I want to stay here.

Something in my body language must have betrayed me because Loid kept giving me slightly concerned looks from the corner of his eye as we approached the wing. I, for my part, had this sudden gnawing pain in the middle of my stomach. You know that feeling when your legs go numb and it's hard to move your feet? That's also what I was experiencing at present. Despite all that training and rehearsing we did, my physical body was starting to give way under the pressure. It all started when those creeps glared down at me from their ivory tower. Seriously, screw them! I didn't need their harsh stares or judgements. Still, I kept all of this bottled up inside, anxious that no one should know except myself- especially Loid.

But that didn't matter now. My legs were visibly trembling, my entire face was pale, and I honestly looked sick; like that nausea-kind of sick. For a spilt second, I worried that I might vomit all over the floor, it was that bad.

Or it was until Loid released my arm. We had just pasted by a small opening in one of the walls. While I was doing my best not to throw up or faint, Loid scanned around for anyone watching. When he was sure the coast was clear, he grabbed hold of my hand, making me flinch in surprise. Once my hand was securely in his, he brought me into the opening after taking one last check for bystanders. I was stunned by this and blushing now on account of close we were standing together. My husband's chest was almost touching mine; he's never stood this near to me before…..

My lips sputtered as he proceeded to place both hands firmly on my shoulders. His expression was worried but also genuine….. Heart-meltingly sincere. "Breathe; breathe, Mrs. Forger. It's ok; I'm right here. It'll be ok, I promise. I'm here; I've got you. I've got you," he's never spoken to me with such a soft, reassuring tone before. My eyes grew in pure, profound shock as I stood there speechless. No, it's more than that….. That's a tone I've never heard before because…. because it was full of love, of emotion. Positive emotion. No one's ever spoken to me that way who wasn't a relative. It was exotic, hypnotizing….

And just like, this title wave of ecstasy washed over me. I suddenly remembered why we were here in the first place, the sole reason we got married. And yet… I also got the distinct impression that Loid wouldn't regret our union if we didn't get admitted to the Garden of Eden club. It was life-changing, I was beginning to realize….. Life-altering for both of us, in the best way possible.

The completely natural smile blossomed across my lips as a single tear rolled down my right cheek. "Yes…. Yes, I know," was all I said. Loid stared deep into my eyes for a moment, gently lifting his gloved hand to wipe the tear away with his thumb. Then he shut his eyes and leaned forward to press his forehead mine. I closed my eyes too, absorbing the essence that was this perfect, perfect man. My lips parted a sliver. I love him….. That was the very first time that thought manifested into a whole sentence in my brain. I've grown to love him so much.

Loid too exhaled so passionately, letting his mouth open a little. His hand reached around to rub the back of my hair, stroking it repeatedly with his fingers. "Don't worry. I'm here, Mrs. Forger… I'm here by your side." "Please stay there, at my side…. Where you belong," I added, if feeling natural to do so. He breathed again, taking a moment to nod his head while still keeping his forehead attached to mine. "Where I'm meant be," he sighed, and I smiled. "Loid…"

We exited the little opening after my husband made sure the coast was clear again. He looked back at me, still holding onto my hand. "Alright, you go out first." I did as instructed and left the inlet, followed by my husband. I didn't notice him eying the back of my head for a second before stopping me by the hand. My feet were forced to softly pause as I gazed ponderingly back at Loid. "Loid?" His eyes locked onto mine once more. He wasn't smiling, but wore just an honest expression that it nearly stopped my heart- again.

"When this is all over, spend some time with me, Mrs. Forger." "Huh? But we spend lots of time together. We live together in the same apartment." He shook his head, taking a few steps my way and keeping hold of my hand. "That's not what I meant. We never dated before we got married; we jumped straight into married life without any courtship beforehand." My eyes widened again in alarm and delight. "W-Wait…. Do you mean….? Are you… asking me out on a date?"

Loid chuckled, letting his head lower a tad. He took another notable step towards where I was standing, giving my hand a tender squeeze. "Sure, we can call it a "date" if you want. I'm willing to do anything….. so long as we do it together," he said and I smiled so sincerely. Yes; yes, I do….. I love this man. I really, really do. My lips parted. "Then take me out on a date…. Let's go on a date this weekend." And he chuckled once more, lowering his gorgeous eyes on me. "Heh, maybe it's a good thing we got married before courtship.

Now I have the rare privilege of courting my wife."