Midnight.
Whether or not this would make a difference in their relationship, she didn't really care. She just wanted to tell him how she felt. No, she had to tell him, before it was too late.
Now. Do it now!
"Haydee?"
"…!!!"
His deep voice startled her. She lifted her head and saw the Count sitting opposite her, staring fixedly at her. Haydee inhaled sharply.
Oh my…It feels like that night…
"Well? Why did you wish to see me?"
Haydee remained silent. Her thoughts were screaming, racing in her mind. But she still didn't utter anything. She had suddenly lost the courage to tell him.
No…I must tell him now…
She rose from her seat and stood with her fists gripped tight. Haydee shifted uneasily in her stance. Her heart was beating at an impossible rate. The awkwardness was killing her.
"…Count…There's something I…I've been meaning to tell you this…for such a long time…"
The Count stood up as well and walked slowly towards Haydee. He again lifted her chin and looked into those eyes. They shone brightly with so much tears. Haydee's face immediately turned red, and more tears were streaming down her face.
"Tell me."
Haydee placed a trembling hand on his cold cheek. His eyes of red and gold penetrated deep into her soul. His gaze was relaxing and intoxicating at the same time. She couldn't take it any more. Within seconds, she embraced his neck and sobbed.
"I love you!"
"…!!!"
"…I love you…so much…"
At once, Haydee felt her heart become lighter. These words took up so much courage to say, more than when she told her entire past long ago. She took this moment to reveal everything.
"I've loved you ever since the day I first laid eyes on you…This feeling grew more and more everyday…I had to tell you someday…I just had to…Oh, Count…"
"…"
The Count closed his eyes and began stroking Haydee's hair. He slowly embraced her, making her blush. Haydee wiped away her tears and looked up at the Count's calm face. And before she knew it, the Count leaned closer and kissed her passionately on the lips.
Haydee's body suddenly became numb as she felt the Count's lips on her own, deepening the kiss at each passing moment. Closing her eyes, she was able to read his feelings through the kiss. It was as if…he'd been anticipating this moment for so long. Sure enough, as soon as they had pulled apart, he said gently with a smile on his face:
"What took you so long?"
More tears streamed down Haydee's face. No, they were no longer tears of embarrassment, but of happiness and contentment. The words she had just heard felt a lot like an "I love you" rather than a mere question of expectation. They were more than enough for her.
Satisfaction was written all over her face as she shyly kissed the Count again. He felt content as she rested her head on his chest and embraced him tightly. Pleased with her gesture, he embraced her back, burying his face in her neck.
"I love you, Haydee."
Finally, she no longer felt afraid.
Hope it was okay. Reviews are always welcome. XP