Newman took me by my arms, pushing me back with another man who is wearing blue which I assume is the police man. He put a metal bracelet over my wrist and locked them in place. “I just want to say,” Caelum started, looking at the policeman as he stands by the door, “She didn’t steal anything. You don’t need to cuff her.” The police man shakes his head, tightening his hold on me. “I believe it izz necessary, she might run on us if I don’t.”

Caelum looks down on my feet, making me conscious of my appearance, so I hide my feet from him. Caelum stared at me for a moment, his eyes communicating something I can’5 decipher. He shakes his head and huffed, appearing as though he was disappointed as he said goodbye to Newman and us. He proceed to close the door almost instantly like he was afraid I am going to run and attack him.

I bit my lip as we descended, trying to stop the tears from falling down as they shoved me down the stairs. “Zis ought to happen onze in a while,” The officer says making Newman nod. “Indeed. The likes of her disturbs my master, greatly. I am confident to say that this will be the first and last time she will do this, nothing like this shall happen upon my watch.”

“I will make sure of zhat, don’ worry,” the officer bowed at Newman and I watch as he glared at me, sending us off. I was barking mad, looking back at his room as I desperately call for his name, “Caelum, please help me!” I pleaded but the policeman stirred me inside the vehicle and we started to move.

“Caelum!”

*

The rain poured harsher than before, the officer took me out of the vehicle and glared at me. He stirred me inside a building and they began questioning me. “Why did you go zer and ask for Mr. Rouen? ‘ow did you know where ‘e is? What do you want from ‘im?” I stayed silent, still confused on why I should be here in the first place. I can’t believe Caelum have me arrested .

Because I refuse to answer their questions, the police man glared at me before pushing me inside a barred room. I struggled to get away from his hold and run, only to be surprise when someone took my hand. I glanced up and see Caelum peering down at me–my heart pause for a minute before it angrily pump faster, being chased away by those freezing blue eyes Caelum possessed.

“Are you alright?”

I stared at him, confused on why he was asking me such question when he was the one who sent me here. He smiles at the policeman before he pulls me close. “I am sorry, there has been a misunderstanding...” His stormy eyes glinted and I am surprise when the police removed the silver metal on my wrist and smiled back at Caelum who is muttering under his breath.

He is using enchantments!

The baffled police man sat there, confused of his actions as he sat down on his chair looking at us while Caelum pulled me out to the hall. I stared down on his hands, tightly holding mine as he pulled me farther from there–I couldn’t help but blush. Caelum stopped before we reach the street, he gave me a look and shake his head, “I can’t believe I am doing this.” He pulls away his hand, his lips turning to a pout, frowning. He started to step out to the rain and I followed him.

He stopped abruptly, turning back at me with his hands on his hips. I remained standing next to him, now dripping once again because of the not so gentle rain pouring down on us. His long black coat appears to be dry even though raindrops kept on pelting down on it, but his hair is as wet as mine. My fingers  are now tinged blue as I shivered, the blast of cold wind making it worst. I momentarily take the time to breathe in and could smell the weird scent coming off of him: the combination of roses and other flowers radiated from the insides of his coat. I held out my hand to touch him but he pushed them back, glaring at me, “I have saved you from those guys, you should be thankful–stay away from me from now on. Do you understand?”

His words confused me, I tried to catch his gaze but he chose to turn his head as he started walking, "Why? I don’t understand why I should do that!” I pulled at his hands, holding them tight only to be blasted–a flash blinding me for a while. I blinked my eyes to see his icy stare freezing me on the spot and making let go of his hand, “If you are what you say you are, then why do you hate me so much as to not even want to touch me?"

"I don't specifically hate you and there is a damn well reason why I refuse to touch you and why I act like this,” his expressive eyes startled me as he leaned down in front of my face as though he is scrutinizing my soul, "I hate all of you–Cupids, Erosians–all of your kind, you fuckers!" His voice rose that it made me cringe. I bit my lip to stop myself from whimpering, bowing my head so I wouldn't see his angry expression directed down at me. “I hate all of you for condemning me down here. Haven't you realize it when I push you through the window awhile ago that I hate you? Your kind damned me on earth and the reason behind it is still a mystery to me. So don't you dare try to meddle with my business again, Cupid, because you do not want to get mixed up with me. Consider this as my last warning.” I glanced up at him as I hear his words, his eyes gleaming mischievously at the threat he had just given me. I do not want to accept it but, his words wound me.

He started to walk away, his coat billowing about, carried by the non existent wind. I waited for a while before following him, shivering because of the cold. He is my only chance for survival in this peculiar world, I have no choice but to follow. Caelum quickly went down an alley I haven’t noticed and was surprised when he appeared in front of me. “Do you think I do not know you are following me?” I backed away on the wall, my eyes unfocused as he draw near, eyes glinting. The rain seems to stop from falling, or did they fall slower than before?

What is happening?

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to follow you but I have no choice.” I bowed my head, wringing my hand on my sides as I say, “I am so hungry and cold. I am all alone here. I don’t have anyone I know besides you.” My face grow scarlet as my hair while my stomach rumbled as if trying to prove my point. He gave me an exasperated sigh before turning, continue to walk down the alley.

I am getting a little bit nervous as the walls grow dingy and dark. I was about to ask him why we are heading this way when he turn around–his breath is fanning my face and it intoxicated me, making me a little bit dizzy–his hands trapping me in between the wall and his body. I gulped. “Don’t worry, I’m not going to do anything with you just yet,” He gave me a smirk before he waved his hands and a gust of wind swallowed him.

“Wait!” I quickly ran towards the wind, my hands shaking as I closed my eyes.

*

“Fascinating, isn’t it?” his voice startled me. With my heart beating fast, I open my eyes to see him looming over me, his smirk annoyingly beautiful on that perfect face of his. “Pity, you did not watch how that darken alley transition to this,” He pulled at my sleeve impatiently to rose me from the floor and I was surprise to see that we are actually back at his flat. “Come on. You just told me that you are hungry, aren’t you?”

“This–the wind–we, I...how?” I glance around, still not believing my eyes. He headed towards the side of his living room, swiping his hand on the wall and I was shocked when it swings, showing the kitchen. He removes his coat, walks toward the sink before washing his hands, wiping it on the towel beside him. He stared back at me and began rummaging inside a very big cupboard. I followed him inside the kitchen and peered behind only to be amused. “How did the cupboard get this cold?” I wondered out loud and he laughed, with real tears falling on the sides of his cheek. Worried of his condition, I put my hand on his forehead and check for fever.

Well, it seems that he’s fine so why is he acting weird?

I draw my hand back as the surge surprised me. Caelum directed a glare at me, “I warned you about not touching me.” He cleared his throat before continuing, “This is not a cupboard, this is a refrigerator. We put meat and fish inside, including other perishable foods.” I look inside and noticed dozens of bottles colored transparent and brown. Caelum wiped a stray tear and chuckled before he close the door to the cold cupboard. “Though in this case, there is nothing but water and liquor inside. I forgot to inform Aeon to buy some edibles. Geez,” He hung his head low before he chuckled once again. Not fully understanding the meaning of his words, I opened the door to the refrigerator again and smiled, amused by the light.

Caelum sat down on the stool and watched me. After some time, he went to his room and left me there, amused of how modern the kitchen is. I should tell Aunt Lilia about the cold cupboard–she will be shocked. After a while, the cold cupboard did not appear as fun as it was for the light keeps on disappearing. I was about to follow him in his room when he came back, carrying something on his hands. He puts it down on the table and I lounge at it, curious. He pushed my forehead back and glares at me. He pulled me on a seat, kneeled down on the floor and said, “Raise your feet,” I heed his command and settled my feet on his knee. He took some cream and slowly dab it on my wounded feet, he blows at it before putting it back down. “Now it’s alright.”

He catches my eyes as I watched him. I bowed down and gave him a sheepish smile. Putting both of my feet down, he laughs, “Don’t be fooled by this, stupid Cupid. This is a mere act of kindness you will hardly receive from Dieoubliè.” I rolled my eyes and stood, “Merci,” he gave me a roguish smile, before he took the clothes from the table. “Here, change into this before we go outside and eat.”

I take the pair of clothes and headed inside his room, locking the door. I removed the articles of my clothing and leave them in a heap. I momentarily stared at the red clothing before pulling the first one over my head, smiling since it felt so soft against my skin–the second one confuses me more since I haven’t seen such a thing. I put it over my head and open the door only to be pushed back inside.

“It’s not meant for your head, it is supposed to be for your legs!” I bit my lip, blushing as I take it off my head and inserted my feet on the holes–am I doing it right? I stare at the mirror and prance around, making faces. “What’s been taking you so long? Get a move already and do not dawdle!” His thunderous voice startled me. I got outside his room and was surprised to see him staring at me. He cleared his throat and put something on the floor–they were golden. “I got it downstairs, try it on.” I carefully walk to him and notice the pretty little thing he is holding. He sighs, kneeling down before helping me slip my feet on them. “These are called shoes, you need to wear them so as to not hurt your feet when you are walking around.” I nodded, curious of how it concealed my toes. Caelum straighten up and gave me a once over, his eyes lingering longer than I expect them to considering that he is irritated by my presence.

We stared at each other, his eyes roaming on my face as I stand there. “Come on, let’s get going then,” I gave him a bright smile and before I knew it, he summoned the winds as before. He pulled me right into the wind with his face weirdly contorted and my face filled with confusion.

Was he smiling or pouting?

*

“No, no, no, NO!”

He stands from his seat before huffing, placing a chair next to me. He tucked a stray hair on my ear and take a napkin out of the pod next to me, “Are you from a jungle or a faraway island? I thought, cupids are sophisticated and highly regarded creatures–so what happen to you and your etiquette?” he pass the napkin at me which I quickly use to clean the sides of my mouth. “Should you have attended those classes instead of going down here on earth? I didn’t know that I will be so lucky to come across a barbaric cupid, not to mention an idiot one.” My face burned at his words and I avoided his gaze. “Hey–I am only saying this so that you will listen and learn…er, what’s your name again?”

“Rubin, my name is Rubin Hearthrowe.”

“Okay Rubin, watch how you should do it the proper way,” He took the fork and spoon, gently twirling the pasta on the fork over the spoon. After doing so, he pushed it towards my mouth and I swallowed it. He huffed, giving me the fork and spoon, “Now, you do it.” Shyly, I followed his example and got it right, earning a chuckle. “Wow, I didn’t know that you can easily learn, Rubin!” He pat my head and watched me as I proceed with my pasta. His eyes widen at what he said and he cleared his throat, scratching his neck.

He ordered me food after food, giving me as much as I could handle. The food here on earth is undeniably delicious, specially the cakes. I helped myself with the third serving of the chocolate mousse and was surprise when he stood. He glared at the black pad on his hand, his gaze seems like it is burning a hole through it.

“What’s the matter?”

“Huh?”

“Why are you staring at the black pad like you will chuck it off at the middle of the ocean?”

“Black pad?” my odd words startled him that he gave me a slight smile, shaking the black pad on his hand, “You mean this?” I nodded, focusing on the black pad. “It’s not called black pad, silly, this is a phone , you see,” He scrolled on the pad and I am surprise as the icons move, “a phone.”

“ A phone,” My eyes were glued on it. He gave me a slight smile before he sighs. I curiously peered up at him and was surprise to see him apologetic. “I have to go, it’s urgent. I am so sorry…” He pat my head, awkwardly, before pulling some paper from his pocket. “Here’s a few euros,” He puts them on my hand before he draw back. “Keep it safe, and do survive, okay?”

He gave me another look, waved his hands as he walk at the gust of wind.

계속