“What is? You can tell me,” I assured him, putting my hand on his.
He slid his smooth hand out from under mine and took both of my hands in his instead. “48 years ago the Warrigal coven took my best friend, he was a great friend while it lasted and he didn't deserve that kind of life... nobody does,” he said sadly.
“I'm sorry,” I said sincerely.
“It's alright. I know that all of this is like hidden revelations to you,” he said.
Hidden revelations, I thought over and over in my mind until he spoke again.
“Wait, 48 years ago?” I questioned.
He smiled. “Yes, 48 years ago. When you are a Supernatural being, you reach a certain age where your body stops ageing normally, the process slows down.”
I blinked in shock.
“Do you mind if I try something?” he asked all of a sudden, not giving me a chance to re-cooperate from the last answer hed given me.
“What's that?” I replied automatically, not thinking about it.
He stood and I felt myself being propped up too. I guessed he was doing that with his extraordinary ability. I stood, facing him. He had his neck craned so he could see me better, his hands were by his sides and we were about a foot away from each other.
“I'm not sure how to be… close to you. Not that I haven't been with women before, it's just been a long time but… you are different,” he said, frustrated. “And I like that.”
I searched for his hand with a small smile on my face, and when I found his warm fingers, I twined my fingers with his and lifted our hands up, feeling like my head was going to explode from being so overwhelmed.
“This might help,” I said, looking at him softly.
I searched his eyes for a reaction and he smiled lovingly at me. “I can't resist this anymore,” he murmured making me smile in confusion.
He noticed his ring was still on my finger and his smile got bigger. “You still have it,” he mused.
“I never really take it off,” I said honestly.
“Do you know what the inscription says?” he asked, playing with my fingers.
I shook my head.
My mind was still spinning from thinking about the Supernatural, from him being near me, from the events in these past few days.
“Mei animus, it means my soul in Latin.”
I still didn't understand everything completely. The complexity of the whole new world within the one I have known my whole life, it was confusing and mind boggling. Especially what comes with this new world, but I couldn't help but get the feeling that Sam was trying to stall so I went with it just to see where he was going.
“How come I could see what you did when I wore it?”
He thought for a minute before answering and I waited patiently in no rush. “I think Elane was right, we do have a connection and the ring only enhances it because it was something of mine that is now yours.”
“But that doesn't make any sense,” I answered after I thought about it.
“Perhaps not in the world you know of, but it makes sense in the world you belong to. They say we are built in pairs,” he said slowly. “And one day if we find that other pair we choose: to destroy, or to be with them,” he said softly. “Though people rarely ever destroy them, they instead perform this legend of imprinting.”
I smiled and that reminded me. “So, what did you want to do?”
He smiled back, surprisingly it was nervous looking. He leaned his face in until his nose was just about touching mine, but he wasn't touching me at all except our hands.
“Do you believe you can see my soul?” he whispered, staring into my eyes.
My heart was beating rapidly, but I stayed still and answered.
“Yes, of course,” I said, knowing the words were true.
I felt as if when I looked into his eyes I could see his soul, and it was just as beautiful as the rest of him.
He grabbed both my arms gently and wrapped them around the back of his neck, pulling me slowly into him. I felt his arms wrap around my waist and pull me up to his eye level, our bodies pressed together. I stayed completely still, but kept my eyes locked on his, afraid that he might disappear. He cautioned me with his eyes but I felt I trusted him enough that it wasn't really necessary.
“Do you trust me?” he whispered.
His face was very close to mine and the sun was glinting off his eyes, making them glisten.
“Without a doubt,” I breathed, realising that this was it; the point of no return.
“I'm sorry, I cannot fight it any longer... I don't want to fight this,” he whispered with difficulty, both our breathing shallow.
“I'm scared,” I choked out, not wanting to get hurt again.
I know Adam was only my brother, but when he left it hurt me so much because I was so dependant on him, and for me to let someone like Sam get too close... What if he leaves too... I wouldn't make it through a second time.
“You choose now to be scared?” he asked with a smile.
“I'm scared of getting hurt,” I clarified, never breaking contact with his soft eyes.
As if he knew who I was talking about he responded. “I promise I will never hurt you like your brother did,” he said earnestly and sincere. “I promise.”
My heart was thudding erratically just by his touch alone, feeling like it was going to burst out of my chest any minute without warning. Was this really happening or was it just a dream or my imagination running away with me again? I asked myself.
“What's going to happen after this?”
“We will just have to find out together,” he murmured, his nose touching mine.
It was then when I gave into the haze. I wanted whatever Sam and I had together to take me on the path it was going.
Then, so slowly and so very cautiously, he moved his head towards mine until our lips met, sending my mind into knots. I suddenly didn't care if this was a dream or not, I didn't want it to end either way because it was incredible; just like him. This felt right, it felt like every part of my body knew him a thousand times over. It wasn't like when Sylar had kissed me, this was… well I couldn't even find the right words for it, but when he was holding me close I felt complete in a way, loved and happy. Sam was like wildfire as he spread through my body and lit up my whole world. All the other guys I had been with before, kissed, those memories of them phased out of my mind, gone forever. It was Sam that I craved, nobody else, why didn't I see it before??
His warm full lips were soft on mine at first, moving slowly, carefully and unsure. He was in complete control of himself, being careful and responsible. But I didn't think either of us was prepared for how we would respond to each others intensity. As our lips crushed harder against each others, more urgent and certain, soon enough I was gasping for air. My fingers knotted in his soft light brown hair, pulling myself closer to him. I couldnt get enough of him, I wanted him to hold me closer, I wanted all of him. Unfortunately he was the one who did pull away, because he too wasnt breathing right, and he put me back on the ground.
“That was… interesting,” he said slowly.
He hadn't let go of me and I hadn't let go of him, but we were still trying to breathe normally.
“Wow,” I said when I could breathe after a moment.
I felt a little staggered and lightheaded but it was completely worth it.
“Umm,” was all he responded, leaning his forehead against mine. “I want you to know that this is not just lust. I have experienced lust and this is not it, this is different, unique, and I'm tired of fighting back, Im tired of it all.”
I felt almost giddy, feeling the pleasuring of knowing someone wants to be with you, know you more intensely; it's nice.
“We better get back,” he said.
I nodded and my face fell ever so slightly.
He laughed at my expression and pressed his lips to mine very gently for a second, so naturally it scared me a little.
“Not to worry, we will return. I still haven
't showed you the best time to be here yet.”
He smiled and I could tell he was genuinely excited. “And I am sure everyone will be pulling their hair out, we have been gone so long. I'm quite surprised they haven't sent out a search party yet,” he joked with a laugh.
I started laughing too. I could imagine everything he was saying.
We started walking in no hurry back to the house, keeping a short distance between us. Along the way we just talked, mainly about what we were feeling about each other, but it was nice. For once in my life I felt no regret for living and I wasnt in much pain. It felt like I had a reason to be on this planet, to be alive. I now had people who cared about me, besides Adam. I had lost family, but in return I had gained great friends who were like family… or more.
We reached the house when it was dark and walked through the back door, where too much of my surprise everyone had shifted to the kitchen.
I left Sams side and went over to James; he was the closest. “What's wrong?” I asked, instantly guarded as I was glancing around.
“Don't worry about it Lays. Come on, we should get you home,” James said in reply, placing his hand on my back.
“I will do that,” Sam cut in.
He walked over to me and slowly he took my hand, his fingertips touching mine first before the rest of his hand followed and twined itself with mine. He looked up at me with a small angelic smile, also making everyone in the room stare at us awkwardly in confusion or shock, maybe even strangely.
I looked around the room, slightly embarrassed, and Elane was standing near Fredric, who looked blank as he looked me in the eyes, but Elane had a slight smile. Jane was standing near Hunter and I saw they were holding hands, looking at each other now, it felt so private I turned away.
“Come on, lets go,” Sam whispered in my ear silkily, making me shiver involuntarily.
He pulled me gently towards the doorway to the living room.
“Wait,” I said. “I wanna say goodbye first.”
He looked at me questionably but let me go while I walked over to hug everyone in the room. When I finished and went back to him, I had stopped right in front of him, looking at his perfect face. His hand found mine again and slowly pulled me closer to him.
“Are you ready?” he asked, capturing me with his eyes.
I nodded and we walked out the front door. I didn't know what was going on, but I was going to find out… eventually. But for now I would just enjoy what I had: my newest family members and the love of… well not of my life because I was planning to love him even when I died, so I guess the love of my entire existence.
8. Frighteningly scared
I had somehow managed to convince Sam to come over to my house tonight so we could talk. I told him I didn't want to be alone anyway, and truthfully, I didn't. I was way too vulnerable when I was alone, so he humbly agreed against his better judgment to come to my house tonight. He had asked if my father would be home, but knowing my dad, he wasn't coming home tonight. I think he was on some business trip and staying at a motel in Victoria.
As I went and had a shower I noticed I was way too keyed up, probably because Sam was waiting in the living room just downstairs. I tried to relax, but when I thought about him, again, I became tense. Then the thought of Sylar kept creeping into my head and I felt sick to the bone, and every time that feeling came up I scrubbed my skin harder and harder until I finally just gave up on showering, still tense and feeling unclean. I kept trying to think about why I was so trust worthy of these people. I never became too attached to anybody and I think maybe by trusting people like Hunter and Fredric and the Archers, it's just me trying to hold onto what tiny bit of sanity I have left. But it wasn't just that, I had a strong feeling I could trust them, I've never felt like this before.
I finally got dressed in some track pants and a singlet, then with a deep breath I walked out of the bathroom and downstairs into the living room. I found him looking out the front window up at the half moon, and I didnt hesitate as I went over to him. I wasn't quite sure what to do because I had never known someone like him, but instead of being an idiot I went and stood next to him, taking his soft big hand in mine.
“What's wrong?” I asked, trying not to disturb the beautiful silence.
He turned and looked at me, his eyes bewitching mine. I was trying to figure out what was going on but no one was dropping any clues tonight.
“Nothing's wrong,” he said, stroking the back of my wet hair.
“Then why is everyone acting so strangely?” I asked, frustrated.
I heard him sigh and he pulled back to look at me. “You look beautiful,” he said sadly.
“You can tell me. Anything. I'm a very trustworthy person,” I added with a small smile.
I knew he was trying to change the subject but I wasnt going to let it go that easy.
He looked down at the ground, internally debating whether or not to tell me. I took a long look at him while I was waiting for his reply, his glistening light green eyes, his light brown hair, his tall lean, masculine frame.
I didn't understand why he would want someone as bland as me. I didnt think there was anything significant about me. My dark brown, nearly black hair with a stripe of pitch black. Brown eyes, tall height (not taller than him though), averagely matured body and slightly tan but fair skin. There really was nothing that made me special.
But Sam was special, inside and out. Thinking of this made me feel a twinge of sadness again, not just because he was out of my league, but because there was nothing about me that could hold anyone, my own brother left me for goodness sake.
He saw my face and softened up, but his expression was still guarded. “Come on,” he said gently.
He dragged me over to couch and he sat down, patting the space next to him. Reality struck and I realised he might be leaving now.
“Don't leave me just yet,” I whispered urgently as I sat down beside him.
“I swore to never hurt you... and I do suppose this counts. I guess I can stay for a little while longer.”
“Promise?”
“I promise. What did you want to talk about?” he asked, placing both his hands on his knees as his body faced me on an angle.
I really didn't want to be here by myself tonight, I was kinda swaying towards asking Sam to spend the night, but I knew that would be a little inappropriate. I was basically sure Sam wouldnt try to jump me or anything, but still, I've never slept in the same bed as a guy my age. I did need someone who could comfort me right now though, and I choose him.
“We don't have to talk, I just think I need the comfort right now. You make me feel safe for some reason, you make me feel warm,” I said with a light shrug.
I looked up at him when he didnt respond and his expression was unsure, he didn't know what to do at all except sit awkwardly with his hands on his knees. I scooted closer on the couch to him and grabbed his left arm, draping it over my shoulder, holding onto his big hand loosely with one of mine. This time I felt his other arm wrap around my stomach and he pulled me closer as he hugged me to him. Even though I had only known him for a short amount of time, this felt natural, easy, like we were supposed to be. If it was anyone else but Sam, there would be no way that I would possibly allow this so quickly, but Sam was different. I soo cannot be judged on this.
I let my eyes close in content peacefully. I was very warm and comfortable, but I wanted answers now I thought about it, I was really concerned that something was wrong and maybe I had caused it.
“Are you going to tell me?” I asked into his chest.
I felt him stroke my arm soothingly. “Soon, relax now Layla. Stop worrying, I can bet you are exhausted,” he said.
I didn't really feel that tired… until he mentioned it, and now I couldnt stop drifting into sleep. Shit, this meant he was going to leave soon.
“Sam,” I whispered sleepily.
My eyes were half closed but I could still hear the clarity of his perfect voice when he answered.
“Yes?”
“Why me?” I asked, almost sounding poignant.
He didnt say anything for a few seconds, but when he spoke it was only softly. “You fascinate me, in so many ways. And when I look at you, or even think of you, I feel this pull inside of me, like desirability and temptation combined, making me crave you.”
I gulped. “That's how you feel about me?” I asked, asking for confirmation.
“I have a weakness for you. I want to be with you, I adore you and honestly... I find you absolutely irresistible.”
I pressed my lips together, knowing that everything he said was exactly what I felt for him and about him. It was nearly impossible for us to both think that way. Is this even possible??
So with my last thoughts I spoke them to him. “Are you going to protect me?” I said.
“Forever if I can,” he said. “Sleep now Layla, don't forget: I do love you, which may be hard to believe, but its the very truth,” he whispered into my ear slowly.
I think I smiled a little. “I can't believe it, but I love you too,” I whispered, amazed to be able to say those words Ive never said to anyone outside of family.
“Sleep tight,” he murmured, kissing the top of my head. “I'll see you in the morning.”
****
My dream wasnt a pleasant one, it was wild and frightening. It was mainly a flash of faces and a lot of bright lights sparking everywhere. But the thing that upset me the most was Sam was in front of me, protecting me from whatever danger was facing us. I tried to pull him back but he walked forward as I shouted no after him.
I had woken up. It was dark when I looked over at the clock and it said it was 5:03am. I closed my eyes and rolled back over, re-thinking my day yesterday. I opened my eyes fully and stared at the ceiling, wondering if everything with Sam yesterday was just a dream. I decided to get out of bed and have something to eat. After an hour went by I was almost convinced that everything that I thought that had happened yesterday was part of my dreams or imagination. I mean, seriously, why would someone like Sam like someone like me, let alone confess their love to me. I think my mind has been working overtime because I must have fried to think of events as weird as yesterday.
The Hidden Revelations: First Light Page 16