Marigold

The Gift

**Hi guys. I know I don't usually write but I'm gonna try and do better. I'm gonna try and update this every day or every other day. Note that I do work so it's gonna be a little hard. Anywho I hope you enjoy. I'm working on the second chapter now** 

" I never stood a chance, did I?"

"That's the sad part - you did once."

His eyes dove deep into my soul, burying past thoughts in my mind. Memories of us both as we grew older, stronger, braver. In that moment everything drifted away. The smoke, the flames, the danger. Life itself had no meaning when we were together. Nevertheless, it seemed to move on no matter how hard we tried to kindle it. The flames we both tried to put out, kept holding on. Never letting us forget the moments we both cherish so much. His aura grew wearier as reality pulled me back in.

"T-tell me. Tell me when you... when you loved me."

At this, his eyes found the rust colored dirt on the ground.

" It was back a few years ago, when everything was perfect. Everyone lived in harmony. No one cared about what wrongs were being done, or if people had enough to eat, or clothes to wear, because we knew everyone had what they needed. It was when no one cared about what others thought about them, or who really loved them for them. Now? It's all just a bunch of corrupted minds..."

The mood in the air shifted. His aura darkened as the memories swimming through his mind taunted him. Reminding him of the darkness that destroyed the perfect past we shared. Finally after a few minutes, the gray clouds of his eyes found the heart of the ocean in mine. The pain and concern coursing through his veins now visible on his face. My heart raced as he slowly extended his hand towards me. His lips moved but no sound came out. My eyes drifted to his lips, as my mind tried to process the words he was saying then found there way back to the grey orbs set on me.

"I know your heart Amber. You haven't left me completely. Let me guide you back...please."

The huskiness of his voice sent chills down my spine. I was lost in his eyes as his words melted over me. Was I still the same? The question ran around my mind as I found myself taking his hand, stepping into his open arms and wrapping mine around his waist. His heart racing as well. The feeling of his big muscular arms wrapping around my waist as he embraced me, caused my breath to hitch. I still loved him. And he loved me. Despite me hurting him, he never gave up on me. Tears filled my eyes as I breathed in his scent, burying my face into his neck. His lips gently pressed against my temple, sending sparks through my body.

I could stay here forever. Somehow I feel safe in his massive arms. Feeling him shift, I look up at him as he lets me go and looks down at me, his eyes brighter than before. He smiles slightly pushing my hair back.

"Stay here."

Before I could protest, he was in the house, the door blocking my view from him. I huff crossing my arms, already missing the warmth he gave off. I patiently wait, tilting my head towards the sky, taking in the sweet rays of the moon. The stars flickering in the late night. It was only a few minutes before I felt something cold touch my skin. I lift my hand to the small object, as I feel his arms wrap around my waist from behind, his husky voice in my ear whispering.

"Happy birthday my love."

My eyes flutter open as I roll the crescent shaped necklace between my fingers. I lean back into him as I smile softly, my other hand playing with his hair. "It's gorgeous. Thank you so much Connor but... you didn't have to...". My sentence was cut short by the sweet ecstasy of his soft lips pressed into mine. Sparks flew between us before he pulled away. His fingers caressing my cheek.

" I wanted to. Besides I was not going to let you forget."

Connor stepped back and looked me over. A look of content blanketed his face.

"You need your rest. I will see you later this morning ok marigold?"

I nodded my head, blushing at the childish nickname he had given me. The first time he called me that, was when he found me sitting in a field surrounded by multiple colored marigolds. I was singing to myself and braiding my hair, when he came up to me. He sat with me and we talked for what seemed like hours before I had to leave, and he placed an orange marigold in my hair. That day his eyes seemed to glow every time we touched. I could never forget that moment.

My eyes turned to the watch on my wrist. 12:30am. Time to go to bed. Looking up from the watch, I start to say my goodbyes, only to find Connor gone. I sigh and make my way back home, which was only 5 miles from his. It would take me no time at all to get back.

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**Connors POV**

" I never stood a chance did I?" 

The worry, pain, and confusion was clear in her voice. The guilt shown through her eyes. She never meant to hurt me and I know it, but something in my mind is telling me it wasn't her fault. 

"That's the sad part - you did once." 

I could see it clear as day, and I know she could too. The visions of us in that field. The soft echoes of her singing. The joy in her laughter. The happiness in her smile. Nothing could ever take that day away. Ever. The memories flooded both our minds as our eyes locked once again. I could hear the conversations we had about our future as we were growing up. It was just her and I standing amidst the flames and the smoke. The danger around us. Her aura seemed to dim slightly as her voice broke the piercing silence.

"Tell me when...when you loved me?"

My eyes moved to the brown dirt under our feet. I almost didn't want to answer her, in fear of it breaking her down even more. But I had to. She wasn't gonna leave without a response.

" It was back a few years ago, when everything was perfect. Everyone lived in harmony. No one cared about what wrongs were being done, or if people had enough to eat, or clothes to wear, because we knew everyone had what they needed. It was when no one cared about what others thought about them, or who really loved them for them. Now? It's all just a bunch of corrupted minds..."

At this, I could feel my own aura dull. The dark days racing through my mind. Distracting me from her feelings. Reminding me of the times when I was alone, in my mind. The times when not having her was killing me. I never want to revisit those times. But I will even if it means losing her. I knew she could see the pain on my face. Looking back up at her, I extend my hand. Hoping she would take it. 

A few minutes after, I pull her into a tight embrace, not wanting to let go as tears ran down her soft cheeks. My lips pressed gently against her temple and I pushed her back looking at her, admiring how beautiful the moonlight made her. 

"Stay here" 

I left her quickly making my way to the house before she could say a word. I raced around trying to find where I put that box. Finally I find it and go back to her, finding her taking in the moonlight. I smile and sneak up on her, taking the necklace out of its box and fastening it around her neck whispering in her ear as my arms wrapped around her "happy birthday my love." I could hear her breath catch as she felt the silver crescent around her neck. Her lips pressed to mine and her fingers ran through my hair, making me moan ever so slightly. I pull away after, not wanting to delay her getting home any more. My fingers felt the soft skin on her cheek. 

I stepped back, immediately looking over her, making sure she wasn't hurt in any way, shape, or form. Finally deciding she was ok I let her go. 

"You need your rest. I will see you later this morning ok marigold?" 

At the sound of the childhood nickname, a blush crossed her face. I looked her over once more as she looked down at her watch. I took this moment to go back inside. I watched her as she glanced around looking for me. Giving up, she sauntered back towards her house. My mind only on the ways of how I could keep her safe.