Moonlit Night

The place Olivia and Onyx had longed for was finally within their sights. As the carriage approached the magnificent estate, their bodies trembled with excitement. Their companions couldn't help but stifle their laughter at the sheer joy emanating from the two teenagers.

Onyx, unable to contain himself, scanned the surroundings. And then, as if drawn by an unseen force, his gaze met Leo's. Leo, smiled subtly while observing Onyx. Before Onyx could succumb to his shyness, Olivia's voice broke the silence.

"Onyx, look! Look! It's your uncle and my parents!" Olivia exclaimed, her words ringing out loud and clear. Onyx widened his eyes and his attention shifted to the window. There, standing proud and beaming, was his uncle Felix. Without a moment's hesitation, Onyx flung the carriage door open and leaped out in a burst of energy. The cries of the others, shocked by his sudden departure, went unheard by Onyx's exhilaration.

"UNCLEEEEEEEEE!!!" Onyx bellowed, catapulting himself into his uncle's waiting arms. Tears streamed down both their faces, a mixture of joy and longing.

"I missed you, kid," Felix managed to utter through his quivering voice, holding Onyx tightly. Unspoken emotions filled the space between them, a sense of belonging and love that had been absent for far too long. At last, Onyx felt like he had found his true home.

It was only then that Onyx became aware of the commotion he had caused. Olivia, her vibrant spirit shining through, couldn't help but reprimand him with a grin, playfully giving him a head chop. Laughter erupted from everyone present, their hearts lightened by the sheer happiness exuding from this reunion.

As Felix took a moment to scan the group, his smile, though small, radiated warmth. "Who might all of you be?" he asked, genuinely curious.

Amidst the shared mirth, Onyx took the opportunity to introduce his friends. "Uncle Felix, these are my dear friends: Marcus Asheville, Emily Blanc, and…" Onyx's voice trailed off as he made eye contact with Leo. A blush instantly painted his cheeks in a fiery hue.

Leo, recognizing Onyx's unease, extended a hand gracefully. "My name is Leo De Alger Evergreen. It is a pleasure to meet you, Sir Felix."

Felix, his hand meeting Leo's, reciprocated the gesture. "The pleasure is mine, Leo De Alger Evergreen. Now, let us all head inside and celebrate. We have much to catch up on."

Once inside the grand estate, a feast awaited them. The aroma of delectable dishes filled the air, mingling with the sounds of laughter and camaraderie. The table overflowed with exquisite delicacies, enticing everyone to indulge in the abundance before them.

As the evening sun set and the moon took its place in the velvety sky, the merriment continued unabated. Stories were shared, jokes were told, and bonds were forged stronger than ever. And throughout it all, Onyx couldn't shake the feeling that Leo's presence held a deeper significance. Especially after what they had experienced last night. It terrified and excited onyx at the same time. It almost felt like a string of fate connected them but onyx unease was still there hoping their fate could end differently than in the original.

The celebration in the hall began to wind down, with the echoes of laughter and music fading into the night. Weary from the festivities, Onyx, glanced back and forth with his captivating emerald eyes, found himself yearning for a moment of solitude.

As the guests retired to their rooms, Onyx silently slipped away, his slender figure blending seamlessly with the shadows. He strolled along the dimly lit corridor, his mind filled with the enchantment of the evening. The sounds of distant laughter grew fainter, and a sense of tranquility engulfed him.

Deciding that the festivities inside was a bit too much excitement, Onyx's feet carried him toward the path that led to the small, secluded garden. The moon cast an enchanting glow upon the delicate flowers and dew-kissed leaves, illuminating the path before him.

But as Onyx ventured deeper into the garden, an unexpected presence stirred behind him. Soft footfalls echoed in the night, growing closer with each passing moment. Curiosity piqued, he halted in his tracks, turning to face the mysterious presence.

Before him stood Leo, with his striking azure eyes that seemed to hold the universe within them. His voice, when it resonated in the stillness, flowed like a symphony, harmonizing with the night's gentle breeze. "Mind if I join you, Onyx?"

A gentle blush tinted Onyx's cheeks, but he managed to nod, a small smile tugging at the corner of his lips. In Leo's company, silence became a comfortable refuge, as though words were unnecessary between them. They embarked on their moonlit stroll, the garden unfolding its secrets before their very eyes.

Leo broke the tranquility, his voice infused with genuine admiration. "Onyx, I cannot express my gratitude enough for allowing me to accompany you on this vacation. Your town exudes a certain loveliness and peace that is truly remarkable. It is evident how you have grown to be such a remarkable individual, surrounded by the love of your family, the friendship of your peers, and the beauty of your surroundings."

Modesty radiated from Onyx as he shyly scratched the back of his neck, his enchanting gaze momentarily casting downwards. "Thank you, Leo. I am truly blessed to have such incredible people in my life. They have shaped me in ways I can never repay."

Onyx and Leo's journey through the garden had been enchanting, each step deepening their connection and evoking whispered anecdotes and stolen glances. His crimson-hair moved with the push of the gentle wind. Onyx had never experienced such overwhelming emotions, even in his past life. His heart pounded against his chest, creating a symphony of fear and excitement that he was afraid Leo would hear.

Unable to contain himself any longer, Onyx halted, desperately trying to catch his breath and calm his racing heart. Leo, his ice blue eyes crinkling into half moons, gazed at the flustered teen with a knowing smile. The shock on Onyx's face was undeniable—he couldn't help but acknowledge Leo's true handsomeness, especially when he smiled. In a haste, Onyx looked away, forcing a smile. "I think it's time we head to bed," he stammered.

Leo's gentle gaze never wavered as he quietly observed Onyx. "Yes, it is quite late. Your uncle did mention you were both training early in the morning tomorrow," he murmured.

With a final nod, Onyx began to turn, ready to make his way toward the house. However, he felt a gentle grip on his wrist, Leo's touch sending shivers down his spine. Emerald green eyes met the piercing ice blue eyes, and in that instant, they fell into their own world where time seemed to stand still. Onyx's cheeks flushed, intensifying the rapid beating of Leo's heart. And then, leaning down, Leo placed a tender kiss on Onyx's cheek and whispered, "Goodnight," leaving a stunned and entranced Onyx behind, clutching his cheek.

As Onyx retreated to his room, he couldn't help but be consumed by his racing thoughts. The interactions with Leo replayed in his mind like a magical symphony. Leo, radiant in the moonlight, his strong presence, captivating eyes, and oh-so-kissable lips—it was all too much for Onyx to bear. But amidst his blissful thoughts, a realization struck him like lightning. "Wait, lips?!" Onyx exclaimed inwardly, astounded at his own admission. The memory of Leo's kiss lingered on his skin, leaving him feeling both exhilarated and conflicted. He knew he shouldn't fall for Leo, but his heart refused to listen. "No, no, it's time for sleep. I must stop these thoughts," Onyx muttered, desperately attempting to force himself into slumber.

Meanwhile, just a few rooms down, Leo found it difficult to close his eyes. The enchanting moments shared with Onyx in the garden played over and over in his mind, leaving no room for rest. His heart yearned for more time with the red-haired teen, a desire that outweighed any rational thought. It no longer could be denied—what Leo felt for Onyx was love, a love that lifted him up into the sky, making him feel weightless and complete. This was no ordinary infatuation; it was a connection that pierced his soul from the very moment he laid eyes on Onyx.

Leo reminisced about the first time he saw Onyx, amidst the bustling market square. He was there with his companion, casually enjoying skewers, when he noticed Onyx's laughter. It tugged at his heartstrings, igniting a powerful feeling within him. Unable to resist, Leo followed Onyx and Olivia to the square, where the townspeople were joyously dancing. When Onyx's hood fell off during a spontaneous dance, Leo couldn't stop the sudden impulse to be close to him. So joining in the dance he finally made his way to him and when their hands touched, and their eyes locked—an unforgettable moment that solidified Leo's captivation.

But Leo's journey towards love hadn't been without its trials. Growing up, he had witnessed the fleeting nature of love firsthand when his father remarried after his mother's passing. Determined to shield himself from heartache, Leo vowed never to fall in love. And yet, when he met Dylan, he thought he had found his exception. The realization that his feelings for Dylan were misplaced, however, shattered Leo's understanding of his own heart. It was not until he caught a glimpse of Onyx that he truly comprehend the depth of his emotions.

Although Leo yearned to confess his feelings to Onyx, he understood the importance of settling his emotions with Dylan first. They shared a brotherly bond, and Leo valued Dylan's kind nature. The thought of giving Dylan false hope pained Leo, and he made a firm resolution to keep any hints of his affection for Onyx hidden until the time was right.

But as Leo finally succumbed to sleep, his dreams turned into nightmares, projecting fragments of a future filled with turmoil and despair. Visions of a fateful meeting between Onyx and himself, followed by events that culminated in Leo committing a terrible act, caused him to bolt upright in bed, gasping for breath. His chest heaved, drenched in a cold sweat, as he realized that the path to love was not without its dark twists and turns.