In the Courtyard

I gasped as a trickle of blood ran down my face, falling gently into my outstretched hand. A large cut now ran from my eyebrow to my cheek, dangerously close to crossing over onto my eye. Though it was incredibly superficial, the cut stung like hell, and more blood seemed to be flowing from it. I quickly pressed a hand against my face.

"Oh my god, Aduro, I am so sorry…" Astrum tried to step towards me, but I held out my other hand.

"Don't apologize. It's just another scar I can add to my collection." I laughed bitterly, though the sound was hollow and empty.

"I'm serious, Aduro. I'd never hurt you on purpose."

Bubbles of rage boiled inside me. I'd never hurt you on purpose. Like I had never heard those words before. Her voice still rang in my ears. You'd think after four years the pain would subside and life would go on. You'd be wrong. I glared at the handsome blond, hating the look of hurt in his silver eyes. My hands quickly turned into fists, and right there, in the courtyard, I exploded.

"Don't lie to me!" I shouted. With strength I never knew I had, I reached out and pushed him as hard as I could, my eyes glinting.

Astrum's eyes widened as he fell. He obviously hadn't been anticipating my outburst, and had made no attempt to right himself. However, he apparently had a backup plan. His hands quickly wrapped around mine, and gravity did the rest of the work.

He hit the ground with a dull thud, his short blond hair splaying out behind him. My hands were still pressed to chest, my fingers laced in the soft blue fabric of his shirt.   I had landed atop him in a straddling position, my knees on either side of his waist. The early morning sun made his pale skin shimmer, and he stared up at me with his intense silver eyes.

I could feel the warmth emanating from his body, and a heated blush began to creep onto my cheeks. Still, I made no effort to move, and neither did Astrum.

"I'm not lying to you, Aduro." Astrum whispered, his voice husky and low. "I know you've been hurt in the past. Both physically and emotionally. But I thought you knew that I would never hurt you."

I blinked at him, letting his sincere words sink in. My slid my hands under his head, tilting his lips up to meet mine. My eyes slowly closed, and I let my other senses take over; the feeling of his hair against my fingers, the soothing sound of his breathing, even the rich scent of pine he bore. Our lips brushed, sending a jolt of exhilaration through me-

"Astrum? Aduro? We've been looking all over for you-" Luna froze before us, her green eyes widening.

For a split second no one moved, and Astrum and I shared a glance. His eyes were dancing, as he wanted to laugh. Personally, all I could think about was how close his lips had been to mine, how much I longed for that kiss-

"Yes!" She shrieked, jumping up and down in her pink high-tops.

Astrum glanced at me, his face reflecting the confusion I felt.

"I knew it! I knew you two would end up together!" Her face was lit up in a grin and her eyes twinkled. Before I knew what was happening, Luna had us both on our feet and in a bear hug.

"This is so exciting! You two better come to my wedding together!" With that she released us and ran in the direction of the castle screaming, "Nicole! You owe me twenty bucks!"