Marrying the benefactor

They were sitting on a bench in the hospital canteen located in a dark corner, away from the prying eyes of the world. Not a word was spoken between the two of them, the pitter-patter of the rain calming the brewing storm between two of them. The sky was clear a few hours ago and suddenly it was pouring. It would be baffling to many but Callum. He just smiled in his heart when the first drop of rain graced his skin. The rain had a connection with him and Calli.  

Callum pushed a mug of coffee to Calliope's side and she, without a fight, accepted it. He didn't understand how she so easily accepted his offer of coffee when she didn't seem to be a fan of his. 

What else he didn't understand was how loneliness and a dreary hospital room tricked a human into craving the company of another human, forgetting the absolute fact that the latter might be an enemy or ally. 

They drank their coffees for what seemed like an eternity, not a word spoken between them, their hands holding the warm mug, in an attempt to warm their cold hands. Callum didn't think he needed to say a word or where to even begin. He wanted to talk to her to his heart's content but she appeared fine with silence, not trying to break the silence between them. It was comfortable yet suffocating at the same moment.   

Calliope watched him sitting in the cold canteen unfazed. The cold wind didn't seem to bother him at all. His initial white unwrinkled shirt was marred with the drops of rain yet it didn't diminish his perfection at all. 

She wanted to ask if he lent his coat to every shivering woman? Or just she was at his kindness? Not once but twice. Look at the trick of fate. She didn't want to return his old coat and now it seemed, she would have to, along with the one placed on her shoulders. 

"Thank you, "She said in a soft voice and his eyes jerked up to look at her.  Oh, he wasn't as unfazed as he made it seem. 

Callum watched her looking at him with eyes of utter gratitude. Could it be that she was expressing her gratitude for saving her life? 

"There is no need to thank me, "Callum replied, his low and deep voice enthralled her. 

"How could it be? My initial judgement got the worst out of me, Mr Facci," Calliope said. "Father Francis told me how your donation is starting a lot of stucked projects for the shelter. He wanted to thank you in person. But since we encountered each other once again, I finally got a chance to apologise for my rude behaviour as well as thank you. So, Mr Facci, thank you once again." 

Callum stared at her for a moment and then heaved out a sigh. She didn't remember that it was him who brought her out of the room which was engulfed by the deadly flames. For some reason, he didn't wish to disclose the truth. It was better that she didn't know he saved her. He didn't want her to be indebted to him. 

"It seems like I have to thank a lot of people, "Calliope murmured, looking at the scratched table. 

"Who else bought your paintings?" Callum questioned her. 

Calliope looked over at him. "Someone saved my life. I would have died if not for that kind person. This shows that good people are not extinct."

"How are you going to express your gratitude?" Callum asked her, amused.

"By expressing my gratitude in words," Calliope said. 

"Don't you think words without actions are like empty vessels?" Their eyes met and he uttered. "They ring on hitting but there is nothing inside them. Empty. Loud. And useless." 

"How else do we express gratitude?" Calliope blinked up at him. The confusion and lack of understanding of his teasing were noticeable in his eyes. It made her look innocent yet endearing at the same time. 

"I have seen people thanking their benefactors in various creative ways, "Callum said, hiding his smile. "I have seen someone marrying his benefactor. I don't think someone can be more genuine." 

...

Author Note: What do you like about Callum and Calliope the most?!