The motel room was dark as moonlight filtered through the curtain's pores, illuminating the room enough to make out an outline of the furniture. The sound of the heating hummed softly through the room, accompanied by the steady breathing of the sleeping inhabitant.

Eleanora lay staring at the ceiling, being able to make out an outline of the fan above her head. Sighing, she turned on her side, pulling the comforter up to the bridge of her nose. She looked into the body mirror against the wall she was facing as she distinguished the shapes visible to her on the reflection. Having slept through most of the drive here, she found it very difficult to fall asleep now. Gazing into the mirror, she made out the bulge that lay beside her, on the other edge of the bed.

He shifted restlessly in his sleep, a soft whimper escaping his lips. Every instinct in Eleanora's body wanted to wake him up and comfort him, telling him it was a dream, but she did no such thing. Instead, she lay still, watching the blanket move behind her as she wanted to know what would happen next. Suddenly, Apollyon let out a choked gasp into the darkness, slightly starling Eleanora at the suddenness as she didn't give away her consciousness.

Sitting up, he clutched at his hair as his breathing was erratic and coming in short pants, trying to compose himself. Apollyon scrubbed at his face with the back of his hand as he sniffled silently. Quietly, he got out of bed and grabbed his hood and cigarettes before making his way out the room, closing the door with a distinctive click. If Eleanora would have been asleep, she wouldn't have been awoken by his movements, he was that quiet.

Eleanora got out of the bed and slightly pulled the curtains aside, enough to have a view of Apollyon but not give her away. He was standing with his back towards her, leaning over the railing and visibly shaking, every so often he would wipe at his face, meaning that tears were streaming down. Taking out a cigarette, he placed it between his lips and lit it with trembling fingers.

Stepping back, Eleanora came to realise a few things. One: this had been going on a while now, because his stealth and agility could only have been achieved over a period of time where he repeatedly did it. Two: the nightmares were getting worse and three: books didn't keep him up at night like he claimed when she asked why he had dark circles under his eyes.

He was haunted.

But by what?

Eleanora made up her mind that she would ask him about it, but knowing him, he'd probably not tell her. So, she'll have to force it out of him. But she would find out what bothered him at night, one way or another.

Getting under the comforter, she acted to be asleep as she heard the door open, a slight chill accompanying it. She didn't hear his footsteps, and didn't know if he had entered the room or simply peeked in to check on her, but her suspicions were cleared as the washroom light turned on, creating a small path of light as Apollyon stood in the doorway. Closing the door behind him, the room was bathed in darkness once more.

When he stepped out again, he seemed to be bathed, as he made his way over to the bed. Getting under the comforter, he looked down to look at Eleanora who closed her eyes the moment he settled down. She felt the warmth of his hand near her face, before it was retreated again, a pained grunt escaping him. Laying on his back, Apollyon stared up at the ceiling like Eleanora had been doing before he started to hum softly, a song which Eleanora hadn't heard, but it sounded nice.

She got the sudden urge to snuggle closer to him, something which she hadn't done in ages, she realised. Overcome with acute desire, Eleanora tested out how he'd react if she scooted closer to him. Doing so, she didn't pick up on any tell tale signs of discomfort. So she moved ahead until she was curled against his side and heard his breath hitch momentarily. Laying still for a moment, she heard him continue to hum much more softer now. Finally, releasing a sigh she rested her head on his chest, as the humming stopped instantly. The fact that he didn't wrap his arms around her, had her heart clenching and tears brimming in her eyes.

"Oh, Eleanora." He spoke up softly as she thought that he knew she was awake. "How much I want to hold you. But I can't."

Gently he slipped out of her hold and replaced himself with his pillow, still assuming that she was asleep. Eleanora watched him get dressed in day clothes before he grabbed his car keys and made his way out the motel room. The next thing she heard was the engine purring to life and then the sound of the tyres against gravel, and silence.

***

They had been on the road for two days now and this as their third day. They - well, he drove throughout the day and they rented a motel room for the night. They had passed by quiet a few towns and cities and Eleanora had to wonder where they were going and why they were going to this mystery spot.

Light chattered ensued between them, but nothing worth remembering, besides the time where she insisted on driving and he kept on reminding her that she was a minor with no learner's permit or a driving license, whereas he, on the other hand, was legal with a driving license and an ID card. Eleanora sat huffing in her seat, angry at him for treating her like a child.

"You know, I'm not a child anymore." Eleanora informed, still glaring out the window.

"I never called you a child." Apollyon pointed out. "I just called you what you are, a minor."

"So, what? You'll let me drive the car when I'm legal and have a driver's license?"

"Of course." He informed in an obvious manner as she was taken aback by his response, not having expected him to give her an affirmative. "Once you're 18 with your drivers license then you can take the car out for a spin. You'll have every right to and nothing to stop you."

Eleanora fell silent, looking at the side of his face, noticing how much darker the bags under his eyes had gotten. He was hardly sleeping and it worried her to no extent. Why wouldn't he tell her what was bothering her? Why would he isolate himself? Apollyon knows that she is always there for him for whatever reason, but...he doesn't confide in her. Why? She hadn't brought up the topic of his nightmares and Apollyon doesn't know what she was awake during that night, having fallen asleep a few hours after his departure, only to wake up and find him sitting in the seat, completely dressed while reading a book.

Closing her eyes, Eleanora took a sip of her coffee which they had gotten from one of the coffee shops they had passed by on their drive not too long ago.

It was another silent few hours before a board appeared to Eleanora's right.

'Welcome to Quebec' it read in French and English.

"Quebec." Eleanora sighed tiredly as she believed that this was just another pit stop.

However, she was proven wrong when Apollyon parked outside a very vintage looking hotel and grabbed their bags from the trunk. Looking at him in confusion she followed him inside, but became bedazzled by the interior. The glittering walls and the sparkling chandeliers, an indoor fountain and plush seats. It was beautiful and Eleankra felt awfully out of place in her sweater and sweatpants amongst all the immaculately dressed ladies and men. Making her way over to Apollyon, she caught him smiling at the female receptionist behind the desk, and possibly flirting as well if she wasn't mistaken.

"Merci, Eve." Apollyon smiled at her as he picked up a key card from the desk.

"Very well done, Mr. Masters." She smiled enthusiastically. "And you're most welcome, sir. If you need anything -anything at all- then please don't hesitate."

"Of course." He nodded. "Have a good day."

"You as well, sir." She nodded with a smile. "And once again, Welcome to Hōtel Manoir Victoria."

Apollyon gestured for Eleanora to follow him as she trudged after him, not caring how wild she might look with disheveled white hair in sweatpants and a sweater. Getting into the elevator after him, Apollyon pressed the fifth button as Eleanora was glaring at his back. But Apollyon didn't notice because he was too busy typing on his phone. Once they stopped at the fifth floor, Apollyon greeted the bus boy, standing outside, with a fluent 'bonjour' as he smiled and nodded in acknowledgement.

Walking down the hall, they stopped in front of Room 174, as Apollyon swiped the key card, causing the light to shine green before he pushed open the doors.

The rooms theme was black and white with a black carpet and one white wall, opposite which was a black wooden structure fitted with a flatscreen T.V and an electronic fireplace. It was a king sized bed with white sheets and in the corner stood two black seaters and a grey couch, a lamp between them. Walking forward, Eleanora took a right turn as she saw a door leading into the washroom and to the right of the door stood two very large wardrobes for clothes with their bags placed in front of them.

"We'll be here for three days." Apollyon's voice told her as she stepped out of the walk in closet.

"So this was our destination?" She inquired flatly. "Quebec?"

"Yes." He nodded as his eyes shone with mirth, the look on his face telling her that he knew something which she didn't. "I think you should get changed so that we can head out."

"What if I don't want to go?" She inquired while crossing her arms over her chest, seeing him tense instantly as a small grimace overcame his face before he let it fall into a line as he shrugged, rummaging through the backpack.

"Then we won't go." He stated flatly, all the excitement and joy gone form his voice, instantly letting Eleanora know that he was hurt, and she hurt him.

"What should I wear?" She inquired finally with a defeated sigh.

"We don't have to go if you don't want to." He shrugged, trying to act nonchalant. "We could simply stay in the room and watch French television or something."

"No, I want to go." She assured him as he wouldn't look at her. "Since you aren't going to tell me where we are going I need you to set a dress code for me."

"Jeans and sweater would do. Nothing too formal and wear runners. It's not a place for heels or pumps." He informed uncertainly as he didn't know if she was going to back out in the last minute.

"Okay. Just let me take a quick shower than you can take one." She spoke with a reassuring smile to let him know that she didn't plan on backing out. Grabbing the toiletries bag handed to her by Apollyon, she made her way inside the washroom and allowed the hot water to wash over her. Quickly rinsing the shampoo and conditioner out of her hair, she scrubbed at her body, feeling extremely dirty for some reason before wrapping the towel around her.

Stepping out of the steamed shower cabin, she looked around for her clothes, but didn't see them anywhere, and realised that she didn't bring them in. The only two options she had now was either ask Apollyon to give her her clothes, and she'd feel extremely embarrassed to ask him to look through her undergarments bag as well. She didn't want to do that to either one of them. Then the second option was to step out into the room in her towel and tell him to take a shower.

Pondering her options, she didn't know what got over her, but she went for the second option. Breathing out a breath, she opened the door and stepped out of the washroom, before making her way inside the room, where Apollyon sat on one of the couches, his head thrown back as he blew out a puff of smoke into the air.

"You can go take a shower, now." She informed meekly as she watched him lift up his head, inhaling from the cigarette and turning his gaze towards her. Instantly his eyes widened and cheeks heated as he went into a coughing fit, having inhaled a bit too much smoke. Standing up, he faced the wall, not turning to look at her as he felt his cheeks heat even more.

"A warning would have been nice." He muttered under his breath as he tried not to look at her. Grabbing the clothes he had laid out for himself before making his way past her, and keeping his gaze down. "I'll be out in a minute."

"Okay." She nodded as she heard the door close behind him and the lock turn into place.

After five minutes Eleanora was dressed in a pair of black skinny jeans with a grey woollen sweatshirt that had a black heart in the center. Pulling on her grey shoes, she blow dried her hair before pulling them into a messy side braid. Putting all her necessities into her bag, she sat and waited for Apollyon to get out.

A part of her wondered if he'd pull the same stunt as her, but was rather disappointed when he stepped out of the washroom in a pair of black jeans and a white undershirt. Avoiding her gaze, Eleanora noticed that his cheeks were still flushed as she watched him pull on a white long sleeved shirt over his undershirt before he pulled a grey sweater over his head, finishing the look with a fresh black leather jacket.

Lacing up his biker boots, he put his phone and wallet into his pocket before he grabbed his sunglasses and keys from the table.

"Ready to go?" He asked as he fixed the dog tag around his neck and the leather bracelets around his wrist while wearing a watch on the opposite wrist.

"Sure." She nodded while standing up and following him out the room. 

They drove in awkward silence as Eleanora seemed to realise that the stunt she pulled was a very bad idea. Nervously fidgeting in her seat and wondered if she should apologise to him, and if she does, what does she say? 'Sorry Apollyon, for jumping up on you in nothing but a towel. It won't happen again.'? No what would only make things more awkward if anything. Giving up on thinking about an apology she turned on the radio, a random music channel playing as they listened in silence.

Soon they arrived to a very crowded place, where there was hardly any parking space and there were a lot of people. Getting out of the car, she read the sign overhead.

"Welcome to La Rondè." She read out loud before turning to Apollyon in confusion. "What is this place?"

"This, my dear Nora." Apollyon grinned as he spread out his arms to gesture to the building in front of them. "Is the best amusement park in Canada."

An amusement park. Eleanora's heart rate spiked up as she could feel the excitement course through her. It had been ages since she last went to one and she wanted to go soon, but she had no idea that Apollyon would drive three days in order to take her to the best amusement park in Canada.

Tears gathered in her eyes at the thought of the man in front of her doing the unimaginable just to see her happy, even if it lasted for a little while. With a watery smile, she tackled Apollyon in a hug, startling him as she buried her face in his chest. She didn't care if he would hug her back, but she needed to hug him. Much to her surprise, he hugged her back, holding her tightly against him as he stroked her hair.

"Happy birthday, sweetheart." He whispered in her ear, as Eleanora realised that it was 5th February, her 18th birthday. He drove for three days, he rented rooms in motels, he booked a room for the both of them, and he kept this all a secret, so that he could surprise her on her 18th birthday. Eleanora's heart swelled with love before she pulled away from his, wiping away her tears and grinning up at him, smiling and laughing as she couldn't wait to go inside.

"Let's head inside." She grinned as he smiled back in response. Both of them got in line, and bough the bracelet that allowed them to go on every ride before they entered the park.

***

Throughout the night they ran around like little children playing. They went on every ride they found interesting, from the tea cups to the roller coaster to the all the dangerous rides. They ate most the assorted foods, testing out new things as well and taking numerous pictures. Apollyon even tried his luck at some of the arcade games, and end up being a horrible archer but a damn fine pitcher. He ended up getting Eleanora the biggest teddy bear possible and two large bouquets of flowers.

It had been ages since she laughed as much as she did that night. They both had smiled on their faces throughout the day and both of them forgot about everything. They forgot about the limited time they had, the cancer, Eleanora's health, Apollyon's smoking habit, or his nightmares. They forgot about everything and the night was perfect with its mistakes and blemishes.

They stayed until there were only a few people the left, the families and most of the couples having left already since the park was going to close soon, while Apollyon and Eleanora decided to go on the Ferris wheel before leaving. Getting in line, they showed the guy their bracelets as they were let onto their own carriage, both of them sitting beside each other as the metal bar was lowered onto their laps, securing it into place as they let most their belongings down the guy.

Slowly the Ferris wheel made its way up as Eleanora and Apollyon recounted today's events, laughing and giggling at some of the memories, especially the one in which an old lady had asked for Apollyon to take a picture of her with her children, and before leaving telling him that she always had handsome men take her photos so that she could smile at them. It freaked Apollyon out to no extent as Eleanora had laughed her head off at it. Once they were at the top, they both gasped at how beautiful Quebec looked from their vantage point.

The light glittering as the night sky shone brightly with stars. The cars so small and minuscule that they looked like a never ending flow of shooting stars. How beautiful the night looked.

"Eleanora." Apollyon called out from beside her as she turned her gaze towards him. "I have a gift for you."

"Another one?" Eleanora laughed as she watched him reach into his leather jacket pocket and take out a jewellery box from inside.

Opening the box, she gasped at the silver heart shaped locket that was made of angel wings. Taking it out, Apollyon told her to open it. Opening one of the wings, her eyes widened, before she opened the other one was well, allowing the image to come in full view. Eleanora's smile wobbled as tears formed in her eyes again. Inside the locket was a picture of her deceased family. Both her parents and her three year old brother smiling back at her,as she covered her mouth with her hand in order to stop the sob from escaping.

"This is so that you know that they are always with you." Apollyon spoke gently as he took the necklace and fastened it around her neck, before placing a kiss on her temple. "So that you know, that no matter what, you are never alone."