I am so sorry. If you want, You can consider the last chapter (Chapter 99) as the cannon ending, Just happy fluff and sweet innocent cuddles, A 'happily ever after' ending. . .
'Cause this ain't gonna be that. . .
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I woke up slowly that morning, Content and cuddled into Emory's side.
The sun was up, Birds were singing and both my boyfriend and I were awake.
Despite that, Neither of us made an attempt to get up.
After a short while of me being awake, Emory started to gently run his fingers through my hair, Making me sigh happily as he gently scratched at my scalp every now and then.
Snuggling closer, I smiled slightly at the fond chuckle that came from the man I was partly laying on.
''Good morning Mein Liebe'' He murmured, His voice gruff and deep from sleep, Making me shiver slightly.
I peered up at him from where I was snuggled against his chest, My face warming as I stared at my boyfriend.
''Morning'' I responded back, Turning my face to very tentatively press a kiss to the palm of his hand, Earning another adoring smile from the man.
''How in the world did I end up with someone as precious as you?'' He murmured, His words making my heart stutter in my chest, My breath hitching.
''You're. . .You're the one who's precious. . .Y-You're so nice and perfect an-'' I started to murmur back before trailing off as Emory gently cupped my face in his hands.
I stared at him silently before he leaned forwards, Pressing his lips to mine in a gentle and chaste kiss.
Slowly, I relaxed under his gentle kisses as he slowly moved us around until I was laying on the bed with him propped up over me, His arms on either side of my head.
He pulled back, Smiling fondly down at me, Making my heart jump and stutter.
At that moment, My stomach chose to very quietly rumble.
Emory chuckled, Pressing one more, Brief kiss to my lips before pulling back.
''Well now, I have to agree with you on that, Come, Let us go get breakfast'' He murmured fondly as he climbed out of bed, Groaning quietly as he stood up.
Breakfast was temping. . .But so was continuing to snuggle with the other man.
So long as I get to stay nearby him, I don't mind what we're doing. . .
Yawning, I stumbled out of bed as well, Trailing behind Emory as he pulled on a sweater, Having been wearing a sleeveless T-shirt to bed.
I was squirming into the soft and oversized sweater Emory had pretty much given me when he came up behind me, Loosely wrapping his arms around my waist and pressing a gentle kiss to the side of my face.
''What do you think about apple pancakes and sweet bread rolls for breakfast?'' He questioned as I tentatively turned around in his embrace so I could face him.
'' Sounds. . .Sounds yummy, Do you. . .Can I help you make it?'' I asked meekly, Earning a warm and fond smile from him.
I had learned over our time together that he really enjoys cooking for those he cares about.
''I would love your help'' He murmured, Pressing another kiss to my head before pulling back, Entwining his fingers with mine as he led me out of our room.
He wasn't wearing his gloves around me any more, Seemingly unconcerned with me seeing his scar covered hands.
That fact always made me so happy. . .
He's so nice. . .And handsome. . .Perfect and kind. . .
Entering the kitchen, Emory gave me the task of making the batter as he chopped up the apples, Still not wanting me near knives and or sharp objects.
It was nice, Whenever Emory would pass me to wash off an apple, He'd press a kiss to my head, Making me squirm and blush each time.
I adored him and I adored being near him.
Eventually though, Our peaceful time spent together was brought to an end when someone rang the doorbell, Drawing Emory away from our task at hand.
''I will be right back love, Wait for me?'' He murmured, Giving me a gentle and chaste kiss to my lips before heading out of the kitchen, Leaving me just standing there, Blushing as my heart fluttered about behind my ribs.
How did I end up with someone as perfect as him?
I pressed my hands to my face, Trying to cool the burning blush blooming on my face.
What did I ever do to deserve him?
Wrapping my arms around myself, I couldn't really wipe the wobbly, Happy smile off my face as I just stood there, Waiting for him to return.
. . .
Wonder what's taking so long. . .
I couldn't hear anyone talking. . .
Getting a bit worried, I wiped washed the batter off my hands, Careful to not accidently pull of my promise ring before making my way out of the kitchen as well.
I was still getting used to wearing the ring all day every day, It made me feel a bit. . .Weird.
Every time I looked at it my heart would flutter in my chest, The importance of said bit of metal making me happy, But it also made me feel a bit. . .Undeserving.
I love and adore the man who gave it to me. . .But despite his constant assurances. . .I couldn't help but worry that I was an unworthy burden.
Shaking off the slightly apathetic thoughts, I continued to the front door, Wishing to keep the happy, Safe, Content feelings from this morning.
I wonder if it's one of Emory's family members stopping by. . .Maybe Dimitri and his husbands? It'd be nice to have them over for breakfast. . .They were really kind, If a bit blunt.
Making my way to the front door, I was surprised to find it partly open, Confusing me further.
A small smile was still on my face, Fully expecting to see my boyfriend speaking with a member of his family.
Oh-
Approaching the door closer, I was able to see exactly why Emory was taking so long. . .My smile instantly dropping at the scene in front of me.
There he stood, On the front porch.
Leaned forwards slightly. . .
His lips pressed to Channing's. . .
My heart started to race in a panic upon seeing the other boy, My throat closing a bit as I stumbled away from the door.
What is he doing here? Why- Why is he here?
I was shaking slightly as I retreated to the kitchen, Wanting to get as far away from him as possible.
With a bit of space between what I just saw and myself, I started to calm down the smallest bit.
Why. . .Am I wondering why he's here. . .
My hands were shaking slightly as my brain came to a realization. . .Whether I wanted him here or not, It really wasn't my place to protest any.
He's Emory's soulmate after all. . .I had no right to keep them apart.
Maybe Emory invited him over. . .He's bound to miss him. . .He is his soulmate. . .
I felt a bit. . .Very guilty at that thought.
I've been so selfish. . .
Last time Channing was here. . .I completely freaked out. . .I even lost it as soon as I heard him speak. . .
And. . .Emory just willingly pushes him aside for me each time. . .That's. . .Not fair to either of them. . .
I. . .Don't think I'd ever be able to feel comfortable near him. . .
Frowning slightly, I looked down at my hand, My brain slowly connecting threads.
I'm keeping Emory from his soulmates. . .He could be so happy with them. . .
Looking down at my hand, I realized exactly what I had to do.
It's not fair of me. . .It's not right for me to keep him all to myself. . .But I can't. . .I just can't get over myself long enough for all of us to be together. . .
Slowly, I removed the promise ring from my finger.
The lovely, Silvery blue stone sparkled like fresh ice as I placed it down on the counter, The quiet 'clink' sound making me flinch slightly.
Reaching down, I grabbed the hem of the sweater I was wearing over the long sleeve shirt I had slept in.
Tugging it off over my head, I folded it up, Placing it on the counter next to the ring.
This. . .This is the right thing to do. . .Right?. . .If I'm gone, Then. . .They can all be together. . .
I hesitated slightly, Starting to second guess myself.
Maybe I should leave a note?
Hesitantly, I grabbed a nearby post-it-note from the fridge and shakily scribbled down a note, 'Water drops' staining the paper as I wrote.
Leaving it with the ring, I hesitated again, Not wanting to leave. . .
No. . .No I can't be selfish. . .He deserves to have his soulmates. It's only fair that he gets the majority of them. . .
Inhaling shakily, I did my best to steel my resolve before turning and heading out the backdoor in the kitchen.
It led to a mud room and then out to the backyard.
While picking up sticks from said yard after the storm, I had found a small archway at the very back of the stone wall that surrounded Emory's home.
It had a lovely, Wrought iron gate with pretty twisting designs that, Even though it was locked, I could easily climb over.
Glancing back at the house, I inhaled slowly, A few tears starting to gather in my eyes before grabbing onto the metal bars and hauling myself over it.
I can't go back. . .I've got to leave. . .He'll have a better life if I'm gone, He'll have better soulmates. . .
Soulmates who deserve him. Soulmates who won't become all hurt and jumpy if he accidently says something while hurt.
I didn't bother wiping the tears from my face as I walked down the street, I didn't have the energy.
Maybe that was the reason that once I made it to the nearest bus stop, The driver didn't bother asking me for my ticket, She just gave me a sympathetic smile before letting me on.
I didn't know where I was going, Didn't know what I'd do when I got where ever I was going.
All I knew, Was that I had been a burden on Emory for far too long. . .
He's been so kind to me. . .And all I've done is drive him away from his soulmates and make him have to deal with my worthless self. . .
It'll. . .It'll be for the best.
My chest was tight, Tears dripping down my face as I leaned my head against the bus window.
Distantly, I heard the quiet patter of rain.
--- Emory Pov ---
A fond smile remained on my face as I left Aspen in the kitchen to figure out who was at the door.
The past few days had been so domestic and nice, At this rate I was starting to dread returning to work and leaving my little sapling, Even for a day.
If only he didn't have school. . .Maybe I could just keep him in my office, He could cuddle with me while I do paper work. . .
The thought was very tempting to me.
I had enjoyed seeing him get more confident and comfortable around me, He was even eating a bit more! Which brought me so much joy.
He wasn't flinching either anymore when I'd come up behind him to hug him or give him kisses.
Reaching the front door, I paused briefly to brush off the flour that had somehow gotten on my sweater.
Best look presentable, Just incase it's one of my co-workers or a surprise visit from family. . .Again.
Opening the front door, I had a small smile on my face until I took in the brown haired boy before me.
Ah. . .Great.
Channing was standing on my front porch, Nervously kicking at the 'welcome' mat.
. . .I guess I better hear him out, Just in-case something bad has happened to him again. . .No longer than necessary, I do not want him stressing Aspen out. . .
''What is it?'' I questioned quietly when he showed no sign of saying whatever it was he came here to say, Opting instead to just stare at me with wide eyes.
''You um. . .You look nice'' Channing hesitantly started politely, Nervously kicking at the mat again.
I just arched an eyebrow at that, Crossing my arms as I waited for him to get to the point.
It was clear he wanted me to invite him inside.
I've learned my lesson after last time, I rather not scar Aspen with my mistakes any more than I already have.
''You have not come here to compliment me. What is it you wanted?'' I questioned, A bit firmer this time.
He at least had the decency to be embarrassed by me pointing that out, His face starting to flush slightly.
''I. . .I wanted. . .Ah fuck it'' The boy nervously started before reaching out, Grabbing onto the front of my shirt and abruptly dragging me down to face level with him.
The shock of his action was enough to make me freeze, Giving the boy the opportunity to press his lips to mine, Making my brain blank as tingles spread out across my face.
I was frozen in shock for a good moment, My brain struggling at first to comprehend what just happened.
As soon as I did, I reached out, Pushing the boy away from me.
What the hell. . .I-. . .I do not know how to react to this. . .
I stared blankly at the boy who was now nervously fiddling with his shirt's hem.
My brain was still struggling with how to respond to this when the boy spoke up.
''My um. . .My family has decided to move away for a few months due to business reasons, They're taking me with them. . .I. . .Figured it'd be right to say goodbye to you and. . .And Aspen'' Her explained, Seeming to briefly get a bit of courage back before going back to being a bit meek.
Reaching up, I rubbed at my lips slightly before sighing.
''Alright, I will pass the word on. Travel safely.'' I muttered curtly, My words instantly making my other soulmate look crestfallen.
''Can't I tell him? Please? He is awake right?'' Channing questioned, Trying to peer around me before I shook my head.
''No, You can not tell him. If that is all?'' I muttered, Watching as the brown haired boy sputtered slightly, Trying to find what to say before finally looking defeated.
''Fine. Fuck you.'' He grumbled out, His eyes looking a bit shiny as he stormed down the steps and back to his parent's car.
I really need to remember to lock that gate even when I'm home. . .Too many people have been just coming to my house when I'm trying to relax with my boyfriend.
Once the car Channing was in was gone, I went back inside my mood a bit soured.
It's fine, I have my boyfriend waiting for me, Spending time with him will cheer me back up. . .
Opening the door to the kitchen, A small smile on my face as I expected to see my sweet, Fluffy, Mousy brown haired boyfriend waiting there.
Instead, I was greeted with the sweater he had been wearing resting on the counter, A piece of paper on top of it.
Did he get over heated? He might be upstairs. . .I best make sure he's alright. . .I did leave him alone in a room with knives. . .
Starting to feel a bit worried, I reached out to grab the sweater to bring it to my boyfriend.
As soon as I lifted it, Something fell out of it and onto the counter, Making a loud 'clink' sound.
What in the-
Looking down, I was shocked to find the promise ring I had given Aspen resting on the counter.
Slowly, Nervously, I picked it up, Worry clutching at my heart as I turned to read the note.
'I'm so sorry, I've been so selfish by keeping you away from Channing and Daniel. You've been nice and kind and so so perfect and I've been keeping you from-'
Panicking, I skimmed down to the bottom of the tear stained post-it-note, Dread forming in the pit of my stomach, Earnestly seeking out any explanation as to where my boyfriend was.
'I'm so sorry, I won't be a burden anymore. Please be happy'
No no no.
Tossing the note aside, I rushed upstairs, Running from room to room looking for him before I realized. . .He wasn't inside. . .
No. . .
Distantly, I heard it start to rain. . .
--- Daniel Pov ---
Putting my last item away in my suit case, I looked around my now mostly empty house, A shaky sigh leaving me.
Due to all the disrespect I've been dealing with from my beloved class and more importantly the traumatic events that have happened in said class, I was briefly being transferred to a school a state away for a few months until my current students graduate and I could get re-trained.
I felt bad for leaving my students. . .My home, And my soulmates for a little while. . .But it was either that or 'retire early'.
Well. . .I won't be gone for long. . .
I had tried reaching out to my soulmates to explain what was happening. . .
Channing didn't pick up his phone.
And I didn't know where Emory and Aspen lived. . .Nor did I have their phone numbers.
Shaking my head again, I forced my smile back into place.
Well, I guess I'll just have to make it up to them when I get back! Wonder if they like candy, I hear there are lovely candy shops over there. . .
A more genuine and happy smile formed on my face as I imagined what I could do to bring them some joy.
It'll be sad without seeing any of them, But it won't last forever, I can't wait until I return!
A small skip was in my step as I finished packing my last bag into my car.
Climbing into my car, I smiled slightly as it started to rain, The patter quiet and lovely as the gently dripping water cleansed the earth.
With the quiet background noise, I pulled out of my apartment's parting lot, Starting on the multiple hour drive I had ahead of me.
I can't wait to see my soulmates again when I return.
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The end.
Of act one.
I'll start the next act sometime later this month. . .Sorry again. . .It will get better-
Anyways! Like always, Have a good day/night and find a better book!. . .Been nice seeing ya'll - fallen