#TCS80: Your 'Til The End

Solstice Snow's POV

While I was looking at him while he was slowly nearing to where I was standing. My heart was beating so fast and it felt like it would explode any second, and it was ringing nonstop inside my ears. Everyone was slowly vanishing in my vision, and all I see was him, with that lazy smirk on his face, and his messy jet black hair.

I pressed my lips together as he slowly became blurred in my eyes because of the tears pooling. It was rather tears of joy and relief, because he was really here, going to me, and he wasn't in any kind of accident!

Hindi s'ya pwedeng maaksidente ano, kung aksidente lang naman ang gusto n'ya, pwedeng-pwede 'yong aksidenteng minahal n'ya ako nang hindi sinasadya! My gosh, sobrang kabog no'n, 'tapos 'yong aksidenteng 'yon diretso simbahan. Grabe! Dream come true 'yon!

The soft music playing in the whole venue made me feel so magical. The piano, the violin, and all those musical instruments harmonizing with one another gave me good goosebumps, and then suddenly everything in the venue looked like it was shining.

Parang bilang umuulan ng snow, at glittered lahat ng mga snowflake na bumabagsak. It was so cool, and I couldn't help but stare in awe, as I was suddenly transported in a place, that looked like it was in a winter wonderland, but with a touch of pastel pink, and mint.

Nagsimula na rin ako maglakad papunta kay Akira no'ng ako mismo hindi makapaghintay para yakapin s'ya. I ran a little, and when we met in the middle of the whole open space, the lights were all focused on us, as the music felt like it became more intense but in a really good way.

"Hey, can't wait?" Akira cackled when he held my hand, and my waist.

"Oo 'no, sasagutin mo pa 'yong panliligaw ko sa 'yo nang matamis mong 'oo'." Kinindatan ko pa s'ya kaya naman bigla s'yang natawa sa akin. I chuckled with him, it might sound like I was joking but I was serious.

"Happy birthday, Solstice. I hope you'll enjoy this night," he told me in a mellow tone, as we slowly swayed to the music that was playing inside the glorious and magnificent place. It was so magical, astonishing, and soft all at the same time.

"Did you prepare this?" I asked him quietly.

He looked at me with a slight smile as he nodded while avoiding my gaze. "Seryoso?!" Gusto kong sumigaw pero hindi ko nagawa, kasi baka akalain nila inaaway ko si bibiloves ko. Baka mabulilyaso 'yong da-moves ko sa kanya mamaya.

"How did you? Lagi tayong magkakasama sa training! Wala kang oras dito 'no!" I spoke unbelievably, as I looked at the whole place. I mean, just look at the whole venue. It was themed like a wonderland.

There were a lot of things that were happening. There was a garden like place, there was an amusement-like Ferris wheel on the other side. The whole floor seemed like it was made of ice, but there were cherry blossoms, and spring like all over theme. The snowflakes, and glitters that were falling too!

Sobrang iba-iba lahat! Parang spring na winter na amusement park na fairy garden! Pero kahit sobrang iba-iba 'yon sobrang naging tugma at napakaganda n'ya sa mga mata ko. It was like all those different things became one as they complimented each other well.

Maybe because all of those things were all close to my heart.

"I managed to ask Mama and Papa about it, then they pulled some strings for Tita Lian and Tito Tim to be in this, too." He cackled so lovely, and my eyes watered again. I couldn't believe he did all of these... for me.

"Bakit walang theme, ha? Bakit sobrang iba-iba?" natatawang imik ko sa kanya, habang nagsasayaw kaming dalawa. No'ng makalipas ang ilang saglit, nagulat ako no'ng biglang tumayo si Law at inaya si Harper para sumayaw kung nasaan kami.

Then almost everybody from the pasaways, took the hands of those who they wanted to dance with, and even our parents joined. It was a huge place... so we were all having the time of our lives while dancing.

"It has a theme," Akira hissed at me, with a knotted forehead.

"Ano'ng theme? Pagmamahal mo sa akin?" I winked at him, and he threw his head back groaning, fighting a smile on his lips. Then when he looked at me again, he smiled cutely. Natigilan ako! Grabe, natunaw yata 'yong puso ko ro'n!

His smile was so cute! Halatang pinipigilan pero nanggigigil. His eyes squinted, and he looked like a cute chipmunk.

"There's this girl who'd annoy the hell of out me when I was graduating in high school, and she was a just a sophomore." Napakunot-noo ako sa sinabi n'ya. Hala! Pinagtaksilan n'ya ba ako?! Hindi ako papayag! Kung sino man 'yan, nako, mas maganda na kaagad ako sa kanya!

"She'd always tell me stories, I don't even care about." He shook his head, and rolled his eyes, like he was so annoyed while remembering it. "Can't she just stop for a moment? I was the one getting out of breath when she tells her stories. Hindi na yata humihinga 'yon sa sobrang daldal."

"Hoy! Lakas mong manira ha!" Hinampas ko s'ya. Pero kabog naman kasi mukhang walang pag-asa 'yong babaeng 'yon. Aba, syempre! Ako pa ba? Mas malakas ang tama ni Akira sa akin, 'no! Dapat nagpaturo 'yong babae sa akin kung paano duma-moves para hindi s'ya sablay!

"I didn't really care about her. She was just a little sister to me. Someone who needed to be taken care of, like the others, and like my own Honoka." His voice was becoming so gentle, and careful that even though the music was echoing loudly, all I could hear was him.

"Then she told me someone told her that she was nothing but an annoying, irritating, worthless brat who was seducing boys in their class. The next thing I knew? I was in their class when she wasn't around, and made the one responsible for the nasty rumours begged on his knees." I stopped the moment I heard his story.

Saglit... sandali...

He cackled softly, and held my hand tighter, as he slowly guided both of it to be draped around his nape. Hindi ako bigla makapagsalita.

"That was what older brothers do, right? They'd protect their little siblings." He nodded as if convincing himself. "I didn't care after that, I treated her like she was just a little sister precious for me."

"Magseselos na ba ako n'yan? Kahit mas maganda ako?" tanong ko sa kanya.

"Yeah, you should be jealous of that girl," he stated directly, and I pouted at him.

"Nasaan 'yong, yeah, you are more beautiful than her! Bakit jealous lang?!" alma ko sa kanya, at inapakan 'yong paa n'ya nang kaunti. He glared at me, and I laughed at him. He rolled his eyes, and we continued swaying without noticing anyone besides the two of us.

"She told me... she likes spring because it reminded her of how no matter things get hard, and how things wither in the coldness and darkness of winter, the sun will still rise, and the flowers will soon bloom," he continued the story with eyes looking in mine—like memorizing my soul.

"She told me, she likes the glitters and pastels all combined because it's cute like her." Bigla s'yang natawa at napailing-iling habang sinasabi 'yon. Hindi ko alam pero natahimik talaga ako, habang kumakabog ang puso.

Everything was so familiar... everything was like pulling a string in my heart.

"She told me, she likes cherry blossoms... I thought it was because it was cute to look at. But she told me because it symbolizes the shortness but beauty of life. Like how it blooms so quickly, but its blossoms fall fast, too. That every fleeting, and insignificant moment was worth remembering..."

Bigla na lang pumatak 'yong mga luha ko isa-isa. Hindi ko alam kung bakit, kasi pati ako bigla na lang naiyak. He chuckled gently when he saw it, but wiped it delicately, as he stopped from swaying to take my hand that was resting on his nape.

"She told me she likes the garden, because she likes telling stories in there."

"She told me she likes the ice, because it was like her name."

"She told me she likes the amusement park, because I made it magical when we went there."

"She told me she likes the snowflake... because of her name, and because of the snowflake necklace that I gave her."

Napatulala ako sa kanya, nakangiti habang umiiyak. Bigla akong walang masabi dahil sobrang lakas ng kabog ng puso ko. He just shut me up in a really good way. I couldn't think of anything but only the words that was coming out of his mouth, and his soothing and magical voice.

"And funny how she kept telling me she likes me... when I wanted her to love me."

Halos lumakas 'yong iyak ko dahil sa bigla n'yang sinabi.

"Yeah, Solstice, get jealous of yourself," natatawa n'yang sabi saka pinunasan ang luha ko nang marahan.

"This place has a theme you know," he cackled as he slowly lowered his face to level with mine. "This place and birthday's theme? It is what Solstice likes."

Dumiretso kaagad ako papalapit sa kanya, para yakapin s'ya nang sobrang higpit, at naramdaman ko ang mahinang pagtawa n'ya at saka pagyakap sa akin. We remained in there, while he was just patting my head, because I was sobbing endlessly.

I just couldn't believe it. Sinasabi ko lang 'yong mga bagay na 'yon sa kanya dahil wala lang. Nasabi ko lang. Hindi ko akalain na matatandaan n'ya lahat. Hindi ko akalain na bawat salita ko pala, may bigat sa kanya...

Pakiramdam ko tuloy, wala nang isasaya pa 'yong gabing 'to. I just wanted him close to me. I just wanted him so close to me. Whether in winter, in spring, in summer, and in fall. I wanted to hold him close, as I stumble and fall, and as I stand up tall.

"I hope you'll enjoy this night, Solstice..." he whispered.

"Kahit wala nga 'to eh, kahit kayo lang nina Nanay at Tatay, sobrang saya ko na. 'Tapos idagdag mo pa 'to... sobrang saya ng puso ko," I told him sincerely, and I broke the hug to look at him in the eyes. Admiring everything in him.

"Thank you so much..." I murmured genuinely, and he returned it with a heart melting beam.

Hindi ko alam kung ilang segundo kaming magkatitigan lang do'n pero wala na akong hihilingin pa. Sobrang memorable na kaagad ng gabing 'to para sa akin. Hinding-hindi ko 'to makakalimutan.

"Akira. May singsing ka ba?" biglang tanong ko no'ng bumalik na kami sa pagsasayaw.

"Huh?" nalilitong tanong n'ya.

"Hindi ako nakapag-ready ng singsing eh. Pero ready na akong lumuhod at hingin ang kamay mo. 'Tapos mag-aala Cinderella tayo, pagpatak ng twelve, itatakas kita, at ang diretso natin sa simbahan!" masayang suggest ko sa kanya.

Kaya naman bigla s'yang natigil sa pagsasayaw at binatukan ako nang pagkalakas-lakas!

"Aray ko! Pakiramdam ko natanggal 'yong ulo ko!" reklamo ko sa kanya. But he just laughed at me, and he slowly brushed the back of his forefinger on the bridge of my nose going to its tip.

We both chuckled at each other. Hearts happy, and emotions overflowing with sincerity.

Matapos no'n nagkaro'n ng program. 'Yong mga eighteen 'things' at natatawa ako kasi mga kalokohan!

Ikaw ba naman bigyan ng 18 banats nako, ewan ko na lang! Ang korni nakakaloka!

"Hoy, sino nag-isip nito?" natatawang tanong ko sa mic habang nakaupo magandang upuan sa stage. Iba na rin ang gown ko.

"Ako!" Biglang nagtaas ng kamay si Ate Hopie. "Para maranasan mo kung gaano ka-cringe mga banatan mo!" tawang-tawang dagdag pa nito para lang maasar ako. I just laughed out loud because of it.

Aba kahit gaano ka korni 'yong mga banat na 'yon. Kikiligin ka nang slight! Lalong-lalo na no'ng si Alas 'yong bumanat! Hiyang-hiya ang baby ni Ate Miracle. Pulang-pula ang tainga, at hindi makatingin sa akin, 'tapos si Ate Miracle nagchi-cheer pa.

Biruin mo 'yon bumanat din si Kellon, Sven, Yvo, Caerus, at Saint! Tawang-tawa ako sa kanila, kasi may script silang lahat at kodigo, 'tapos si Saint lang ang confident na may pakindat-kindat pa. Malandi talaga 'yon si Saint!

Then they also proceeded with 18 gifts. Karaniwan sa eighteen gifts mga Apocalypse. Bongga magregalo! Tamang condo, eroplano, at kung ano-ano pa! Pakiramdam ko tuloy naging milyonarya ako sa isang iglap!

Pero loko-loko talaga si Tito Takeshi! Regaluhan ba naman ako ng unlimited supply ng vitamins pang patangkad! Jusko! Hindi ko tuloy malaman kung gusto akong tulungan no'n maabot 'yong sikretong pangarap ko o nang-aasar lang s'ya eh!

Si Tita Isolde naman, pasabog ang regalo! Literal na pasabog! Bigyan ba naman ako ng bomba at i-dismatle ko raw, kung hindi sasabog kaming lahat ngayon! Training ko raw, kasi dahil sa birthday ko nawalan kami ng isang araw na training! My gosh! My beauty! Stress!

Akala ko joke pero tunay talagang bomba! Buti na lang matalino ako kaya no sweat.

Then we also proceeded with other eighteen things, it was so fun, and I was enjoying everything. Then there was a prepared cotillion when we proceeded with the eighteen roses.

My first rose was no other than Tatay.

"Tatay..." nakangiting bati ko sa kanya. We were in the middle of the open space dancing to the music.

"Parang dati ikaw ang bunso ni Tatay, ngayon, hindi na." Niyakap ko kaagad s'ya habang nagsasayaw kami. Hindi ko kasi mapigilan, naiiyak ako kapag si Tatay 'yong kausap ko. Mahal na mahal ko talaga sila ni Nanay.

"I'm proud of you, Snow. I'm so proud what you've become today..." The words that Tatay told me went directly in my heart, and I knew that no matter how many rains and storms that would come in my way, I'd always have his words for life.

"Basta kapag pagod ka na, gusto mong umiyak, hindi mo na alam kung saan tatakbo, balik ka lang kay Tatay, Snow. Yayakapin kita hanggang sa tumahan ka, sasamahan kita hanggang sa maging matatag ka na ulit, at lalakad tayo para sa 'yo..." I hugged Tatay tighter as I cried on his shoulders.

"If Akira ever makes you cry in too much pain, he'd face me." Tumango-tango ako sa kanya. Even though, I wasn't sure if it was I that would cry or if I'd be the reason why Akira would cry.

"Your imperfections make me love you so much, anak. Continue to be you, and I always got your back. I love you, Snow, happy birthday."

"I love you, Tatay," buong-pusong saad ko sa kanya.

He wiped my tears, and before he gave me to Tito Nate for the next rose, he whispered. "Say sorry to Akira for me." Then he winked, as I gazed at his back, going to Nanay with a smile on his face. But I was left confused.

Bakit may pa-sorry? Nakakaloka! Sorry kasi ang ganda ko? Sorry kasi sa akin babagsak si Akira?! Hala grabe naman 'yon si Tatay! Dapat nga proud pa s'ya sa mga natutunan kong speed moves sa kanya eh!

Tito Nate and I danced, and he told me things. "Happy Birthday, Biblee." Napangiti ako sa kanya.

"Ano'ng gusto mong malaman?" he kidded while wiggling his eyebrows.

"Kung paano mo po hindi naging girlfriend si Tita Princess, pero asawa na kaagad. May tip ka po ba dyan para alam ko gagawin ko kay Akira?" Tito Nate guffawed loudly throwing his head back while we were dancing because of what I stated.

"Baliw ka talagang bata ka."

"Nako, Tito. Malakas lang po 'yong dugong Evans dito. Balita ko po kay Tatay at Nanay, ikaw po ang legendary sa pabilisan." Mas lalong tawang-tawa si Tito Nate sa akin habang napapailing.

"Anak ka ba talaga no'ng kapatid ko? Baka kay Alyx ka talaga, nagkapalit lang?" he joked laughingly.

"Tito Nate, genes pa lang po, Evans na. Si Biblee lang po 'to, 'yong mana sa 'yo." We both laughed with our conversation. Ang gaan sa pakiramdam kasama sina Tito Nate, kasi ro'n talaga papasok sa utak mo na kumpleto na talaga kami. Wala nang nagtatago.

"Ganito..." Tito Nate murmured and smiled.

"Itulak mo lang si Akira, para mahulog sa 'yo." Then he winked at me. I knotted my forehead in confusion. Huh? Fall na 'yon si Akira sa akin, hindi ko na kailangan itulak! Ang kailangan ko lang talaga ng simbahan at magkakasal sa amin.

"Or... maybe tell him this. Ikaw na nakapagpatibok ng puso ko nang ganito kabilis? Hinding-hindi kita makakalimutan. Hulog kaagad si Light sa akin, no'ng sinabihan ko s'ya nyan, hindi n'ya na ako nakalimutan." I was the one who started to laugh because of him.

"Ngayon po sigurado na ako kung kanino ako nagmana. Mukhang sa inyo po talaga. Banatan pa lang, kabog na!" I exclaimed joyfully, and Tito cackled cheerfully.

"O kaya magtanong ka ng will you marry me, habang nasa bingit ng kamatayan, o-oo 'yon. Walang duda, proven and tested. Based from experience." Tawang-tawa na talaga ako usapan namin ni Tito Nate.

He was giving me too many ideas, and when it was Tito Jacob—or should I say father-in-law's turn, Tito Nate waved at me, before returning to sit beside Tita Princess who automatically smiled when her husband kissed her forehead.

"Hey, dalaga na 'yong pinakamakulit na bata," Papa—char! Father-in-law greeted. Joke lang!

"Syempre po, Tito. Soon hindi lang po dalaga, dowter-in-law mo na rin." Syempre, hagalpak kaagad ng tawa si Tito sa narinig sa akin. Naks! Plus points na yata 'to! Wala na talaga tututol sa amin ni bibiloves!

"Napasagot mo na ba 'yong anak ko? Baka hindi pa, nako, dyan tayo sasablay." He chuckled softly while we were swaying in the music that was playing.

"Hala po, kapag sumagot 'yon ng oo siguradong with pirma na rin po," I joked and he laughed.

"But seriously, Biblee. Although, our son might not show it directly like you are, we know that you are precious for him. For someone as lazy, and as nonchalant as him. It was big when he asked us to do this whole thing for you." I smiled the moment he said it.

"Kita ko po, Tito. Hindi lang kita—ramdam na ramdam ko rin po. H'wag po kayo mag-alala may sweetness 'yon sa katawan, hindi lang halata." I cackled at him, and he nodded to agree with me. He seemed happy that I wasn't misunderstanding Akira or anything like that.

"He might come off as rude, and cold. But he's soft for you, Biblee. Please take care of him, too." I nodded at him enthusiastically. I might joke around, but I knew how to value and treasure things, people, and emotions deeply and sincerely.

"I will, Tito. Thank you for raising a good son." Payapang napangiti si Tito sa sinabi ko.

"Happy birthday, Biblee—and soon, our daughter-in-law?" he chuckled with a smile and squinted eyes. Bumilis naman ang tibok ng puso ko ro'n. Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! Oh, my gosh! I'm legal na not just in age, but also in my in-laws! Oh, my gosh!

"Hindi ka magsisisi, Tito! Promise po!" natawa s'ya sa akin, he tousled my hair softly, and soon it was Tito Gwapo who was dancing with me.

Natatawa ako kasi nagchismisan lang yata kami ni Tito Gwapo.

"Happy Birthday, nawawalang anak namin ni Alyx!" he greeted with a playful smile and wiggling eyebrows.

"Kagandahan pa lang po, wapak na talaga ang lahi natin nina Tita Dyosa!" Approve naman kaagad kay Tito 'yong sinabi ko. He wished me a great year, and luck. He also told me how proud he was that I was the one who was continuing his comedy legacy. Boset! Akala mo nakapaseryoso, tapos gano'n pinagsasabi sa akin.

H'wag ka. Hindi s'ya nakangiti no'ng sinasabi 'yon, talagang seryoso at nakakunot ang noo! Jusko! Dito yata ako kay Tito Thon pinaglihi ng Nanay talaga.

"Ano pala'ng balita sa mga anak naming gwapo ha? Nakada-moves na ba sa mga anak ni Pards Gab-Gab at Kumareng Cassidee?" I was laughing so loudly, and almost out of breath because of Tito Thon! Kapag talaga kami magkausap, feeling ko mas funny s'ya kesa sa akin! Naagawan ako ng spotlight!

"Kiddie meal po ang gusto, Tito. Mahaba-habang panahon pa po ang hahamakin para sa minamahal!" We both laughed because of it. Kinonchaba pa ako na balitaan ko raw s'ya sa nangyayari at bibigyan n'ya ako ng tip sa mga crush.

Nakakaloka talagang kausap si Tito Thon, sobrang good vibes lang.

Then the eighteen roses continued with Tito Skyler, and the pasaways, with the crowns. It was so good and nice talking to each one of them. It was so nice dancing with them. And the eighteenth rose?

Of course, it was Akira.

Instead of talking, we just danced while smiling at each other. Treasuring every moment, and being so sincere with our feelings. It was so magical, and there was an unexplainable feeling being with him—although we weren't communicating, it felt like I heard thousands of stories from him. It feels like I was finally free, dreaming, and complete.

That night was nothing but great. When the program ended, we went directly to our home, and not the Empire. Because we wanted to stay together, we decided to be at our house for a sleep over.

I was so delighted, and contented with everything that happened tonight that I couldn't sleep, that was why I went to the garden of our house, while caressing the snowflake necklace that Akira gave me when we were in the amusement park.

Halos tulog na rin ang lahat sa loob eh, mga bagsak at mukhang napagod sa pangmalakasang prank nila simula kagabi hanggang kanina. Si Gabby pala 'yong nag-suggest no'ng parang naaksidente sina Akira!

My gosh! Nakakabawas talaga ng buhay ang mga prank no'ng si Gabby!

When I arrived at the garden, I automatically smiled when I saw someone in there.

"Couldn't sleep because I haven't asked you the question?" Napalingon kaagad s'ya sa akin. He scoffed at me, and hissed because of my statement. I chuckled at him, and stood up beside him looking at the stars.

It was like eleven in the evening. Maaga natapos 'yong party, paano maaga rin nagsimula, pati hindi pwede na magtagal kami sa gano'n na maraming tao. After all, we needed to be careful because the prank might become real.

"Aren't you tired, why are you still up?" he asked without glancing at me.

"I am just so happy, and I can't sleep because my heart's so full." I smiled and reach my hands at the shining stars up in the sky. It was so beautiful to look at, pero mas maganda pa ring tingnan si Akira.

His eyes that captured the stars. Ain't that the best view?

"May itatanong ako..." I suddenly remarked. He glanced at me with a confused expression.

"Ano?" Pagkatapos bigla s'yang naglakad papunta sa may upuan at lamesa sa garden akala ko uupo s'ya ro'n pero nagulat ako no'ng bigla n'ya akong sensyasan na lumapit sa kanya. Dahil mabait at masunurin akong bata, pakipot akong pumunta sa kanya. Joke lang! Aba ikaw na inaya, aarte pa ba?

"Si Papa—" Naputol 'yong sasabihin ko sana no'ng tiningnan ako ni Akira.

"Papa?" he queried confusingly.

"Oo! Si Tito Jacob. Hello, syempre daughter-in-law n'ya na ako, Papa na dapat tawag ko sa kanya!" explain ko sa kanya habang sumesenyas gamit ang kamay, para ma-gets n'ya kaagad 'yong point ko.

He suddenly pulled me closer to him using my hand, and grabbed my waist. My eyes widened when he unexpectedly lifted me from the ground to make me sit on the table. I gulped, and pressed my lips together.

My mind became abruptly blank because of his action! Oh, my gosh!

When he settled me on top of the high table in our garden, we were now eye to eye. Hindi n'ya kailangan tumungo, o hindi ko kailangan tumingala para lang magka-face to face kami. I thought he'd back up after it, but he remained standing in front of me... so freaking close!

"Mahihimatay yata ako, sandali! Kalmahan mo naman!" reklamo ko sa kanya, at tinulak s'ya nang konti, pero hinila s'ya pabalik no'ng medyo malayo na! Kaloka naman!

"Make up your mind," irap na sambit n'ya.

"Ayan na! Ayan na! Ganyan!" I told him. Hindi na s'ya gano'n kalapit, pero hindi rin ganon kalayo. He rested both his hands on the table a little away from my legs. I gulped repeatedly because he just looked so ethereal.

"Dini-distract mo talaga ako para hindi ako makapagtanong ha!" asar akong nag-cross arms sa kanya. He chuckled sexily and looked at me mockingly.

"What are you gonna ask, then?" Nakipagtitigan talaga s'ya sa akin! Akala n'ya papatalo ako! Makikipagtitigan din ako! I stared at him with furrowed eyebrows, and he suddenly flicked the space in between my brows.

"Aw!" I squeaked and held it with my hands.

"Nakakadami ka na sa pang-aasar ha! Pasalamat ka mahal talaga kita!" I told him with caressing my forehead.

"Paano 'yong mahal?" he teased with a smirk.

Potek! Bakit ganyan ka-gwapo 'yong messy hair n'ya at 'yong mukha n'ya? Hindi ako makapag-concentrate! Kung saan-saan na napupunta 'yong usapan namin!

"Pagmamahal na may banat, pero wagas at buong puso!" I winked at him, and he made a face, like he cringed with my words. Nagkatawanan kami parehas, kasi bigla akong nahiya sa sinabi ko. Nakakablanko kasi s'ya!

"Pero seryoso bakit sabi ni Tatay, ano, sorry raw? Tsaka sabi ni Papa effort ka raw ngayon!" sabi ko sa kanya.

"Ah, they must be talking about the things that happened few days ago and yesterday," he told me with a shrug.

"Kwento! Ano'ng nangyari?" curious na tanong ko.

"I called Papa and Mama to help in preparing for you birthday. And to include your parents, and the others. I also asked Honoka, and the pasaways about this. It was Gabby who suggested that we should make it intense yesterday..." kibit-balikat na sagot nito.

"Ano'ng meron kahapon?"

"I wanted to go and supervise the process yesterday, and to talk to your parents," mahinang sambit n'ya. Nanatili akong nakikinig imbis na sumabat, umihip naman ang hangin kaya mas guminhawa ang pakiramdam ko.

It was a little chilly, but with him near me, it was just warm, and safe. Lalo na para din akong nakakulong sa yakap n'ya dahil nasa magkabilang side ko mula sa lamesa 'yong mga kamay at braso n'ya.

"It was only me who was supposed to go, but they told me it'd be obvious that we were planning something, and Gabby came up with the idea of the accident and all. Guess it was effective, huh?" he laughed heartily.

Sumimagot naman ako at hinampas s'ya sa dibdib. Kainis! That prank made me so worried, and so out of it!

"Iyak ka na raw sabi ni Alas. Sabi n'ya h'wag na raw ituloy kasi kawawa ka na. 'Tapos 'yong Ate mo at saka sina Gabby tatawa-tawa lang kaya 'di makalapit sa 'yo para i-cheer up ka." Hinampas ko ulit s'ya at mas lalo s'yang natawa.

"Si Alas lang ang may gusto itigil 'yong prank, pero tuloy pa rin 'yong iba. Guilty na rin si Pierce at Thorn." Natawa na rin ako sa sinabi ni Akira. Nako, hindi na ako magtataka! Samahan ng mga papagawan ng rebulto 'yong tatlo eh!

"Honoka, Rebel and I went to finalize everything, and after, I talked to Mama and Papa." Napakunot-noo ako sa sinabi n'ya.

"Hala! Nagsumbong ka siguro na nililigawan kita, 'tapos nagtanong ka paano ka sasagot sa akin ng 'oo' para memorable!" Pumalakpak pa ako sa sariling iniisip, pero pinitik n'ya na naman ang noo ko.

Nanghahamon ako ng away na napatingin sa kanya pero tinawanan n'ya lang ako.

"I talked to my parents about you. And my plans... they told me, it wasn't them that I should talk to, but... your parents." He shrugged his shoulders, and he took a step closer to me, and stood up straightly.

"Ano'ng sabi mo? Babaguhin 'yong debut place at sa simbahan na dapat, pero hindi pumayag si Tatay, kaya sorry raw?" I concluded, and he shook his head while chuckling softly.

"Umaasa ka," he scoffed, and I giggled.

"I went here, in your home, and had a serious conversation with your parents."

"Ano'ng usapan?"

"I told them that I am planning to date you and officially make you mine on your eighteenth birthday."

I was frozen on my spot because of what I heard from him. It didn't process inside my head directly, and I was buffering for a moment, while my face was reddening slowly.

Then, all I knew—I was screaming inside! Aaaaaaahhh! Ang haba ng buhok ko!

"Do you know what I received after my direct declaration?" he chuckled softly, then look at the sky, while the wind hugged the two of us.

"A punch." Napanganga ako sa diretsong dagdag n'ya.

"I was punched by Tito Tim. It was his instinct to punch me, and I accepted it. I didn't expect it from him, but I was glad he did, because I realized how selfish I sounded." He shook his head, and brushed his hair to mess with his hair.

"He told me that you are starting a new journey, and I was planning in caging you right there and then." Napasimangot at napatungo s'ya pagkasabing-pagkasabi n'ya no'n. He sighed, and I didn't know what to say for the first time.

"He wanted you to explore more, Solstice. You are still young..." he whispered still not looking at me.

Kusang kumilos ang kamay ko para inaangat ang ulo n'ya habang nakahawak ako sa baba n'ya. I looked at him with full of emotions, eyes stinging because of how I could feel everything he wanted me to feel. From hopeful to pain... to love.

"My parents were shocked from Tito Tim's action but soon understood him. Gano'n din naman si Papa at Mama no'ng humingi ng permiso si Rebel para kay Honoka. Rebel didn't just get punched, but he also needed to work under Mama in the restaurant." He chuckled softly remembering it.

Kaya naman pala hindi natulong si Rebel sa kusina kahit nagluluto si Honoka! May traumatic experience pala sa kamay ni Tita Shana at Tito Jacob! Paano speed, kay Honoka kaagad dumiretso.

"It was Tita Lian who suddenly helped me, ginamot n'ya kaagad 'yong sakit ng suntok. Buti hindi nagsugat o kung ano man." Natawa ako kasi mukhang mahina ang suntok ni Tatay, walang bakas, eh!

"When everybody was calm, Tita Lian was the one who spoke. I could still feel chills remembering her words to Tito Tim. She told him, that it wasn't for them to decide but it is in your hands..." Akira softly mentioned, as he looked at me without blinking.

"She asked me why I am talking to them, instead of talking to you..." I caressed his face, and the pooling tears in my eyes escaped. He chuckled because of my reaction.

"It wasn't them who's going to decide, it is you who's going to decide, Solstice..." Tunaw na tunaw 'yong puso ko sa naririnig at sinasabi ni Akira ngayon, kaya sunod-sunod talaga 'yong patak ng luha ko.

"Why are you crying again?" he asked. I sniffed.

"Nag-alala kaya ako nang sobra-sobra sa 'yo kagabi! Saka kanina! Akala ko kung ano na nangyari! Akala ko talaga naaksidente ka! Akala ko pinakamasamang birthday ko na! Akala ko—akala ko!" Lalong lumakas 'yong iyak ko.

"'Tapos papasuntok ka lang kay Tatay! Kainis ka!" hagulhol ko sa kanya pero tinatawanan n'ya ako.

"'Tapos 'di mo pa ako paglalaban ha! Si Nanay pa talaga lalaban para sa 'yo ha! Saka ako pa tatangungin mo?! Halos liparin ko na nga distansya natin sa pag-aalala ko sa 'yo 'tapos pinanghinaan ka pala ng loob dahil kay Tatay!" ngawa ko sa kanya. Pinunasan n'ya naman 'yong luha ko habang tinatawanan ako.

"Hindi ako papayag na us against the world! Tuloy pa rin dapat 'yong plano! Ako tanungin mo! Bilis! Tanungin mo na!" I declared while bawling my eyes out.

"Shh, magigising ang mga tao rito. Baka masuntok na naman ako sabihin, pinapaiyak kita," he told me delicately, while I was snuffling.

"O sige h'wag ka na magtanong! Pero dapat tuloy 'yong plano ha? Ako pa rin? Gusto mo pa rin ako?" My eyes widened when he shook his head, and sighed.

I closed my eyes, and cried harder because he looked so defeated!

"Hindi kita gusto..." Mas lalo akong naiyak sa sinasabi n'ya! Nakakainis! Bakit?! Nakakainis naman si Tatay!

"Please, stop crying..." he begged, and I saw him bit his lower lip, and his one hand suddenly snaked around my waist pulling me closer to him, while I was still sitting on the table, and he was standing in front of me.

"Eh kasi naman! Kakainis ka kaya puro mix emotions pinaparamdam mo sa akin! Kagabi halos mamatay ako sa kaba—nabawasan yata 'yong buhay ko, my gosh! The stress! Do you feel the stress?!" exaggerated na kwento ko.

"'Tapos kanina takot, kaba, kilig, 'tapos saya! 'Tapos ngayon, hindi ko pa natatanong 'yong will you be mine? Basted na kaagad ako?! Ano ba namang klaseng birthday 'to, Akira! Ang hiling ko lang naman maging akin ka, 'tapos, 'tapos—"

My eyes widened when he instantaneously closed the gap between the two of us, and then... his lips were pressed to mine!

I was rooted on my sit, and I held my breath. Napakurap-kurap ako, at halos maduling sa pagkakatingin at pagkakagulat! Akala ko nananaginip lang ako, kaya pumikit ako, pero pagkamulat ko gano'n pa rin talaga!

Nanay! Tatay! Gusto kong kape—este gusto kong Akira—este mahal ko talaga si Akira! Oh, my gosh!

I thought he'd move away after shutting me up when he placed his lips on my lips. But suddenly I felt him smiling because I was so tensed, stiff, and my heart was beating so loudly! I felt that his grip on my waist tightened.

Napalayo ako nang kaunti dahil nauubusan na talaga ako ng hininga kahit nakalapat lang naman! Pero nagulat ako no'ng bigla na lang n'ya akong ilapit sa kanya lalo at walang alinlangan na pinatakan ulit ako ng halik sa labi.

Halos ang lalim na ng paghinga ko at nanghihina na ako sa sobrang gaan at amo ng pakiramdam na 'yon. My tensed hands, slowly travelled to his nape. And when he felt my reaction, my eyes flew wide open, when I felt him carefully claimed my lower lips.

Para akong mababaliw bigla! Sobra-sobra na 'yong tili ko sa loob-loob ko pero hindi ako makasigaw! Paano ako sisigaw nito?!

He was kissing my lower lip softly; his lips were moving! I could feel a pit of something hallow in my stomach.

Nanginginig at halos ilapit ko s'ya lalo sa mukha ko dahil sa kakaibang pakiramdam na hatid no'ng ginawa n'ya. He wasn't even contented with it! He also claimed my upper lip, and it was melting everything in me.

Marahan kong naisara ang mga mata ko dahil do'n. The breeze enclosed the two of us, and I slowly learned on how to respond with his kiss. Naramdaman ko na naman ang pagngiti n'ya dahil sa ginawa ko.

Pero imbis na ipagpatuloy 'yong masuyong halik n'ya, pinatakan n'ya ang labi ko nang ilang halik na halos dampi lang. Babaliwin n'ya ako sa ginagawa n'ya!

Pero hindi naman ako makapag-alma dahil baliw na baliw talaga yata ako sa nangyari! Hindi nagproproseso ng tama sa utak ko ang lahat! Grabe! Hindi ko talaga alam ang gagawin ko!

Jusko! I'm getting married na talaga yata!

After giving me feathery kisses, he rested his forehead on mine.

"Solstice... I love you..."

At sa sinabi n'ya, para akong dinala sa pinakaligtas at mahiwagang lugar. My heart felt all the emotions he conveyed, and I stared at him with eyes full of love although with stained tears because of the heartfelt feelings he made feel.

"I love you so much, Blaze..."

He smiled because of my answer. I told him that without a hint of joke, light-hearted feelings and those goofy remarks. I spoke those words with a whole heart, and with a wish that finally came true, and because he's my Akira Blaze Roberts-Williams.

I brushed the tip of my nose against his, and he chuckled.

"Maybe I just started a new journey, but I would like to start it by holding your hand. And I'll be genuinely happy to explore the next chapters of my life with you... and with you, I'm sure it'll be worth every struggle, and every smile..."

He gave me a peck on the lips because of what I told him.

"Akin ka na ha? Wala na talagang bawian? Seryosong usapan?"

He nodded, and gave me another smack.

"Seryosong usapan."

"I love you," I repeated, and he beamed.

"I love you, too." And he hugged me tighter, then kissed my forehead.

"Now, I think I discovered the best way to shut you up," he suddenly mentioned while hugging me, and my eyes widened, I punched him lightly on the chest, and he chortled gently, and held my hands.

"Damn, I couldn't belive that I managed to stop myself everytime, I was so close to kissing you," he whispered shaking his head, and bitting his lower lip.

Pakiramdam ko mas namula ako lalo sa narinig ko sa kanya. Hindi ako makapagsalita. At ngiting tagumpay s'ya sa akin. At hinalikan ang tungki ng ilong ko. Napapikit ako nang payapa dahil sobrang ingat na ingat pa rin n'ya sa akin.

He kissed my forehead, and I hugged him with eyes closed. "Happiest Birthday, my Solstice..." he whispered, and the clock struck at twelve, and I smiled because before my birthday ended, I received my most desired gift.

***

Miracle Silhouette's POV

Present

I was humming going down to the stairs because of the good news, I discovered. I couldn't help but feel excited about it. My whole mood was suddenly up, unlike the last weeks and I couldn't hide it. Napapatingin tuloy si Isolde sa akin na nawiwirduhan.

I smirked and winked at her. She quievered actingly because of what I did, I laughed heartily in return.

"Ang saya mo yata Miracle?" puna ni Hope sa akin. At kaagad ko s'yang tinabihan sa may sofa kung nasaan s'ya katabi si Theon.

"Akakios is finally going home after two weeks of being away!" I told her with a wide grin.

"Isn't it supposed to be two weeks from now, instead of today?" kunot-noong sabat ni Theon sa sinabi ko. I giggled, and looked at him victoriously.

"It's Akakios. He could finish a month of business in a few weeks," kibit-balikat na pagmamayabang ko sa kanya. Natawa naman silang dalawa ni Hope sa akin. Halata mong tuwang-tuwa rin sa balita.

"Finally, meron na ulit magpapatigil no'ng torture na nararansan namin," Theon remarked, and I threw him a pillow. The two chuckled at me. I was being too tough at them these few days because I wanted them to push more forward with the training.

Si Akakios lang naman umaawat sa akin kapag napapansin n'ya na sobra na. Pero s'ya kaya 'yong palihim mas grabe sa akin! Hindi lang nila alam kasi ako ang madalas na nakikita nila sa mga nangyayari sa training.

I saw Akakios acquired a ticket and his arrival was going to be tonight. He thought he'd be able to surprise me with it, huh? Syempre maparaan ako, kaya s'ya ang susurpresahin ko!

Mabuti na lang tingnan ko ang nangyayari sa kanila ni Master Gideon, kung hindi, hindi ko pa malalaman 'yon. He must have missed me so much! Ilang oras na lang darating na ulit s'ya kaya kailangan ko nang maghanda.

I went to the kitchen and prepared the ingredients for Ginataang Pusit! Paborito 'yon ni Akakios!

Kaagad akong nagsimulang magluto no'n. "Ate? I already cooked for dinner? You don't like what I cooked ba?" nakasimangot na tanong ni Honoka kasama si Akira.

"No, I just wanted to cook Akakios's favourite." I smiled at them, and they nodded.

"He's gonna be back?" Akira asked, while eating an ice cream.

"Yeah, I think he wanted to surprise me, but I'll surprise him, instead!" I cackled, and Honoka gave me thumbs up.

"Good luck, Ate!" she cheered, and the siblings went on their own way. Probably going to the yard. Nagkukulitan na naman siguro sila ro'n. Gano'n kasi ang pahinga nila pagkatapos ng mga training araw-araw.

Masaya akong nagluluto, at hindi mapigilang ngumiti nang malawak. I stared at the ring on my finger. My black tiara ring that was from Akakios. I smiled thinking that after a few years from now, we'd go to the Domain, and he'd claim what was rightfully his.

Hindi nagtagal nag-dinner na rin, pero nagluluto pa rin ako. Hinayaan ko sila sa dining. Ang ingay na naman nila, palibhasa magaling na si Biblee, kaya naman maririnig mo 'yong kalokohan at banatan nila.

Mas close na close na talaga silang lahat. Napapangiti na lang ako dahil do'n.

When they finished their dinner, I finished cooking, they cleaned up, and went to the entertainment room. Mukhang napagkasunduan na magmo-movie night sila ngayong gabi. Sus, hindi naman manunuod ang mga 'yon, tamang nuod lang sa mga minamahal ang gagawin!

Nako, si Cleon ang pinakanakakaloka kapag nanunuod! Kung hindi tititigan si Sloane, hahalikan na lang! Si Caerus at Art lang yata ang matinong nanunuod, pero magkahawak kamay. Si Hope kasi madalas natutulog sa movie at nakadantay kay Theon, 'tapos si Biblee mag-iingay at magkwekwento habang nanunuod, kaya tatakpan ni Akira bibig no'n.

Ewan ko ba sa mga 'yan! Si Law at Harper naman nag-uusap at may sariling mundo, pagkatapos magugulat ka na lang kapag napalingon ka ulit sa kanila. Minsan tulog na, minsan parang sila lang ang tao.

Pagkatapos si Rebel nakayakap lang kay Honoka, madalas nakakatulog 'yon habang hawak si Honoka. Si Justice at Luna bulgaran din ang pagka-sweet, magkayakap at nakakulong lagi sa isa't isa. Nakaka-bitter na lang talaga!

Ang kawawa kapag nanunuod 'yong dalawang santo. Paano sila 'yong magkatabi at tamang tanaw lang kina Gabby at Katniss na nasa harap nilang dalawa. Nakakatawa na lang minsan, pero madalas nakakaawa. Pero ginusto nila 'yon eh.

"Ate, ikaw hindi ka sasama for movie marathon?" Art asked.

"Hinihintay n'yan 'yong baby n'ya!" sabat ni Sloane. Nagkatawanan naman sila, kalat na kaagad ang balita.

"Kayo na lang. Enjoy sa movie, h'wag sa mga minamahal!" loko ko sa kanila, kaya mas lalo silang natawa sa akin.

When they vanished, started putting some aesthetic design on the garden table for our dinner. Hindi ko rin maiwasan tumingin-tingin sa oras, dahil baka nandito na 'yon maya-maya. Napapangiti ako nang magsolo iniisip ko pa lang na mayayakap ko na kaagad 'yon. I also changed my dress to make myself look more presentable.

Pakiramdam ko tinubuan na ako ng sungay at kailangan na ng isang Akakios para maging halo na ulit 'yon.

When I finished everything, I put a lid on the dishes, and sat on the chair waiting for him. I was imagining that he was in front of me already, and when I heard a car from outside the mansion, I immediately ran there.

Akakios' tired face, suddenly looked surprise when he saw me running to finally hug him. When I landed on him, he almost fell back because of how I jumped, and he was chuckling as he returned my tight hug.

"I miss you, baby." Nakatinginan kami at natawa sa isa't isa no'ng sabay naming sabihin 'yon.

"How did you know?" nagtatakang tanong n'ya, hindi ko pa rin s'ya pinapakawalan sa yakap. I felt him kissed the top of my head.

"Of course, I'm your Silhouette," I told him while cackling, and I felt him nodded.

"I'm finally home, Silhouette..." he murmured as he softly tapped my head with his one hand.

"Welcome home, Akakios..." I whispered emotionally. I miss him badly. Para bang kapag pinakawalan ko s'ya sa yakap, baka bigla na lang s'yang umalis ulit.

We hugged each other for long minutes in silence, and just swaying a little, and when I finally let him go, I saw him holding a bouquet of tulips, ni hindi ko man lang napansin kanina sa sobrang excited ko.

"I miss you so much," he said lovingly, and gave me the flowers. I smiled, and jumped a little to give him a peck on the lips. "I miss you too, endlessly." Nagkatawanan kami sa isa't isa kasi halatang-halata na ayaw na namin maalis ang tingin sa isa't isa.

He held my hand, and I guided him to go to the garden for dinner. He was still in a suit, and his baggage was left in the car that he drove. "Where are we going?" he asked curiously.

"Dinner! I cooked your favourite!" masayang imik ko sa kanya, at mabilis s'yang pinaupo sa silya sa tapat ko. I opened the lid, and his eyes sparkled automatically at the sight of his favourite food, napangiti s'ya sa akin at kita ko kaagad sa mata n'ya 'yong pasasalamat.

"You must be so tired," I murmured, as I started helping him to put dishes on his plate, and I also started to prepare for mine. Pero natawa ako no'ng 'yong mga hiniwa n'ya pa 'yong inilagay n'ya sa lamesa ko at kinuha 'yong akin na hindi pa maayos.

"But it was worth it doing things quickly but effectively, and flawelessly, just to be home with you." Parang natunaw 'yong puso ko sa sinabi n'ya.

Magkatawagan talaga kami araw-araw at gabi-gabi. Pero iba pa rin talaga 'yon kasama ko s'ya at nahahawakan. He looked so exhausted but when he saw me, he was suddenly energized, and contented. That feeling was so pure and fulfilling.

"How was your trip?" I asked him.

"I wish I could take you with me the next time. All I could think was coming home to you." He chuckled, as he ate the food that I cooked. Lumiwanag lalo ang mukha n'ya at halos hindi na nakapagsalita pa sa sunod-sunod na pagkain.

Instead of eating, I watched him silently. Hindi ko mapigilan hindi mapangiti, kapag nakikita ko kung gaano s'ya tuwang-tuwa sa pagkain, pati na rin 'yong pagngiti n'ya sa akin. I was full seeing him full.

"Baby, you should eat, too," he spoke softly, and I nodded to start eating too.

Nag-usap kaming dalawa tungkol sa mga ginawa n'ya. It was mostly about business and Master Gideon. Master Gideon was already here too, but he went to Momo and Dada first, and Akakios wanted to be here immediately, that was why he didn't go with him.

When he finished eating, tinulugan ako ni Akakios ligpitin 'yong pinagkainan namin. Kahit pagod, s'ya pa 'yong naghugas ng pinggan kasi raw ako na 'yong nagluto. We were playing with the soap and goofing around.

"Asan sila?" he asked pertaining to the pasaways.

"Movie," I answered shortly.

"Why didn't you go with them?"

"I was waiting for you." He suddenly went closer to me, and gave me a smack on the lips. My eyes widened with what he did!

Mas sanay kasi akong ako 'yong gumagawa ng mga gano'n. Napangisi tuloy ako at pumunta sa likod n'ya para yakapin s'ya sa likod at saka ko pinahinga 'yong ulo ko patagilid sa likod n'ya. I felt so calm, nervous, and safe with him.

"I miss you... really... so much..." I whispered, and he chuckled.

"I'm never leaving you again..." Hindi ko alam pero parang may humaplos sa puso ko dahil do'n, pero bigla rin akong kinabahan. I hugged him closely, and closed my eyes in his warmth. He continued washing the dishes, telling me random stories.

Then he suddenly faced me. Nginitian ko s'ya at tumingkayad kaagad ako para mahalikan s'ya sa labi n'ya. I saw his eyes widened, before I closed mine. I couldn't help but smile while kissing him. My flustered, and soft Akakios... hmm... I suddenly wanted to tease him.

I opened my mouth a little, and claimed his lower lips. I felt him stiffened, and removed his hand from my waist. Mabilis s'yang humiwalay sa akin. "Silhouette," he stated with eyes looking so strict. I grinned at him mischievously.

I stepped closer to him, and he moved himself away from the sink. I laughed loudly because he looked like a scared puppy because of me! Napaka-cute talaga nito, kahit kailan. Pero dahil miss na miss ko na s'yang asarin—naka-isip ako ng kalokohan.

Lumapit ako sa lugar kung saan s'ya tumakas nang may kakaibang ngiti sa labi. He stepped back, and I moved forward. I didn't back down, that was why when he tried to escape from me again, his back was pushed at the corner.

"Akakios... I love you..." I told him teasingly, and he scoffed.

"Silhouette. I love you but please baby, stop teasing me." Iiling-iling s'ya pagkatapos, napalunok at nanginginig ang mga matang hindi makatingin sa akin. I was so near in laughing out loud with his reactions, but maintained myself.

He couldn't flee from where he was standing so I took the chance. I grabbed his necktie, and pulled him closer to me.

I saw how his Adam's apple moved up and down sexily, as he avoided my gaze. Damn, I was just teasing him, but it looked like I just dug my own grave, because I couldn't stop staring at his soft lips! I licked and bit my lower lip.

And his eyes quievered, and he tried to removed my grasp from his necktie, but before he could do it, and I forcefully dragged his tie for him to lower his face near mine. Halos pigil hininga na rin s'ya no'ng iilang pulagada na lang ang layo ng tungki ng ilong namin sa isa't isa.

"Silhouette..." he whispered, out of breath.

"Akakios..." I retorted, and I closed the gap between us, to claim his lips again.

I kissed him passionately, and sucked his lower lip, and after a few seconds, I felt his hand travelled to my waist, as lifted me up, and put me on the counter without breaking the kiss. When he wasn't bowing down anymore, and we were levelled evenly, he responded to my kisses dreamily.

I automatically draped my arms around his nape, and he smiled when I did that.

And my eyes flew wide open when I felt him bit my lower lips! Napaawang tuloy ang labi ko dahil do'n, at hindi ako makapaniwala no'ng halikan n'ya ako sa napakasuyo, kalmado, pero malalim na paraan.

My heart was pounding hard, and loud. It was like—it was suddenly inside my ears, as the rush of blood flooded to my face.

Inilapit n'ya ako lalo sa kanya, kahit nakaupo ako sa counter dahil sa pagkakayakap n'ya sa baiwang ko. His kisses were so addicting. Alam mo kasing ingat na ingat pero mahal na mahal ka n'ya.

He was just so... intangible, but he's mine. I reached him.

"Please stop teasing me like this, baby..." he whispered when he rested his forehead to mine. I was gasping for air while chuckling and closing my eyes, feeling his breath and his warmth. I just love holding him close.

"I couldn't promise that," I told him truthfully, and he gave me a small kiss.

"Mahaba ang pasensya ko Silhouette, pero kapag ikaw... palagi na lang umiikli." Natawa ako nang marahan sa sinabi n'ya bago ako patakan ulit ng isa pang halik.

"I miss you so much, I wanted to hold you close, I wanted to kiss you endlessly, but please wait, hmm?" mahina at nagpapaintinding sambit n'ya nakatitig sa mga mata ko. I nodded at him, and gave him a peck delicately.

He automatically smiled because he won with his simple lead.

"One day, Silhouette... you'll be my Empress. And you are the only one who owns my heart, and who holds everything in me..." Napangiti kaagad ako ro'n. I brushed the tip of my nose with his, and nodded.

"I love you with all the sincerity in me, my Empress." My heart melted with his soulful eyes and voice. All the longing I felt when he was away, was suddenly washed away with this simple moment. Every insignificant time with him was always filled with realness of memories.

I couldn't help but treasure everything. He made me feel that it was all worth it.

"I love you with all the uncertainty, all the fleeting second, and all the sincerity in me, my Emperor." And we both chuckled heartily at each other, and we only stopped when we both stared at each other's eyes with longing and love.

He gently titled his head, and brushed his lips against mine. I held his hair, messing with it a little while feeling his lips deeply kissing me, as I returned it with the same passion and honesty. I felt him slowly traced his kisses down to my jaw, and I smiled with eyes closed as he search for my lips again.

Nang humiwalay s'ya mula sa akin, napangiti s'ya. He caressed my face warmly.

"When I marked you as an Empress, I put you in danger unintentionally, thank you for still accepting me..." he whispered.

"No, I was happy when you marked me. Because of that, I was certain in my place beside you." Mas niyakap ko s'ya nang mahigpit dahil do'n.

"I can't wait to marry you, Silhouette." I was surprised when he suddenly said that, and I looked at him directly.

"Talaga?"

"Hmm. Ikaw lang, kahit ano isasakripisyo ko, basta sa huli... akin ka."

I gave him feathery kisses because of what he stated, and he chuckled because he couldn't help but also return my little pecks.

"The Domain, I'll face them holding your hand... please tell me you are more than willing to do it," he murmured.

"Kahit hindi mo sabihin, gagawin ko 'yon," I assured him as I caressed his cheeks tenderly. Hinawakan n'ya 'yong kamay ko at saka hinalikan 'yon.

"Salamat..." Kita ko sa mga mata 'yong pagkapanatag dahil do'n. Alam kong takot din s'ya sa maaring mangyari, alam ko ring nahihirapan s'ya sa sitwasyon namin ngayon, sinasabi at napapag-usapan kasi namin 'yon nang malaya.

"Akakios..." I called him.

"Hmm?"

"Wala si Master Gideon..." I traced, and his forehead knotted. "Can I sleep in your room?" Muntik na s'yang mabuwal sa sinabi ko at kaagad napalayo sa akin. I almost lashed out when I saw him almost prayed.

"Sira ka!" Babatuhin ko sana s'ya no'ng sandok na nakuha ko. "Ano'ng iniisip mo?! Nako, iba talaga impluwensya ng mga pasaway sa 'yo!" I told him, and he laughed throwing his head back, and brushing his hair with his fingers.

"You are Silhouette, Silhoue." Tumalon ako pababa mula sa pagkakaupo sa counter, at tumakbo s'ya papalayo sa akin, kaya naman tatawa-tawa ko s'yang hinabol! Buwisit na 'yon! Parang ako pa 'yong may sungay—oh, well... totoo naman.

Naghabulan kami sa salas, at no'ng mahuli ko s'ya tumalon ako sa likod n'ya, he tried to remove me, however, he ended up carrying me in a piggy back going upstairs. "Akakios," I called him.

"Hmm?" Then I kissed his cheeks. He chuckled so softly. My heart melted. Sarap talaga pakinggan ng tawa n'ya.

"Please, baby. Please, please, please. Promise! No funny business! Tabi lang tayo! Tutulog lang!" pangungulit ko sa kanya. "Kahit itapon mo ako sa labas, kapag may ginawa ako!" dagdag ko pa, lalo s'yang natawa sa akin.

Hanggang sa makarating kami sa pinto ng kwarto n'ya. He stopped at the door, while his hand was on the knob. I hugged him tighter from the piggy back. "Please, please, please, baby. I miss you so much!" I kissed him repeatedly on the cheeks. Nagpapa-cute.

"Talo ako lagi sa 'yo, Silhoue." He shook his head, and he opened the door of his room. And I celebrated inside my head.

"No funny business?" he asked seriously, and put out his pinky finger. Natawa naman ako ro'n, at kaagad kong ipinakita ang pinky finger ko habang nakayakap pa rin sa kanya 'yong isang kamay ko.

"Promise sealed!" I told him, and he chuckled, and he went to his bed to sit down. Napaupo ako ro'n. At nginitian s'ya na parang bata.

"Thank you, baby!"

"I love you," he answered, and kissed my forehead. And I lied down chuckling softly. I couldn't believe he'd be beside me tonight!

He went to the washroom to clean himself, and I went to my room to wash up and to change my dress to a cute pajama. 'Tapos bumalik ako sa kwarto n'ya. I settled on his bed.

No'ng lumabas s'ya mula sa bathroom, akala ko may iba akong makikita, pero diretso poker face at disappointed face ako no'ng makita ko s'yang nakapajama at nagtutuyo ng buhok.

"Silly Silhoue!" he laughed because he exactly knew why my reaction was like this.

I just waited for him, then he sat on the bed, and lied down beside me. Niyakap ko kaagad s'ya dahil do'n.

I felt him kissed my forehead, then gave me a peck on the lips. I was about to lock his kiss, but he was fast enough to flee.

Then he chuckled when he took pillows and put it in between us. Halos muntik ko na s'yang batuhin no'ng unan sa ginawa n'ya. Bwisit!

"Aki!" I yelled at him frustratingly.

"Take it or leave it." Padabog akong napahinga at tatawa-tawa s'ya sa akin. Kainis!

Then he took the remote to dim the lights, and I mischievously moved my hand to find his hand in between the pillows. Nang mahawakan ko ang kamay n'ya ngiting tagumpay na ako, lalo na no'ng hawakan n'ya rin 'yon.

"I held your hand... so you'll throw me out of the room?" I asked him with a smile on my face, looking at the ceiling. Then I felt him move a little, and when I used my peripheral vision, I saw him facing at me, with a scrunchy nose and a cute smile painted on his face.

"I broke my own rule, just to hold your hand, am I bad?" he retorted, and we both chukled.

Humarap na rin ako patagilid sa kanya.

"I'm finally happy and at peace." Natawa kami kasi parehas kami ng sinabi.

"I love you, Akakios..." I murmured at him fondling his hand. He smiled at me.

"Mahal kita, Silhouette... higit pa sa inaakala mo." Hindi ko mapigilan mapangiti dahil do'n. Then he slowly closed his eyes, while he was holding my hand carefully, and delicately.

I watched him fall asleep while I was humming a lullaby for him. I patted his head, before I closed my eyes.

Please don't let this end... I suffered almost half of my life, and would choose to suffer again, and again... if I'd be able to be beside him for a lifetime.

My love, Akakios...

Thank you for coming to my dark, rainy, and bloody life. Thank you for being my sunshine, thank you for being my umbrella, and thank you for saving the unrescuable me...

sincerely and will be forever yours,
Silhouette.

***