Day 184

Three days after the first dance rehearsal, a special day has come. Keitaro's birthday. I asked him what he wanted, but he only wanted one thing. Me. Living with me until eternity. There was only one option, and I searched for it. I was so close. I found the entrance, but it was sealed. My magic was not strong enough to break it. But from what I read on the wall carving, there is a key that can open the way. I guess this is the best gift I can give him. Hope...

C: I hope I'm not late for the party.

It was the weekend, and they were all tired from school. Alex asked me if we could hold a birthday party for Keitaro at my place. I agreed. I felt guilty because I couldn't help with the preparation or anything else... I was very busy with my research. Alex and the golems had to do all the work.

C: Finally, I'm here.

I arrived home exhausted. I'm glad it was just a light party. Just watching the TV, drinking, and relaxing.

H: You are an hour late.

R: Are you ok? You look like crap.

C: I was just flying around for twenty-seven hours. Bit tired, but nothing else.

C: Where is our birthday boy?

H: On the balcony. He hit the bottle hard.

C: Thanks.

I walked to the balcony, where I saw Keitaro with a bottle of beer in his hand. And a couple more empty ones on the ground.

C: Happy birthday, Keitaro.

K: Thanks. Are you good? You look like crap.

C: I was just researching and flying around for twenty-seven hours. But it's not that important. How are you feeling? You look pale.

K: I had a few more that should have. But now I'm happy you could make it.

C: Let me try something new. Arahtka al tahkwadla talah.

I touched Keitaro's forehead and let the spell do its work.

K: That hit the spot. It's like I didn't even drink a sip of alcohol. Thanks.

C: It was just a guess. This spell breaks a curse called Dizzy State, and it's similar to being drunk. So I figured it would work.

Something was still a bit off. I was late yet...

C: You are not mad at me for being late?

K: Why would I be? I love you, and I trust you have good reasons.

C: Just one. Your birthday gift. Happy birthday.

I gave Keitaro a small birthday gift.

C: It's not what you think, but it's a good start.

Keitaro opened the small box and found a single piece of paper inside.

K: What is this?

C: I translated it. Just read it.

K: An athenaeum is the place to look. Lift the wings of the havens to find the book of tears. Hidden in this book of old lies the key of gold. May it open the way to the Waters of Life to the worthy.

K: Wait. Waters of life? Wait, this means-

C: Yes. I found it. It's at the bottom of the Mariana Trench. There was a hidden pathway that led me there. The way is sealed, and we need the key from the havens library.

K: How long will that take?

C: 3 to 4 months. The library was destroyed and abandoned more than a thousand years ago. The book is still inside I just need to find it.

K: Just to make this clear. I can be with you forever within half a year.

C: Yes.

K: ...Best birthday gift ever. I will treasure this.

We pulled each other into a hug. It was a touching moment.

K: I can see that you are happy as well.

C: Huh?

By the time I noticed, we were already levitating above the ground. It happens rarely. When I'm very happy.

C: Oh, sorry.

K: I'm used to it by now. Just don't let me go.

C: Never.

We kissed each other. I felt like a sissy schoolgirl who kissed the hottest boy in college.

K: I believe we have an audience.

C: Huh?

I looked down and saw Hannah, Ryan, and Alex below us.

H: Don't mind us. This is better than TV.

C: How long have you been watching?

H: Since you gave Keitaro the present...

C: Oh, you little-

Before I could rant about how noisy she was Keitaro pulled my face away and made me look at him.

K: You talk too much.

He shut me up with his lips. There was something magical about that moment. He finally showed his dominant side.

C: The night is still young. What do you want to do?

K: I don't know. What can I do?

C: Whatever you want. It's your birthday, after all.

K: Cuddles. And this time, you will be the big spoon. And later, I'll be at the top.

C: You're cruel. But ok. Just this one.

Before I found Keitaro, it was so rare for me to be this happy. But now, every time I'm with him, I'm happy. I finally have a family again. Someone who loves me for what I am.