POSSESSIVE (MXM)

Thirty-five

It was nearly two weeks since Nolan arrived in Larmont. Since he spoke to Elijah. But that was fine because he was actually coping. Doing better than what he and everyone thought. He made it out of bed and dressed up. Showed up to breakfast and managed to eat. Spent time with Marie who did not bothered to make fun of him but rather gathered him in her arms in the most sweetest embrace, and a firm kiss on his temple. He was breathing just fine. He was alright. He could see himself doing this, getting through this. Love came once, it will come again.

His cheeks felt warm as he stared down at where his hand and Marie's hand conjoined. Maybe, he made the wrong choice. Maybe hearing Elijah tell him about the gods and all, made him believe he was the one to love. The best choice. But a suggestion is not the finality of his destination. So perhaps, he made the wrong choice. But what if Marie loves him no more?

"I am sorry for the way I hurt you," he rather said, hoping an apology would be the best way to resolve things.

Marie gave him a hesitant smile, squeezing his hand as reassurance.

"No need to apologize Nolan," she said with that sweet smile and warm eyes.

Nolan shook his head gulping.

"No, I need to," he said looking into her eyes that always carried warmth. "You have always been kind. In you I rest assured that you would never hurt me. But yet..." he sighed his eyes lowering to their hands as his thumb caressed her knuckles. "...yet I took you for granted. I am sorry," he said lifting his gaze once more.

Marie smiled, cupping his face with her other hand. Her thumb hot against his cheekbone as she caressed it tenderly.

"Nothing you can ever do to me would ever make me love you less. You are my best friend. I pictured us drinking tea together on the porch when we're
old and wrinkled. I intend to ensure that the picture in my head becomes a reality," she said, then lowering her hand but her warm smile never withered.

Nolan chuckled nodding his head. He drew a deep breath savouring the scent of pastries. He did not need to confess to her today. They can wait and just rebuild their friendship. Go on small dates. Savour their courtship and one day tell their children about how they were conceived, under the cherry blossom tree by the lake they adour to no ends. They can wait. With that reassurance Nolan squeeze her hand and the smile he received in return was perfect.

Nolan prides himself with being stubborn which is why he has not withered in pain and gave up on life just because he got a little bruised. Despite the nights where felt lonely and were quieter, Nolan knew the day would be full of wonders and laughter. He did not believe in true love and perfect match that just keeps pulling you back no matter how unhealthy and unsteady that union is. Love fades. You love and love again. So let it fade for the one who keeps hurting you, and choose again.

That was his mindset until he walked down the stairs at noon with the intention to meet Marie at the bakery and stroll around town with their fingers interlocked. But his plans were ruined by the sight of Elijah standing at the bottom of the staircase. Alone. Their eyes just locked to each other's gaze. Who the hell even let him past the gate? And where were his siblings when he needed them the most?

Nolan clenched his jaws as he carried down the staircase with no intensions to change his plans. He will meet Marie and they will stroll in town, hands interlocked, and hips bumping against each other. It is a beautiful sunny day.

"My love," Elijah's voice and words made Nolan's heart flutter and steps to halt.

Even Marie would never make his heart react like this even if she wanted to. But the warmth she gave him was enough to get by for eternity. So, he sighed and ran his fingers through his hair ruining it after the servant spent time to straighten it and style it for him.