Selenophilia

Forty Nine

"And yet you stayed." Elise whispered, smiling softly.

Despite her crazy antics and rude self, Elise was glad that Hugo stayed. That he still loved and accepted her despite everything. She couldn't help but feel thankful for having a friend like him.

She thought that he'll throw some witty comment like saying that she forced him to stay or something. Instead, he smiled gently as well, his eyes glimmering joyously.

"And I'll never regret it for the rest of my life."

His expression was like the warmth of a touch, like the softest cloud painted in the bluest skies. His smile was like a temptation of joy, a disease that could be caught. Elise couldn't help but feel her heart skip a beat or two.

Feeling a blush creeping up to her cheeks, she cleared her throat and hummed lightly.

"Uhh, so where's Cleo and my family?"

She doesn't know if Hugo noticed the change of subject but he answered her.

"Serafino's clearing a path to the places who have the transportation teleportation devices with Isobel. Lucian's bringing Marielle to who knows where and would protect her there. It's obvious that there would be ambushes to the places where they're expecting people to hide. Kieran and Alice are fighting alongside the people who opposes my brother and those who fucking think it's okay to have another war to bring peace! What the fuck is peace anyways? Is it dying for it? I don't think so!"

Elise nodded sadly. Does peace involve dying to grab true peace? No, because they're already peaceful. The creatures already have a peaceful life. They don't need a war to have a true one.

"And Cleo?"

She noticed him grimacing at the said boy. He clicked his tongue in annoyance, but he gave her a provoking smile.  "Worried about your poor lover boy?"

Elise glared at him. "He is not my lover boy."

Hugo hummed, looking at her unbelievably. "Then how about your boy toy then?"

"Hugo." Elise warned, causing him to sigh indignantly.

Hugo grumbled before nodding. "Okay, okay. No need to get mad about your boy, okay? Lover boy's known to be good with children so he was ordered to evacuate the kids without making them panic to who-knows-where again. But I'm sure you know that." He rolled his eyes.

Elise nodded, breathing out a sigh of relief. She hopes that everyone will be alright. Elise wouldn't know what she will do if one of them were to get hurt.

The young girl found herself thinking of her development as a person. Before, Elise would have probably let herself die, she wouldn't let Hugo carry her for her prideful self and she wouldn't be letting anyone protect her.

Now, she was desperately trying to live, hoping that others would share her joy of being alive. Now, she will let others protect her while she protects others who can't protect themselves.

"Thank you..." Elise said, smiling at Hugo.

The boy looked surprised at her, his eyes widening at her. He probably thought that she would snap at him, but Elise was too relieved to do so. She was glad that everyone was alive. That Hugo was alive.

He cleared his throat and Elise swore that she saw a blush. "We're here."

On cue, Elise held her breath when she saw what was in front of her. 

A meadow of flowers with all different kinds of color that painted the scenery beautifully. They danced through the soft and warm breeze as the said breeze caressed her skin in the faintest way possible. It was as if it was afraid to hurt her, as if it was urging her to go forward, to enjoy the beautiful scenery.