I do not own the rights to these characters.
Title: Dark Prince
Summary: Alice watches him. He admits his feelings, but soon disappears. She's not only heartbroken, but confused because her prince might have left her for the dark. Complete.
A man stands, alone, staring out admiring the horizon that his eyes stare upon. His stature was tall as he exuded a confidence I never had. His jawline was strong. His eyes were fierce. He reminded me of a prince: elegant, admirable, formidable, untouchable. Most days he stood there thinking about his mother. His mother was not dead, but she wasn't alive either, at least not in his eyes. She was in a coma. She had been for about 3 months now and ever since the quiet had not spoken one word to anyone. He'd only stand there, in that same spot, quietly, watching the rising or setting sun. I knew this because I watched him. I loved watching him; he was someone I admired, adored, and I loved him. I've watched him, every day.
When the sun began to set, he would sit. Near the cliff's edge, there was a tall oak tree. At this tree, he would sit and lean his head back, close his eyes. Once he felt the sun's radiance disappear, he would open his eyes and watch the stars twinkle. I think he was waiting on a shooting star, so he could make a wish for his mother's return. He would do this every day, every time. Eventually, I would get tired and have to leave him. He eventually would come in for breakfast and was gone for the rest of the day. I assisted his mother with some her daily task, since her health had declined. I moved in with his family almost a year ago. She is currently in the hospital, but my assistance was no longer need. His grandfather asked me to keep an eye on him.
I watch because we didn't want him to do something stupid.
The next morning, I walked downstairs, rubbing the sleep from my eyes. He was already at the table, eating. I greeted him as I always did. He gave me a nod and kept on eating his cereal. Sometimes I just wished he would notice my existence, speak to me. I just wanted to know how he was feeling. I know I cannot help the situation. I know I cannot realistic change the outcome of his mother's health, but he should not shut the rest of the world out, at least not…me.
When he finished his breakfast, he left as he usually did.
"Go, I'll take care of it," his grandfather said as I started to gather the dishes left on the table.
I did just that and started my way towards the cliff. It was about a 3 mile walk from the cottage to his usual spot. I'd take my time because the scenery was so breathtaking: the greenery, the wildlife, the air.
She had finally reached the spot. She squatted behind the rock watching him, as she always did.
"You know you don't have to hide? Why don't you come and watch with me?" he said politely
I blinked, repeatedly, dumbfounded. I looked left. I looked right, crouched behind the rock. There was no one else in sight. Now he is talking to himself?
"Alice?" he questioned turning his head towards the rock where I squatted.
Oh, he is talking to me. I stood and stared at him. He was looking at me with a rare small smile on his face. He was beautiful.
"Come," he said patting the spot where he wanted me to sit. He gently helped me sit on the edge of the cliff.
We sat in silence as I didn't know what to say. This was such a surprise. I knew he was smart, but was I really that obvious? When did he notice?
"Isn't it beautiful?" he asked.
"Are you talking to me?" I asked still in shock
He laughed and smiled at me, "Yes, I am," he said moving a strand of hair from in front of my face. I blushed. I had never been this close to him before.
"Why have you've been watching me?" he asked simply, no anger in his voice, a genuine question. He looked back out to the horizon. The nice ocean breeze felt good on my face. I closed my eyes, taking a deep breath in. Watching him all this time, I never really appreciated what he was looking at.
"I like watching you," I said honestly, there was no purpose of hiding it. He probably knew anyway, besides who knows the next time he will open up and speak again, let alone to me. I had started to fall for him. I don't know why I'd fall for someone who doesn't even pay me any mind, but I can't control who my heart wants me to be with, no matter how much he notices me.
"Really? Why?"
"Because you are interesting," I said shrugging. I am sure he knows how amazing he is: the way he walks, how his hair flows in the wind, the way his skin shines when the sun touches his face.
"I'm interesting, huh?" He said with a small chuckle
"H-How long d-did you know I was w-watching you?" I stuttered
"Since the first day you started, Alice. I figured you wanted to keep an eye on me so I never mentioned it. It felt nice to know someone took time out to check on me," he said smiling, looking out into the distance. I have not seen him smile so much since his mother has been in a coma.
I didn't speak and the silence became comfortable. I felt comfort in his presence. My body felt compelled to move closer to him and I did not know why. I am mean I did know why, but I felt him moving closer as well. Weird, right?
"Thank you," he said, placing his hand on top of mine
"For what?" I asked, blushing
"For being there—here, being a good friend. You've been keeping an eye on me because you were trying to make sure I didn't jump. That was reasonable and I accept it. But regardless of the situation, I still have some things," he paused, turned towards me, His face was so close to mine. I am sure I was the color of a tomato. My face was so hot. He began again, "People I need to live for." I could feel his breathe on my face, as he inched closer. His lips gently touched mine. My heart was pounding out of my chest. I felt like I would pass out at any moment. My face went from bright red, to sheer white. To him, I must have looked petrified and I was. I thought today would go like all other days. He the center of my attention and me not so much the center of his, but in a surprising turn of events; he sees me.
"Sorry," he quickly utters, shooting up from his seated position. He swiftly starts walking away
"Wait!" I yell, hurrying after him.
He stopped. Still. He did not turn towards me. His fists were clenched.
"Please come back," I pleaded.
He turned around and looked at me, releasing his fist. He exhaled a breath I did not realize he was holding. I was still running trying to catch up with him. Gosh, he was fast.
"Please don't go," I said breathing heavy.
His head turned away from me.
"This shouldn't have happened. I don't know what came over me," he said ashamed.
"Your emotions, maybe," I whispered.
I did not know the reason for the strange behavior, but he kissed me. Why though? He seemed to regret it tremendously. I think seeing that hurt more than seeing his sadness over his mother. The kiss meant so much to me and I guess to him as well. The emotions attached seemed to be different, however. My face saddens with the realization that maybe for once I should have just stayed back at the cottage.
"No, I'm sorry. I didn't mean it like that,"
My eyes started to water. What did the kiss mean? How could you mean to kiss someone any other way?
He walked closer to me.
"I'm sorry, don't take it like that," he said embracing me in a hug. I felt warm in his arms. His words were genuine,
"I just…I've been so alone and you are…have been a good person to me. I guess my emotions were in the way and I wasn't thinking straight or I was and I just want to pressure…" he stammered off, turning his head from me.
"Shun, the truth?" I questioned
"'Please, Alice don't make me do this," he said walking pass me, head in his hands.
I grabbed his arm. I tugged gently. He looked at me, an emotion I had not seen before was in his eyes. I was desperate and communicated the only way I knew how in that moment. I pulled him in and pressed my lips against his. I was surprised when he kissed me back. This was different than the first kiss: more aggressive, more passionate, more desperate.
"Tell me," I said, gently, slightly out of breath. I had to know what he was thinking.
"I guess I would say I kind of…sort of…have a crush on you. Impossible, right?" I mean he took the words right out of my mouth. "You've been living with us for over a year now and I've just grown a bond with you. I enjoyed having you around. Your presence added something I felt I had been missing. I was going to tell you sooner, ask you out actually, but my mother got sick and other things have been on my mind. I just did not know if you saw me the same way I saw you. I just did not want to be disappointed in more than aspect of my life. I know my mother would want me to. She would always tease me about it; me liking you," he smiled recalling the memory.
Then his phone started to ring. He answered it and he was gone.
I only wished I knew where he was.
I had moved from the cottage where he used to live. He had been gone for 2 months now and I couldn't stand walking around where I knew he wouldn't be. I had visited the cliff one last time before I had moved to see if he was there and there was no sign of him.
Today, I was going to the cliff and reflect like Shun would do.
When I got there, I could only think about the time we had spent together the last time, and what could have been. I couldn't contain my tears; they just started to fall uncontrollably.
"Why did you leave me? I miss you so much," I whispered in between sobs.
I felt a hand touch my shoulder. My head lifted from my hands.
"I've been watching you. I never left you," the familiar voice spoke.
"Shun?" I questioned turning my head
My eyes widen at the fact my assumption was correct. I could feel my body start to shake. I jumped up, hugging him, almost knocking him to the ground. I felt so much relief seeing him, touching him. I had to make sure this was real.
"Why'd you leave?"
"I had to do something," I looked at him, confusion on my face
"I had to say goodbye," he said sadly. I'd knew, automatically, what or rather whom he was talking about.
"I'm sorry," I whispered softly
"Don't be. My mother is in a better place now. She told me no matter what don't give up on what you know is right and protect anything that is worth fighting for." He said walking closer.
"You are definitely someone I need to protect and someone worth fighting for," he said kissing me, passionately.
All criticism is welcomed.