Lesson 52

Akari couldn't even begin to describe her emotions on that long, overnight train ride home. The cool breeze caressed her face as the train pulled itself lazily through the mountainside, and the dark horizon was littered with millions of tiny stars. Simeon was leaning casually against the railing, as still as an elegantly carved statue and just as impossibly handsome, though there was a weariness to him that she couldn't help noticing.

"Feeling worn out?"

At the sound of her voice, he turned to face her, the easy smile he always wore quick to return to his face.

"Oh, Akari. How long have you been standing there?" 

"Quite a while, actually." She chuckled. "It's no wonder you didn't notice me. There seems to be a lot on your mind."

Simeon hesitated. He was an angel after all, and his belief was that he should always be capable and strong to set a good example for others, but at this moment he wasn't sure he could.

"It seems the fairies did quite a number on me, too," he chuckled. "Seeing Lucifer and his brothers in their angel forms again reminded me of how things used to be. But the Celestial Realm is different now, and when I think about the reality of everything, I can't help but feel a bit depressed."

A slight apprehension washed over him. Would Akari think less of him? She was peering at him with an unreadable expression. For some reason he was expecting her to berate him, but she stepped forward to close the distance between them and he felt her arms circle around him.

"I'm sorry," Akari mumbled, pressing her cheek into his chest. "I had no idea you were feeling that way."

She glanced up at his face, so close to hers, and gazed into his eyes. The smell of his cologne and his close proximity made her heart pound wildly, but at that moment she didn't care. She wanted to be close to him, to feel him and comfort him in his time of need.

"I know things aren't the way they used to be, and that's always sad. But there are new and wonderful things to look forward to and appreciate. I want you to know that, Simeon."

"Ah... thank you." 

Simeon blushed, returning the hug as best he could. She was so warm, and the faint scent of flowers wafting from her hair reminded him of walking through a grassy meadow in the Celestial Realm. 

"I'd really like to kiss you right now," he murmured. "Is that okay?"

The butterflies wouldn't leave her stomach and her heart felt like it might explode, but Akari nodded. 

"Go ahead..."

Simeon's hand moved to cup her face in his palm and she shyly placed her hand over his. She closed her eyes and the feeling of his silky lips pressing against hers made her head spin. He tasted as sweet as cinnamon, his tongue as smooth as velvet as he licked into her mouth. 

"Simeon..." 

When he finally pulled away, she found herself craving for more. Was this the addictive kiss of an angel, or was she finally acknowledging the feelings she held for him all along?

For a brief moment in time, the polished veneer Simeon had painted to protect and hold himself together had peeled away. But the moment was over as quickly as it began.

"I've kept you for too long, haven't I? I should let you get some rest. Good night, Akari."

An ache tugged at Akari's heartstrings at the sight of his retreating back. Impulsively, she reached out and caught his hand in hers. 

"Wait! I want to be together a little longer. Please?"