Calming the Storm

Kabanata 12

The third movie was Sleeping Beauty. Cinderella is so-so for me. I think Belle is my favorite princess for now. I'm still wide awake. Tiningnan ko si Ramiel kung natutulog na, pero sinalubong lang din niya ang tingin ko. Ang tibay din ng isang 'to?

"Sino favorite Disney princess mo?"

He chuckled. "I'm not sure. I haven't watched them until tonight."

"Oh? First time natin parehas. Kaya pala gising na gising ka pa din."

"It's not like that!" apila niya agad. "I just want to watch with you. Do you have your favorite Disney princess now?"

"Yes. Guess it!"

"Maybe Cinderella?"

I rolled my eyes. "She's currently my least!"

"Oh? It's Aurora, then?"

"Why would I like her? I haven't watched half of the movie. All she did was sleep!" I joked.

He laughed. "Oh, you, silly..."

As he laughed, he pulled me closer to him. He rested his face on my shoulder while his arm was anchored to my waist. But the beast was not satisfied with our position. Minutes later, he inserted his other arm behind me and gently pulled me towards him.

I'm now leaning against his chest. I thought I was not sleepy, but when I lay on his chest and tasted his cradle, my eyelids felt heavier.

The scent of his skin lingered. Is that even possible? To distinguish a particular natural scent?

"So your favorite is Belle," he concluded.

Maybe. "I liked her because of Beast. I don't know. Maybe because of their ideal concept of love. It made them whole. So I guess I like them as partners?" naguguluhan kong sabi.

"Wala lang!" dagdag ko dahil medyo nahirapan akong hanapin ang opinyon ko. Maybe this is the result of the years I handled my emotions alone. I kept it all to myself.

"Yes, baby. I understand. Tell me more about your thoughts."

I pouted. "I actually like Beast's appearance. He reminds me of you."

"Are you telling me I look like a beast?" he groaned and held me tight.

Natatawa akong humiwalay sakaniya. "Parang gano'n na nga?"

"Audra!"

"Okay! Okay! Hmm..." tiningala ko siya para makita ang reaksyon niya. The dim lights in my room made him like a Greek god, angry and ready to strike with lightning and thunder.

"You have this initial demeanor, intindimating and quick-anger. Parang isang kalabit lang sa'yo, parang magpapakawala ka na ng kidlat at kulog. You do not look very friendly, but... it was all superficial judgments because, same as Beast, you're gentle and patient."

I feel so embarrassed while baring my thoughts that I need to look down at his arm and project my little heart attacks on it.

But the beast gently held my chin to meet my gaze again.

From the light coming from the television, I saw how his pupils became more dilated.

"I appreciate your subtle compliments," he utters before giving me a peck of kiss. It made my eyes close. I was right. He's gentle. As always. From the beginning.

When he broke the kiss, my irrational self won.

"Why are you kissing me lightly? I know you don't kiss like this!" I slightly frustrated said, making him let out a growl of chuckle.

"Ah, you never fail to make me laugh," he said in between his chuckle.

Kumunot ang noo ko at hinampas siya sa dibdib. Hanggang langit na ang kahihiyan ko ngayong gabi! Dahil sa pagkapahiya, binalak ko na umalis sa pagkakahiga sa dibdib niya pero bago pa man ako makahiwalay ay marahan niyang hinila ang batok ko.

I just found my lips crashed against his.

"Part your lips now..." utos niya na agad ko naman sinunod!

I was taken aback when he moved, but when I regained my thoughts, I mimicked his move. I gave back the same intensity as I kissed him back. The large hand behind my neck is making me feel secure and wanted. His fingers weave through my hair, sending shivers down my spine.

His other hand trails softly down my back, pulling me closer until there is no space between us.

He raked my hair and pulled it a bit, making me part my mouth more and allowing him to invade deeply. I moaned when I felt a brief brushing of his tongue. And when he did it again with intention, I gripped his arm a bit tight.

"You like it, huh?"

I leaned again to reach for another kiss and to hide my flushing. He accepted me wholly and granted my unsaid wish.

But a sudden ring interrupted us.

It was his phone ringing because of an alarm. The ringtone was...a birthday song.