Damnation Of Devotion ✔

5: Turn Myself Into A Durian

{ KI }

He talked a lot. Talked so much. A truly, effervescent man.

He wasn't talking about himself much but more about mad ideas, brilliant theories, and weird experiences; never in arrogance. Seems he didn't want me to miss a single piece of knowledge. Nothing makes me happier than him who took me along on his past journeys together, just by words.

When the sun glared right above us, we moved under a tree near the forest and continued our discussion. I provided lunch for him but he felt like a freeloader. Reassured him that I love for him to use my gifts, I also didn't want him to leave the meadow. Even for a while.

Maybe I'm too attached, but I think he is too since his arms have never let me go. His head now lies on my lap, and he plays with my hair delicately, gazing up at me. I focus on reading a fine arts book because it shows so many colors that I didn't know before! I hum a tune in contentment. He feels very... home.

My smirk emerges. "Impossible to look away?"

"Should I?"

"Can you?"

"I won't."

"Good." I put the book on his chest and kiss his nose, making him shy. He looks good with blushes. "Finished."

"You're a fast reader. A dozen books you ate up!"

"You fed me abundantly, how could I not eat?" I beam at him, proud for causing him to laugh in rosy color. Which reminds me. "What's your favorite color?"

"I haven't thought about it. Perhaps I like all colours?"

A giggle erupts from me and I kiss his warm cheeks. "It isn't fair. I like all of them too. There must be one where it has a special spot in your heart."

"Not fair? Meaning, you have a favourite?"

"Yes. Green."

He snorts. "Gee, I wonder why." I slap his chest while he laughs and hugs my hand. "Just green, Ki? Any specific shade?"

"Umh... Emerald. I was fascinated with it when my friends told me a story about 'The Wizard of Oz.' I never saw it, only listened to its closest descriptions regarding my place. Mind you, I know colors from my vicinity, the ever-changing sky, and the animals, but they can only do so much." My lips trace his hairline. I whisper, "You made it possible for me to see real emerald with my own two eyes. Through these pages."

He slowly beams. "I'm happy that you finally do. For the sake of fairness, my favourite is ruby red."

"It's beautiful... Is there a story connected to it?"

A glimpse of grief passes by his face. I saw this once when Taq and Fomu told me about wars, although theirs were briefer.

"No story, sweetheart. Only, it's a reminder of something I miss. Something I can't have back."

I rest my cheek on his, a bit worried. "I hope my red poppies here will ease the mourning."

He laughs giddily. "Oh it does, my dear. Not just the reds, I like seeing the rest of the colours too."

Noted, the flowers in my meadow are seventy percent poppies and the rest are other kinds of flowers. Grimacing, I ask, "Don't you think they're too messy with many colors?"

"So what if they are messy? I love watching them! I assume poppy is your favourite flower?"

"Mhm. I love the flower meanings behind it, notably about the dream. I often wonder what a dream is like."