He is attracted to her. She is sure of it! It is written all over his energy signature. It seems it is his first time to experience this; such profound and intense emotions can never be simply fatal attraction; a yearning from his soul. He is frightened and excited at the same time. He is unsure how to react about it. Should he embrace it or deny it? He is still clearly undecided with his silly reflexes and reaction. He does seem cute being utterly helpless in a childish way! Amethyst softly giggled at her thoughts.
Night has befallen. A blazing fire illuminated the camp site of two souls sharing intimate meal.
"So much for 'fantastic aroma'?"
Silence. She is still deep in her thoughts. Falling on deaf ears, Valiant attempted something bolder.
"Should I be jealous? Indulging in your own world like that." He rubbed a non-existent food stain on her face, as an excuse. He flashed his most captivating smile, eyes burning with confidence yet total composure.
Jealous! Did she hear him right?
"So you have finally recovered your old charming self."
"You mean arrogant, cocky or boorish?"
"All of the above!"
"Ouch!"
"You started it."
"Be thankful, I spared you from an unnecessary mock dance."
"Honesty" Amethyst nodded. "What did I do to deserve this special treatment."
"The precious kiss! Now, if only I yielded, I would not in so much remore and predicament" He further teased.
"You had your chance, my dear."
"Ah, but another one would soon follow." He winked at her.
"Would you be man enough by then?"
"Well aimed, my lady. Changing the topic, I've noticed you seem to be have barely touched your dinner. Is there something wrong?"
"No, it's very good. Thank you. I eat meat though not much otherwise, it weakens me. It ruins my attunement with nature and my people in general. I prefer fruits and vegetables more. Sea foods to some extent." She passed a bag full of fruits. "Have some."
"Thank you. Biting a juicy green apple, he declared, "Tomorrow, fish we shall be served!"
"So Amethyst, tell me something about yourself. What are your likes and dislikes?"
"I love to create things, whether sculpting or painting. Even music. It all expresses my thoughts and emotions in a pure and direct way. Well, everyone does. But the secret on being the best is capturing every intricacy of every thought and emotion then, letting it completely go. Love. Anger. Joy. Sadness. It is all the same. A natural human reaction that comes and goes in its own time...I also love to swim, to be immersed in water, as you have witnessed, and play with my dolphin and whale friends."
"In a sense, I can relate to you. Music has always been my outlet for pent up emotions. Things I could never express otherwise..."
"Yes, music is the language of the soul. No matter what dialect you speak or what walk of life you came from, you receive the wielders' message in its raw form. Beyond distortion, beyond estimation. Just as emotions are the universal building blocks of human experience."
"Spoken like a true Sailor Neptune!" he nodded his head. She was taken aback by his comment; does he know her true identity!
He added, "When I was child, there was this animation set in the future, when the Silver Alliance ceased to be. All the sailor senshi reincarnated and lived on Earth. There was this beautiful lass, Sailor Neptune, that I was strongly infatuated with. She plays a musical instrument called violin, and very talented indeed with the ways of the arts. Recalling those memories makes loss all sense of dignity!" He chuckled.
Continuing his monologue, "My father has always told me I would be quite a promising diplomat, with my coaxing skills and charming ways. Yet, it was a boring profession. I need adrenaline rush, something that would compel me to outdo myself, to reach my limits and transcend it. Anything that involves speed, whether automobile racing, aviation or simply running, interest me. I want to explore new world. I want to be free, even in the briefest moment. Free from everyone and everything, not really as a separate entity, but of the same essence with all yet of different form."
Just as he was about to continue, he noticed Amethyst's attempt to conceal her yawn.
"Am I boring you?"
"I am just tired. It has been a long day. Can we please retire and rest?"
"Alright. Your wish is my command."
Both settled in their separate respective coal beds.
"My lady, I apologize for the temporary inconvenience. Bear with the improvised coal beds for tonight, it will keep us warm for the night. Tomorrow, better can be expected."
"Good night, Valiant"
"Good night, Amethyst."
After a few toss and turning, he decided to rise. She was already sounding asleep. He carefully approached her, and observed her peaceful sleeping form in awe. He radiates all his repressed love. He brushed his hand on her hair. "God, you're so beautiful..."
I choose to love you in my silence for in my silence, I find no rejection.
I choose to adore you in my loneliness for in my loneliness, no one owns you but I.
I choose to admire you from a distance because the distance shields us both from pain.
I choose to imprison you in my thoughts for in my thoughts, I give you freedom.
I choose to kiss you in the wind for the wind is gentler than my lips.
And I choose to touch you in my dreams for in my dreams there is no end...
He kissed her on the head, "Sweet dreams, my angel!"
Author's note: Yes, it's ultimate secret admirer anonymous poem! Anyway, their pseudo names will be exclusively utilized as reference to avoid confusion from this point forward. That is, while they are still in the wilderness and have not resumed their normal lives.