I'M NOT DEAD! :D Quick cheesy disclaimer, and onto the chapter!
DISCLAIMER TIME:
BE: So, Marta, would you like to do the disclaimer?
Marta: As long as Tenebrae isn't around, sure.
BE: Well, I wouldn't know, I can't really see-
Tenebrae: BLACK_EYES7 DOES NOT OWN TOS 2. THAT'S NAMCO PROPERTY. DON'T EVEN THINK FOR A SECOND SHE OWNS IT.
Marta: TENEBRAE!
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Words stuck in my throat, and my limbs refused to move. Heck, I could barely form coherent thoughts let alone decide what to do. I simply stared into those beautiful emerald orbs, trying to process what I saw. Emil smiled and scratched the back of his head awkwardly, and in that moment, I knew he was my Emil. Living, breathing, smiling, and still as clueless and shy as ever. We simply stared at each other for what felt like an eternity.
"It can't be..."I choked out, my eyes filling with tears involuntarily. My heart swelled with happiness before I began sprinting straight for him.
"Emil!" I cried, flinging myself into his open arms, tears streaming down my cheeks as he caught me and held me tight. I buried my face in his messy mop of blonde hair, trembling as each sob racked my petite body. Emil finally set me down, and sapphire met emerald. I could see his eyes sparkling with unshed tears. Too many thoughts raced through my head, and I couldn't pick one out. Luckily, Emil took charge.
"I'm so sorry Marta...I didn't want to leave you...I promise that I'll...I'll..." his voice was choked up, and I could tell he thought he had made a mistake in separating us. While one part of me wanted to interrogate him on how in the world he did get back since he was supposed to be guarding the door, the more prominent part was just happy he could be here standing before me. I could hear my own heartbeat racing inside my rib cage, creating a thudding rhythm that I'm sure even he could hear. I pushed the questions to the back of mind as I lost myself in his stunning mint eyes. They sparkled with such passion and rawness, the very things I once dreamt a man would someday show when he looked at me.
"Marta..." he muttered, and I was afraid he would break the moment because of his disapproval of public displays of affection. To my surprise, he leaned in, and his soft lips brushed mine. I was amazed he initiated this; it was a bold move coming from Emil. Sparks shot through my body as I felt his lips move against mine, and I felt my form shiver with delight involuntarily. I swear, I could've just melted into a puddle right then. His lips were so gentle and warm, I never wanted it to end. My arms hung lazily around his neck as I kissed him back, but it was a short and chaste peck before he pulled back.
"Not here, Marta..." he muttered. Well, I was waiting for that anyways. Still, that didn't mean I was exactly eager to have this end. However, Emil was full of surprises today, and he scooped me up bridal style. I felt my face flush at his innocent act of love; he was just too cute. I felt people staring at us, and I could hear their hushed whispers. My lips stretched into a small smile of satisfaction.
"Look at that gentleman. That's how all men should treat their ladies."
"Young love is so beautiful."
"That's so adorable. I want to have a husband who does that for me."
I leaned back into his chest, feeling his warmth through the shirt fabric. Where he was carrying me, I didn't care, I just wanted to sit here and enjoy the moment. I was drinking in as much of him as I could, because I still felt like he could disappear any second. I already had to walk away from him once, I really didn't want to be separated again. This boy, who had once been my made-up fantasy prince, had somehow wormed his way into my heart that made him...so much more. He wasn't just my knight in shining armor anymore; he was my reason for living. He had been my partner, my protector, my confidence, my friend, my everything. I didn't truly realize how much significance he had until he had gone, and I suppose that's where the saying "You never know what you have until it's gone" comes from. I didn't. I really didn't.
"Emil," I mumbled into his chest, closing my eyes and breathing in his rich scent. I felt him kiss my hair, and I tuned out the world. Soon, we mounted a rheiard, and I wrapped my arms around his stomach while he piloted. However, blame my lack of sleep last night, I felt myself nodding off in the middle of the flight. Every time I would jerk back awake, just so I didn't fall off. Emil seemed to take notice, and he placed one of his hands over mine.
"I won't let you fall," he promised. I smiled, and leaned on his back before dozing off.
Yes, I know. Sleeping standing up. Like a horse. Lovely.
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"Marta..." a gentle voice cooed, rousing me from sleep. "Wake up." My sleepy mind recognized Emil's voice instantly, and I raised a hand to rub the sleep from my eyes.
"Where are we?" I mumbled, blinking my eyes to adjust to the bright sunlight. I recognized the amusement park rides and resorts as the words left my mouth.
"Altamira," Emil confirmed. I didn't understand why we were here, but for once I bit my tongue instead of succumbing to curiosity. Emil grabbed my hand, entwining our fingers together. I didn't know where his confidence was coming from, but I loved it. He tugged me along to the Altamira hotel, where he smoothly checked in and handed the receptionist a hefty sum of gald. I saw him lean forward and whisper something to her at an inaudible level. The woman glanced at me, smiled, and nodded. I was pretty sure if I didn't get some answers soon I would explode from curiosity. Emil led me onto the elevator, which was nearly as elegant as the rest of the building. The Altamira hotel was a resort, full of extravagant statues and carvings and real gold accents. Finally, the elevator stopped at our floor, and Emil opened the door to our suite to allow me to pass through first. Just like a real gentleman. I giggled at his politeness before walking into the room. The first thing that hit me was this room was enormous. A huge glass chandelier hung down in the center of the room, and I could see a king sized bed on a raised platform towards the far wall. There was a mahogany table to my right, with candles and flowers set for an elegant evening dinner. I was absolutely speechless.
"Emil...what...why...?" I struggled to find words. Emil chuckled lightly.
"We'll be staying here the next few days. Also...I've...ah...planned a date for us tonight, so we'll have to get showered and everything now..." Emil said hesitantly, indirectly checking with me to see if it was okay. I let out a girlish squeal of delight.
"Emil! A date? That is so romantic!" I cried happily, catching him off guard and nearly knocking him over with my flying hug.
Unfortunately, I was so overjoyed at not only having Emil back but all this going on around me, I completely forgot about all my questions. Was this his plan all along? No...Emil would never hide from me...would he? Such a tiny pinprick thought was shoved to the corner of my mind as I walked inside our suite.
"For dinner, where we will be going is a surprise, but it will be nice. I have your dress here, and you can take the bathroom on the right. I'll use the leftmost bathroom," Emil told me. A mischievous spark flared to life inside of me as I grinned innocently back at Emil.
"Maybe...you'd like to join me?" I asked. I watched in a moment of victory as his face went from calm and collected to red and embarrassed in a matter of seconds.
"I-I-I...join...y-you...i-in...?!" Emil failed to get his message across before bolting for the bathroom. I giggled to myself. Someday. Just not today.
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As I finished my shower and dried myself off, I realized I needed my new dress from out in the main room. So, without even thinking, I wrapped myself in a towel and strode out of the bathroom. Of course, as the goddess would have it, I came face to face with Emil's naked backside.
"Oh Martel!" I cried, squeezing my eyes shut. I heard Emil yell in surprise, and a couple crashes as he was probably trying to find something to cover himself.
"Marta!" he screamed, probably blushing a near purple color now. However, my own was one to match.
"I'm so sorry! I wasn't thinking! I didn't mean to!" I promised, squeezing my eyes shut tighter and holding my towel up with one hand while raising the other in surrender. I felt a box being roughly shoved into my free hand, and I used my elbows to blindly open the door behind me. Yeah, I have skills. I set the box down on the bathroom counter and closed the door before finally opened my eyes. My face was still burning intensely. I can't believe I just saw Emil naked. However, was that really that bad of an experience...?
Yes. Yes it was. I slipped on my undergarments and carefully pulled the dress out of the box. It was a beautiful garment, clearly the work of a master. It looked flawless as I slid it on. The glistening salmon pink silk contrasted perfectly with the hues of my ivory skin and bright blue eyes. It had an off-the-shoulder neckline that accentated my collarbones and bony shoulders, and the rest of the dress hugged my torso perfecty before relaxing into a looser skirt that swished around my ankes, giving me the illusion of a better figure. I absolutely loved the sleeves, which weren't even really sleeves at all. They had small pieces of fabric that wrapped around upper arm, but dangling from it were strands of pearls that connected from one side to the other, forming "U" shaped drapes. I could feel a slight breeze blow across the open back, but it felt good in the warm Altamira weather. The shoes were a little difficult to walk in, as they were high heels, but they weren't too high. I looked and felt absolutely beautiful. As I exited the bathroom, my hair was draped elegantly over my shoulder, and I had only put in one of the flower clips on the opposite side. I spotted Emil, who was waiting patiently on the couch with his back to me. As he turned around, his mouth formed a perfect "O" of shock.
"Y-you look...beautiful," he finally said. For once in my life, I found myself blushing under his attentive gaze. I wasn't used to compliments, and when he said them the simple words send chills up my spine. Emil finally stood up, and he looked very adorable in his dark suit. It was a dark navy color with gold accents, much like his Knight of Ratatosk attire.
"Emil, you look so handsome!" I gushed, striding over to him. His face flushed as he pulled me in for a hug. He smelled of chocolate, and have I ever told you how much I LOVE chocolate? My heart thudded excitedly inside my chest as Emil pulled away and took my hand.
"Time to go," he told me, his phosphorescent green eyes shining with adoration.
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"E-Emil...is this really...did you...?" I struggled to find words. We were standing on the very bridge that we had shared our first kiss at just a few nights ago. It seemed like ages. There was a table for two right at the peak where the moonlight casted a romantic glow.
"Do you like it?" Emil muttered gently into my ear. I was unable to tear my eyes away from it.
"This is perfect Emil...thank you," I said, getting choked up. He had done so much to make tonight perfect...
For some reason, even at this point in time, I still couldn't believe Emil was here. It was like my brain refused to process something so unbelievably amazing. Emil is alive, Emil is alive, I kept repeating in my mind. I stole a glance at his face, making sure the features I had memorized were still there. His phosphorescent pale green eyes were locked onto mine, holding the same depth as always. A small smile tinged his lips, and the little antennae of hair was still sticking straight up like it always had. I swiftly relocated my gaze to our locked hands, seeing his bronzy skin wrapped around my pale hand. I gave it a tiny squeeze to make sure it really was there. Emil's grin stretched wider, and he squeezed my hand back. I felt so happy I could just float away. My gaze lowered back to my shoes as a sudden wave of shyness came over me.
"Marta," he murmured, in that beautiful voice that belonged to Emil, not Ratatosk. Using his free hand, he cupped my chin gently and tilted it up so I had to look into his face. His gentle smile grew larger as our gazes locked, emerald on sapphire. I found my own lips were stretched into a beam. Emil brought himself slightly closer, closing the distance between us slowly. My heart faltered, then flared to life in an erratic rhythm. I closed my eyes, focusing on sensations. I felt his hand brush my cheek, the simple gesture sending a wave of electricity through me. I nearly died as I felt him brush my lips in a whisper of a kiss. I shivered involuntarily, a shot of hunger pulsing through my body. Hormones, don't kill me now, I pleaded. It took all my self control to keep my arms at my sides. Even though my eyes were closed, I was seeing a spectrum of colors, like I was drunk on him. It wouldn't surprise me if I actually was.
"Emil," I whispered, my voice sounding husky and thick with desire. Thank Martel he took charge. I felt his strong arms wrap around my waist and hoist me into the air, crashing our lips together. My brain practically melted inside my skull. It felt like I had just stuck my finger into an electrical socket, but in a good way, if that makes sense. His smooth lips melded against mine perfectly, lingering with his kiss. My hands could not stay still any longer. I grasped Emil's collar and pulled him closer, kissing him back with more force than he probably expected.
"My, you've forgotten about me already," an unwelcome voice complained. Emil and I broke apart in a split second.
"Tenebrae!" I yelled, miffed at his intrusion. "Go away!"
"How rude," Tenebrae said, upturning his nose. "You know, I helped plan this too. I was going to politely check in on your dinner."
"L-let's just go...sit down," Emil finally said, his face a deep shade of crimson. However, an evil thought crossed my mind. Should I? ...Yes, I decided, Yes I should.
"Oh, Emil?" I said, smiling innocently as he stopped and came over.
"Yeah Marta?"
I leaned in so I could feel his breath on my lips (which I noticed got a lot faster as I did so). "I do hope I get another taste of that for desert," I murmured, smiling slyly. I watched in victory as Emil's face instantly was flushed with heat and color. He was just too adorable.
"Lady Marta, please do not distract Emil."
"I didn't do anything!"
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Dinner was D-E-L-I-C-I-O-U-S. I wasn't particularly hungry, but as soon as I took a bite I could not stop eating. Which distracted me from asking my questions again. Was Emil really...?
"Who made this food?" I asked, sending that thought to the back of my mind. "It tastes great."
"I did, actually," Emil replied, looking a little uncomfortable at the praise. "Thank you."
A moment of silence passed. I could not contain it any longer.
"Okay, how in the world did you come back? I thought you had to stay and guard the door with Ratatosk! I thought...I thought you were only a personality...that I couldn't ever be with..." I turned my gaze downward, unable to look him in the eyes. I honestly was a little hurt because I didn't think he had been coming back. Don't get me wrong, I was happy and all, but I couldn't help but wonder if he knew and was keeping it from me all along.
Emil swallowed and pulled at his collar nervously. "Well...it's kind of a long story." I stared at him as if to say, "Go on."
"I didn't think I was going to come back either, honestly." Relief flooded my body. "However, whether Ratatosk did it from the kindness of his heart or because he was sick of my sad thoughts, he allowed me to be sent back to here as an actual person. This is me. I mean, it's not technically my body, but physically it is. It feels kind of weird, not having Ratatosk battling for control in my mind, but it feels...good." An odd feeling spread through me. I was satisfied with his answer; it made sense. However...I felt like that wasn't all. Emil had never been a good liar. What am I saying? He wouldn't lie! Stop it Marta!
"-alright?" Emil's voice floated into my thoughts. I shook my head slightly to clear it.
"I'm sorry, what?"
"Are you alright?" Emil's mint eyes glowed with concern in the evening light. I nodded.
"It's just...hard to believe that you're actually...here," I told him. Emil smiled gently, reaching across the table to hold my hand.
"I'm here Marta, and I will never leave you alone again." I stared into those mesmerizing green eyes that held me in a trance, unable to move or speak. Emil leaned forward slights, pausing as he lowered his gaze to my lips. My breath hitched in my throat as he leaned forward even more and our lips connected. Another firework show started in my brain as I practically melted into him, not allowing him to get away this time. I tangled my fingers in his sandy hair as I pulled him closer, kissing him passionately.
"M-Marta," he murmured, breathing heavily before closing the distance between us again.
"Well, you both don't seem to have much of an appetite tonight."
"TENEBRAE!"
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Emil entered the hotel room, closing the door softly behind him. He didn't want to wake the beautiful brunette that rested so peacefully in his arms. However...he would need to eventually. She would probably shoot him if he let her sleep in her dress. Emil brushed her bangs away from her forehead, smiling at her endearing face.
"Marta...wake up, we're back." Marta scrunched up her nose slightly before yawning. She blinked a few times before completely opening her beautiful baby blue eyes.
"Emil?" she yawned, a sleepy expression on her face. "Yuck...don't lean so close to my face...my breath probably smells awful..." She wrinkled her nose.
Emil laughed before nuzzling his face into her neck. "You can't ever keep me away."
"Wow Emil..." She yawned again. "You're getting better at this romantic stuff."
"You think?" Emil asked. Marta nodded slowly, her eyes beginning to close. "Come on Marta, stay awake for a little longer. Just go get changed, clean up a bit, and then you can go to bed."
"Mm...that sounds nice," she mumbled, before finally slipping out of his arms and walking unsteadily towards the bathroom. Marta stumbled a bit before regaining her posture, taking out her flower clip on the way to the bathroom and reacher for the zipper on her dress.
"Emil?" she called, her voice sleepy. "Could you get the zipper for me?" Emil began to feel embarrassed, but he remembered something. This is normal, he reminded himself. So, Emil allowed his hands to slide down her back and undo the zipper. Marta simply allowed her dress to fall off, as if modesty was not an option anymore.
"Marta!" Emil exclaimed, turning his face away.
"Come on Emil, it's not that bad a sight, is it?" Marta said, sounding slightly annoyed. Emil scratched the back of his head awkwardly as she switched into her nightgown. "I'm going to go brush my teeth."
Emil took this as an opportunity to get himself ready for bed. By the time he exited the bathroom, Marta was plopping herself down into the bed.
"I suppose...I'll just...sleep on the couch..." Emil muttered. Marta scrunched up her nose.
"Emil, you're killing the mood," she complained. "Please...I need to know that you aren't going to just disappear when I wake up. Come sleep next to me...please?" Emil sighed. He simply could not say no to her adorable face. When did I come to love her this much? Emil wondered.
Emil ran his fingers through his hair before sliding under the warm sheets.
"Mm...thank you Emil," Marta murmured, snuggling into his chest.
"You're welcome, Marta," Emil said softly, listening to her breathing slow down into an even rhythm. He kissed her hair gently, closing his eyes as he drifted off.
Emil, don't get off task, a deep voice inside his head chastised. However, the teenage boy was already asleep.
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Alright! Here's chapter two. I hope you enjoyed it! It sure took me long enough to write. Life is crazy, I'm very sorry. I'm pretty excited for the rest of the story, I have the main plot figured out. I also very much appreciate all the reviews, I check everyday to see if anyone has left anything new. So, thank you for that. Also, a big thank you to those who left reviews last chapter, specifically deity, Strawberry Eggs, Naekane, Draconis Chantal, and...Guest? See you in the next chappy,
BE