Rewrite The Star

CHAPTER 22 : DESIDERIUM

Atlas stood by Keevin's grave, yet no tears fell from his eyes. His thoughts were shrouded in numbness, so profound that he couldn't even discern what to feel. Days had passed, yet he remained rooted to the spot, emotionless, as if his heart had been hollowed out, leaving him unable to express the depths of his grief.

His mind drifted like a leaf on a river of memories, carrying him back to the moments when Keevin's laughter filled the air. He recalled the first time they met, the way Keevin had proposed, the promises made never to leave one another behind. But Keevin had left him, and Atlas found himself adrift in a world that felt unbearably empty without him.

Atlas's gaze wandered, lost in the memory of how much brighter life had been with Keevin by his side. He couldn't stop thinking about him, couldn't escape the ache of longing that pulsed within his chest.

"Woah, the scenery is really great!" Atlas had once exclaimed, his eyes sparkling with delight. "The mountains, the green grass, and this cold wind—doesn't it feel amazing, Keevin?" He had closed his eyes for a moment, savoring the crisp breeze before opening them again to find Keevin's face. "Yeah, it really is nice," Keevin had replied, gazing at the landscape before locking eyes with Atlas, a warm smile on his lips. As their eyes met, Atlas had felt a surge of awe. "I've never seen him like this," he had thought, his heart swelling with love. "He looks so fine, like an angel." Unable to resist, he had kissed Keevin and whispered, "Promise me we'll go to Brokstorm together."

"Sure, my husband," Keevin had replied.

Now, Atlas's eyes brimmed with tears, yet they refused to fall. The memory of Keevin's words haunted him, each one a dagger to his heart.

"Can we have a child, Atlas?" Keevin had asked, his voice filled with longing. Atlas had blushed, too stunned to speak. Keevin had kissed his neck, adding, "It's okay if you're not ready yet."

"It's not like that... ahh," Atlas had stammered, embarrassed.

"So, you do want a child," Keevin had teased, his smile widening. Flustered, Atlas had tried to push Keevin away, but Keevin had lifted him effortlessly, pinning him against the wall.

"Well, now you can't avoid my eyes!" Keevin had laughed.

"You naughty elf," Atlas had retorted, before they both succumbed to the passion that bound them together.

Now, standing alone, Atlas couldn't escape the flood of memories, the warmth of Keevin's presence that seemed to linger in the air.

"I will always love you, forever and ever, my love. From now on, my soul will always stay in your heart," Keevin's voice echoed in his mind.

"I will always love you, my beloved Keevin. Forever and ever," Atlas whispered, his voice breaking.

Gildarts appeared before him, startled to find his son still there, lost in his sorrow. "Let's go home, my son," he urged gently.