Colliding with Fate

~Twenty-Seven~

The funeral for Destiny was private. Fate didn't want it to be a huge public ordeal, so it was just him, my family, and Claire. It's been about a week since Destiny passed. Fate was 18, therefore he was an adult and could do as he pleased with his life, so long as he finished school and didn't live on the streets. He took up a job for whenever he got out of his leg cast in about two months. Mom and Dad were nervous about Fate being on his own, but I had to remind them that he had been practically living alone his entire life. Mom couldn't handle it, so she packed cleaning supplies and forced me to go with her and clean up Fate's place. Over the next couple of weeks, Mom bought Fate a dresser, an actual bed, and normal things every teenage boy should have. Fate was grateful, but I noticed he seemed a bit off. When Mom left, I decided to stay with him.

"What's wrong?" I asked carefully. Fate sat himself down on his bed and sighed.

"Your family does so much, Evanine. Too much." He said.

I sat down next to him. "We care about you, Fate."

"I know. I just... I never knew someone could do so much. I never knew people could care so much about me." He replied, his voice weak. From the corner of my eye, I watched him wring his hands in his lap.

I reached out for his hand and brought it to my lap. "It's called love, Fate," I muttered. He turned to face me with burning green eyes. They dropped down to my lips, and my heart jolted out of my chest. I sucked in a breath just as Fate brought his lips down on mine. My body reacted quicker than my brain could make of what was happening. My hand cupped his cheek softly as Fate wrapped an arm around my waist and brought me closer, causing my brain to turn into a jumbled mess of mush inside my head. I couldn't think straight. I tried to make up a coherent thought, but when Fate leaned over me and kissed me harder, I knew all faith was lost. I had no chance.

"I love you, Evanine." Fate rasped. Immediately, my brain began to function. I knew those words and the value they held to Fate.

I pulled away a bit and stared up at him, searching for a sign. Something. His gaze expressed love and passion, and I couldn't help but be happy that his gaze was meant for me. Fate had so much passion burning in his eyes, but that slowly faded out into worry. "Did you hear me?" He asked. I nodded, a small smile playing on my lips. His worry dissolved into a warm smile.

"God, Evanine, I love you so much," he whispered. "You're so beautiful."

"I love you, Fate."

It wasn't a response, it was a statement. I loved him with all of my beings. I have never felt this way about anyone ever before. No one else has ever made me feel giddy just by walking in a room. No one else's smile alone could make my day. We had that type of connection where we could just sit in silence and be perfectly happy together. And right now, watching Fate grin for the first time in a long time, it's made me realize that he is my happiness.

"I love you. I love your name, Evanine. Your smile. Your laugh. The way one eye narrows more than the other when you're smiling. I love the way your hand feels in mine. I love how you saw me for who I am instead of listening to everyone else. You didn't care. I love that. I love everything about you. I love you." He said, tucking a strand of hair behind my ear. I couldn't help but smile and laugh at his cute grin.

Instead of replying, I cupped his cheek and leaned up to kiss him. He immediately responded, his hand finding the back of my neck. I loved him, there was no denying that. We broke away moments later and decided it was time to go home for dinner. Mom was excited because tonight she would attempt to cook instead of Ethan.

"Evanine, honey, dinner is ready!" Mom called into the living room from the kitchen. Fate and I wandered into the kitchen to find  Mom hurriedly taking something that look inedible out of the oven. I couldn't tell what it was. I bit back a laugh as Mom placed it on the counter and huffed. Her eyes found mine. "So... What do you think?" She questioned nervously.

I nudged Fate gently, hoping he would pick up the hint and say something reassuring to Mom. He didn't. "What?" He asked, turning his attention to me.

I shook my head in mock disappointment and returned to Mom. "Maybe Ethan should cook..." I trailed off. She sighed and shook her head.

"You're right. Okay," she said. "Ethan! Come down here and cook dinner!" Seconds later, Ethan and Claire were hopping down the stairs with grins on their faces.

"Nice attempt, Mom, but leave the food to me, okay?" He kissed her cheek and moved effortlessly around the kitchen. Claire and Fate and I pitched in to help. When we finished, we sat down at the table with Mom and Dad and ate spaghetti.

Claire and Ethan were giggling about something we were completely unaware of when Fate announced that he had good news. Mom and Dad immediately gave him their attention. "I'm getting my arm cast off tomorrow." He smiled sweetly. Mom clapped her hands in excitement. Afterwards, we all cleaned up and I drove Fate home.

The ride to his house wasn't quiet at all. Instead, it consisted of loud music no one ever listened to anymore and us screaming along, pretending we knew what was sung. I parked in his driveway as Fate reached over and slowly faded out the music. "I guess this is where I get out, huh?"

I shrugged. "I guess so."

He smiled at me and leaned over to kiss me quickly. "I'll see you tomorrow," he said as he got out. He hopped his way over to the front door and mouthed, "I love you!"

I giggled in response. "Love you too." I whispered to myself. And with that, he went inside and I was left feeling giddy.

---

I can't wait! I hope you liked this chapter!