UE#1 - Sleep Tight, Orion [BXB - SPG]

/19/ - Kings Beneath the Moon

Destiny is the intricate tapestry woven from our choices, aspirations, and the unforeseen threads of fate, guiding us along a path uniquely our own. It is not a preordained script, but rather a dynamic composition formed by the interplay of our decisions, dreams, and the unpredictable twists of the universe. Each choice we make, every aspiration we pursue, adds a new hue to the canvas of our lives.

And just like tonight, two souls discovered new hues to be painted into their life's canvas in the most spontaneous and unexpected way.

Sky and Chance found themselves strolling, seizing every moment at the large park facing the old church. Even though it was already 11 p.m. yet, their spirits remained awake.

"How I wish time would stop momentarily," Chance uttered. Hawak-hawak niya ang kamay ni Sky. Nakatayo sila sa harap ng simbahan. Some incandescent lights adorned the church, which made it look majestic. The town slept so early that only a few people were roaming around, including them.

"At bakit mo naman gustong patigilin ang oras?" Inangat ni Sky ang kanyang mga mata at tumingin sa lalaki. The latter, on the other hand, was still adoring the well-illuminated church.

"Sa loob ng mahabang panahon, ninakaw ng oras ang napakaraming bagay sa mundo. Time has been a mischievous trickster who dances through our lives, leaving us chasing moments like echoes in the wind," Chance said, his eyes still fixed on the church.

Sky gasped in awe. "Wow, ang lalim naman n'on, sir. Teka, sinapian ka ba ni Shakespeare?" At tumawa siya ng malakas. "Anong nakain mo?"

Chance glanced at Sky's glittering eyes, his lips curved into a smile. "Walang sumapi sa 'kin. I'm just... in love."

"Putang-ina. Bolero mo talaga," Sky remarked, rolling his eyes. His gaze averted.

"But seriously, I really wish that time would stop, even just for a moment." Dahan-dahang binitawan ni Chance ang kamay ni Sky. He looked at the man in front of him as if worshiping Sky's eyes, lips, and everything in between.

"Because?" Sky asked softly, slightly licking his lips, making them wet.

"I don't want to end whatever we are doing. If ever time stops, I can be with you more. Hindi na ako mag-aalala na hindi tayo mag-uusap at magkakasama ng ilang araw."

Sky sighed, softly fondling Chance's face. "Then we'll make it stop."

"Paano?" Chance raised his brows.

"Well, time, although a trickster as you said, is just like a fleeting breeze that can be stilled by the power of choice. Our choices," Sky emphasized.

Tumawa na rin nang malakas si Chance. "At kanino namang kaluluwa ang sumapi sa 'yo, sir?" he asked jokingly. Humalukipkip siya.

"Nobody," Sky replied shaking his head. He mimicked Chance's posture. "I'm just in love as well."

Chance chuckled. He was caught off guard. "Dapat na ba akong kiligin?"

"Well..." Sky shrugged. "You may, Mr. Shakespeare."

Chance chuckled softly as their steps paced slowly toward a nearby edifice. In town, it is known as the Cuartel Ruins. During the Spanish occupation, it was intended to serve as the barracks of Spanish troops in the area. However, the construction was never completed as the Spanish army quickly fled when the American troops arrived in Cebu.

Similar to the church, the cuartel was also well-lit by incandescent lights, and the decorative landscaping enhanced the beauty of the entire scene.

"So, paano ba natin patigilin ang oras?" asked Chance. They slowly halted in front of the ruined edifice.

Humugot ng malalim na hangin si Sky bago nagsalita. "We just make it stop." He paused for a moment. "So, let time stop in three..."

"Two...

"One..."

And then they locked their eyes with each other, smiles curving in their lips. Their faces mirrored the beautiful scenery which served as their backdrop. It was the most surreal that they've been.

Then, the two raced as fast as they could towards somewhere free. Their arms were open wide, savoring the cool breeze from the sea. In that moment, they became kings of their own kingdoms, possessing the piece of themselves taken by time for the longest time.

Their feet barely touched the ground as they surged forward, their energy flowing as if guided by an invisible force. Laughter echoed through the night as they embraced the joy of the moment, their carefree spirits dancing to the rhythm of their heartbeats.

Their laughter turned to gasps as they picked up speed, the open field a vast playground for their exhilarating chase. The moonlight cast elongated shadows that danced around them. The world around seemed to blur, leaving only the two of them illuminated by the moon's gentle glow.

Sa mga sandaling iyon, napagtanto nilang napakasarap pala talaga sa pakiramdam na alam mong walang nagko-kontrol sa 'yo. Malaya mong maangkin ang mundo. Malaya mong madama ang saya na hatid ng pagkakataon.

"Thank you for making time stop for me," Chance whispered as he engulfed Sky. He closed his eyes, feeling the warmth that emanated from the man in his arms.

"And thank you for staying with me when it stopped," Sky whispered back.

"Kung alam mo lang kung gaano ako kasaya ngayon." Chance loosened the hug and held Sky's hands. "I badly prayed for this day to come. Ang araw na tanging madadama ko lang ay saya at pagmamahal galing sa taong pinakamahalaga sa aking mundo. My heart is screaming your name, baby."

Sky smiled. Chance's words were invisible love letters that he would cherish forever. They were like fresh morning dews and pink rose buds in spring. After the brief silence of revering Chance's paradisiacal being, he fished his phone from his pocket and scanned his music list. A few seconds passed, and then Ed Sheeran's All the Stars played on his phone's stereo.

"Can I have this dance with you?" Sky gestured his hand, waiting for Chance's reply.

Napangiti si Chance, tila hindi niya inasahan ang gagawin ni Sky. He could feel the heat rising from his core. His eyes welled up with happy tears. "My pleasure..."

Chance slowly rested his head against Sky's chest, feeling the steady rhythm of his heartbeat. Sky's strong arms encircled Chance's waist, drawing him in close as they swayed together, their movements mirroring the ebb and flow of the music. Their fingers entwined, creating a connection that spoke volumes without the need for words.

"Promise me that you'll come back..." Chance whispered behind Sky's ears.

"I will," Sky replied softly. "At sa aking pagbalik, sisiguraduhin kong buo na ako. Sisiguraduhin kong malaya na ako."

In the stillness of a world where time has ceased its motion, Chance and Sky's love flourished. It defied even the greatest pause, continuing its symphony in the quiet of eternity. Sa mga sandaling iyon, nagtagumpay sila sa kanilang misyon—ang sandaling pahintuin ang oras at kunin mula sa kanya ang mga bagay na ninakaw niya mula sa mundo.