ORCHIDS AT MIDNIGHT

༒𝕾𝖔𝖓𝖌𝖘 𝕺𝖋 𝖂𝖆𝖙𝖊𝖗𝖘

*Universe II

The sand crunched beneath the sole of my shoes as I made my way to Rafayel's studio, a place he considered his home. It wasn't my first time being there, it had become somewhat of a habit to see him every weekend. Rafayel, his name an epitome of beauty to the tongue. Although his name was beautiful, he was stubborn, to the point that he'd go days without eating, all because he's working on a new painting. I would always sit and watch him, all his attention and heart poured into the paintings he created.

Feeling slightly energetic, I quicken my pace a little. On getting to the gate, I look at the sea, the waves danced with a gentle current. The sea breeze blew at my face a sense of peace and serenity washed over me. It wasn't just the scenery, stepping onto the island was like being in paradise. The waters were clear, and gentle, most of the time, except during storms. Rafayel and I would often take walks when he needed to find his inspiration. I was but a mere "bodyguard" he hired to accompany him to his art displays at museums.

His face always held a certain calm with a small smirk on his lips. I got to the big doors of the studio and opened it. Immediately spotting Rafayel seated on the ladder, stroking his canvas with his paintbrush in grace. He was in a white shirt and black pants, his back turned to me and his hair moving as he tilted his head left and right. I walked in and he turned around, I could see the smirk tug at his lips before he got off the ladder and walked towards me his hands in his pockets. His shirt was buttoned half way, revealing his pale chest. I held a paper bag in hand, seeing it, he hummed.

"Took you long enough, I was beginning to think you wouldn't swing by". His playful voice held so much sass, I rose an eyebrow at his words.
"I wouldn't have arrived late, if my order wasn't delayed". I said shaking the paper bag. Rafayel's eye was on it since I entered, immediately giving the impression that, he hadn't eaten anything . I hand the bag over to him.

"Here, take it". He took the bag from my hand and opened it. His eyebrow arching. "What is it?". He asked pulling out one of the baked snacks. He takes abit and his eyes brighten.

"Wow, miss bodyguard. You really outdid yourself this time". He takes another bite and sits. I sit beside him, watching as he ate. Rafayel had a habit of not eating anything for long periods of time, it bothered me. It was mainly because he was painting, I understood that but he also needed to take care of himself.

Some weeks back, I walked into Rafayel's studio, seeing him unconscious on the sofa, I thought he was asleep, until I turned him over, he face had gone completely pale. This scared me, alot. I moved my ear to his chest, his heart beat was strong. So why was he like this, I took a bottle of water for the bag I brought with me and placed it on his lips. Immediately the water touched it, his eyes opens and he ends up taking everything in a few gulps. Relief washed over me. His blue and pink eyes were dull but he mustered a smile .

"Honestly Rafayel, I've said this before. You need to start taking better care of yourself". I said. He waved me off and continued eating. "I have to finish my paintings while there is still inspiration in me, and my trusty bodyguard is already taking good care of me...". Rafayel is non chalant about the situation. I sighed.

"Well, I won't be here all the time, only weekends so I won't be able to 'take care' of you and besides, eating snacks all the time can be bad for you...". I felt like a mother talking to her son. Rafayel was older that me, 3 years older. His behavior was one I had to tolerate.

Rafayel chuckled. Hearing the deep rumble from his chest. He looked at me and sighed. Lightly rubbing the breadsticks with his fingers to get the crumbs off. He groaned in defeat. "You're 100% correct, miss bodyguard". He said, his face then taking a sad look as he dropped his gaze to the content of the paper bag. "I should really stop eating all these snacks that you bring for me...buuut I don't know what I'm supposed to do since you're not always here to keep me company".

His words were accompanied with a smirk. I simply shrugged and dipped my hand in the paper bag taking an egg roll. I bite into it and smiled at him. "Well you'll have to learn how to take care of yourself then". I winked. He huffed and stared at the painting, after almost 30 seconds of silence, he sighs. "Taking care of myself is quite boring, would it be too much if I asked you to be my personal care taker...". He placed the paper bag on the table and picked up his paintbrush.

"Having you here makes everything more fun...I didn't have alot of that growing up, ya know?". He said running his fingers through the brush. That's right. Rafayel never really mentioned his childhood or growing up in general. He looked like someone that enjoyed his time as a kid, a child with a sinister smirk on his lips, and bright eyes that held unknown secrets. I stare at nothing for a moment before looking up at him.
"What was your childhood like?". I asked. A sad expression flashed at his face and I instantly regret asking. I turning my face away when he looked at me. He hummed.

"Well, miss bodyguard...I was a spoiled child. I had everything and it bored me. I always wanted to venture and see new things". He sat beside me and crossed him legs, his voice took a more serious tone.
"I was able to...but when I did I couldn't stop. It felt like I was addicted to the place I always visited". He continued, his face holding some kind of sadness, his eyes dimmed. "Where was the place you visited?". I asked and he looked at me, for a moment I saw hope in his eyes before it disappeared. He turned away again, a forced smile on his lips.

"It was a place I regret ever visiting , I met someone...they promised to never forget me and would always come to see me on certain days". Rafayel looked at me his eyes boring deep into mine, as though he was trying to get something from me. A bit confused, I averted my gaze and he scoffed. Sighing in what seemed to be disappointment, he rose to his feet.

"Sia, my childhood isn't the best of all my stories. Let's dance". He said. At first, I looked at him confused, the sad look in his eyes disappeared replaced with something else. He walked to the record player at the far end of the studio and played a vinyl on it. Shortly after, a melody begins to play. Rafayel walked towards me, he stops in front of me and bowed his hands stretched out to me. Hesitantly, I placed my hand in his and he pulled me to my feet.

His hand wrapped tightly around my waist as he looked down at me, his piercing gaze. My heart beat is fast and loud in my ears. I looked at his chest, white, almost like the sand outside.

"I can feel your heartbeat". He simply said as we began to dance. It felt almost wrong to be in his arms like this. The song's melody fills my ears and I close my eyes, engrossed in the tunes. There is a faint hum and I look up, hearing Rafayel hum to the tune which made dancing feel almost ethereal. His voice was like honey, smooth and pleasant. His humming became louder and I feel myself engrossed in it.
The melody fades and suddenly, Rafayel let's go of me, still humming. There is a beautiful light ahead. Beckoning me.

"Of all the things you have done, forgetting me is the cruelest".

Winds blow at my face, I'm not sure where I am but I hear splashes, ferocious splashes. The light is still shining brightly ahead and I'm walking to it. It's voice sounds like that of agony. If is a beautiful yet sad voice.

"I'm coming". I say. Where exactly?, I wasn't so sure but I was going to it. I feel it's warms hands envelop me in a warm embrace, there are many of them, their hands pulling me deeper, closer, I keep my eyes closed as I let myself sink in their warmth. There is a sudden beam of blue light and I fall asleep.

***

"It's me".

***

Hope you all liked the chapter.