Chapter 30: Like a Married Couple

Goerld

I stared at the ceiling, trying to ignore the sleeping girl pressed up against me. It was still dark, so I couldn't have slept for very long.

I sighed, my cheeks heated up. Why had I asked her to sleep in the bed with me?

Still, this wasn't how I imagined spending the night. She was so warm and soft, I didn't know whether I should pull her closer or push her away.

She stirred, and I held my breath. But, she didn't wake up.

I looked over at her and felt my heart flutter. She was so beautiful. Her blond hair fell around her face like a curtain, framing her porcelain skin.

She looked like an angel, sleeping in my arms.

As she shifted, her lips parted slightly and her breathing evened out. She must be in a deep sleep.

I leaned over and kissed her gently on the lips. "Nera, I love you."

She didn't reply. Instead, she nuzzled my chest, making me blush deeper.

I laid back, trying not to think about how close we were. And how good she smelled. And how soft her hair felt against my skin.

I sighed, pushing the thoughts out of my mind. I wasn't a hormonal teenager anymore. I couldn't afford to think that way. Well, technically I was still a teen, but I wasn't hormonal.

I took a deep breath and closed my eyes. I had to get some sleep if I wanted to pass training.

-Nera-

Rays of light hit my eyelids, causing me to groan and bury my face into Goerld's neck. He smelled so nice... I wanted to stay like this forever.

Suddenly, my stomach growled and my eyes widened.

I slowly opened them, realizing I was lying on top of him. His body was hard, but still warm. And his breathing was steady, meaning he was asleep.

"Goerld," I murmured. "Wake up."

He didn't reply, just made a groaning noise.

"Goerld!" I said louder. "Come on, wake up."

He finally opened his eyes.

"Hm? What is it? Did you have a nightmare or something?"

"N-no, not really," I replied, averting my eyes.

He laughed. "I heard something like grumbling in my sleep, that's why I thought you did."

My cheeks heated up. "Sorry. I guess my stomach was just growling."

He sat up and yawned, stretching his toned arms arms. "Ah, it's okay. We should get up, anyway. Training starts at dawn."

I sat up as well, rubbing my eyes.

He stood up, walking toward the door.

"Where are you going?"

"Gonna shower," he said.

"O-oh," I stuttered. "Okay, I'll go use the bathroom after you enter."

He chuckled. "Okay. I won't be long."

I waited a minute after he left, before heading into the bathroom. The sound of water running could be heard. I gently opened the door to make sure he was already in the shower.

I didn't want to walk in on him naked. Well, a small part of me did, but it wasn't one I liked entertaining.

As I used the toilet, my thoughts drifted back to the night before.

How did we end up in that position again? It was so intimate, I didn't even notice how we had fallen asleep. But, I'm glad I did. I felt closer to him. It was my first time kissing him... I mean really kissing him. We've shared pecks and brief kisses, but they were more childish or familial than romantic. This time... this time it was different. It was hot and passionate. If he hadn't stopped, we might've...

No. It wouldn't have happened. We were too young for that. And it was way too early in our relationship for anything like that.

My heart thumped in my chest. Was he feeling the same way I did? Was he also thinking about our kiss last night? Or maybe, was he thinking about how I'd fallen asleep on top of him?

I washed my hands and splashed cold water on my face to wake myself up. I was just getting flustered thinking about him, that's all. It didn't mean anything.

"Nera," his voice echoed. 

"Yeah?" I asked, glancing at the shower curtain. I blushed, trying not to imagine what was behind the shower curtain.

"I'm out of soap, mind getting me some?"

"Sure! Where do you keep your soap bars?

"They're in the cabinet above the sink."

"Oh, got it."

I went to the cabinet and found the soap. I picked it up and walked back to the shower, hesitating.

"Uh, Goerld? Here's the soap."

"Can you hand it to me?"

"O-okay," I stuttered.

I placed the bar of soap into his hand.

"Thank you," he said.

My heart thumped wildly as the sound of the curtain opening and his hand reaching out.

I quickly backed away, almost tripping on my own feet.

He laughed. "What's wrong, Nera?"

"N-nothing. Just... clumsy, that's all."

He poked his head out and laughed. "You've always been clumsy, you know."

My cheeks reddened as I stared at his exposed upper chest. "Y-yeah. Anyway, I'll let you finish your shower. I'll be in the kitchen, making breakfast."

"Sounds good!"

"Okay."

I turned around and hurried out of the bathroom.

As I closed the door, I could hear him laughing again.

My cheeks burned. Stupid Goerl! Making fun of me...

I shook my head. He wasn't making fun of me. He was just teasing. I needed to get a hold of myself.

I took a deep breath and headed downstairs to make breakfast.

The kitchen was a mess. I guess we both weren't morning people.

I began cleaning up and prepping for breakfast. As I worked, I couldn't help but smile. Despite his teasing, I loved being around him. Sadly, we probably would only get to spend time together in the mornings and nights. But at least that was something. I had been afraid they would keep him cooped up in the base. I militaries of the past did that a lot.

"What's for breakfast?"

His voice broke me from my thoughts and my heart raced again.

I looked up and saw him standing there, shirtless. He was drying off the water dripping down his large, muscular chest and rock-hard abs with a towel.

"Um, whatever you want," I said, trying not to stare.

He smiled. "Anything is fine. You're a great cook, so I know it'll be delicious."

My cheeks reddened. "T-thanks."

He grinned. "So, what're you making?"

"Uh, eggs and bacon."

"Awesome."

"I can make toast and waffles too, if you want."

"Sure. Whatever you feel like cooking. Just make sure there's plenty. I'm starving."

I giggled. "I'm not a chef, but I'll do my best."

He laughed. "I'm sure it'll be great. Your cooking is always delicious."

My cheeks warmed up. It felt as if we were already married...

"Uh, go wear a shirt. Honestly, showing off your body to me before marriage. How indecent."

He laughed. "We showered together as kids."

"T-that's different! Now, get going!"

He laughed and kissed me on the cheek. "Okay."

I blushed as I looked at his abs. They were so nice, like him.

He coughed. "Uh, better get going." He turned away, and ran off. His face was red.

I giggled. So cute.

After breakfast, we walked together to the Titanos base. 

"Bye," he said before giving me a quick peck on the lips.

My cheeks warmed up, but soon the youthful shyness was replaced with loneliness as he ran off to the base.

I stared at the building from a distance as it swallowed up Goerld. It was imposing, and its white and gray metallic and glass exterior made it seem almost alien. Well, it was alien, but it really drove home how different the Titanos were compared to us.

There was no turning back now. He had signed himself up to become one of the enemy's soldiers. It was a scary thought, but I knew he could do it.

Goerld was strong and smart. If anyone could pull this off, it was him.

"Be careful," I whispered, hoping that somehow, he would hear me.

"Nera."

I gasped an looked around. A gentle breeze had hit me. But that female voice, was it just the wind?

"Hello? Who's there?"

But no one answered. Maybe I had only imagined it. But, it could've been a wind spirit. Our people had a tradition of worshipping spirits of nature, though most of the younger generation didn't.

"Be careful, child," the wind whispered. "Many are watching. They seek to turn your hero to their side. Do not allow them."

"Who is 'they'?"

"The Titanos."

"I don't understand."

"Do not fret. All will be revealed in time. Just know, that your beloved is in danger. Keep him safe."

"What? How?"

"Follow the path of light and purity."

"What does that mean?"

No response, just a gentle breeze.

My eyes turned back to the base. Goelrd wouldn't let the enemy change him, would he? He had joined with the intention of infiltrating them.

As long as he didn't betray his true self, everything would be okay. Right?