The Family

And Then He Was Gone...

"Oof!" Maurius breathed out as he stumbled to the ground.

"I win!" I squealed happily.

"Well done....you're getting better at sparring with me everyday, or I'm just getting old." He joked as he petted my head gently.

"Another one?" I asked.

"Sorry...but your father called me to his office." He said as he wiped a bead of sweat off his brow and bid me farewell.

I waved as well and took in a deep breathe.

"Good practice!" I exclaimed to myself as I took a sip of some water.

After smoothing my hair over, I decided to head in for the day.

I was about to turn around when arms wrapped around my waist.

I got a fright, thinking it was someone dangerous, and stomped on his foot and in the blink of an eye, I turned around and struck the person in the face.

I checked to see who my attacker was and my eyes met with familiar pale blue orbs.

"Aah, my trésor is still as violent as ever..." Nicolas sighed.

I rolled my eyes and helped him to his feet.

Once he was up, he bent down on one knee and held a large bouquet of roses in his hand.

"For you my trésor..." he said with a smirk.

"Ummm.....what's this about..." I asked as my cheeks turned a slight shade of pink.

"A token of my love for you, of course!" He said as if it was no big deal.

I grew flustered and my eyes darted around the room.

"U-um I don't know what you're talking about!" I mumbled as I attempted to leave the room, but he blocked the exit and gave me a knowing smirk.

"Let me leave!" I growled but he simply smiled innocently.

"Listen pretty boy, if you don't let me leave I will wipe that smile of you're handsome face!" I threatened.

"Oh! So you think my face is handsome?" He batted his eyes innocently and leaned in closer.

"N-no!" I flustered as I realized what I just said.

He leaned in closer at the point where our nose were touching, I flustered until I heard a familiar voice call from above.

"Lord Cheuntrieul, forgive me for intruding but you have some other business to attend to..." I looked up to see the familiar brash butler, looking at me with narrowed eyes.

"Oh bother....oh well, I'll see you later then, my trésor." He pouted as he waved at me and left the room.

I looked at Avelinno and waved awkwardly.

"Thanks..." I mumbled.

He adjusted his glasses and scowled at me.

"There is nothing to thank me for, I simply don't want my master to touch filthy scum like you." He said as he turned around and walked out the room.

I rubbed my temple and walked out the room as well.

The next day...
"Wait....what!?" I exclaimed in surprise.

I held Seraphina in my arms as she shed a few tears.

"It's official...We'll be leaving tonight..." Seraphina sobbed.

I stood dumbstruck as I thought about what she was telling me.

Nicolas, Seraphina and their father are going back to France.

Of course they are...that's their country.

I can't believe I thought they would stay.

Do I want them to stay?

"Well, at least you won't have to worry about protecting me anymore." Nicolas stated with a sad smile.

I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat and forced a smile on my face.

"I guess not..." I pondered with a distant look in my eyes.

"E-excuse me..." I excused myself and ran to my car.

I got in and shut the door as tears streamed down my face. I wiped them away and looked at my reflexion in the rear view mirror.

It was funny.....it seemed like I always cried when it had to do with the Cheuntrieuls.

....So...very.....funny....

I opened the car door and immediately came face to face with Nicolas.

He had an unfamiliar sad expression on his face as he held his hand out to me.

I hesitantly took it and the moment I did, he pulled me into his arms and picked me up bridal style.

"H-hey! What's the big idea!?" I squealed as he began to spin me around.

"You know.....this past year in America  has been the best I've ever had." He said as he continued to spin me around.

I finally gave up trying to break free from his grip and began giggling at his childish antics.

"Master Cheuntrieul, it's time to leave." I heard the Butler call out.

At that moment our laughter was cut short and Nicolas gently put me down.

"Wow.......I guess this really is goodbye." I muttered.

Nicolas nodded and looked at me with loving eyes.

He didn't say anything as he gently took my hand and placed a kiss on it.

My cheeks flared slightly as he pulled away.

"Yeah....whatever....I'll probably forget about you in a few years." I grumbled, even though I knew the statement wasn't true.

Then his face contorted into that of a mischievous grin as he grabbed my wrist and pulled me towards him, I didn't have time to react before he bent over and stole a kiss from my lips.

His lips were sweet and soft against mine as I didn't react.

Once we parted, smoke was coming from my ears as I began ranting.

"You won't forget about me now, will you?" He asked innocently.

Nicolas quickly shuffled over to the butler and waved farwell while I was still protesting about his actions.

"WHAT'S THE BIG IDEA?!"
"YOU CAN'T JUST DO THAT?!"
"ANSWER ME PRETTY BOY?!"
"WHO DO YOU THINK YOU ARE?!"
"I PROMISE I WILL DRAG YOU TO THE DEPTHS OF HELL IF YOU TRY ANYTHING ELSE!"
"I PROMISE!"

Nicolas's figure became more distant as he waked towards his limo where his family was waiting.

"Do you really love....her?!" Avelinno questioned in confusion.

Nicolas chuckled and sighed, but nodded nonetheless.

"With all my heart." He simply stated.

And that.....wasn't a lie.....