In My Hands, Know Suffering

37: Do You?

Abrielle had paid Siniyah her respects during the burial. Her parents didn't know who she was. She didn't feel the need to introduce herself in fear of Sievetech tracking them down because of her. She was just a visitor who happen to pass by.

After the burial, Castellone had waited for her. He felt like she needed someone in her moments of solitude. She told him she was going to be fine, but there was a hint of doubt when Castellone didn't want to believe in that. He wanted to make sure she was safe, just in case something along the way happened.

The afternoon was peaceful. The trees by the sidewalk rustled as a passing wind whispered through. While deciding to walk their way back, Castellone glanced at Abrielle who was a step ahead. The serenity in her face was drawn back, her hair grew longer, reaching past her shoulders and fanned her face. She had her hands behind her as they walked peacefully. It didn't seem like any of them was about to say anything in the mean time. They were together, but communication seemed new to them. Was it always that awkward between them?

For as long as any of them could remember, not conversing was perfectly normal. But that was during the days when Abrielle was the one following him around. He was much worst in communicating than he thought. He stopped along the sidewalk as he watched her tread ahead peacefully, like there was nothing to stop her, to take her into the darkness.

Castellone sighed. He didn't know how things would restart between them. He made a promise to himself, and that was something he wanted to see through. He wanted to protect her, to take care of her. He knew she was such a fragile soul despite her tough demeanor on the outside. There was so much in her that he didn't know, and that he wanted to learn.

He wished there was a way to get past this phase they currently stood on. Restarting wasn't as simple as he thought. Especially given their past relationship and how he pushed her aside most of the time. Now, he just wanted to be beside her. To keep her away from Specter.

"Llone?"

Castellone shared Abrielle's gaze when she called him. She stood a few feet away, facing him, wondering why he stopped. Standing there, he realized it was the first time he saw her in a dress. A dress meant for death. It was a difficult color, even for him. Because wherever he stood, death called so close to him.

He was the dangerous person, yet the one he wanted safe was in more peril than anyone. He feared there was no way to avoid the entity. Especially when it came to her. How was he supposed to shun the dark side of him away?

Castellone moved forward and took her hand. She allowed him to. If not speaking a single word meant being with her, then so be it. Words were deadly. They were the kind of weapon one used against a person, killing the subject slowly inside, ruining the mental state. It purged the reasonable minds, driving them into the highway of oblivion.

He moved forward, taking her with him, not wanting to show her that a frown formed in his face, mixed with worry. He wanted to believe there was still hope, and that in the midst of all the chaos brought by his words, there was something he finally wanted to cherish. Her.

"Where are we going?" Abrielle was following behind.

Castellone glanced at her while taking her through the park. Though he doesn't often show any other side of him to anyone, he would for her. It was small, barely discernible, but he smiled at her. He turned briefly after and continued to take her wherever he intended to, wanting to spend the Sunday afternoon with her.

Abrielle went past him and stopped in front of him, wide eyed. Castellone looked at her with an expression depicting chase.

"Do that again." Abrielle said.