𝙨𝙖𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙣'𝙨 𝙨𝙪𝙣

𝒕𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒚 𝒏𝒊𝒏𝒆

Calvin
• • •

The 6 A.M. bus chugged down the street at what felt like the pace of a one-hundred-year-old tortoise. Every bone in my body ached from my morning regime, and with the urge to be back at Kenton. I needed to ensure that Saturn hadn't moved on. That she was safe, and not being yearned for by another. Perhaps I should have been more worried about her moving on from me, but I was not. Saturn was mine, and she knew it. I was comforted by the notion that she was under the watchful eyes of Darius, whom I hoped had protected her from any advancers.

This had likely been the worst possible time for me to be away for two weeks. It was midway through December, and final exams were fast approaching. Not to mention the fact that I had finally begun to get through to Saturn. The sex had been one thing, but having her finally begin to fall for me was another. The fact that she trusted me enough to take her innocence meant loads to me. Having her cry at the thought of me leaving her had been heartbreaking, but it reassured me that she cared.

Saturn wanted me to come home.

At sunrise, the bus screeched to a halt. The sight of the village was refreshing. After such a gruelling two weeks, I needed some familiarity.

My first stop was the cafe across from the bookshop, where I ordered myself breakfast just as they opened for the day. I had been eating the bare minimum at the base, only enough to keep us alive. Afterwards, I went to the flower shop. I had a feeling that Saturn needed a new rose.

It was Saturday, meaning that Saturn was scheduled to begin her morning shift a few moments ago. I hoped she hadn't seen me get off the bus, it would ruin the surprise.

I had nearly forgotten how otherworldly her beauty was. When I entered the shop, the little bell overhead dinged. I saw her, atop the ladder I had forbidden her from using. Without turning around, Saturn emerged from between the bookshelves. Her expression illuminated.

Having her in my arms was almost as immaculate as having her under me. Fuck, how I'd missed her. I sighed with relief as Saturn's leg lifted to my hip in an attempt to get closer. Her body fit mine like a glove.

I pressed my lips onto the top of her head. Her sweet vanilla scent was enough to intoxicate me. "Calvin," she murmured against my chest. Christ, Saturn. Her name on my lips made my abdomen seize up. I needed her. But I would have to wait.

"What did I say about using ladders?" I asked, unable to conceal my grin.

Saturn looked up at me sheepishly. "I haven't fallen off since you've been gone," she said, "you're so distracting." She stood on her tiptoes and kissed me. I gripped her hair and pulled her in closer.

Just then, the bell dinged.

I pulled my lips from Saturn's, though it pained me to do so. I turned to see who the newcomer was, and was relieved to see that it was not a customer.

"Look who's finally back," Zaire smirked, arriving for his shift ten minutes late.

"Zaire, just the person I wanted to see," I said, "you'll be alright to manage the shop today, won't you? I'm giving Saturn the day off."

Zaire looked skeptical. "I know what's going on here," he said, "you two go have your fun. I've got things covered here."

"Thank you," I replied with a nod. I turned back to Saturn. "Can I interest you in a date with me?" I murmured.

"Sure," Saturn agreed, "what are we gonna do?"

I thought for a moment. I hadn't actually planned anything for us today. I mainly wanted to sleep. But Saturn meant more to me than sleep. She meant more to me than anything.

"I was thinking we could take the train down to London," I said, scheming up a plan on the spot, "you deserve a holiday after working so hard for me."

Saturn's eyes widened. "I've never been to London before," she said, "or been on a train."

"Would you like to?" I asked, knowing her answer already.

Saturn's smile made every moment we'd spent apart worth it. "Of course."

I could hardly wait to spoil her with my father's money. I only hoped that my own exhaustion wouldn't ruin our first real date.