CHAPTER 53

BLAZE JUST WATCHED his wife as she ordered everyone what to do while they were outside the operating room. Track this, kill everyone and leave no survivor. 'Yon lang ang naririnig niya mula kay Happy sa bawat miyembro ng Organòsi na kinakausap nito.

Yrozz and Sir Ruthgar were now tracking the sniper and they were closing in. Lyf, Deth and Uncle Vent were on standby, waiting for the sniper's location.

King was busy accepting calls from Knight, Racini and Parisi who were on their way to help and from other Arkhontes and handing it to Happy.

It was a full-on war ordered by the second Arkhon. Kung noon ang gusto lang ng asawa niya ay pasukin at patayin ang lumalaban, saka ikulong lang ang sumusuko, ngayon nagbago na.

"Blow up every building of the Triad and leave no survivors." It was heartless, yes, but the Triad would do it to them in a heartbeat if they didn't do it first.

Blaze softly kissed Happy's temple. "What can I do for you, baby? You want me to go out there and join the war? I'll do it."

Umiling ito, saka hinalikan ang gilid ng mga labi niya. "Stay here with me, please? Okay lang ba?"

He nodded. "Of course." Niyakap niya ito nang mahigpit. "Nandito lang ako."

Yumakap sa kanya ang asawa at bumulong, "Natatakot ako, Blaze. Natatakot ako. But I have to act bravely and think rationally because that's what Dad would want me to do in a situation like this."

"I know, I'm sure your dad is very proud of you." Alam niyang hindi lang nito ipinapakitang natatakot ito dahil maraming umaasa rito. If she showed any fear, the Triad would use it against her. "I'm here. I'll be your fear absorber."

Tumango si Happy, saka nanatiling nakayakap sa kanya. Panay naman ang hagod niya sa likod nito para kahit paaano ay makatulong 'yon para kumalma ito.

Happy was not the only one scared.

He could see his father and Uncle Klaus looking scared and worried every passing hour. Henreitta and her mother were with Lucky. They were helping Blake calming Lucky down because it happened in front of baby girl. But he knew they were worried as well.

"He took the shot for Blake," bulong ng ama niya habang panay ang kuyom ng kamay. "He took the shot for my son."

Tinapik naman ni Uncle Klaus ang balikat ng ama niya. "You know how he is. Always trying to be a hero."

Mapaklang tumawa ang ama niya. "But he is a hero, Klaus. I'm his hippeis but he saved my ass a lot of times before. He always took a bullet for all of us. That's why when he renounced without telling anyone, it broke apart the Arkhontes and the Organòsi lost the first and third Arkhon together with him."

Uncle Klaus nodded. "Master Dominick always has a way with people to like him. He was also the pillar of strength in the organization. Even the first Arkhon turns to him for advice and making decisions."

Hearing the two talked, now Blaze understood why the Count idolized the former second Arkhon. Yes, Dominick Quinn made mistakes—who didn't—but he was a great leader with long-list of achievements.

Blaze took a deep breath and stared at the OR's door.

That old man.

The bullet was for Blake. Ito kasi ang nakaupo malapit sa nag-iisang bintana ng ospital. It was a thousand-yard shot. A professional sniper. Pero nang makita ng ama ni Happy ang pulang tuldok sa ulo ni Blake ay itinulak nito ang kakambal niya dahilan para ito ang tamaan sa dibdib.

The gratitude he had for the old man at that very moment was overflowing.

He didn't just save Blake, he saved his whole family. His dad and mom who would go crazy over Blake's death. Lucky would lose it and him... he didn't know what he would do without his brother.

Hindi niya alam kung paano siya mag-uumpisang magpasalamat dito kapag naging maayos na ang lagay nito.

"Young Miss, they have the sniper's location," imporma ni King kay Happy na agad na kumawala sa yakap niya.

"Tell Lyf and Deth to—"

"Let us take care of that scum who did this," putol ng ama niya sa sasabihin sana ni Happy. "Quick death is out of the question."

Happy nodded. "The sniper is all yours."

Agad na may tinawagan ang ama niya. "Vent, let's torture that motherfucker. No one pulls the trigger at Dominick and gets away with it."

Sabay na umalis ang ama niya at si Uncle Klaus. Habang si King naman ay abala sa pagtanggap ng mga tawag.

Siya naman ay masuyong sinapo ang mukha ni Happy, saka pinakatitigan ito. "How's my baby holding up?"

Happy tried to smile for him. "I have to keep it all together, Blaze. I believe you... my dad is gonna be okay."

"Of course." Hinalikan niya ito sa noo, saka iginiya paupo sa kanya. "Rest a little. Don't stress yourself too much. Kawawa si baby."

Tumango si Happy at sumunod sa kanya na ipinagpasalamat niya. Pero panay ang hinga nito nang malalim na parang pinapakalma ang sarili.

He just held his wife's hand while waiting for Happy's father to come out from the OR. And when he finally did, the old man was sent straight to the ICU.

Agad silang sumunod ni Happy at kinausap ang doktor ng ama nito.

"How's my dad?" Iyon agad ang tanong ni Happy.

The doctor didn't smile. Not even a force one. That meant Happy's father was not out of the danger yet.

"We still have to monitor him. I can't tell you more, Miss Quinn—"

"Mrs. Vitale," Happy corrected the doctor making him smiled inwardly.

"Mrs. Vitale... your father's wound is very critical. Yes, it misses his heart but it was hit by a bullet fragment. The bullet also destroyed major blood vessels and he keeps on going into shock. All I can say for now is that we will monitor him and do everything we can to save him. I promise you that."

Tumango si Happy. "Thank you. Please do everything you can. Please..."

"We will."

Pumasok uli ang doktor sa ICU para tingnan uli ang lagay ng ama ni Happy.

Para namang hinang-hina na yumakap si Happy sa baywang niya. "Magiging okay lang si Daddy, 'di ba?" tanong nito sa kanya.

A bullet fragment on the heart. That was critical. "Yes. He will be." He was not a doctor now, he was a husband. Her husband. It was his job to make her wife feel better. "Give it days and he will be okay."

Tumango ito habang nakayakap pa rin sa kanya. Niyapos din niya ang asawa, saka hinalikan sa noo.

And as the war continued outside, the Triad versus the Organòsi, there was also a war inside the hospital. The war to keep Dominick Quinn and Lucky Quinn-Vitale alive.

For days, they stayed outside the ICU. Looking after Happy's father. Thankfully, Lucky was feeling better now after staying two days in the ICU as well. Kahit paano ay kumalma na ang kakambal niyang hindi mapakali sa kalagayan ng asawa nito.

Ang mommy naman niya ay palaging kasama ang ama niya at si Bailey. His father was a mess too. Everyone was worried while the war with the Triad continued outside.

In the fourth day, finally, after going into cardiac for three times, Happy's father woke up. Parang naibalik uli ang buhay ng bawat miyembro ng Team Oldies. His father even smiled.

After a couple of hours since Dominick Quinn woke up, they could finally talk to him.

"You motherfucker, you made us worried," sabi ng ama niya sa ama ni Happy. "I thought you're not gonna make it."

"Welcome back, Master Dominick," sabi ni Uncle Klaus na nakangiti.

"You scared us," sabi ni Uncle Vent.

"We tortured and killed him. The one who did this to you," sabi ni Sir Ruthgar. "We made him pay. No one mess up with our boss and gets away with it."

Happy's father smiled teasingly. Even in his state, he still managed to joke. "Aww... I know you're all in love with me."

Nagkanya-kanyang mura ang apat sa ama ni Happy na ikinatawa lang ng huli.

"Thank you... for being a hero again," sabi ng ama niya.

"Hero is my middle name," sagot ng ama ni Happy, saka ngumiti. "How's your son? Is he okay? How's Lucky?"

"They're both fine," sagot ni Uncle Klaus.

"My son wants to make you a statue for saving him," sabi ng ama niya. "He's very thankful."

Napangiwi ang ama ni Happy nang subukan nitong gumalaw bago sumagot. "Tell your son to wait for me to get better. May picture ako ro'n sa bahay na puwedeng gawing statue."

"That was a joke," his father replied flatly.

"Oh." Happy's father sighed. "So much for hoping that I'll get a heroic statue this time around."

Napailing ang Team Oldies.

"So... who pulled the trigger?" Happy's father asked.

"A professional killer sent by your ex-wife. It was supposed to be my son, a payment for Blaze because he killed the fake Cassie," sagot ni Uncle Vent na nagtagis ang mga bagang. "That bitch is really trying to get into my bad side. She wouldn't like the animal me."

"A professional, huh..." Dominick tsked. "Please tell me that you're more professional than the killer."

"Yes. I tortured him," sabi ng ama niya na madilim ang mukha. "No one shoots my best friend and gets away with it."

Malapad na ngumiti ang ama ni Happy. "Aww... I feel so loved. Insert emoji with heart eyes."

His father sighed in frustration. "Please, Dominick, for once, stop being a kid and grow up!" he hissed.

"What?" Dominick pouted. "I just got shot! I'm entitled to be a kid! And what's wrong if I know some emoticons? FYFI, I spent my free time chatting with the ladies before Henreitta. But I'm a good boy now so don't tell Henreitta about it."

Napailing si Sir Ruthgar. "This is the reason why I don't listen to you. You're such a kid!"

Tumawa ang ama ni Happy. "Are you still holding a grudge against me because of what happened to your first love? Come on, Ruthgar, can't you take a joke? And that was what? So many years ago."

"A joke?!" Pinandilatan ito ni Sir Ruthgar. "You told me she was a Triad's member, so I broke it off!"

Uncle Klaus interjected. "It was not Master Dominick's fault. You have your computer and spies at the time, you can always check."

Sir Ruthgar grunted. "Stop siding that son of a bitch, Klaus."

"He took a bullet for you back in Sri Lanka," Uncle Klaus said that silenced Sir Ruthgar.

Uncle Vent tsked. "Stop reminding us, Klaus. We all know this idiot here took a bullet for all of us."

Everyone nodded.

Happy's father sighed. "Come on, don't be no fun and give me some rum."

Agad na sumama ang mukha ng ama niya. "You're not allowed to drink, you moron! You're on medication!"

"Geez! I feel so sad," pagdadrama ng ama ni Happy.

Napailing na nagkanya-kanya ng alis ang grupo ng ama niya.

"Hey! Come on! Don't leave me!" sabi ng ama ni Happy na parang bata na mahaba ang nguso.

"Fuck you," sabi ng mga kaibigan nito bago umalis ng ICU na nakapagpailing sa kanya.

When the oldies stepped out of the ICU, he and Happy stayed.

Agad na lumapit si Happy sa ama. "Daddy..." Hinawakan nito ang kamay ng ama. "How are you feeling?"

Her father managed a smile. "I feel alive, princess. Don't worry about your old man... I'll live."

Happy nodded with tears in her eyes. "You scared me."

"I know and I'm sorry."

Hinalikan ni Happy ang pisngi ng ama, saka maingat itong niyakap.

"Thank you..." sabi ni Blaze sa seryosong boses. "For saving my twin. I owe you."

"No, you don't..." sagot ng ama ni Happy. "After what I've done to Cassie, it's the least I could do. I can't let you lose a loved one again if I can do something about it. And my daughter, Lucky, she will not recover if she lost Blake. And Happy will be devastated if she sees you devastated so it's better me than him."

Hearing his reason, he couldn't help but respect the old man. Dominick Quinn knew his mistake and he wanted to make up for it. Even of it would cost him his life.

"Thank you... Dad," he said earnestly.

Ngumiti ang ama ni Happy. "Ang tagal ko ring hinintay na tawagin mo akong ganoon." Napailing ito. "You take care of my daughter, okay?"

"Dad, I'm right here," natatawang sabi ni Happy. "At inaalagaan naman ako ni Blaze. Hindi mo na kailangang sabihin 'yon sa kanya. He had been a good husband to me. Don't worry."

Tumingin sa kanya ang ama ni Happy. "You know why I'm not mad at you when you walked out on my daughter?"

"Dahil may kasalanan ka sa akin?" sagot niya nang deretso.

Natatawang umiling ang ama ni Happy. "No. Because I know you love her. That's why. You were just in pain, that's all. But I know your love for my daughter is still intact. But please, don't do it again. I'll kill you the next time you made her cry. And I'm not kidding."

"Yes, Dad." Blaze looked at Happy and smiled. "I love your daughter... so much."

Happy looked at him and smiled. "I love you too, Blazey."

Blaze didn't know why his eyes watered hearing his wife said those words to him.

"Fuck..." Pasimple siyang tumalikod para itago ang panunubig ng mga mata niya. Tumingin siya sa kisame at mabilis na ikinurap-kurap ang mga mata para hindi malaglag ang mga luha ro'n bago humarap uli sa mag-ama. "So, ahm... feeling better, Dad?"

Tumawa lang ang ama ni Happy, saka tinapik ang balikat ng asawa niya. "Go... be with your big baby. I'm okay. Gusto kong makausap si Henreitta." Tumingin ito sa labas ng ICU at ngumiti sa ginang na naroon. "I miss her."

Hinalikan ito ni Happy sa noo, saka nagpaalam. At sa pagkakataong 'yon, hindi siya ang umabot sa kamay ng asawa para pagsalikupin ang kamay nila. Ang asawa niya mismo ang gumawa niyon na ikinasaya niya.

Nang makalabas sila ng ICU, tinungo nila ang rooftop kung nasaan ang helicopter na sasakyan nila pauwi sa mansiyon ng mga Quinn.

The inside of the helicopter was soundproof so they could talk and hear freely.

"Baby?"

"Hmm?"

"I love you."

Happy faced him. "I love you too."

Hinaplos niya ang pisngi nito. "Okay na tayo? You won't distance yourself from me anymore?"

Umiling ito, saka ginawaran siya ng halik sa mga labi. "You were amazing these past few days. Thank you... for everything. Salamat kasi hindi ka nagalit sa akin o nainis o nagsawa tuwing sinasabihan mo ako ng I love you at hindi kita sinasagot. I'm sorry sa lahat ng sakit na naidulot ko sa iyo."

Umiling si Blaze. "No... don't say sorry for that. I deserved it. Though I have one request?"

"What?"

"Call me Blazey again? I missed it."

Happy smiled. "How about ma bitch, don't you miss it?"

Blaze chuckled. "Not really. I like Blazey more."

Natawa ang asawa niya, saka hinalikan na naman siya sa mga labi. At nang maghiwalay ang mga labi nila, pinakatitigan siya nito bago malambing na nagsalita.

"Blazey?"

His heart was beating faster than normal. "Y-yes?"

"I love you," she said softly, with so much sincerity and love. "And I know you miss me because I do too. So how about we spend our day with each other? Just the two of us?"

Malapad siyang napangiti. "I like that. So much!"

Blaze claimed his wife's lips and she automatically kissed him back. Yumakap si Happy sa leeg niya at lumaban ng mapusok na halikan. Hindi niya mapigilang haplusin ang katawan ng asawa habang nag-eespadahan ang dila nilang dalawa. At nang sipsipin niya ang labi nito, bahagya itong napaungol.

Blaze didn't care if they were on the helicopter. The helicopter was designed differently from the usual helicopters. There was a wall in between the pilot and the passenger, and the only thing connected the two was the intercom.

Maririnig nila ang piloto pero sila na nasa passenger side, hindi sila maririnig hangga't hindi nila pinipindot ang microphone para kausapin ang piloto sa kabilang panig.

"Uhm..." malakas na ungol ni Happy nang bumaba ang kamay niya sa hita nito. Sinalat niya ang pagkababae nito at ipinasok ang daliri sa loob. "Blazey—oh... oh..."

Napahawak ang asawa niya sa kamay niyang nasa loob ng pagkababae nito habang nakaarko ang katawan at gumagalaw ang balakang para salubungin ang galaw ng daliri niya.

Seeing his wife with lustful face as she looked into his eyes, it was making him hard and erect. It was making his body burn.

Mas binilisan pa niya lalo ang paglalabas-masok sa daliri sa loob nito. At kahit panay ang daing ni Happy, hindi nito inalis ang tingin sa kanya.

Her face full of lust, her eyes that were full of desire and her parted lips that felt like she wanted more. He knew she wanted more ... he could see all that and he couldn't take it anymore!

Siguro dahil sabik na sabik siya sa asawa niya, iginiya niya ito paharap, paupo sa mga hita niya at itinaas ang laylayan ng suot nitong pencil cut dress. Pinunit niya ang panty nito, binuksan ang butones ng kanyang pantalon at inilabas ang nag-uumigting na pagkalalaki, saka walang sabi-sabing ipinasok niya sa loob nito ang kahaban niya.

"Uhm!" Happy moaned.

She was already wet for him. He could feel her wetness coating his length, making him harder than he already was.

"Oh!" Nakaawang ang mga labi na napapikit si Blaze nang maramdaman ang init ng kaibuturan ng asawa. "Fuck..." he hissed at the sensation and pleasure that engulfed him. "Fuck... I miss you so much, baby—oh, fuck! You feel so good..."

Dumiin ang kamay ni Happy sa bubong ng helicopter habang umiindayog sa ibabaw niya. "Oh... oh! Oh! Uhm!"

Hinawakan niya ang balakang nito at iginiya sa bilis na gusto niya na agad naman nitong ginawa habang hinahalikan niya ito sa leeg patungong tainga kung saan dinilan niya iyon at kinagat-kagat.

At nang manggigil, yumakap siya sa katawan ng asawa habang gumigiling ang balakang nito sa ibabaw niya. Kinagat niya ang dibdib nito mula sa labas ng damit at minasahe 'yon.

"That... baby... fuck me!" he groaned in pleasure.

"Oh! Oh!" ungol ni Happy habang lumalabas st pumapasok ang pagkalalaki niya sa pagkababae nito.

In and out. Up and down.

Umuungol sila nang sabay hanggang sa magtagpo na naman ang mga labi nilang dalawa at mapusok na naghalikan.

Naririnig ni Blaze ang pilotong nagsasalita kung maayos lang ba sila sa loob o kung gumagalaw ba sila dahil bahagyang umuuga ang sinasakyan pero pareho silang walang pakialam ni Happy na mainit na nagtatalik at nagkakagatan ng mga labi at nagsisipsipan ng dila.

"Oh! Baby! Fuck!" Hindi mapigilan ni Blaze ang magmura nang mas binilisan pa ni Happy ang paggalaw sa ibabaw niya. "Fuck—oh! Do that! Fuck!"

His wife was clenching her vagina walls making him hiss in pleasure at every in and out of his length inside her "Fuck!"

Happy was clenching her walls as she rode him up and down. And Blaze was also thrusting his hips, mimicking the rhythmic movement of Happy's hips.

"Oh... uhm! Blaze—oh!" Lalong bumilis ang galaw nito at bumabaon nang sagad ang kahabaan niya sa loob nito. "Oh... Baby..."

"Oh, baby! Uhm! Fuck me... Come on, fuck me! Harder, baby... fuck!"

Nakadiin pa rin ang mga palad ni Happy sa bubong ng helicopter habang nagtataas-baba ang katawan sa ibabaw niya, pinagpapawisan at hinihingal katulad niya.

Blaze claimed his wife's lips again as she rode him hard and fast. Bumaba ang mga labi niya sa baba nito, pababa sa leeg at kinagat-kagat ang balat nito ro'n.

"Blaze...I'm coming..." Wala na ang mga kamay nito sa bubong, nasa buhok na niya ang kamay at nakasabunot do'n habang nasa leeg nito ang mga labi niya. "Oh... Blazey—Oh! Uhm! Ah!"

Their body rocked back and forth as they made love to reach the climax, shaking the helicopter a little. Malakas na umuungol si Happy habang nakayakap ito nang mahigpit sa kanya na parang gigil na gigil at umaarko ang katawan.

Naramdaman niyang nilabasan na ang asawa dahil lalong nabasa ang loob ng pagkababae nito. Malakas itong napaungol at napaliyad pero hindi tumigil hangga't hindi napupuno ng katas niya ang loob nito.

"Oh... fuck!" he hissed and sucked and bit Happy's neck when he exploded inside her.

"Oh...." mahina namang daing nito nang labasan siya, pagkatapos ay isinubsob ang mukha sa balikat niya. "Oh... that was good. I miss that."

"Hmm-mm..." he hummed and kissed her neck. "I think we caused a helicopter turbulence."

Natatawang inabot ng kamay ni Happy ang microphone ng intercom, saka nagsalita. "Sorry... we were just busy."

"Are you okay, Mr. And Mrs. Vitale? The helicopter was shaking a little. I apologize for not being a good pilot."

Blaze grinned naughtily at his wife. "It's okay. We're more than okay. Are we home yet?"

"Close, Sir," sagot ng piloto.

"Thanks."

Ini-off ni Happy ang microphone ng intercom, saka bumalik ng pagkakaupo sa mga hita niya. Ito na ang nagpasok ng pagkalalaki niya sa loob ng pantalon niya at nag-zipper, saka nag-butones niyon.

"Hmm..." He kissed his wife's lips. "Hmm... uhm..."

Naghalikan na naman sila nang mapusok hanggang sa sapuin niya ang dibdib nito at pinisil 'yon.

"Uhm..." daing ni Happy habang sinisipsip ang labi niya.

Pregnant hormones. He didn't like it when Happy was angry at him. But now, he was starting to like those hormones.

Blaze groaned in disappointment when they needed to stop kissing each other because they have finally landed.

Ibinulsa niya ang pinunit niyang underwear ng asawa, saka pinangko ito nang makababa sila ng helicopter hanggang sa bahay.

Nang makapasok sila, nasa sala si Kane at nanonood ng Tom and Jerry. He was not allowed go out and fight. He was still recovering and Happy wouldn't let him.

"Hey, Mom..." sabi ni Kane kay Happy nang makita sila nitong pumasok. "How's Master Dominick?"

He knew that Happy felt uncomfortable for having no underwear in front of other people. Kaya naman bumulong siya sa tainga nito.

"Go and change," sabi niya sa asawa. "Ako na ang kakausap sa kanya."

Kinurot siya nito sa tagiliran. "Bakit mo naman kasi pinunit? And shit, nanlalagkit ang ano ko."

"Sinabik mo ako, eh." He kissed Happy's lips. "I love you." He kissed her again. "I love you so much, my baby. I love you... so, so much!"

Natawang napailing na lang si Happy, saka nagpaalam kay Kane na magbibihis lang. Siya naman ay lumapit at namulsa, saka lumapit kay Kane.

"Dad is awake. Ikaw?" tanong niya, saka umupo sa pang-isahang sofa. "How are you feeling since I cleaned your wound this morning?"

"I'm feeling better than yesterday," Kane said. "Though I want to be out there... fighting." He looked at him pleadingly. "Please talk to Mom. I can't stay here knowing that someone wants to hurt her. Please? Talk to her."

Napatitig si Blaze kay Kane. He was like a kid asking his father—him—to talk to his mother to make him do what he wanted. And for some reason, it didn't feel awkward.

Kane was a kid in his eyes. And now, seeing his full face without a mask since he came here in Pennsylvania, he had a strong urge to protect this kid. Because that scar in his face, it angered him that someone did it to Kane and he would never let anyone do that to him again. Alam niyang kaya nitong protektahan ang sarili pero gusto pa rin niya itong protektahan.

"Kailangan mong magpahinga," sabi niya. "Siguro kapag naghilom na talaga ang sugat mo. And you know your mom, she's hardheaded. Tatamaan tayong dalawa sa kanya kapag nagpumilit tayo. Do you want me to sleep outside the room?"

Agad namang umiling si Kane. "No. Of course not. It'll be uncomfortable for you."

"Precisely." Tumango siya. "Your mom will kick our asses if we try to force her to let you get out of here and fight. Hangga't hindi ka tuluyang gumagaling, wala tayong magagawa."

"But you're her husband," may diing sabi ni Kane na para bang may kapangyarihan 'yon sa asawa niya. "Can't you change her mind?"

Blaze sighed heavily. "Kane, you might not understand me now but trust me when I say this... if ever I talk to Happy and it's gonna be an argument and if... just if...if I win the argument, I will be sleeping outside the room."

"Can't you sleep outside the room for me, Your Highness? The sofa here in the living room is very comfortable."

Napangiwi siya sa tanong ni Kane. "Buddy, nagkakabati pa lang kami ng mommy mo. I want to be with her tonight and then tomorrow."

"Then talk to her tomorrow," sabi ni Kane na ipinipilit talaga. "Mahal ka naman ni Mom. Sabi ni Lyf kapag mahal daw hindi basta-basta nagagalit."

Blaze took a deep breath. Hindi niya alam kung paano siya magpapaliwanag. "How about this... I will try but I'm not promising."

Kane nodded. "That's good enough." Then he pointed the TV. "I like Mr. Bean and Tom and Jerry now. I don't like Oggy and the Cockroaches."

"Good." He tsked. "Those cockroaches are mean son of bitches."

Kane nodded in agreement. "Yeah. At least Jerry only gets mad when provoked."

"Yeah," he agreed then asked. "Kumain ka na?"

Umiling si Kane. "I was waiting for Mom. And their chef is off kaya walang pagkain."

"Oh." Napahawak siya sa tiyan. "Gutom na rin ako."

Kane looked at him. "But you don't know how to cook."

"I'll try?"

Kane smiled. "Okay."

Sabay silang pumunta ni Kane sa kusina. Naghugas muna siya ng kamay bago sinubukang magluto.

Fifteen minutes later, their stomach were still growling in hunger. Pareho silang naupo sa magkatabing stool ng island counter at nangalumbaba.

"Sorry, buddy," sabi niya kay Kane. "I can't really cook."

Kane sighed. "Magpaluto kaya tayo kay Mom? Pero ikaw ang magsabi sa kanya kasi ikaw naman ang asawa niya."

"She's tired," agad niyang sabi. "I don't want to push it. And she's pregnant so her mood swings are scary. Ikaw ang magsabi, mommy mo, 'di ba?"

"Magsabi ng?" tanong ni Happy na kapapasok lang ng kusina. "Ano 'yon?"

Kane looked at Happy with sad eyes. "His Highness and I... we're hungry."

"Ganoon ba?" Tumungo sa likuran niya ang asawa, saka ginulo ang buhok ni Kane at hinalikan naman siya sa leeg. "Ano'ng gusto n'yong kainin? Where are the maids?"

"You sent them home remember?" patanong na sabi ni Kane. "Ayaw mong madamay sila sa gulo kaya pinaalis mo pagkatapos ng nangyari kay Master Dominick at pinaprotektahan mo sila."

"Oo nga pala." Niyakap siya ni Happy mula sa likuran at naamoy niya ang mabango nitong halimuyak at mabangong hininga. "Ano'ng gusto n'yong kainin?"

Blaze couldn't stop himself, he turned around on his seat to kiss his baby.

Happy automatically kissed him back but quickly pulled away. "Magluluto na ako. Baka matagalan nga lang. Doon muna kayo sa sala."

Sabay silang umiling ni Kane at sumagot ng, "We'll wait."

"Okay." Happy smiled before preparing all the ingredients.

Pinapanood lang nila ito habang nagluluto at paminsan-minsan ay kumakanta nang mahina. Tatlong putahe ang niluluto nito nang sabay-sabay at nakamasid lang sila ni Kane.

An hour later, they were already salivating at the smell surrounding the whole kitchen. Napapalunok na lang sila ni Kane habang naaamoy ang niluluto ni Happy.

Finally! After nearly two hours, the food was served.

"Pork tenderloin with cran-apple sauerkraut." Inilapag nito iyon na may kasamang beer. "Mas masarap 'to kapag may kasamang beer. And..." Kinuha nito ang isa pang putahe na niluto nito at inilapag sa harap nila ni Kane na takam na takam nang ubusin 'yon lahat. "Cinnamon apple pork chops," sabi nito, saka may inilapag na bowl of soup—tig-isa sila ni Kane. "And amish chicken cork soup." She grinned. "Enjoy."

"Whoa..." Kane gulped. "Mukhang masarap."

"It is. Now, dig in."

Hindi na nila kailang pang sabihan uli. Mabilis silang kumain ni Kane dahil gutom na gutom na sila. Samantalang si Happy ay soup lang ang kinakain.

"Ayaw mo?" turo niya sa mga niluto nito.

Umiling ito. "The soup will do."

Blaze nodded and continued eating with a cold beer and it was heaven. Napakasuwerte talaga niya at magaling magluto ang asawa niya. Pinagpala siya sa lahat dahil napakasarap nitong magluto.

It took Happy nearly two hours to cook but less than thirty minutes to be eaten. And of course, they cleaned the dishes.

Kane cleaned the plates and utensils while he cleaned the pans and the casserole pots that were used. Pero kahit ginawa nila iyon, busog na busog pa rin sila na nakuha pa nilang dumighay uli.

"It's late," sabi ni Happy nang matapos silang maglinis. "Matulog ka na, Kane. Para gumaling ka na agad. Hindi kita pipigilang lumabas. Ang importante lang sa akin ay maayos na ang lagay mo bago ka makipaglaban uli."

Kane nodded. "Good night."

"Good night." Niyakap ito ni Happy. "Nakakatulog ka naman ba nang maayos sa kuwarto mo?"

Tumango si Kane. "Yes. I'm getting used to the soft mattress now and the very comfortable cover."

"That's good." Tinapik ni Happy ang balikat ni Kane. "Sige na, matulog ka na."

Tumango si Kane at nag-good night sa kanya bago umalis ng kusina.

Then Happy faced him. "And you... you need to rest. Alam kong wala kang maayos na tulog sa kakabantay kay Daddy dahil hindi ako puwedeng magpuyat."

"I'm fine—"

Pinaningkitan siya nito ng mga mata.

Blaze smiled. "Okay. Love you."

"Sige na, mauna ka na sa kuwarto," sabi nito. "I have to call someone before going to bed."

"Okay." He kissed her lips. "Hihintayin kita."

Iniwan na ni Blaze sa kusina si Happy. Alam niyang makikipag-usap uli ito sa ibang Arkhon para sa nagaganap na giyera laban sa Triad.

Blaze went to their room and took a long cold shower. Thank God winter was finally over. He hated cold.

Nang makalabas siya ng banyo at nakapagbihis ng sweatpants at puting T-shirt, saka lang pumasok sa kuwarto si Happy na mukhang problemado.

"Hey..." Sinalubong niya ito. "You look stressed."

"We have thirty casualties." She sighed heavily. "I feel so bad."

"It's part of war."

"I know... but... I still feel so bad for their families and friends."

His baby was really soft hearted in situations like these.

Hinalikan niya ito sa noo. "Gusto mo bang alisin ko ang stress mo?"

Nilampasan siya ito at pabagsak na naupo sa gilid ng kama. "How? I feel so so bad."

Tumikhim siya, saka tumayo sa harap nito, "I hope this will make you feel better."

Nagtatanong na tumingin sa kanya si Happy.

Blaze just smiled as he started stripping of his shirt while slowly waving his body. His eyes held hers as he started slowly grinding his waist while stripteasing his wife who was now smiling at what he was doing.

He didn't dance, but he moved his body seductively as he stripped and erotically danced for his wife... Magic Mike style.

CECELIB | C.C.