Janet panted, her arm in Frank's arm. They'd have to catch up with their friends for lunch, but as much as anyone would be expecting them to arrive casually, as blasé and lukewarm as two people ready for diurnal rituals...
It was discernibly going to show on both their smiling, gleefully tinted faces, through the sheer lightness of their steps in their marvelous clothes that seemed weighless and invisible, this unarguable glow that is only exuded by a couple whose love runs deep enough for their spirits to dance. And that, oh,thatthey would do in perfect humor.
They hurried inside. Got lost in a brief moment of letting their starry eyes meet their surroundings with the previous familiarity, after having braved their own land. Quickly, Janet glanced at where Scott fumbled with a napkin in his hands and Brad sliced a potato.
"Hey! Here we are", she announced.
"Is all going well?", the Transylvanian asked as he waved at them, his posture happy and laid-back, briefly sounding close to the shrill and triumphant greeting he heard from his lover.
"All is going just fine indeed", the man in the wheelchair mumbled gladly in accordance. Brad chimed in with one empathetic question:
"Are both of you feeling ready for us all to leave soon?"
"I say yes", Janet nodded, stretching her hands with confidence and then squeezing Frank's shoulder with a grin as she questioned: "How about you?"
"I feel prepared, yes. It's been a very beneficial stay."
She batted her eyes, relieved.
"Good! Hey, everyone, may I take him upstairs for... something important I wanted to talk of?"
"Sure thing", they both conceded.
"There we go. Uh, excuse me... let me borrow those", she chuckled, taking in her hands additional courses from the table and having the scientist help her with the carrying of the plates and wine glasses upstairs, him opening the door and stepping inside their room first so he'd place his items on top of the bed and remove the ones weighing on her hands.
"So, Janet... what is the topic of discussion, or... what did you want us to do?"
"Glad you asked", she beamed, opening her purse and taking out bunches of colorful flowers he recognized as the lovely ones from her secret garden.
"I remember those! Pretty ones."
She smirked knowingly and placed the flowers all around the food in bed. Her following movement was to open the window in the room, the sunlight instantly shining a vibrant ray painted in gold, bursting through the room. As the man stared at his lover, he saw her skin all aglow, warm and colored by the sun. No sight had ever seemed so heavenly as this one. He laughed dreamily when she drank him in, found his very soul hypnotized by her inviting gaze that calmed his temper and her faint sighs that were followed by a smile for him, wide in all its glory.
"My stars, I'm blessed. You're so impossibly gorgeous", he cooed, much for her delight. She sat kneeling in bed and he joined her in the same gesture on his end, facing her. She tilted her head with concentration, a habit of hers that he'd been in love with from the first minutes, to analyze in his demeanor if he felt comfortable enough — his amused stare confirmed it to be the case — only so she used one arm to pull him into her. Both hearts raced and marveled at this closeness. The lady hummed and drew his attention:
"I want this last time eating together in our stay here to be the sweetest imaginable."
"Youare the sweetest imaginable. I wouldn't want anything else."
She laughed and the sun beamed right at her golden necklace, her name there reflecting and standing out beautifully. Frank gasped and his hand clutched the heart pendant on his own necklace, comforted. Something linking them. Her name that spoke wonders to his heart. His heart that had been exposed by her. He wore it for her.
"I see you still love your little gift, dearest", she told him.
"How would I ever forget? This... means so much to me, Janet. You've given it to me and made me feel for the first time that I belong. During the beginning of our stay, no less."
"Can I ask you a question?"
"Why, sure, love."
"Were you scared when you saw I saved you? Did you feel relieved, maybe, and... what where you thinking of when it dawned on you that you'd been saved?"
He gulped. A direct, piercing, straightforward series of questions, but... the kind he would really appreciate opening up to her.
"Janet... I was scared, yes, scared as you say. However, I don't think that is the end to it all. I felt nervous as well. Nervous when I realized I was receiving this unprompted protection. My mind was swirling and I found myself in disbelief, tried to read any signs in your face that it was merely a product of my last daydreaming. But you were there and your hands had this tight grasp. You... looked at me. So real, so warm, good to feel myself in your hold. And you asked me how I was... At that moment, I was so content."
"So was I. You, breathing near me, alive. Why would it be a daydream?"
"Oh. You know. Just no one's ever shown me that look in their eyes. Like they'd saved something essential, important. Firstly, I thought you the most insane being to live, Earthling or not. To have thought it was reasonable in the slightest to save me after the behavior I showed you, things I said to you bitterly. I assumed it would've felt right to die, frightening as it was. But then, I saw you were being honest and you still wanted me — as what, I couldn't know so suddenly, but wanted me to be there with you. And so I kissed that honesty, I was drawn to it, loved the taste... loved you."
"Hold on. Please don't say anything against you being alive. And... you mean, you loved me then?"
"Yes. I'm fairly sure. I didn't know I was allowed to call it that. It's unusual. But it... was there."
"I loved you, too."
He glanced at her with awe in each flickering inside the eyes. A serene grin he offered her made her glad enough to gesture to their wine glasses. She poured inside them, as a substitute to the alcoholic beverage, sparkling pomegranate juice from a bottle she fetched in the dining room. She raised her glass:
"Let's go for something light for the stomach."
He nodded and raised his own glass.
"Cheers", the exclamation was pronounced by both and echoed in harmony. Their glasses found each other with a melodious clink.
The plates contained delicious dishes, among them there was rice cooked with a variety of vegetables that gave it a distinct mixture of colors gathered around. A portion of a mushy potato salad seasoned with vinegar and a few pieces of cilantro. A good amount of lettuce covered in Italian dressing rested on the smaller plate.
To bask in the natural daylight, then eat their courses, it captivated them in a refreshing mood, by the grace in all the simplicity that accommodated them. It was... being at home.
Janet stuck her fork in a piece of potato, brought it to her lips and watched Frank savor the rice, then sip the beverage from his glass in a rush. She thought it was funny, him having been so silent and drowning in anxiety at their arrival, that at the very moment, he granted his spectator the sight akin to an innocent child devouring their favorite food on a birthday. She realized then: when she believed this man who faced her to be a multitude of things, she'd made an empathetic analysis in depth like no one dared to entertain, explored the Transylvanian's soul and evaluated all the path to maturity and emotions he'd given her.
But now, she took one more step ahead, one spontaneously pleasant: through the journey to welcome his complexity, she'd involved him in casual scenarios of her kind. It suited him. She loves Frank who theatrically sings, Frank who's charming and unapologetically true to his most extravagant expressions and communication. But she loves, all the same, Frank who feels tranquil to be complimenting her in infinite wonder, to eat and drink with her, to become flushed and eager for her guidance, her loving cultivation of his warmest, fondest cravings. That was when she had access to the feeling connecting them. It's all over him, it resides in his very core too.Adoration.
As they wiped their lips and caught each other's eyes, she felt him tug very lightly at her gown and repose his head on her, perfectly settled below her chin and on her chest, his hands feeling her heart flutter. She touched his hair and he suddenly pressed a kiss to her neck. He turned the closeness into a hug... he loved to hug her. But now, now more than ever. In their togetherness, he trembled, but his grasp to her body was still resolute and he transferred calmly, near her ear, all those feelings and love he felt put into reassuring words.
"You're beautiful... Janet, you're extraordinarily beautiful. Do you hear me? You're an endlessly kindhearted and pure soul. You're essential. You are loved."
Her whole body melted and dissipated into the majesty of the feeling. She let out a hum.
"I hear you. Oh... thank you. You're... you're the greatest."
They felt the attachment linger and run through them after their arms let go. She took a deep breath.
"Well... what do you think of going for a quick shower while I tidy up the room and pack up our belongings?"
"Sure", he smirked and headed to the shower. This would be his chance of contemplation, immersion in a warm water after getting a taste of heaven through his bright days with his savior.
Janet, on the other hand, watched him enter the bathroom and then had her chance to recollect the many pieces, the beautiful things they had shared. Her fingers brushed against her clothes, her cardigan and pink dress she'd kept, then followed through his mesh top, sophisticated pearls attached. Later, his red corset. He'd hugged her wearing it after the awareness he was alive thanks to her. He'd held her through a rainy night sleeping closely and had realized he'd fallen in love.
She... she had been constantly rediscovering the meanings of this valuable feeling and its beauty with him. She loved him. And she was ready to let this lead her to a gifted, safe future where they'd remain close.
Organizing the dresser and the bed, she inhaled and shook her shoulders with confidence. She'd do what she dreamed of, so, with everything ready in hands, she sprinted downstairs.
The minutes ticked away, and soon enough, Frank was immaculate and stepping out of the shower. He grabbed and laced up the navy corset, put on his high heels, merrily found his way down the stairs, still hidden by the corner of the wall, only to stumble upon the group of friends discussing. He could overhear Janet telling Brad some words as she nodded and ran one hand through a falling strand of her golden hair:
"Sure, sure. I always loved that idea, I'd want that. A castle! And a good place overall, too. I've been thinking of it and I'm sure. So beautiful..."
He was unsure of what the words meant, but a smile blossomed across his face... it sounded much like the dream he'd had. She seemed to be in agreement ofsomethingrelated to the vision his mind had when his eyes were closed.
He approached and cleared his throat. Janet was the first to turn her head and look at him, hand on her chin to feel her laughter tickle it, as she lept and blushed in response to the announcement of his presence.
"Frank! You're here. I'm going... to go up there and get clean too before we go. Is there anything else left you'd like to do?"
"Actually, yes, Janet. I'll make you company and tell you... something you carry that I'd love for you to lend me."
"Why not? Take my hand."
So he did. She inclined her head and held him by the laces in his clothing, planting a kiss on his temple, then asking him:
"What is it you wanted to borrow? Hm?"
"Your fountain pen. The one that looked so fancy as we..."
"...we played the little word game", they finished the sentence simultaneously. The harmony that happened through the natural exchange inspired their giggles, a nearly childlike brand of mirth. She handed the object to him very happily, later swaying her hips suggestively on her way to the shower as she paced and letting the straps in her dress start to loosen up, falling fluidly through her shoulders... he was fortunate! She'd still keep their entertainment strong after all, because she knew he loved to partake in this teasing. She could catch him staring with the corner of her eye, his visage as fascinated as always. Decisive move — checkmate.
She felt so good there. The water that warmed up and explored endless spots of her skin, the vast creamy foam from her soap being dispersed, then washed away.
In her tranquil, tender ponderings, she did not assume that something demanding much more meticulous care and thoughtfulness was being accomplished by the Transylvanian. But there he was.
He had to offer her a visual blend, a combination that revealed his utmost impressions in everything they'd lived so significantly. Scribbling and furrowing his brow vaguely, he smiled at last. He certified that the new notes were back inside her purse. She finished showering and dressing in a minute, opening the door. They exchanged glances and a few words before she extended her arm to her side, gestured from her chest outward, signaling, 'after you'.
He put on his starry golden cape, started strutting ahead and then felt her clutch his hand close behind, which inspired his desire to walk in quicker pace. She yelped.
"Now we're all here", the man assured the group as soon as they all spotted each other. It was their time to check out, and so they did. Passing by the front desk, they all had one thing in common: objectives and more clarity set up for after they left the place.
Janet was the first to step out, being followed by Brad, then, Dr Scott... and as she seemed to have a defined sense of her direction, the last person to leave walked her way from behind and calmly touched her arm. Frank.
"Janet. Wait... before we all go, I was hoping for a small moment with you."
His lovely eyes, although intense as they were in nature, reflected so many peaceful shades of green in their intent. Hers were shifting in enthralling glitters of a comforting, warm amber.
"Let's walk together to the park again then — I'm yours."
She glanced at her friends, they nodded and so did she. She took the man with ebony hair by the arm and they walked through this very familiar path. Their date.
Instead of sitting in the benches, they stood near them, face to face. Frank sighed sweetly and gestured to her purse:
"There is something inside there that will be really useful. If... you allow me, please."
Janet nodded.
"Yes! Yes, surely."
He took his handwritten gift from inside the accessory and told her:
"This is... a little demonstration. Well, I... I know that saving me is incomparable and the greatest gesture you could've offered me, but I tried this in return. Would you like to read it?"
"Yes! Yes, please. Here, let me... oh."
Janet soon realized, from a glance at the structure, it was a poem. She sighed and began reading it out loud.
"A glow in a thousand suns Scarcely akin to yours Yours alone heals my ache And opens all the doors. My chosen constellation Rests in your amber eyes I warm up to their passion Your benevolent skies. I worship your rosy lips Their smile and their taste And by heart, I've learned your hips Comfort in holding your waist. The sweet words you gift me In tone and meaning, devoted When my thoughts searched vastly To your remarks they floated. We climbed the highest towers And danced under the stars So I give you my hand And trust you with my scars. Your laugh through our embraces Your tenderness as I'm close The essence in our names In tangled nekclaces, in repose Through a person so grand I've found the truth I state: There is beauty in life Light shone upon my fate. I owe my very life To you, angel, salvation The one I dearly love Here'sborn our adoration."
Tears were now welling up inside her hues. But she tried to keep them in, regain her composure and give him his chance to speak as she managed to say the last written word — she stood in expectant silence, her expression nearly unreadable except for the unwavering, ever present affection established whenever she regarded him... and realized he had something to profess after her reading.
"This that I've written, Janet, you know I haven't always been the most accomplished in my sentimental use and delivery of words", he paused in a timid chuckle, "but I deemed it would suffice for me to express my feelings. I've been saved by you in more than one means. You did not just help me keep my life — you've taught me of a way to live again. Since I can recall, dating from my younger years, I thought myself to be way too spacious and reserved with my own life to ever have any genuine good to offer to another. I had already settled for my pride and the solitude it brings... but unexpectedly, you showed me more, you approached me, and for my best gift, life gained your open-hearted sight! I'm thankful you've started this change and that someone so lovely graced me with her time and care. I've found myself. And you know the truth? I am the kind you said I was. It's utter absurdity to demand anything from you and to have confidence that you'd rearrange your dreams for my sake, I've learned to be selfless from you and it's one essential lesson among many, but I surely would love to be the one constantly comforting you. I'm amazed at how it feels to be your date. I'd be blessed to spend the rest of my days sharing meals and holding your kind hand... I even confess, I wish to marry you! It could only be you... you were right. You always were. I love you and I'm forever safeguarding this adoration. I've been transformed through the growing familiarity of your love."
"Am I ultimately the lord of all the absurd then?" She questioned with a modest grin and a gently raised eyebrow.
"I don't think I understand?"
"Your claim is that it would be an absurdity to have the confidence I would take a new look on my dreams for you. Funny! By your judgement, I've been far ahead of you in the extent of my lunacy. I've been, exactly, pondering about my dreams. I realized clearly the all-important dream of mine that speaks the closest to my soul and has turned transparently true."
"Ah- that's a purposeful conclusion! Which one's the dream?"
"You."
He swooned.
"Me."
"You've been receiving the care you described in your poem, yes. By the way, I must say, it's an admirable writing of yours! You'd better give yourself more credit. You have a sweet gravitation and flair for art too. Maybe you'd just needed incentive to pour it spontaneously, and I- I've frankly held myself back not to cry at your loving words."
"Really?"
"Really, truly."
"All due to your beautiful little soul."
She lowered her head and grinned. Then she carried on with her point.
"You're my true dream. And you're tangible, at reach for my hands. I've been talking to my loved ones, we've all settled our future routes and they're already familiar with this certainty that you'll be kept by my side. It's the one and only way I'll have it. I've been planning and looking for the things you described so well this last time we woke up together. And I assure you, you'll have no less than what your visions had! We'll live in a wonderful place I've granted... it's a huge, charming white castle, and it's not a far away destination to make, on the contrary, it's very close."
"So you've!- You've been granting your future... with me?"
"Yes, with you. I love you! It will be the kind of place you long for, I've known you too well not to know this perfectly. It will make the two of us the happiest."
"I can't thank you enough, my love."
Another surprise was yet prepared by her dear one. With a grace so unlooked for, he bent down on one knee. Extending one hand to her, he revealed a most enchanting ornament: a royal blue sapphire wedding ring, striking white and yellow gold composing the band.
"Oh my God!" She placed a hand on her chest and chuckled, the tears she had mustered to contain finally watering her eyes in abundance.
"Janet Weiss. The only one to conquer and be the queen of my heart. Will you marry me?"
"Yes! A thousand times, yes!" The blonde jumped in joy, sobbing, laughing at once. He took the most attentive and slow hold of her hand, she inclined her finger, from where he removed the ruby ring he'd previously given her — their first non-official commitment being replaced by something solid — and both stared in awe at their new beginning placed on her hand, at the sapphire's delicate glow in the sun.
In the habitual radiant air so treasured by the man, she took his hand in her own ringed one, brought it to her lips and kissed it. He looked at her, enthralled, like he had just found heaven there, like she had just been lit up by a million opalescent stars.
His left arm wrapped around her, took her body to repose in his, the woman's head fit conveniently under his chin with the initiated contact. His hand eased up and met the locks of her hair, which he stroked. The free hand threw his cape all over her. This caused her to break into what she swore was her happiest smile to have ever been induced, and he — he sincerely reciprocated, in what might have been his own best completion. The remaining morning light shimmered and flickered upon their frames. They were, at last, united permanently in both their wants and their shared words.
"Janet, dear?"
"Yes?"
"I am home."
The days flew by, and turned into years, following through with their marriage. It was December.
The castle was theirs! They had admired the majestic view together from their first night's arrival and their first sunrise waking up inside it. It was close to their friends and a convenient habitation with different places nearby to visit and roam through. They had decisively set up a room dedicated to Frank's inventions, combined with one just beside it for Janet's exploration... involving musical compositions. Having proven to be inclined both towards beautifully chosen words she'd develop, and also passionate about singing, her interests found a point to connect. Occasionally, they would help each other: she had learned her fair share about his topics of research, and he'd been gladly taught more to enlarge on proficiency for literary works. They could continuously revel in their exchange of interests.
They paced through the garden during a chilly early morning. Janet wore a white off shoulder dress, the whole hem covered in marguerite daisies, forget-me-nots, beige and baby pink roses. Her sun-colored hair, flowing loose through her shoulders, was adorned by a golden hairpin that held a few strands in a small bun, where a pink rose was fixed. Frank gladly chanted in amusement beside her, wearing a stunning sky blue corset, Victorian overbust with a sweetheart neckline, finished up with beige ribbons on the hips, and remarkably, a blue opal stone placed on the chest.
"See, those are growing pretty quickly", she told him, pointing to the winter roses. He nodded and squeezed her hand.
"They are, yes. I realize it's a very comforting time of the year... I'd thought so before. Yet now, more than it's ever been."
"Why do you say so?"
"Because... it feels safer now. When you have something... someone to call your home, it's much more calming to think of the dark days bringing the cold. It's when you'll have tons of warmth to appreciate."
"Speaking of that... ah! Aren't you feeling cold?"
"A bit. But I can manage. Do you feel cold yourself?"
"I'm starting to..."
He noticed her shaking slightly from the icy breeze growing a little strong.
"Let's get you inside then! We can find warmer things to wear. I can also make you something warm to drink. I can have some great ideas. Mulled wine or hot chocolate with vanilla, perhaps..."
"I'll love to have those with you!"
They found their peace and protection in the cozy rooms of their castle, neatly decorated with expensive furniture. She was grateful they could pay for things with this regal aspect due to his money, mainly, and expand it through their earnings with his inventions and her musical works. There were talks of decorating the whole place in the next morning, and taking the present day to rest.
A week later, they exchanged their Christmas presents — Frank gifted Janet with a special book collection and made her favorite food. Janet, in return, gave him new makeup containing a glittery palette, and then... she surprised him with a set of lights she organized in their personal ballroom. A huge navy tapestry belonging to him that had mysteriously disappeared, was again brought to his awareness as a piece she had used to hang up on the ceiling as a representation of the sky. The positioning in each lightbulb she designed was an exact copy of the stars in many constellations.
"How did you do that?!" He had asked, voice inevitably raising in admiration, and so came her sly reply:
"Oh, you know, I've been casually searching through your books!"
As they spent an adorable night celebrating Christmas, the two found an opportunity to watch their favorite movies for relaxation. Unsurprisingly, it led to a close embrace as the usual, and a fair exchange of kisses extending through their entertainment. The lights on the tree they had decorated reminded them: through all times, they had found light.
They had a walk to the balcony to bask in the flickering glimmers spread through the vicinity — the holiday turned their surroundings into a dazzling shower of city stars. Her fingers clutched and pressed on the heart pendant he wore around his neck up to the current times, feeling the material and seeing the light swirl through it. He smiled. In five seconds, his hand tugged at the name written over her necklace.
"Want us to exchange those for tonight?" He whispered.
"Sounds like fun!"
Now, they reposed freely after having changed momentaneously what they carried. His heart on her neck, her name on his.
"Janet?"
"Yes?"
"It's been years. And I want more years in the same nature. Is this what home was always meant to feel like? I guess I'm always learning more. I'm glad this is not close to what I used to say. I thought it was only a desperate last escape... but it's a happy state to be at peace. I understand now why people are always longing to find their way back home."
She blinked quickly, chuckled to ease how touched she had felt with the statement and kissed him.
"Yeah. It's how it is."
"Did I tell you I love you?"
"You did. But say it again..."
"I love you", he obeyed, kissing the spot below her ear, then her collarbone, her cheeks and finally, savoring her lips in a much reciprocated union.
Many are lost in the hopelessness, in the solitude, the resentments, in their own existence. He had known the torment in this painful darkness, by his own constant attempts at acceptance stained by mistakes and his distance from the warmth he had longed to hold. She had known her fair share through the endless expectations, reservations and the things she felt a meaningless obligation to. The hollow that eats away at your exhausted core when you inexorably need the discovery of your passions, your self, of your love for being.
Then there was now. She had saved him. He had saved her. And to them, without a doubt left, this was only defined as home. They would sleep there, rise when the sun appeared and would find each other. The thought made them smile heartily.
To make peace with a savior through the terror in your spectacle. To heal the ache of a heart and love one akin to you. Maybe, then, home is found. They'd proudly say it is, always.
"Janet. Merry Christmas."
"Frank. Merry Christmas to you too, my love."