Paper Ring

It took Selena sometime before she was able to tighten the bandage on Killian's arm, sweat on her forehead formed in big pieces, worried and scared that she's doing it wrong but every time her face pale, Killian will pinch her cheek and tell her that she's doing good.

She folded the towels and put it in the laundry basket, the toilet was just as empty as the studio room, aside from a shampoo bottle, toothpaste a toothbrush and the towel she used there's nothing else in the bathroom.

She sighed, wondering if this was really his apartment or not.

"Did you throw the ring?" Killian said.

Selena raised her head from looking down on her lap, she shook her head, "No, it's in my bag, do you want it back?" she asked.

"no," Killian snapped, "do you hate it?" he asked, looking at her with his deep black eyes.

Selena stared back at him, "it looks pretty and," she paused, gently wiping a wet cloth to his arm, "vintage."

Killian breathed, he lifted a hand to brush the strand of hair on Selena's face.

"the ring was made in the 1500s'," he said, a smile curved on his lips to see the shock on Selena's face.

"Really?" she exclaimed.

Killian nodded, " my mom used to tell me the story of the ring. It's about a boy living in the forest. He has nothing except his house and two dirty clothes," he stopped to sigh.

"What's his connection with the ring?" she asked.

So then, Killian continued, "he fell in love with a princess but, he has nothing to offer than his heart so the princess gave him a task,"

"What did he do?" Selena was drawn to his story, the two stayed sitting on the cold tiles of the floor.

"He stole a ring and gave it to the princess to show his love," Killian bitterly smiled.

"So she accepted him because of the ring?" head tilting with confusion, Selena asked.

Killian shook his head, "no, actually, she called the guard, had him arrested and kept the ring. She later used it for her wedding."

Hearing the story, Selena silently gasp, she could feel the pain of the man as he got betrayed by the woman he loved, it must be painful for someone who had nothing to offer.

"Why did you give it to me then?" confused, Selena asked.

"I just want to know the first thought that came in your mind when you saw the ring?"

Selena bit her lips, tightly. Eyes peered at his chest and watched it move as his heart pounded.

"I-" Selena's lips remained opened, unsure of what to say.

Killian lifted her chin with his knuckles, he wanted to see her eyes as she gives her answer.

"Do you still love him?" Killian asked.

Selena's eyes, full of confusion battled Killians'.

"I-," Selena felt as if a toad was stuck in her throat, she blinked, tried clearing her throat to give her answer but, her mind frost as well.

She wanted to say no, but her tongue numbed.

"You said you won't lie to me, right?" Selena said, eventually got her voice back.

The sincerity and gravity plastered on Killian's face made her realize that it's the right time to clear their relationship.

Killian nodded, sincerity shone in his eyes.

"Today, I will answer all your question and I won't avoid it," He replied.

Hearing that, Selena exhaled deeply.

"Did you sleep to any woman after we, ahm," Selena gulped, feeling the same toad in her throat again.

"No,"

She nodded.

"How many women have you been until now?"

Killian didn't answer, instead, he sighed, stretched his injured arm and pulled her to embrace.

"I honestly can't say. I have never thought of settling down until I saw you that night, to see the fear in your beautiful face, all I want to do is protect you, Selena," he whispered those words into her ear like a melody.

"It's crazy that after I met you, I started thinking about my future and every time it happens, you are always there like a ghost."

He gently pushed her away, the pain glowed in his eyes as he continued, "so whether you accept the ring or not, I will always be around-"

Selena cut him out with her lips, hands lay on his lap as she pressed herself to him.

"Silly," she said as she parted her lips from him.

"why do you think I asked you those questions?" Her eyebrow rose with amusement, head shaking as she gives him a lopsided grin he always had when he teases her.

"You mean?" Killian's eyes gradually swelling stared at Selena with complexity. Heart pounded abnormally, his hand reached out to her cheek.

Selena nodded, the wide smile on her lips could almost reach her eyes.

"You will sleep with me again?" Killian blurted.

Hearing that, Selena's face went poker, the usual teasing smile of Killian was back on his lips.

"You are injured Killian," she replied.

"That's fine," Killian grinned at her, "it's only my arm, we don't need it."

Selena immediately glared at him, her hand absently lifted and slapped his arm.

"Ouch!" Killian groaned, holding his injured arm after receiving a slap from Selena.

Selena's face blanched in panic, she gently brushed a hand on his injured arm - soothing him.

"Sorry," she apologized, biting her lips with guilt.

"How could you hurt me? I just want your body!" Killian said, pouting his lips like a duck.

"Seriously?" she got up, infuriated by his joke.

"But, you didn't say no Selena, I just want to be clear," Killian said innocently, watching Selena leaving the bathroom with flushed cheeks.

"Shut up Killian, you are injured."

"It's fine, I still have a mouth," he giggled.

"Shut up!" Selena yelled after slamming the door closed.

"Is that a yes?" he continued.

"Seriously! If you don't stop, I am going to kill you Killian!" hearing the anger in her voice, Killian shut up and tried to get up.

"I can't get up," seconds after saying that, the door opened.

As she tried to help him get up, Killian pulled her closer to kiss.