AppleHeart

Chapter Twenty-Three

For·ev·er/fəˈrevər/adverb: For all future time; for always.

Two days later, Apple Poison was finally removed from the hospital. Although his removal was slightly uncomfortable due to the wheelchair he was placed in wasn't big enough for his long legs as well as him having to hold all the flowers he received. Jack pushed the wheelchair until they were outside with the other recruiters.

"Having a good time there?" Joe said, jokingly.

"No, I can't fit in this." Apple groaned.

"Is it your long legs?" Farja asked, unaware of the gloomy look from Apple. Jack giggled and kissed Apple's cheek.

"Come on, let's get you home." Apple gripped the armrests of the wheelchair, slowly and steadily he pushed his body upward, with help from Jack and Farja, until he's standing upright. Apple took one step forward only for his legs to lose balance. Jack caught him before Poison could hit the ground.

"I think you should stay in the wheelchair," Joe suggested.

"No, I'm okay," Apple insisted, "I just need to regain my balance." Apple stopped wobbling and managed to walk straight.

It took a good while, but the recruiters made it all the way to Apple's cottage. As they approached, Apple Poison stops walking with Jack. The other recruiters noticed this too, but Apple tells them to go inside and wait for him and Jack.

"Appoi?" Jack spoke, "what's wrong?" Apple formed a smile at the shorter male.

"Come with me for a minute," Apple takes Jack's hand into his own and leads him around the corner of the cottage. Jack follows him through the Apple orchard, as they strolled through, Jack glanced over at the spot he and Poison had their date. The Apple blossom trees still contained some of their delicate petals, but most of them were on the dirt and appeared to be aging. The memories of that day invaded Jack's mind, the picnic, the scenery, the first kiss, and everything that happened afterward. Jack's face turned a mild shade of pink as he recollected the moments that very evening. Eventually, they reached the far back, the area is dimly lit due to the trees that loom over the men's heads with extended branches that carried the autumn colored leaves. Jack noticed there was another gate that leads to a wide-open field of grass and a small group of hills. I never noticed this before, Jack thought.

"Apple, where are we going?"

"Somewhere special," Apple replied. They walked further into the field, at least until Apple made sure they were a good distance away from the cottage.

"I hope you're not planning to do anything bizarre here," Jack stated, "you're supposed to be recovering." Apple shrugs in response and ruffles Jack's hair.

"Hey!" Jack exclaimed, "seriously, again?!" Apple smirked then wrapped his arms around Jack's waist, pulling him so that their bodies are pressing together.

"You know, your hair is so soft," Apple said in a low voice.

"Yeah, I like taking good care of it," Jack blushed for the second time then rested his head on Apple's chest.

"I love you," Apple whispered.

"You what?" Jack looked up at the taller male.

"I said I love you," Poison caressed Jack's cheek with his hand, his thumb stroking the heart tattoo. Jack was speechless at Apple's sudden confession. His ruby eyes stared into Apple's blue ones, his heart pounding in his chest. Jack felt his body tremble as the words repeated in his mind, "I've always have, and I will continue to love you, forever." There was silence once more.