The Arcana: His Apprentice

In My Arms Again (Asra's POV)

"W-what do you mean?" I ask, both concern and confusion mixed up in my voice.

"Well...we've known each other for a long time and we've kissed twice now. I just want to know where we stand in a relationship sense I guess..." Y/N says, looking down at the ground.

I don't know what to say honestly. I want to show her how I feel really, but I fear that she won't feel the same way I feel. I take a deep breath and squeeze Y/N's hand, covering it with my other.

"I have strong feelings for you Y/N. I've felt like this for a very long time, since that night we met again after all those years and saw the parade together. I've never felt this towards anyone ever before. I know what I am feeling, so what is it you feel towards me?" I say whole heartedly, hoping she understands.

Y/N lifts her head back up and looks into my eyes. She takes in a shaky breath and starts speaking softly

"Asra, when I'm around you, I feel like my chest feels light and my heart races. Whenever we talk, I feel like there's butterflies flying around my stomach and that my heart will beat right out of my chest. Even the small things we do together, like to go to the docks for personal talks or clean around the shop together mean so much to me that you have no idea. I feel what you feel and I want you the way you want me. I...I love you Asra, I truly do ." Y/N says, a slight blush dusting on her face but the determination and confidence in her eyes never dissipating.

I blush immediately, never in my wildest dreams did I ever believe this moment would actually come true. I can't believe it, please don't let this be a dream. I quickly lean on and kiss Y/N passionately, tears of joy rolling down my face. Y/N kisses back, placing her hands on my cheeks softly. We finally pull away, needing some air. Y/N smiles and wipes my tears away with her thumb.

"So...?" She says, sounding curious.

"So what?" I respond.

"What's your answer to my question?" She says, sounding a bit concerned.

I think for a bit, reminding myself what she has asked. I was too caught up in her confession that I didn't realize I hadn't responded to her question. I blush furiously and clear my throat.

"I-I guess this means we're t-together, as l-lovers." I say, trying to sound as collected as possible but effortlessly failing.

We lay down on her bed, I pull the covers over us and wrap my arms around her. We stay like this silence, comforting, calming. The soft glow from the candles illuminating her face. Her eyes closed and her breathing shallow, fast asleep. I stroke her hair softly, so soft and soothing. After a while, I slowly get up from her bed. Trying not to wake her, I carefully grab Faust and place her around my neck. I grab my bag, swinging it over my shoulder and tiptoeing my way to the window. I grab the rope ladder and throw it down. Just as I'm about to get ready to climb down, I hear stirring and groaning from Y/N's bed. I look over to see Y/N, propped up on her elbow while rubbing her eyes sleepily.

"A-Asra...?" Y/N says softly, trying to stifle a yawn.

All I could think of was how cute she looked. With her hair messy and all over the place, her sleepy eyes trying to focus and her trying to not fall back onto the bed. I walk over to her, placing my hand on her cheek.

"I've gotta go, I'll be back tomorrow." I respond softly, angling her face a little up and placing a kiss on her forehead.

She nods and lays back down. I grab the covers and place them over her, tucking a strand of hair behind her ear while I was at it. I walk back over to the window, climbing down the ladder as careful as possible. I finally made it to the bottom and taking the ladder down, opening my bag and placing it inside. I look back up at the window, knowing the love of my life is safe and sound asleep.

"Goodnight..." I whisper, knowing she can't hear me but I can't leave without telling her.

I start waking to the forest, letting the moon be my guide. Now that I realize the cold air touching my skin, I miss her warmth. Knowing that I feel incomplete without her in my arms.

But at least I know that I will feel her warmth in my arms again soon enough.