The new writing style I had in my last agency fanfic wouldn't be applied here but it will be in this fic's next installment. I will promise a lot of stuff there which I will intend to keep including shorter chapters. Been working hard on it to be way better than LF, so I hope I'll see you guys there after 5 chapters of this fic. :D
Stage 12 – A New Path Awaits
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A day had passed, Sapphire immediately called Ruby on her phone and asked if he ever had any free time this week. Ruby chuckled at her question at first, thinking he would always have time for her. He did made an oath to be there for her, after all, and who was he to destroy it?
"I'll go to your place now. Or… are you in your office?" Ruby asked, the smile on his lips didn't fade. His day became brighter, more beautiful and peaceful just by hearing her voice. Any form of her presence were always enough to remove the stress he was currently experiencing from his work.
"I'm at the apartment. Are you sure you don't have anything else to do with your work?" Sapphire asked, typing the last document in her laptop. She bit her lip, saving multiple files of it.
She and Moon were the only ones who knew about their research's success. She couldn't wait to tell it to Ruby. She didn't know why he was the first person she thought of. All she knew was the excessive amount of happiness she felt in her heart, and she would love to share it with Ruby.
"I'm free from work. I'll be there in fifty-five minutes, or maybe an hour. I'll go there as fast as I can. Take care and stay safe, alright?" Ruby slung his backpack over his shoulder, only to hear Sapphire let out a soft chuckle on the phone.
"I should be telling you that. But seriously, take your time. There's no need to haste." Sapphire smiled and turned off her laptop, placing it on the table. She stood up, looking at the window. The sky was dark, making her intuitions state that it might rain soon. "Oh, and… bring an umbrella. It looks like it's gonna rain soon."
"Right. I will, and I won't haste. I'll see you later."
"Take care, a-and stay safe..." Sapphire said, ending the call. She sighed.
Ruby had been there for her. She knew how much it hurt him to see her in her negative state. Sharing this positive news would make him happy for the first time in twenty months. And she hoped it would be enough. She always had this feeling of happiness gripping her heart every time he was happy. She didn't know why, though, but she knew she would find it out soon.
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Sapphire was relieved to see Ruby arrive before the rain started pouring heavily. She told him to sit on the couch and wait while she prepared them a cup of coffee.
Ruby told her he was fine, but she insisted, making him do what she said with a smile plastered on his lips. She always had her unique ways to make him smile, and it was amazing.
Moments had passed, to what seemed like an eternity, watching the rain splatter across the suburbs, he heard some dull footsteps approaching him. He knew those footsteps belonged to Sapphire. He didn't know why he felt thrilled about what was going to happen next. It was odd, really, but somehow he felt a tinge of happiness in her aura, which was a good sign.
If what he felt was real, then she was so close, maybe just a step farther, in conquering her grief.
He took a deep breath, leaning and pressing his back onto the cushion. He watched Sapphire place two cups of coffee on the table, the smile on his lips didn't fade.
It had been twenty months and a week since her family's death. Although it hurt her a bit just by remembering it, he could tell that she had greatly progressed compared to the last time he had seen her in this very place.
Twenty months ago, all he could see in her eyes were the intense dullness and depression. He wanted to hug her and to be there for her, telling her that everything would be alright now that he was there. It hurt to see her wake up every two or three in the morning from those recurring memories, only to find out that those memories were about seeing her family's corpses after hours or a day from the accident. He could do nothing but to watch her drink a cup of tea, in hopes to soothe her fast heartbeat, and hug her whenever a tear fell from her eye.
He felt useless for the past twenty months. He could only accompany her, be her shoulder to cry on and to hug her every time depression consumed her. It was a heartbreaking sight, really.
He was happy that she was slowly yet surely feeling better from this grief in spite of the amount of time it took. Slowly, he could see and feel her determined aura. Though not completely, but a tinge of it. And it was enough for him to be happy for her. He believed that she would conquer this grief soon. It may take another month or two, or maybe even another year, but he would gladly wait and be there for her. After all, she was a massive part of his dreams and aspirations. She became a positive impact to his goals and to his life, and he was eternally grateful at that.
He sighed, extending his right arm next to her, letting her head rest on it. He jerked his body to his right and looked at her.
His smile widened as his heart thumped wildly.
This aura definitely felt familiar.
He could now perfectly tell she felt happy and thrilled to tell him something. Those were enough to let some tears of joy welled up in his eyes. He took another deep breath.
Oh word.
He missed feeling this aura of hers. It felt new, fresh and nostalgic at once. This meant that she finally conquered her grief, right?
It had to be. He had never felt such pure and nostalgic happiness beat in his chest. It felt amazing. Just by looking at her pure smile with her cute fangs poking out from her top lip were more than enough to increase the heat from his cheeks, make him cry in happiness and smile with satisfaction.
He was happy for her. Her happiness was his happiness.
"Ruby," Sapphire jerked her head to her left, looking at him, her smile widened from his priceless reaction.
He looked so cute.
The blush painted on his cheek, his mouth a bit hung open, and his heavy breathings were enough to let a soft giggle escape from her lips. She had always thought Ruby was handsome guy the first time they had met, but she often kept that thought to herself. It might boost his ego too much despite how charming his smirk would be, and she knew how much Ruby liked the compliments, or the attention, rather. Nonetheless, she didn't know if he would react like he always did when it comes to a stranger complimenting him compared to hers if she were to compliment him.
Sapphire mentally shook her head. She would rather keep it to herself than to share it in public. It might embarrass Ruby if he ever found out that those words came from her, and she wouldn't want that.
"W-What is it?" Ruby asked, doing his best not to stutter. He swallowed hard in hopes to calm his fast heartbeat.
She just kept on getting cuter and more beautiful every time he saw her. Was it normal to think that the person you loved just kept on getting more beautiful every single day? Did his feelings for her just keep on getting stronger despite what he already felt for her was the sincere, romantic and selfless love?
Sapphire let out a light cough, gathering her voice. She took a deep breath. "Remember that research project I had with Moon?"
Ruby slowly bobbed his head, up and down, nodding. His passionate and curious eyes were fixed on hers. He remembered everything she had told to him. There was never a dull nor forgettable conversation he had with her. Every word she said were significant to him.
"Well..." Sapphire bit her lip, twiddling her index fingers together. Heat started creeping onto her cheeks. She felt like a kid telling to their parents about their greatest achievements at school. However, Ruby was not and would never be her parent. He was her best friend, the man who had always been there for her whether it was her best or her worst. But most of all, he was the only person, out of all their friends, who knew her very well.
Ruby let out a soft chuckle, placing his right hand onto hers, making her stop twiddling her fingers. It may be a cute act, but he knew very well it meant that she was too shy to tell him something. And he knew what she was about to say seemed very important. "It's alright. You can tell me anything." He reassured, a sincere smile formed onto his lips.
Sapphire took a deep breath, her luscious blue orbs met his curious red ones. She smiled. "You see... M-Moon and I could develop it further."
Ruby's eyes slowly widened in shock.
They did it and he knew they could.
He had never hesitated about the possibilities of their research, honestly. He knew that any project or research could take more than two and a half years to complete or make it possible, even, and he was completely amazed at the short time Sapphire and Moon had spent on it.
He was happy for them, in fact. He was happy about their research's success, but mostly, he was happy for her. He couldn't help but to feel happiness run through his veins. He knew how hard Sapphire had worked on it. She had put all her time and efforts into it. It took her two and a half years to make it a success, along with Moon's help, and their hard work had finally paid off.
He should reward her for it.
They should celebrate for it.
"I-In other words... the research was a success. It could destroy all cancer cells, and we will develop the research further... The goal is to make it defeat any types of cancer disease. We're still working on that, but—"
"Sapphire, that's great!" Ruby blurted out, his arms made its way to wrap around her waist, surprising her. "You did it." He said and pulled her closer, making her sit on his lap. It did nothing but to increase the temperature in her cheeks. "Congratulations. I knew you could do it."
Sapphire swallowed hard and placed her palms on his chest. She felt her chest tightened from their proximity. It felt great, nonetheless, and she didn't know why. "I-It's not yet perfect. It may take a while for us to make it one."
"Still, it was a success and we should celebrate." Ruby responded, the smile on his face didn't fade. He removed his left arm around her and placed his left hand on her cheek, affectionately holding it.
"Not yet." Sapphire said, smiling. "But we will... soon..."
Ruby's smile widened. He nodded as he affectionately stroke her cheek, pouring every ounce of his feelings into it. Words could never describe his happiness for her. She did this research for her mother, and she was so selfless to decide the medicine would be free, if not, it would be very affordable, for everyone. He was proud that the woman he loved was selfless and considerate. Sapphire was definitely perfect and beautiful in her own way.
"Thank you." Sapphire managed to say after a moment of silence of staring into each other's eyes. She placed her right hand on his, giving it a soft squeeze. Her cute, fanged smile returned on her lips. "Thank you so much."
Ruby furrowed his eyebrows, wondering at her words. His arms around her didn't budge, nonetheless. Why was she thanking him? He didn't contribute anything scientific or finances into their research. If she would thank one, then that would be Green, Crystal or Platinum. "For… For what?" He asked, curiosity piquing into his tone.
"For everything..." Sapphire responded, her tone was pure and passionate. She gently placed her left hand on his and gave it a soft squeeze, pouring every bit of her gratitude into it. "You already know that Moon and I shelved this research since my father and my aunt died." She bit her lip, smiling faintly at it. Her heart felt nothing but happiness as she remembered every happy memory she had shared with them.
"O-Of course." Ruby said, letting his forehead rest on hers. He closed his eyes, his thumb trailed around her soft cheek.
Sapphire would usually cry in sorrow whenever she remembered or mentioned the incident, but now, she didn't. Instead, she could only smile faintly and close her eyes, remembering the memories she had shared with them. Ruby was glad what she felt wasn't the former anymore. He didn't know what else he would do if she kept on crying in sorrow on it. It hurt to see her like that. She deserved happiness and every good thing this world had to offer.
Sapphire swallowed hard, opening her eyes, only to meet his concerned jewel-like ones. She didn't notice how close they were until now. Nonetheless, it did feel comfortable in spite of her fast heartbeat. "I-I have a feeling Moon would cancel the research if I ever committed suicide or cut my communication with you guys... because of this intense grief I'm feeling... I don't wanna be a burden to you, after all."
"Don't say that." Ruby intervened, pressing his soft lips on her forehead. Pain and anxiety crept in his tone. He felt his heartbeat increase its pace, anxious from her former plans. He was relieved it didn't happen, nonetheless. He would be devastated if she took her life or cut every one of her communications with him or everyone else. He just couldn't imagine continuing his life without her. "You were never a burden to us, especially to me. It's normal for friends to help one another. Remember that we're always here for you, Sapphire, especially me. I love you. You're too important to me. I'm so happy and relieved you didn't do it. I can't… I can't imagine living in this world without you."
"I... I'm glad I didn't..." Sapphire responded, gently gripping his hand. "If it weren't for you and everyone else... e-especially you... I wouldn't be able to make it... I would have done those... Ruby..." She continued, mentioning his name with such passion forming into her tone. She had known Ruby for almost her entire life. He was always there for her, and she was eternally grateful for it. "...thank you... Thank you for not giving up on me... I really hope I could make it up to you."
Ruby took a deep breath, sighing. He rested his nose on hers, closing his eyes, savoring this intimate yet emotional moment with her. "I'm not asking for anything. Seeing you alive and well... was always enough to make me happy. I'm happy to know that you're alive and well. I'm happy and blessed that I've met you."
"I'm..." Sapphire bit her lip, her heart kept on pounding faster from their comfortable proximity. Being this close to him made her feel safe and she was happy that he never ceased to make her feel this way. "I'm happy and blessed to have met you as well..."
The rain kept on pouring loudly as lightning lit every inch of the suburbs for a second followed by the sound of thunder clashing through the heavens. The dark, loud and cold weather didn't made them flinch from their positions, nonetheless. It only made them more comfortable from the heat they were sharing in their proximity.
Ruby opened his eyes, his right arm around her waist tightened. He pulled her closer again, letting her chest met his. Nothing, not even air, was blocking them, and it felt great to be this close to her. He would cherish this moment for as long as he lived.
Sapphire opened her eyes, the heat from her cheeks returned. Normally, she would push herself away from their proximity. But it was odd she didn't feel like doing it. Instead, she found herself wrapping her arms at the back of his neck and let her nose touched his.
The feeling of being this close to someone, who meant a lot to you, was irreplaceable. Their presence, their aura or even their smile… just everything about them was truly irreplaceable. She was glad Ruby was always there for her. She never highlighted this until now, but she knew she had some involvement, an impact, rather, in his personality change. He told that to her a lot of times, but she always thought it was nothing special despite how thankful she was to him from his positive impact on improving the good part of her personality and accepting herself.
Nonetheless, she was happy that she was able to help him. It was the least she could do for all the trouble she had caused.
"Don't hesitate..." Ruby said, after a moment of silence, his hand continued to cup and caress her cheeks. "Don't hesitate to ask for my help. I'm always here for you."
Sapphire felt his warm breath on her cheeks, increasing the heat on it. She smiled. "Don't hesitate as well... I'm always here for you too..."
Ruby felt her heartbeat becoming synchronized with his. He held his breath once he felt it as it slowly merged its rhythm, allowing them to feel their hearts weren't as individuals, but as one. Sapphire was his missing half. He was happy that she was and not some random girl. He sighed, a smile crept on his lips. She always knew on how to make him find peace in his heart. "I love you."
"I..." Sapphire felt a lump in her throat, swallowing it. She heard those words twenty months ago, but every time he said that to her, it often felt like it was the first time. Her heart couldn't stop thumping wildly at it. This confession made her feel like she found her missing half. Could it be...?
Sapphire's eyes widened in shock as she felt the sensation his soft lips pressed against hers. She felt his hand apply another affectionate stroke on her cheek, making her slowly close her eyes, allowing them to breathe the same air. Not a moment later, she returned the kiss with the same passion and enthusiasm. Their hearts continued to beat as one as heat started spreading on their cheeks. She could feel every bit of his intense feelings for her through their kiss with happiness and contentment added into it. She held her breath once he pulled her closer, further deepening their kiss, pouring every last bit of his burning emotions into it. The warmth of their passionate kiss continued as it turned into heat, continuously warming them from the cold weather.
Sapphire had shared a kiss with Ruby more than once in spite of their unspoken relationship status. He was her first kiss. They were each other's first kiss. Ruby's kisses were always soothing and comfortable that it made Sapphire lead to the point of enjoying it every time they share it. She felt safe whenever his soft lips meet hers. Their kiss was always enough to drive these negative feelings away from her, and she wished she could share it with him continuously. She was more than a hundred percent certain that Ruby was the only one who could make her feel this way.
The rain kept on pouring for what felt like hours. Lightning kept on flashing the environment followed by the thunder's loud roar through the heavens. But despite that, it was never an interruption from their intimate moment, from their passionate kiss. A moment later, they slowly pulled apart to gasp for air with their mouths hung open.
Sapphire rested her forehead on his as she opened her eyes, only to meet his passionate ones. She felt his burning emotions just by looking at it. He always had this ability to make her feel weak and lost in her thoughts every time she looked into his eyes. Though not in a bad way, but often in the most comfortable way.
She bit her lip.
Their kiss felt like they've been sharing it for hours, maybe for an eternity, perhaps. But it turned out it wasn't. They had only shared it for roughly a minute, yet it was the longest and the happiest sixty seconds of her life.
"I..." Ruby started, slowly removing his arms around her. Although he didn't want to, he forced himself to do so. They were not yet in a romantic relationship, but they were already doing what people in a romantic relationship do. He did another reckless act and he must apologize to her for doing it. He knew their kiss made her feel better, but it was still a reckless act. He respected her privacy and kissing her didn't sound like he was respecting her. He hoped she would forgive him. "Sapphire, I..."
Sapphire removed her arms around him and sat on the couch, placing her palms on her chest, feeling her fast heartbeat.
She didn't know why she did that.
She knew they were not in a romantic relationship, or at least not yet, and yet... They had already kissed more than once.
And it felt great.
However, only people in a romantic relationship and married couples do those stuff. Could it really be that...?
Sapphire vigorously shook her head, taking a deep breath. It felt great. It was wonderful, especially that she would only experience it with him. She wanted to experience it again and again with Ruby, and no one but Ruby. But that was not important for now. She had something else to say to him. She sighed. When would her feelings stop being so complicated at this?
"Sapphire…" Ruby called her name, passion and concern engulfing in his tone. He placed his hand on her shoulder, only returning her fast heartbeat. He definitely had his own way in making her emotions go on a rampage. "Listen, I..."
"I'm... planning to tell this to my parents, a-and... to my aunt." Sapphire blurted, interrupting his apology. She removed her palms on her chest and looked at him. A sincere smile plastered across her lips with her fangs poking out as a faint blush crept on her cheeks.
It was enough to remove the guilt in Ruby's heart as it thumped wildly, almost breaking it out from his chest. He held his breath. Oh God. She's so beautiful. "W-When?" He asked, choking the words out.
"I was planning to visit them tomorrow before I go to Moon's work place. We need to start the research soon. Time mustn't be wasted here."
"Then I'll go with you." Ruby immediately responded, not feeling any slight tinge of doubt at his decision. He knew she had improved in twenty months, but he was still afraid that she might breakdown once she visited their tombstones again.
It was not that he didn't trust her, really, but he was worried. She hadn't visited her family in five months. The last time she did, she ended up crying again. He couldn't tell if she was happy or sad, for her tears were mixed just like her emotions. She only cried and sat there silently with him hugging her in case she ever needed to cry again as they watched the world go by. There were no words needed to confirm that her heart still had that shallow feeling back then.
He didn't know and he couldn't confirm if it was truly filled until tomorrow.
"Thank you, Ruby." Sapphire said, the smile on her lips didn't fade. "Thank you, but please, make sure that it won't affect your work."
"Spending my time with you will never affect my work," Ruby gently squeezed her shoulder and scooted closer, regretting his reckless act again. He needed to learn on how to control his actions. She may seemed be comfortable at it, but he had to. He needed to make her feel that he was respecting her privacy. "I-I assure you."
Sapphire took a deep breath, sighing. She leaned her head on his chest, closing her eyes, feeling the dark, cold weather pass by. "I'm glad it won't…"
Ruby rested his nose on her hair, inhaling her extraordinary scent. She smelled like fresh berries and a pile of fresh research papers, and it perfectly suited her. Her scent was unique, just like her as an individual.
"I don't want you to lose another job because of me..."
Ruby breathed in, his arms made its way around her waist, wrapping it.
It was true he lost his job two months ago. He was lucky enough that he found a new one in less than a week, but he never blamed Sapphire for it. He didn't like that workplace's environment anyway. It was too toxic. The employees and his boss were too close minded to accept new and diverse ideas.
"Don't blame yourself. It was not your fault, and it will never be. The place was too toxic for me anyway." Ruby pointed out. He too closed his eyes, savoring every second of their intimacy. "Besides, I would rather lose a job... than to lose you again... I... I'm afraid to lose you..."
Sapphire could only bit her lip as she placed her left hand on his forearm, giving it a soft squeeze. What did she do to make her that important to him?
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There was a saying that the weather could sometimes reflect someone's mood. In this case, however, the clouds were dark and ominous as it shrouded the city with vast darkness. Although it wasn't a sign for the rain to approach, the wind continued to flow freely. Its crisp breeze was enough to leave a slight, cool feeling on someone's skin.
The weather was not mistaken, for it perfectly matched Ruby's mood compared to the last time he had experienced this type of weather. It was ironic, really.
As he took a deep breath, sighing, he adjusted his hat a bit to his right. He held onto Sapphire's hand tightly.
It was definitely the opposite.
What he felt twenty months ago was different compared to now. He was determined and positive during their first visit together to her family's tombstones. But now, he felt anxious and weak.
He was anxious that Sapphire might cry any time. He hadn't seen her depressed tears for two months, and it was a relief to not see those. He wouldn't know what else he could do besides hugging her. Although their friends kept on telling, especially Blue, that it was enough, he still wished he could have done something. He felt useless for doing just one thing.
Ruby swallowed hard. The cool breeze met his face. He mentally groaned, placing his left hand on his hat, making him readjust it to his left, returning it back to its previous position. He felt his left hand shiver, making him look at it with fear consuming his eyes.
He felt weak.
He knew he was overthinking that bad things could happen later on, and he wished he could stop himself from doing so.
But he couldn't.
His trembling arms, the negative thoughts and memories were preventing him to think positively. He bit his lip, clenching his left fist in hopes to stop it from trembling. He must be strong. He must set aside his emotions for her. That was what Green had taught him, and he wouldn't allow it to go to waste. He didn't want to worry Sapphire. Her depressed condition may not be as worst as twenty months ago, but there was still some of it left in her heart. She hadn't fully conquered it in other words.
And making her worry about him could make it worst.
He had to set aside these emotions before she noticed it. He didn't… He never wanted to worry her.
"Ruby,"
Ruby blinked his eyes, snapping out from his thoughts. He felt Sapphire's strong yet gentle grip on his hand. Sighing in defeat, he jerked head to his right, looking at her. Her eyes wore sympathy and concern for him. His lips curved into a frown at that as he took a deep breath, relaxing his tensed shoulders. He gave her hand a soft squeeze.
"I'm alright." He said softly, hiding his anxious tone.
Sapphire bit her lip, furrowing her eyebrows. Unfortunately, she didn't seem to buy his words. She knew something was wrong with him, but what was it? She knew it was somehow related to their current activity or it could also be from his job. She mentally shook her head, disregarding the latter thought. She knew this wasn't related to his job. She knew he was scared that she might cry any time when she visited her family's tombstones, because that was what she felt twenty months ago.
She knew exactly what he was currently feeling.
"I know you're not." Sapphire pointed out, her tone sounded strict yet concerned. She gently squeezed his hand, her right hand held his cheek, cupping it. She didn't know why it was the first one she thought of, but she knew it might help him.
And she was determined to help him in any way she could.
Ruby took a deep breath, his head slowly nodded from her words.
What was he thinking?
There was no point into hiding or pretending about it, really.
She just knew him too well.
"I'm anxious." He confessed, placing his left hand on her right hand, his left thumb tracing it. The touch, the warmth and the affectionate stroking she did on his cheek were enough to calm his fast and anxious heartbeat. She always knew on how to make him feel better. "I'm sorry. I should be positive about this. I know you're just doing the right thing."
"It's alright." Sapphire reassured, smiling. She lifted herself a bit from the ground, tiptoeing, closing the gap between their bodies. Slowly, she pressed her soft lips on his cheek, making Ruby's eyes widen in shock.
He found his heart beating in a comfortable pace as his left arm found its way around her waist, wrapping it, pulling her close to him.
She kissed him, and it felt great. Her act was more than enough to ease his anxiety.
"I know it's hard to set your feelings aside just so it wouldn't clash with mine." Sapphire continued, taking a step away from him. Her left hand was still intertwined with his right hand regardless.
"How did you...?" Ruby swallowed hard. He was speechless. She knew him too well, but was he really that obvious when it came to hiding his feelings?
Sapphire lifted her shoulders, shrugging, and bit her lip. "I heard your conversation with Green months ago."
Ruby nodded slowly, now starting to understand what she meant. It made sense since Sapphire had strong senses like her hearing and her sight. She was quite overpowered since their younger days, honestly, yet he was proud of her unique skills and strength. He could go on about it too, and he would never get tired of repeating it. Every compliment, every description, every word he would say about Sapphire would always be sincere, honest and passionate as it escaped from his lips.
"I know how hard it is to conceal those emotions, but... don't hide it from me, Ruby. Don't set it aside... We can always talk about it, a-and... find a way to fix it."
"I-I will." Ruby responded, gently squeezing her hand. She was so considerate. She knew her case was far worse than his, but she opted to help him despite that. He was more determined to give her the life that she deserved. "Thank you... for everything."
Sapphire smiled, her cute fangs poking out from her top lip, and gave his hand a soft squeeze. He didn't seem tensed, which was good. She was glad she could help. "I'm glad I could help. Now come on. We're… almost there."
"Right." Ruby nodded, letting her lead the way, hand in hand. Whatever may happen, he would always be there for her. Nothing could ever change that.
...
It took a step for Sapphire's heart to thump anxiously, making her swallow hard and her arms slightly tremble in fear.
This was it.
There was no turning back.
It felt strange, though. What she felt twenty months ago was different compared to now.
Instead of feeling anxious and weak, she felt rather thrilled yet sad in spite of her trembling arms and her anxious heartbeat.
She knew why she was thrilled to come here, though. She could finally tell their research's success. She knew they would be happy for it. She did do it in their behalf.
At the same time, however, the same sadness she felt twenty months ago had returned and she didn't know why. She didn't felt like this on her last visit, and that was just five months ago.
"Are you alright?" Ruby asked, looking at her with concern building up in his eyes. He gave her hand a gentle squeeze, his thumb fidgeting around it.
He felt it.
It was the same aura she had twenty months ago, her first visit to her family's tombstones since their burial.
He swallowed hard. He must stay calm. He must stay strong for her. He needed to stay strong for her.
Sapphire took a deep breath, nodding gently. "I will be." She said, removing her clasp on his hand, and crouched down, her right knee meeting the moist soil.
Ruby watched her lit up three candles in front of her family's tombstones and stood up, closing her eyes. He approached her, standing beside her, his hand holding hers, intertwining their fingers together. He didn't say a word. He just stood there, making sure she wouldn't have another emotional breakdown. He hoped and prayed that she wouldn't. She had suffered enough. It was too much.
"It's been a while..." Sapphire started, opening her eyes. She felt Ruby's soft squeeze on her hand, telling her to continue. She returned the same gesture, giving him a small smile. She was not alone. She would never be alone.
Her family maybe gone, but they would live on through her and influence the choices that she would make.
After all, she had her friends.
She had Nana.
She had Ruby.
She knew they would never leave her. They didn't leave her in her worst times, and that was more than enough reassurance for her that they wouldn't.
"…Mom, Dad and Auntie…" She took a deep breath, letting the cool breeze gently blow her untied hair, letting it flow through it.
Ruby could only stare at her in awe as his mouth slowly hung open. A blush crept its way on his cheek at the sight. She looked so beautiful. Everything about her was beautiful, in fact. Her presence, her aura, her appearance, her personality... everything.
"I'm sorry I wasn't able to visit often, I... I was busy..." Sapphire looked down, her ambiguous gaze met the moist grass. She sighed, her lips curving into a small smile. "But that is not important... You see... I..."
"It's okay." Ruby gave her hand another soft squeeze as his other hand made its way on her left cheek, affectionately holding it. He smiled. "Tell them. I'm sure they would love to hear it."
Sapphire's smile widened as she gave him a nod. This was good news. They would love to hear it, just like Ruby said. "Do you remember that research, dad?" She asked, looking at her father's tombstone. Although there was no answer from it, she knew her dad heard her loud and clear. "After two and a half years, it was possible… it was a success. Moon and I could develop it further."
Ruby let out a soft chuckle, the smile on his lips didn't fade. His heart thumped wildly as a certain warm feeling spread throughout his chest. Sapphire's tone… Hearing it made him happy. It had been a while since he last heard her enthusiastic tone. A year ago, perhaps? But it didn't matter. She was finally returning to her old, optimistic self slowly yet surely. He wanted to hug her and tell how happy he was just by hearing it.
"It can destroy cancer cells, and one day we will make that medicine cure any types of cancer. I know this is what mom..." Sapphire felt a lump in her throat as her chest felt heavy. Tears started welling up in her eyes as she swallowed hard. The smile on her lips didn't fade. "...this is what you wanted, mom, and we're finally close to getting it. It could help any person who is suffering from cancer. It could help people... just like what you wanted to do... I wished it existed years ago, though. It could have helped you too."
"Sapphire," Ruby placed his free arm around her waist, catching her from falling on the ground. He took a glance at her knees and swallowed hard.
She was trembling, and he didn't know what else he could do besides supporting her and preventing her to fall.
"...but I know nothing could change if I just kept on saying that..." Sapphire placed her hand on Ruby's shoulder, gently squeezing it. Her gaze met his.
Ruby's eyes slowly widened in shock. His mouth hung open.
He didn't see any sadness and sorrow in it, but rather happiness. Her eyes contained nothing but pure happiness, and it was enough to ease his anxious heartbeat and stop his negative thoughts from spreading. "Sapphire..."
"Nothing could ever change the fact that it already happened." Her hands travelled on Ruby's chest, gripping the fabric of his shirt, letting her hands rest on it. Ruby continued to hold onto her, both of his arms were now placed around her waist. She sobbed and buried her face on his chest. "I..."
"It's alright." Ruby mumbled softly, pulling her closer for a warm embrace. "I won't leave you."
Sapphire sobbed louder. All she could fell was the warmth they shared, contrasting the crisp wind flowing past through them.
The cemetery's peaceful environment and Ruby's warm, protective embrace reminded her of home.
Home.
It was where she and her family resided, and the place where she grew up.
But it was not just a place composing of concrete and steel, but a place of such sweet, beautiful, long lasting memories she once had.
All of the memories she had shared with her family for the past twenty four years of her life were sincerely stored in her heart. The happy ones or the sad ones, they were all stored in her mind and in her heart.
She remembered every happy memory they had shared. Her birthdays, their small family gathering, her college graduation day… All of it. She remembered her father's jolly smile, her aunt's frantic applause and her even her mother's complex speeches. They were all a piece of the fragmented memories she had once lost and forgotten, but now found in an unexpected time.
It was grief that had been keeping her from treasuring those memories, and she wouldn't allow it to consume her any further.
After all, there was always so much more to live for. It may be hard to see it sometimes, but life could get better. It would be better. Maybe not now, not tomorrow, not next week, not next month or even next year, really, but one day, it would be.
It had to be.
Maybe in a time where a person least expected it to happen or life's planned time for it.
No one knew, but she was certain it could happen soon.
Sapphire let out a cough followed by a sob. She slowly removed herself from their hug, her eyes locking on her family's tombstones. She took a deep breath. She could do this. Ruby was with her. He would never leave her.
She sniffled, letting a tear fell from her eye as it traveled down to her face. "I know now. It's normal to cry and go to the point of giving up... maybe killing yourself or be very negative, perhaps, but those are a part of life. Life is weird. It does weird stuff. Sometimes we understand why, and sometimes we don't. It may take a short or a long while to know it completely, but still..." She took a deep breath, recalling everything that had happened in twenty months.
A series of memories clouded her mind.
She remembered every one of it—from the moment she had seen their lifeless bodies in the hospital beds up to the current one—all were flashing quickly in her head. "So many things had happened in twenty months... I was depressed, I learned the truth... I forgive someone... I... I experienced stuff... but once you put it all together… It all made a big picture."
The wind howled. The cold breeze was blowing her hair, drying her tears, making her hair and her maroon, long sleeved coat sway with the wind. It started to dance and to sway with it in such a rhythmic pattern.
"All of it... It all happened for a reason. Whether I liked it or not, it all happened for a reason. I took me a while to realize how important those events were. Maybe... Maybe that accident happened because... something worst may happen and I'm pretty sure I'll be more depressed if that worst thing happened... Maybe it happened because... that's how it was... It cannot be changed..." Her eyes started closing as tears fell from it. She felt her chest tightened, sobbing in the process, and let out a light cough.
"But I know one thing... you're may be gone in this world, but you... mom, dad and auntie... you will all live on through me... I may have understood mom's letter when I first read it, but I have to read it again and again to remind myself that there was still a reason to hold on to what was left... I know how hard it must be to write it since it was hard to do any task in mom's condition years ago. But..."
Ruby released a sigh, his lips curving into a small smile. He looked at her with passion and empathy building up in his eyes. He always advised her to read her mother's letter repeatedly. He knew she may have understood every detail when she first read it, but she needed to remind herself that her mother's letter existed in order to make her feel better and to make her realize that life still had a meaning. Sapphire reread the letter more than once and every time she was anxious or she was just simply feeling down, it often lifted up her spirits, making her feel better. And he was happy it did help her every time.
Her mother's letter existed just for Sapphire. It existed because her mother knew Sapphire would become a strong and a successful person one day, but sometimes needed some guidance whenever she felt a bit down.
Sapphire did suffer from her self-hatred and insecurities. Her mother's encouraging letter, his actions and his words would always be there to help her feel better. He would never stop helping her feel better.
Sapphire was just too beautiful, too amazing, too pure and too considerate for this world.
She was a rare kind of person this world needed.
And he needed her. He couldn't imagine his life without her.
Sapphire was his inspiration and his guide into this tragic life of his.
Sapphire was one of the reasons, the number one from his list, actually, as to why he was still living, still holding on to what was left in his life.
He was eternally grateful that she was still alive and well. Living, breathing and almost free from her grief. He couldn't wait to see her beautiful, happy and compassionate smile again. It may not be now, but he would see it again soon.
"Thank you, mom... dad... and auntie… Thank you so much for taking care of me despite that... I'm not good enough. Thank you for always being there for me, for guiding me, for making me feel better... for everything... thank you... I wouldn't be where I am now if it weren't for you... for my friends..." Sapphire bit her lip, swallowing hard. She felt her heart beat in a comfortable pace as the shallowness in her heart was slowly filling up, bit by bit. She sighed, her warm breath mixing with the cool breeze. "...for Ruby..." She muttered, her angelic voice echoed through Ruby's ears, through his mind and into his heart, making it beat in a comfortable, fast pace.
All he could think of was the times he had helped her.
There were only a few, but he didn't know it could have this much effect on her.
He was happy, nonetheless. It gave him the sudden urge to help her further, giving her every good thing she deserved.
"You were always there for me in spite of my stubbornness. I am thankful that you've been with me i-in this journey despite the time we've spent..." Sapphire opened her eyes, looking into the sky, her lips curving into a smile. Tears continued to trail down on her face. "I decided... I will continue living despite the negativity ahead... I will do it… for the people who cared about me. I'll do it for you, mom. I'll do it for dad... for auntie... for my friends... for Nana... for..." She jerked her head to her left, her smile widened into a small grin, revealing her cute fangs. Ruby's heart skipped a beat at that.
That smile.
He remembered it.
Wait, no.
He knew it. He felt it.
That was the smile she always wore before her depression started taking over her. Could it be...? He held his breath.
It had to be.
"For you, Ruby. I know what I have to do. Although I may be scared, but... I know I can get through it. I have you. I have my family and my friends, after all. I couldn't let all your efforts go to waste."
Ruby felt his chest tightened. He took a deep breath as heat crept into his cheeks.
She may not have said it, but he knew. He could tell it. He could feel it. He could see it.
She was finally free from her grief.
And the final stage that she did was to accept that everything that had happened—from her mother's death, the accidents on the road, their tragic, childhood past, the bitter truth and her family's death... everything—it all happened for a reason. It may still be vague, but he knew she would be able to understand it completely.
After all, Sapphire was the smartest person he had ever meet. She would be able to know and understand it completely one day, or maybe soon, perhaps. Because that was what Sapphire is—a strong, independent, wild, smart, kind, beautiful and a perfect human being that this world needed.
She could conquer any struggles that life would throw at her.
And her grief was one of them.
He was happy that she did.
After twenty months of waiting, helping, hoping and reassuring her that everything would be alright, she had finally conquered her grief. She found the missing, lost fragments in her heart and put it all back together to make it a whole. She found out on how to completely fill the shallowness left in her heart.
She did it, and he was proud of her.
Ruby let out a sigh. The smile on his lips didn't fade. He sniffled, feeling the tears welled up in his eyes, and not a moment later, it all fell in an unbroken stream.
He was happy for her. He knew these tears were from the happiness that had been piled up in his heart the moment she had given him that warm, optimistic smile.
"Ruby, are you...?" Sapphire's smile faded, her hand grabbed his hand, giving it a soft squeeze. She didn't know why he was crying, and she could only hope those tears were not sad ones. "Are you alright?"
"I... I'm happy, Sapphire." Ruby returned the same gesture and gently squeezed her hand. He rested his forehead on hers, tears continue to stream down on his face. His response was enough to bring her positive, warm smile back.
Despite the increasing heat from their cheeks and their matching long sleeved shirts, they were able to feel the perfect temperature, the perfect weather around them. It was not too hot. It was not too cold. It was the perfect weather building up between them. "I'm so happy for you. You did it. I knew you could."
"I..."
Sapphire's heart skipped a bit when she felt his arms around her, pulling her closer to him for a hug. She felt his heartbeat as hers became synchronized with it, following the same rhythm. The cool breeze ran past through them, making their hairs sway with it along with the fallen leaves from the trees. She found her arms traveled on his back, wrapping it, and pulled him closer as she savored this comfortable feeling with him. She took a deep breath.
Ruby was right.
She didn't realize it until he said it.
She no longer felt something that was missing in her heart. All she felt was the happiness, contentment and determination in it. She didn't know that accepting her parents and her aunt were gone in this world, though they were living on through her, was the missing piece—the missing task left to do for the shallowness in her heart to be filled.
She didn't know, but she was happy that he pointed it out.
She had finally conquered her grief.
She was back to her old, optimistic self.
And it was all thanks to her mother's letter, to her friends' support and especially Ruby's.
They helped her get through this rough road of grief. If it weren't for them, then she would have probably killed herself or isolate herself from this intense depression.
But thank goodness they never gave up on her, especially Ruby.
The saying was true.
The struggles of never giving up on the people you loved, the people who mattered to you, could be tough but it would always be worth it in the end. It just needed time. One must be patient, kind and understanding to get through it. It was quite ironic that she had forgotten about it. Years ago, she did the same to Ruby in his depressive days, and it was worth it. She knew Ruby was able to return to his old, passionate self because she felt it in his aura.
Nonetheless, she was happy that her friends and Ruby didn't give up on her.
If they had given up on her, bad stuff could happen. She might isolate herself from them or worst. She might kill herself from this intense grief and depression. She could disappoint her family if she would ever commit those acts and make them devastated.
"I swear, I will always be with you despite that you're finally free from your grief." Ruby took a deep breath, sighing contentedly. "We could do a lot of stuff together." He continued, letting go of their hug. He let out a soft chuckle at her cute reaction. Her surprised gaze were still fixed on his passionate ones, wondering what were the possible stuff they could together. "We could save up then live in a fancy condominium and travel around the world... together. There are so many possibilities."
His words made Sapphire release a soft chuckle that was music in his ears, making his heart skip a beat. He was so... so passionate. He always knew on how to make his words and his actions meaningful despite its simplicity. It was one of the great qualities that she learned to love and to admire about him, honestly. She felt her cheeks heat up on that.
Love...?
Honestly, despite that she was finally free from her grief and had time to think about it, she still wasn't certain if that love she felt for him was the same love he felt for her.
Did she love him more than a friend too?
Did the love she feels for him was the same sincere, selfless and romantic love he feels for her?
There were so many possibilities. She didn't know which one of it specifically described her feelings for him, and those alone could develop as time passed by, just like his own feelings for her.
She swallowed hard, biting her lip. She shouldn't think about it for now. There was still plenty of time, after all. She had the rest of her life to figure that out.
"I know your parents are happy for you. They're probably crying happily from it." Ruby tucked a loose hair behind her left ear, unaware that she fell in a trance. His right hand made its way to right cup her cheek, affectionately stroking it.
Sapphire placed her right hand on his, giving it a soft squeeze. Her eyes wore nothing but her sincere gratitude for him. Words could not perfectly describe how much she owed him for never giving up on her.
"They're out there… They're happy and giving you a hug as I speak." Ruby continued, planting a soft kiss on her forehead. "I just know it."
Sapphire nodded. She jerked her head to her left, looking at her family's tombstones. Her eyes widened in shock, her jaw slowly dropping, as tears continue to flow down her eyes.
It couldn't be.
She was seeing stuff, right?
She knew she was, but she was still having a hard time processing it.
What she just saw earlier was her mother, her father, and her aunt.
She was relieved to see that they looked alright. They didn't have the physical wounds they had suffered on when they passed away. They just stood beside their respective tombstones, all were smiling happily to her, as tears slowly formed into their eyes. She blinked her eyes, checking if what she was seeing were real.
They were gone, but it all felt real—their presences, their smile, and their tears. It felt real.
She was still having a hard time believing what she just saw, but it felt great to see her family one, last time. She didn't know why they appeared to her twenty months since her depressive days, but she didn't care. What mattered most was they had seen her. They had heard her. And that was enough for her to cry happily.
"Hey, it's alright." Ruby used his thumb to remove the tears from her eyes, his lips still curved into a contented smile. "I'm here."
"I..." Sapphire let out a sob, her lips curving into her signature fanged smile. "...I saw them... Mom, dad... and auntie. I... I saw them."
Ruby's eyes widened in shock, fixing his gaze at the tombstone, and saw none. He didn't see her family, but it was weird he felt their presences just by looking at the tombstones. Nonetheless, he knew they were there to make Sapphire feel better. Judging by her smile and the happy tears streaming down from her cute and beautiful face, he knew they appeared to her. He felt her happiness increased and it was enough to make him twice as happy as well.
"I don't know if it was real, but... I saw them... I felt their presences..."
"They're happy for you." Ruby stated, passion forming into his eyes and consuming his gestures. "I just know it."
A smile plastered across Sapphire's lips. She closed her eyes and nodded, feeling her family's presences with the wind howling past them. "I missed them." She said, opening her eyes. "But I know they're in a better place."
"And in that place... I know they will be guiding you and protecting you at every step of the way." Ruby fidgeted his thumb around her cheek, making her look at him. Their eyes met as both were now lost in each other's affectionate gaze. No words were needed to say, to exchange or to elaborate. They knew they finally did it.
Sapphire smiled, her cute fangs poking out from her top lip. Despite how hard it would be to live without her family, she knew she could get through it. She had filled the void. She had found her reasons why she must continue living and holding onto life.
With her friends, especially Ruby, at her side, she knew she could continue this path she took.
It would take guts, determination and optimism, but she knew she could do it. Her grief did not destroy her, but it remade her into a stronger person.
And she owed it all to her friends and Ruby.
"I'm so happy for you, Sapphire. I always knew you could do it. Everything... was absolutely worth it, and... I'll continue to never give up on you. I swear to that oath."
The crisp breeze howled again, contrasting the growing heat forming between them. Ruby took a deep breath as he slowly closed the gap between them, capturing her soft lips into a passionately chaste kiss. Sapphire closed her eyes along with his, savoring, enjoying and feeling his soft, warm lips pressed against hers, and returned the kiss with the same passion and enthusiasm. She felt his lips curved into a smile through their kiss as she pulled him closer, deepening it. She took a deep breath.
As long as she remembered her family, as long as she remembered and recalled her reasons why she was holding on, she would continue living into this new life that was given to her.
And she knew Ruby and her friends would be there with her at every step of the way.
After all, there would always be so much more to live as Ruby stated earlier. It may be hard to see it sometimes, but life would get better. She believed it would get better.
Today would be a brand new life for her. Although she didn't know how she would deal with it, but she was ready to embrace it despite the consequences.
My cousin tweeted this: "Love is always better than hate… Our grief will not destroy us but remake us" BishManchester #Manchester #WeAreManchester. It was quite inspirational to write that part, especially with all the tragedies going on in this world.
Next chapter will either be in the last week of March or in April.
