Searching Soul - a Mikhaiah au

CHAPTER 9: Eclipse

"I can't believe it's been three months since you first saw me outside this laundromat on that rainy night," Soul said suddenly, her voice breaking the comfortable silence that had settled between them. Gibrael turned her head, her gaze drifting away from the window to rest on Soul.

It was a warm afternoon, and the two were slouched on the couch in Gibrael's laundromat, waiting for customers, the hum of the machines filling the quiet between their words.

"Three months already?" Gibrael murmured, her brow furrowing slightly as she tried to recall the passage of time.

Soul nodded slowly, her eyes fixed on some distant memory. "Did you know?" she began, her voice softer, more hesitant.

"Hmm?" Gibrael prompted, sensing the weight behind the question.

"That night when you saw me outside," Soul paused, her fingers tracing the seam of the couch absentmindedly, "the moon was full."

"Was it?" Gibrael asked, curiosity flickering in her eyes. "I hadn't noticed."

Soul nodded again, more assuredly this time. "The moon is full tonight, too. Would you like to go to our spot and watch it with me?"

A small smile tugged at the corners of Gibrael's lips. "Isn't tonight the eclipse?" she asked, her eyes meeting Soul's, a spark of excitement passing between them.

"Perfect timing, then," Soul exclaimed, her face lighting up momentarily, and Gibrael couldn't help but chuckle softly.

Silence settled over them again, more contemplative this time. Gibrael shifted slightly, her voice gentler when she spoke next. "By the way... when are you planning to return to your palace?"

Soul let out a sigh, her expression clouding. "Soon," she said quietly, almost as if admitting it to herself for the first time.

"You must miss your mom and dad," Gibrael ventured, her tone empathetic, knowing that home was often more complicated than just a place.

Soul's voice trembled, her bravado cracking ever so slightly. "I do. I miss them a lot."

Gibrael reached out, her hand finding Soul's and squeezing it softly, offering comfort in the only way she knew how. "Whatever brought you here, whatever made you leave home, I hope you find peace with it," she whispered, her thumb gently caressing the back of Soul's hand.

Soul managed a small, wavering smile. "Aren't you curious? Don't you want to know more about me?"

Gibrael shook her head softly. "I won't ask unless you want to tell me. I'm here, and I'm willing to wait until you're ready. I don't want to pressure you. Whenever you feel ready, that's when I'll listen."

Soul's eyes searched Gibrael's, sincerity and gratitude mingling in her gaze. "You're a good person, Gibrael," she said quietly. "And... I'm finding myself growing quite fond of you."

"You bring the picnic basket; I'll bring the blankets and the guitar," Soul instructed as they pulled up to their secret spot. The moon hung low in the sky, already casting its glow over the quiet landscape.

After laying out the blanket and setting up their modest picnic, they both sat down, a comfortable silence enveloping them. The night was clear and calm, the stars twinkling brighter than usual, and the moon appeared larger, almost as if it was waiting for something monumental. It was eight o'clock, and the eclipse would begin at ten. The only sounds were the distant hum of cars and the gentle chorus of crickets, their song weaving through the stillness.