It'll Always Be You

[ 011 ]

CHAPTER ELEVEN
KHAEL

———

With a destination in mind, Khael drove as fast as the speed limit allowed him to. Ash still holds his hand, sometimes letting go for him to drive safely. Her rhythmic tight squeezes of their hands together made his heart swell with joy.

Slowly as the car came to a pause, she brought his hand to her lips, placing her lips gently atop the back of his hand, and then spread his hand and positioning it against her cheek, as if he held her face. Khael could feel his heart squealing at the gesture, his face slowly burning up as he tried to play it off cooly as if it had zero effect on him.

Ash continued playing with his hand, comparing the height before interlocking it and squeezing it - as if she was thinking how it fits pretty well in his own.

"We're here," He was reluctant to let her hand go, but they needed to go out. He got out of the car first and walked up to the door of Ash's seat, opening it for her, and offering his hand for her to take. She took his hand, getting out of the car. Her eyes were directly eyeing where they were.

Khael locked the car and lead the way. They were at the park near the house. Trees surrounded the center of the park, benches were placed adjacent. On one side of the park, a group of children with their parents lining up surrounded an ice cream truck that flaunted its flavors through posters showing off its products.

Apart from the crowd on the truck, clapping could be heard from another group. Balloons, gift bags, children playing and laughing around, parents taking pictures, and a large lightning McQueen cake used up the table in the middle.

"It's a birthday party," Ash seemed calmer than she was in the car ride. She still held his hand, moving closer to Khael as he pulled her to the truck - hoping to buy some ice cream to lighten the mood.

They then made their way to a bench far from the party. It was far quieter and the loud cackles of young children unconcerned about their surroundings had begun to fade as they reached the bench and sat down.

Ash quickly gobbled up her ice cream, not pausing to wipe the melted cream that traveled down the hand she held it in. The ice cream dripped on her pants. Luckily, Khael had gotten some napkins when the worker offered and hastily wiped them off her pants before they could stain. Ash thanked him and ate the last of her cone before wiping her hands with the last of the napkins.

Khael finished rather quickly, hoping to talk to her and open up about how he had been feeling. That horrible feeling of being possessive gave him a startle, especially when that happened earlier with Ash. Every ounce of reason in his head had nearly disappeared when he understood what was going on.

"Thank you," Her voice was low, like a whisper. "For helping me out. I wouldn't have known what to do if you hadn't arrived." Khael stayed silent, mulling over his thoughts and if he should speak up. Ash had noticed his hesitance, mouth opening then closing again, hoping to say something but couldn't. "What is it?"

Averting his gaze from her, Khael spoke, "How did that happen?" He knew she wouldn't be approached by other people randomly if they acted like that, so something must've happened before it acted out.

". . . Adam was an old classmate," She started. "I thought he was excited to catch up again and so he suggested lunch." Khael's throat felt dry. "I thought he would be just as friendly as he was back then, but it turns out I was wrong."

"I'm sorry, I should have listened to the signs he showed." Gently, Khael placed his hand upon her - trying to calm her shaking, the memories of what had happened resurfaced. He changed the topic, cursing himself for bringing such things up.

Planning on making her laugh, Khael revealed some embarrassing stuff he'd done as a child. Her giggles slowly turned into a guffaw as he continued to expose himself, not even hesitating in shame when it could make her laugh.

The wind was pleasant, the air fresh, and the silence between the laughs was comfortable. A few people passed by them, their eyes glancing at them shortly before ignoring them. He made sure she wouldn't notice it, not wanting to end the happy moment.

The trees swayed with the wind and the sun slowly setting, its rays fading into the edge of the sky as the hues of orange and yellow painted the sky. The party had subsided, leaving only a couple of adults, resting in their seats and chatting peacefully without the screams of their children who had taken up the spot near the fountain, offering their coins up for wishes.

After another laughing fit, Khael had placed his head on her things - acting as his pillow. She didn't mind. Ash was petting his head, cautiously raking her fingers through his hair before Khael told her to continue. It was calming, more calming than the ice cream they had bought.

He had closed his eyes, feeling quite sleepy with her fingers on his hair. Opened them when he thought he had slept and saw Ash facing him. Her eyes had a look of longing, and her smile was sweet and gentle. Her other hand reached up to his cheek, rubbing circles on that one spot.

Something about it made his feelings for her escape him and steadily reached up to her face, his arm providing support. His free hand held her face. He leaned in and paused just as their lips could touch, allowing her to pull away. Her eyes widened, and the shocked look on her face was evident. Khael could feel his confidence slip away as she averted her gaze from him.

At once, he let go of her face - disappointed in himself. He shouldn't have done that. A sigh escaped his lips as he tried to get up from his position over her. He paused, the feeling of his shirt being tugged back made it difficult for him to move. Her eyes were glossy as they gazed at his with determination. "You can do it."

Khael felt his confidence rise up and he turned once again, holding her face close to his, making sure she wouldn't regret it. Ash had her eyes squeezed shut and lips in a line, bracing herself for the kiss. Khael laughed to himself, thinking how adorable she looked compliant with his demands.

He closed his eyes and gave her a gentle kiss, allowing Ash to be comfortable, repeating it all over again until she was kissing him back. Her lips were soft and pliant, her hands grabbing onto his shirt. They paused to catch their breath, her eyes opened, and looking at him in need was dangerous for his heart. Khael kissed her again, letting her get used to it.

It was pleasant and addicting. Khael wanted to quickly explore every crevice in her mouth but patiently waited. Nibbling on her bottom lip, Khael could feel Ash's mouth open. His self-restraint was breaking. Gathering any more courage, he slipped his tongue into hers. Khael could feel her melting as she moaned in the kiss, encouraging him to continue.

Khael repositioned himself when they stopped to breathe. He sat straight and pulled Ash closer, letting her sit across his lap. On one hand, he held her legs in place, and the other held her waist, pulling Ash closer to him. She raised her arms and wrapped them around his neck, allowing her to go at her pace.

Khael couldn't stop kissing her. His control over his desires was slipping out as they continued to enjoy themselves. He knew this happiness wouldn't and couldn't last forever, but he didn't care. He just needed to enjoy the moment before it was gone.

———