When Adena and Regulus felt like it, they decided to move out of bed to come back to her house. Having been the whole afternoon lying in bed, chatting, kissing, and more had made them lazy. But hunger woke them from their laziness at some point. The brunette was scared her sister might still be at her house but still apparated in the kitchen, nonetheless. She was glad she found her house elf cleaning up the room.

"Miss Adena? Mister Regulus? Pimchin is surprised to see you!" squeaked the small creature.

"We came back to grab food. Are there any leftovers from tonight's dinner? I don't wanna make you cook again."

Regulus noticed how kind Adena was with her house elf, and realized it wasn't the first time she had been that kind with Pimchin, just like the kindness she showed to Kreacher.

"Yes Miss. Let Pimchin give you some food."

That evening, Regulus and Adena found themselves together in the kitchen of his house after he decided not to use the large dinner room since it was only the two of them. They set the table together with a wave of wand before sitting in front of each other to start eating.

"Is this a preview of our future life?" asked the girl in the middle of her meal.

The raven-haired male looked up at her from his plate and his lips turned into a grin.

"You mean right now, or the whole day we spent together?" he asked innocently.

The girl laughed, bowing her head a little while hiding her face with one hand so he wouldn't see the slight blush on her cheeks even though he could probably guess it.

"Right now, obviously. Why do you have to say that?"

"I was sincere. If this is how our future life will look like, I'll be very happy."

When she stared back at him again, she could see he was smiling and looking genuinely happy. It was one of the rarest moments where she wasn't feeling anxious regarding her future. He could erase any worry in her so easily, and for once, she felt hopeful.

"I think, I'll be very happy as well. I want to have a simple life like that," she honestly replied.

"We'll try," said Regulus, grabbing one of her hands, squeezing it gently as he stared with seriousness into her eyes. She felt so much reassured. She felt strong. But most importantly, she felt like everything was possible when they were together.

After cleaning up the dishes, they decided to take a stroll outside, surrounded by the summer air of this August night. The sun wasn't completely set yet, but the twilight sky was colored in purple and blue. It was so enjoyable, there were less people in the streets, it was much calmer than the frantic atmosphere of the city in daylight.

"You aren't tired yet, right?" asked Regulus as they apparated back home.

"No. It's still early," laughed the brunette.

"Good, 'cause I have your present to give you."

"I already know what it, it's not that important," she laughed again.

"Shh, I still want to give it to you tonight."

"Fine," sighed Adena with a small smile.

They arrived in Regulus' bedroom. Adena stopped in front of the bed, and let herself fall on top of it, snuggling her face in the sheets and the pillow.

"What are we doing now? You invited me but you haven't planned anything right? You didn't even have food," muttered the girl, turning her head so she could face him.

He had a guilty smile on his lips and she just wanted to laugh at him.

"Well, I didn't plan anything, but so far it hasn't been boring yet, right?"

"No. I admit your company is still as enjoyable even if we don't have anything to do," she answered, smirking a little. She completely turned her body, so she was lying on her back. She opened her arms wide and murmured, "Lie down with me."

Regulus chuckled and went to lie with her, choosing to lie down on her on purpose and obviously, she hugged him tightly, making him smile.

"You want to lie with me now?" asked the raven-haired male.

"Maybe," just said Adena as she started brushing his raven curls.

"What if I want to kiss you instead."

She looked at him as he said these words, her fingers still brushing through his silky hair.

"Do it then."

"Would you accept receiving the same birthday present as last year?" he whispered, looking into her eyes.

She smiled a little before answering, "I'd surely like it."

"I hope so yeah. I only want you to be pleased, to make you happy, to make you feel loved and appreciated as well..." whispered Regulus, bringing his hand up to brush his knuckles against the side of her face, smiling lovingly at her. The glint in his eyes, even in the dim light, was still visible, and she could melt under such a sweet gaze. Then, he brought himself closer, until his lips were flying over her soft skin where goosebumps appeared. He kissed her again and again, until her pale skin turned pink from all the attention. The boy continued his way, giving more affection through his touches and kisses and she was smiling the whole time, feeling truly loved, happy and even pleased. He was being so delicate, and Adena desired to have him closer every time, wishing to become one with him. She would respond to his marks of affection by caressing his back, arms or every inch of his skin her hands could reach. She loved him so dearly, and she could stay in his strong comforting hold forever. That night, they really showered each other with tons of affection, and everything felt so intense, they could only express some feelings in those unique, special moments. 

The moon was shining brightly outside, but only some of its rays managed to seep through the curtains. Adena was lying by Regulus' side. It was already late at night but none of them were asleep. Their breathings was the only thing breaking the silence. But soon enough, the low voice of the boy was heard.

"I want to marry you Adena."

Upon hearing these words, the girl instantly turned her head towards her boyfriend only to realize he looked very serious while she had an expression of genuine surprise. She could feel happiness fill her heart. Sensing her gaze, he also turned his own towards her, meeting her eyes.

"Would you like to marry me Adena?" he whispered again, showing so much sincerity in both his eyes and voice.

"I love you. And I would love to..."

"But? Is there something wrong?" he asked calmly, not showing any worry to her words.

"I want to stay free," she replied honestly.

"You'll be free with me."

"I know. But not with your family..." she said, sighing. "I accepted this a long time ago, to be part of your family. But I want to keep my freedom and for this, I can't follow everything that your family requires."

He stared at her, now frowning a little. Regulus pondered over his girlfriend's words before asking, "What do you want then? Tell me and I'll make sure you can do whatever you wish to do."

"You know, I told you about visiting Africa one day to learn more about astronomy. I want to do that while I'm young. But I also don't want to leave you..." she gave him a sad smile as she spoke.

"Okay, we'll make it happen. I'll come with you. I'll surely manage to do that."

"And about the second thing. It's regarding children."

"You don't want children?" he instantly asked.

"No. Not really. I'd love to have a family with you," said the girl, with a more joyful smile on her lips now. "Just not now. Your mother seems to want grandchildren soon, but I don't feel ready, I don't want this to happen now. We're so young. Let time pass and wait until we're adults. Is that okay?"

The raven-haired male nodded his head. He could only agree with her. He didn't want to go against his mother, her opinion didn't matter much, but when it came to Adena, her opinion mattered more than anything.

"Yeah. Let's just see what happens next and we'll just do our thing."

She smiled brightly at him, happy he had accepted her feelings.

"I'm sorry, I don't have a ring with me, I just said it out of the blue but..." he turned around, grabbing his girlfriend's locket on the bedside table. "I still have this present for you. Happy birthday."

She continued smiling, taking a hold of the pendant, examining it, staring at the photo, before putting it on.

"I really like it. Thank you, and thank you for tonight," said Adena, coming closer so she could give him a small kiss on his cheek in a thanking manner.

"I'm glad you enjoyed tonight," he whispered, muffling his face in her hair, snuggling into it. She let herself fall into his secured and comforting embrace, which was enough to make her fall asleep.

author's npte: i usually find this so sweet as i read but i've just experience a break up with the nicest boy ever so i hate reading this haha... at least i can focus on writing. and not wanting to worry anyone but this is the last happy chapter i'm sorry