Duskwood Legends [English Version]

Beneath the Guy Fawkes mask.

Time seems to have frozen. Everything flows around us as if in slow motion, like in a movie. The glow of the street lamps dances dimly over the tops of the trees at the sides of the road and, shaken by a light night breeze, creates a suggestive play of light and shadow.

The noise of traffic is muffled in the distance. It's like background music, a soundtrack that only serves as a frame to enhance a scene that is already perfect by itself.

I don't pay attention to the fact that I'm in the middle of the street in the night. I don't care that I'm dressed only in pajamas and slippers in a temperature approaching zero. I don't care about the pain I feel with every breath I take.

All I can feel is a slight warmth from our embrace.

My whole world begins and ends in that touch, in that soft contact between my chest and his back.

My forehead is resting on his shoulder, slightly bony but at the same time comfortable and welcoming. I can't hold back the tears which end up running down my cheeks and get lost in the folds of his sweatshirt's hood, mingling with his scent.

The same scent that was in his car.

I hold him in a tight embrace, as if I'm afraid that letting him go just a little he would instantly vanish under my gaze. Just as he appeared, he would disappear in the blink of an eye.

It's like a dream, one of those dreams you'd never want to wake up from.

But, fortunately, this is not a dream.

I can tell by the beat of his heart, fast and accelerated, beating under my hands resting against his chest. My own heart feels like it's about to explode, too. Both of them go in tune as if they are one.

Jake, I need to see your face.

I repeat the words I just spoke in a faint whisper: "Please look at me..."

I need his gaze. I want to lose myself in those eyes, blue as the sky, clear as the sea. I want to lose myself in his smile, framed by those lips that I don't know yet. Discovering his features, in every detail, running my fingers to caress his face.

I desire him with all my being.

After putting the safety on I see him holster his weapon. He turns slowly, holding me in turn in a strong and emotionally charged embrace. He puts his hand on my head, running his fingers through my hair. A shiver runs down my spine.

God knows I've been waiting for this moment. I wish to God it could last forever.

He pushes my forehead against his chest. I finally feel safe and protected from everything there in his arms. All my fears and worries melt away, leaving room just us.

Just the two of us.

I gently pull away, moving my head back slightly to look up at him.

Our faces are inches from each other. His eyes are closed, perhaps not to be overwhelmed by the multitude of emotions, or to bask in this magical moment full of conflicting feelings.

I reach out my hand to caress his face, resting it on his cheek, still half covered by the black cloth mask. I hear him sigh and quiver under my touch.

He opens his eyes.

Immediately our gazes meet.

It's really true that I could get lost in those eyes. Drowning in it, gently.

"Jake..." I whisper weakly, barely managing to pronounce his name.

I'm shivering from head to toe, and it's not from the bitter cold seeping into my bones. I don't even feel that. But it's because of all that love and affection I feel. At first, it's a small flame that being soaked with fuel blazes up disruptively and untamed, becoming a wildfire.