Silver King

Chapter 16 - Mare

It's suddenly very difficult to work normally, walk around the castle busily, after what just happened. I keep stealing glances his way, desiring nothing but to jump in his arms. I'd forgotten how much I missed his everything. Once or twice I catch him looking my way too, and these times I smile sheepishly and look away. While my heart explodes.

We don't get much done that day, but for our defense there isn't much to be done anyway, as everything is perfectly planned for the elections and it's too soon to start readying the buildings for the people to vote.

So when the work day is over, we go together to his room to talk about... us. It seems weird to actually have a talk about us, and for it to even be an 'us', but I think it's necessary. We've been through too much to simply start dating as if nothing happened. Like we did the first time.

I mean, look where that led us.

He sits on the edge of his couch, and I quickly sit beside him, my whole right side against his left. I entwine my fingers with his, and I suddenly only want to kiss him and forget everything. But I know I can't. Nobody speaks for a few seconds. He breaks the silence.

" So. "

" So. "

I bite my lips, almost suppressing a giggle.

" I told you, I've forgiven you. I think... I think you've changed. For the better. You... you've opened your eyes on everything, and you've realized what's happening. I'm... I'm proud of you. Of knowing you. Of helping you. I really, really like you. "

I think he notices that I'm not daring to say I love him, because his smile isn't as wide as it perhaps could be. He squeezes my hand, breathes in.

" Mare, I... I'm sorry. I'm really, really, really sorry. I can't believe I did this. To you, to everyone. "

" If you hadn't done it, it wouldn't be as great today..." I murmur, stroking his hand with my thumb. It isn't just to reassure him, I mean it. 

" I love you, Mare. And it's ok if you don't love me too, yet. But I want you to know just how much you mean to me. You're... "

His voice breaks, but I don't press him. And I don't say anything. I let him take his time. He finally takes another breath, and continues.

" You're everything to me. I don't know what I would do without you... it's ... it's overwhelming. Honestly, Mare, you destroy me. "

I feel tears prickling my eyes. Gosh, I love him.

And with that simple thought,

my world

shatters.

I breathe harder, not even noticing, and my eyes swim around, I'm looking for an anchor, and I find none, none powerful enough to keep me sane after my realization, and Cal's voice is but a whisper, and my chest is moving so amply it shouldn't be possible and suddenly I calm down and let down the tears.

And I kiss him, because it's the only thing that could keep me alive right now. He's surprised but answers tenderly, softly, gently. Perfectly. I am holding his face, his cheeks in my cupped hands, and I can't believe I'm living this moment. It seems surreal.

And only when he pulls his lips away from mine do I whisper:

" I love you too. "

Author's Note: I hope you all like this chapter! I'm already almost done writing the next one, and I promise there's going to be some actual action soon! Thank you for all the nice comments, votes, and also for simply reading my story. It means a lot to me.

I was also wondering if any of you would read a Harry Potter fanfiction if I wrote one when I'm done with this one? It would be set in the Marauders' 4th, 5th or 6th year I think, and follow pretty much all the characters we know from that time (James, Sirius, Lupin, Peter, Severus and Lily) and I'd try to make it all possible to fit in the canon (no non canon ships even if I love Snily). Do you like the idea? Would you read? Thanks already for reading all this! Love you! xxx