Lucian knew it was Celine from the beginning (not recognizing her was an act, just him being dramatic before Voice).
He just didn't want to confront the fact that he had given her a cold shoulder and avoided her like he would a poisonous plant. After all, he was failing her as a friend and a man, and he hated to admit it.
"I'm sorry," he said, "I was really busy and couldn't write you any letters."
She was quiet, and her eyes were downcast as she placed the box with the egg inside the bag on her hips. He couldn't tell what she was thinking. He knew, however, that his answer was far from satisfying for her.
His earlier nervousness returned, the guilt adding to the mix, making his stomach churn.
"I swore to beat you up the next time we meet," she said, her hands cupping his cheeks. Her gaze was fierce as she stared into his eyes, "And that's what I'm going to do."
She pressed her lips against his, her kiss demanding, just like her eyes. Her hands held him firmly, preventing him from moving away.
Lucian's mind blanked out, and his body went limp, allowing her to do whatever she wanted, "Hngh─"
Her tongue entered his mouth, and he felt a jolt of pleasure course through his body.
He couldn't breathe, he couldn't think, and he didn't want to. He wanted to drown in this feeling forever.
She pulled away, leaving him gasping for air and with a burning sensation on his lips. The taste of her lingered on his tongue, sweet, yet with a slight bitterness.
"Now you can die and go to hell," she said, licking her lips and releasing his cheeks. Her touch left a tingly sensation on his skin. She pulled out a pocket watch to check the time, "I know there's no future for us, but living with regrets is not something I'm willing to do."
She didn't ask why he was avoiding her for the second time. She simply accepted it, making him wonder if she was expecting it. She was aware of the risk he was taking by approaching her, but instead of giving up, she made a bold move that was going to hunt his dreams.
Her might was stronger than any wall he could put between them, and his heart was weak in the face of her onslaught.
She grew more and more powerful as the years passed. He could feel her harsh upbringing in the way she acted, in the way she talked, and in the way she kissed him. She wasn't a passive person. She was used to being in charge, not being led by others.
They were both similar in a sense. Like plants, taking in the nutrients of their environment, but their roots remained the same.
The only problem was that they didn't belong in the same garden.
"...Again..." Lucian mumbled, his mind still hazy from her kiss. He wanted more. And the more she was willing to give, the more he craved. "Kiss...me again..."
"..." She opened her mouth to say something, but he was already on her.
For a second kiss in their lives, it was a wet and messy one. When he tried to stick his tongue in her mouth, she stuck hers in his mouth, curling them together.
"...Hah...hn..."
His heart was beating so hard that it was hurting his chest, and his breathing was quick and shallow as they sucked on each other's lips. The heat in his lower body was growing, and it felt like he was going to explode.
He didn't want to let her go, but the pocket watch she was holding near his head reminded him that they were on a timer.
"...I...have..." she gasped in between kisses, "...ten...more...seconds...to get out..."
They separated with a loud smack. Lucian was a complete mess, his cheeks red, and his mouth and chin were wet with saliva.
She pocketed her watch and pulled out her compact mirror to wipe the saliva off her face with a handkerchief and fix her wig, "Ugh, my makeup is ruined."
"You are wearing make-up?" Lucian asked and noticed a few shadows around her cheekbones and nose being smudged away.
She fixed the imperfections with her fingertips after taking off her glove. Putting away her mirror once she was satisfied with the result, she took another look at Lucian.
If only time would freeze in place for them.
But it didn't.
She had responsibilities to fulfill, and he had unfinished business to deal with.
"I'll come to visit you soon," he said, making her pause, "So you don't have to sneak out to meet me."
'Why did I just say?'
At that moment, his pride couldn't stand the fact that she had to be the one chasing after him.
Before he could take back his words, her eyes lit up in a way that made his heart skip a beat. In her roots and soul, she was still a girl. A girl who was in love.
"I look forward to that," she said with a smile on her face and left the wagon.
Lucian wiped his mouth and followed her outside. His legs felt like jelly, but he still had to show face to the Duke's son (daughter).
"Are you done, young master?" the captain asked as they both emerged from the wagon.
Edmund mounted his horse, "Yes, I am. You can let him go. I've got what I needed from him."
Lucian bowed slightly, hiding his flushed face at her ambitious words, "I hope that young master enjoyed his shopping experience."
Edmund coughed lightly, his voice returning to a lower pitch, "Very much so. Thank you. My sister will be very pleased with the gift."
"I'm glad to hear that. Have a safe trip, young master."
Cel—no, Edmund nodded and left the garrison, followed by the soldiers on horseback.
Lucian returned to the wagon and collapsed to the floor, leaning against a crate and holding his chest as he tried to calm down his beating heart. It was racing like a runaway horse, and it wouldn't stop.
There was a saying that the more one gets, the greedier they become.
Celine was a greedy girl, and Lucian, the humble boy that he was, was going to be eaten alive by her in the future if he didn't learn how to tame this side of hers.
Lucian hit the crate with his head, his face scrunching up in pain as he groaned, 'How to tame a wild little wife? Is there some sort of guide on this? Voice?'