Sans Lui (Without Him) - [Short Story]

Sans Lui: FOUR

He told me to rest as he took care of the cleaning. He was busy in the kitchen when I find my way to a sort-of-a reading nook. It had a huge window and a low book shelf where you could sit on, but it was what's outside on that window that captured me. There displayed a glittering sky above us and an endearing view of the city lights below us. This is what I always dreamed of waking up in each morning and the kind of life with the man I love.

"Did you like it?" he said, closely sounding like a whisper. I was startled.

I faced him and gave him a soft quick kiss, "I am in awe of it, Baba."

"Sosyal. In awe." He gagged. I glared at him which he responded with an apologetic laugh.

We stayed in that position for I don't know how long. It's just so beautiful, we can't seem to get over it.

He laid his chin on my shoulder, "Hon, alam mo ba anong pinakamagandang gawin kapag bago ang bahay?" he was whispering this time.

I pretended not to know where this was going, "Ano?"

"Binyagan." He giggled while wiggling his brows on me. My husband and his naughtiness.

I laughed and released myself from his arms, "Sige, pero sa isang kondisyon.", he waited still, "Kargahin mo 'ko hanggang kwarto." I spread my arms wide open and waited for him to carry me. He scratched the back of his head.

"Oh, bakit, ayaw mo? Parang ayaw mo ata, eh."

"Hindi gusto ko! Kayang kaya kita kahit sumakit pa ang likod ko." He came close to me and carried me in a bridal carry.

I could feel his entire body shaking as we went up the stairs, "Hindi mo ata kaya, eh. Nanginginig ka na, o." I teased him again. I felt his annoyed glare that I could only laugh about.

He was able to open the door of the master's bedroom and gently placed me on the bed. I wandered my eyes around the room and it quickly gave me a cozy and homey feeling. I would love it here, for sure.

"Hon, naubos na ata lahat ng lakas ko." He said as he laid beside me. I gave out a hearty laugh.

"Edi, pahinga nalang tayo. Hug mo nalang ako." I saw how his face changed. He was disappointed.

Poor baby.

This is our reality. We no longer have the energy that we used to have. Intimacy isn't always expressed sexually, not that we don't do it anymore, it's just that we find it more intimate to have these long talks while just holding each other. Admiring each other while looking lovingly to one another. It's his presence that matters much to me.

I held him close and carefully brushed his hair. I planted soft kisses to the side of his face down to his neck then I faced him, an inch away. His eyes gave away a comforting stare and this made me smile. He gently brushed my cheek and I just admired every part of his kind and sweet face as I stared back at him. His eyes stared down to my lips and looked back to my eyes like he was asking permission, I bit my lips and owned him. It was slow and deep. I pulled away seconds after, looked at him once more before finally closing my eyes to rest.

"I love you, Baba. It is enough for me to know that I make you happy, but were you happy?" He softly whispered on my ears. It stirred my emotion. I squeezed myself more against him, making him to embrace me tighter.

"Happy is an understatement, Baba. You gave me joy... you are my joy and everything pales in comparison to you."