Oblivion (A Black Clover Story)

Twenty

William froze at the sound of my confession and his grip on me tightened, although I don't think he realized it. Then he swallowed hard. "R-really? You mean that?" he asked, eyes wavering. I could've sworn they even glazed over a bit. Maybe he was emotional.

"I... I think so. I realized just now that I think I do have feelings for both of you. But... Since I'm not with him anymore for obvious reasons, I'd rather admit it to you," I explained, knowing well that he would have mixed feelings about saying that I had feelings for Nozel too.

But William nodded. "I understand. I-" he paused suddenly, seeming to have finally processed what I'd said. "I'm really happy," he smiled, "Does this mean that I can ask to be exclusive and start over?"

I managed a soft laugh. "Yes. I'd love to be."

Expecting him to say something more I looked up, but was met with a kiss. William sighed with what seemed like extreme relief when our lips touched, his entire body relaxed as he wrapped one arm around me all the way. His grasp of me was firm but gentle, his free hand tenderly brushing against my cheek. Instinctively, I melted within his touch and tightened my grip around his neck, pulling his body closer to me and deepening our kiss.

After what seemed like an eternity, we pulled away simultaneously to gaze into the others' eyes. I'd noticed that William looked directly into my good eye, making me let out a silent laugh. He tilted his head like a puppy in question. "What is it?"

I shook my head. "It's nothing. You're just... Really thoughtful."

Something about the situation felt freakishly familiar. It was like another Deja Vu moment. I brushed the feeling aside.

"Whatever do you mean? Where did that come from?" he inquired, twirling a few strands of my hair between his fingers. 

I smiled again, looking down. "You looked into my good eye, rather than the one that I can't see out of. I appreciate that small detail."

"Of course I did. I know it would bother you if I looked at your blind eye. And I could never forget what your real face looks like. For the record, you're just as beautiful even with that mark," he said softly, pressing his lips against my right cheekbone.

Sighing, I looked back up at the man, whose smile I could never get enough of. "Thank you."

William's hands then left my face and body to take my own. "Of course. Now... You deserve some time to unwind. What can I do for you? Are you hungry? Thirsty? Cold?"

I blushed at his sudden barrage of questions, but I couldn't help but let out a laugh as well. "So sweet, as always. I think..." I trailed off, lost in thought about what I wanted and how I felt in that moment, "I guess I am a little chilly. I think I could use a change of clothes. I-I can stay the night with you here, right?"

He quickly brought my hands up to his lips to kiss the tips of my fingers. "That shouldn't even be a question. Of course you can. You can even stay here when I'm not around if you need a place to stay where you won't be bothered," he explained, referencing to the fact that he knew Nozel had a key to my room.

"Right... O-of course. Thank you."

"Now, do you want me to fetch something from your room? Or would you like to wear something of mine?" he asked. The way his tone changed when he asked about wearing his clothes made it obvious that he wanted me to put on something of his. Maybe the appeal was seeing me in his clothes or in something a little oversized.

I giggled at the thought. "Well, I did say I don't want to be alone, and I really don't want to go out now. I've been crying and I know my eyes are probably all red. I'll just wear whatever you'd like to let me borrow... If that's okay."