Happily Ever After

Chapter 15

(Y/N) POV

It was getting colder outside. I did not wish to catch a cold especially on my special day, so I decided that it was time for me to return inside.

As I made my way through the crowd, I suddenly bumped into a sturdy chest. "My apologies, Sir." I looked up at the person I ran into. To my surprise, my (E/C) hues met the ocean blue orbs of the love of my life.

"Be careful now. We don't want you bumping into random people like that, wouldn't we?"

"Alois!" I embraced him. I pulled away after a moment and held his cheeks. "I was afraid you wouldn't come to my party. I thought something happened to you o-or maybe-"

"Shh, I'm here now. There is nothing to worry about." He held my hand on his right cheek, rubbing it with his thumb in a soothing manner. He brought it to his lips and gently kissed it. "We just got stuck in traffic and something went wrong with the carriage on the way."

A light shade of pink dyed my cheeks. I was trying my best to hide my flustered state and gain back my composure. "Things happen sometimes. That's completely normal. I'm glad nothing too bad happened. I'm just looking out for my best friend."

"Thank you. Just remember that I'm looking out for you too."

"I know." I gave him a smile. "Oh! Where's Uncle George and Auntie Margaret?"

"They are having a chat with your parents."

"And Luka?"

"Is talking with Lady Elizabeth and Earl Phantomhive."

"I guess that everyone's occupied."

"You know, we can do something to keep us occupied ourselves," he whispered suggestively. That was all it took to shatter my calm, collected facade. I couldn't keep it to together it any longer.

"My, my, is my precious angel getting all flustered by mere words?" Alois teased. "I thought you were tougher than that."

"Stop it," I playfully hit his arm. I deeply sighed, my smile quickly disappearing in a blink of an eye. "Stop playing with my feelings."

~•~

Alois POV

"Stop playing with my feelings," (Y/N) whispered in an almost inaudible manner, but I clearly heard it.

'It's time to stop playing, Alois. Time to get serious.'

"(Y/N), could we please talk somewhere... in private?"

"Oh, of course. Is there something you would like to talk about in particular?"

"Yes, indeed."

~•~

We both sat on the comfy couch inside (Y/N)'s room.

"So, what do you want to talk about?" (Y/N) asked.

I took a deep breath and gathered every drop of courage un my body. "I love you, (Y/N)." I confessed.

"I have loved you since we were kids. At first I thought it was just a childish crush, or that I just simply admired you. But no, it's far deeper than that. It's not just how you look, how you walk, or how you talk that made me fall for you. It was mostly your character and great personality that made me head over heels for you."

"And do you know what I love about you most?" I asked. (Y/N) shook her head. "It's your heart. Your heart is pure and filled with love and kindness. You have the heart of a lion that gives you the courage and the braveness to face the obstacles in your way. Not only does your heart empower you, but the people that surround you as well. You saved me and Luka from the harsh streets of the England. You helped us find a home, a family, and gain new friends. You're our angel, my angel."

"I am not sure if you feel the same about me, but I am-" I didn't get to finish my sentence for (Y/N) tackled me with a hug. My back landed on the couch while (Y/N) was lying on top of me.

"I love you too, Alois. I've loved you for a very long time. You were always there for me when you needed me the most. You did your best to protect me and defend me from those who threatened to harm me. You inspired me to be the best I can and stand up not just for myself, but also for others who cannot stand on their own."

"Even if I wanted to be an independent woman who needed no man, you still stuck by my side and supported me all the way. You devoted your own time and effort just to teach me how to fight and defend myself though I nearly slit your throat."

"I love you so much, (Y/N)"

"I love you too."

(Y/N)'s face inched closer to mine. Her eyes were closed, her head was slightly tilted, and her lips were parted. I closed my eyes and decided to wait for her lips to crash into mine, but instead of her soft lips, I felt a certain someone (more like something) crawl on my forehead.

"(Y/N), for the thousandth time, how many times do I have to remind you to put Mr. Spots in an enclosure?" I asked, a bit disappointed that the kiss was interrupted.

My voice seemed to snap (Y/N) out of her trance. She looked at me and saw Mr. Spots on my forehead. She picked up the spider and placed it in the palm of her hands.

"I apologise in behalf of Mr. Spots for ruining our moment. I'm sure he didn't mean to. Right, Mr. Spots?" She asked her pet.

The spider stayed silent as it should, otherwise I would have crushed it to pieces in panic if it did. Spiders aren't meant to talk, right? Mr. Spots continued to stare at us with his eight golden eyes as if he was judging us. It was a bit strange, but I just brushed it off.

(Y/N) placed Mr. Spots on the table and laid on top of my chest. I could feel her heart beat sync with mine as she took slow, steady breaths.

"I love you so much I never want to let go."

Her statement stung my heart, knowing that my time in England was short-lived. "I love you so much with all my heart and soul. I'm sorry, (Y/N), but you have to let go of me... at least for now."