Arisen

Chapter 6

Earlier

Anti receded calming slightly so he could ignore the pain in his face. HE sighed as he found himself surrounded in the darkness that was the back of Jack's conscious. He paused for a moment as a familiar scene began to play itself out in front of him. A younger version of himself stood off to the side. Watching as may others among a crowd danced and laughed together. A party he had almost forgotten. At least he had tried to. 

Music blared in the background. The base resonated withing his chest. He stood lonely. In his pocket his hand brushed a gift he had brought for his previous boyfriend. Who had dumped moments before entering the dance room. He watched with longing eyes at the many party members. His gaze landing on a very handsome man. He had very pale skin and a pair of crimson eyes. He was dressed very fancy and was talking with a few girls and  a dude. His hair was a fiery red matching his tie. He was pretty good looking. As Anti continued to watch he couldn't help but keep watching the stranger. Eventually he approached Anti and smiled, "saw you watching me over there. You like what you see?" His voice was so deep and smooth. It had a slight echo sound to it. He blushed and suddenly seemed very interested in staring at his feet, "I'm sorry. I . . . I hadn't realized I was staring"  The guy laughed and gently took his hand, pulling Anti out to the dance floor, "My name is Damien what's yours?" Anti paused for a moment, "I'm Anti. That's what most people call me at least" Damien smiled and suddenly pulled Anti closer bringing him into a dance as the songs changed. He had energy and bounce. Yet seemed so calm at the same time. It was entrancing.  Soon he fell into step with Damien they danced for a while. Anti's heart fluttered as Damien smiled at him. After about half an hour. Or maybe it was an hour, time was slipping away to him, he pulled Damien closer. Without thinking he pulled the slighter taller man into a kiss. Damien was so warm pressed against his smaller body. As soon as they parted he became ashamed. Anti pulled away and darted for the bathroom. Embarrassed at his lack of thinking for his actions. He hid himself in a stall pulling his knees to his chest as he sat on the cold tile floor. He held his breathe as the bathroom door opened. A soft voice called out "Anti? I know you're in here. I'm not mad." Regardless Anti remained quiet, soft footsteps approached the stall. Soon a pair of polished black shoes stood outside the stall. "Anti? I promise I'm not mad"  After a few more silent minutes he stood up and unlocked the stall. Hanging his head low. Unable to meet Damien's eyes. A gentle warm hand lifted his chin. Damien gently pulled him into another kiss. Anti felt warm and comfortable. Damien's lips were so sweet, instinctively he wrapped his arms around Damien in a hug like fashion. Damien did the same. Eventually after what felt lie an eternity but only was a matter of a few seconds, Damien pulled away. A smile on his pale lips. Damien chuckled a bit and gently took Anti's hand in his. Quietly Anti said "Clover. My real name is Clover" He smiled, it was the first time he had shared his real name with anyone in a long time. Ever since his last return from his previous "assignment" . After a minute or two Damien led him back onto the dance floor. The rest of the night was like a surreal dream. He had been brought home in a love-struck daze. 

The image before him equally filled his heart with warmth and broke it at the same time. He missed those times when everything felt like it was going to be alright. As if nothing in the universe could break him. Slowly it faded, bright lights and lots chatter swayed the scene. A warm glow emanated.

Talk filled the room. Several familiar faces at another party. Anti wasn't much of an extrovert, but Dark had dragged him here. He smiled staying by his side. Yellow and orange lights lit up the night in this outdoor area. Even if night was a looser concept. Some pop music played from a speaker on a table. People were drinking and dancing out in the yard. Laughter, and passion filled his heart with joy. Anti's hand drifted to his pocket slowly. He moved a little away from Dark, who was chatting with a friend. He stepped away taking a deep breathe to steady his pounding heart. From his pocket he pulled a small carved wooden box. Briefly opening it to look at the precious contents inside, lined with velvet. He closed the box and took another deep breathe and walked to Damien. Tonight was the night, he had put it off for too long. "Damien?" He spoke more confidently than he felt. Damien smiled and turned to him, "Yes Clover?" His pounding heart betrayed his calm demeanor. He took one of Dark's hands and looked him in the eye, "I. . .I love you so much. And I don't want to let that go away" Damien raised an eyebrow slightly, but kept a small smile, "And you know I love you too. We are still very close," Anti nodded, with a brief pause he continued, "Yes. . . And I want us to last forever. To the end of days." With a shaky hand he retrieved the carved box, and knelt down on one knee, "Will you marry me?"