Dancing With Fire (TO BE PUBLISHED)
Kabanata 30
Helloooo! Finally! I am so happy! Rai and Sera will finally say bye to you! Thank you for being a part of their journey.
Thank you rin, always, for your undying support. For waiting for my slow updates and for your unending love for my stories and characters.
May you keep the lessons you've learned in my stories. Keep safe, everyone! Their journey won't end; it's just starting.
This is Dancing With Fire's last chapter.
xxx
Kabanata 30
"U-UY, RAI!" I exclaimed.
"No." He hissed, crossing his arms. "Strip."
"Ayaw!" I exclaimed.
He raised his brow at me. "Hindi ka maghuhubad?"
"No!" I said firmly, chin raised.
He stared at me, cocking his head with a smirk.
"I'm still asking you kindly, baby. Strip now on your own, or I'll do it for you." His eyes narrowed.
I pouted.
"Rai..." I whined, stomping my feet.
"No, don't whine. Hindi kita susuyuin ngayon." He motioned dismissively.
I gasped.
"Joke lang!" I said, but he shook his head.
"No."
"Uso kaya 'yon ngayon, April kasi! Tapos ano... ano ba 'yong sinasabi nila?" I thought for a moment. "Ah!" I grinned and spread my arms. "Issa prank!" I exclaimed.
My grin stayed wide, arms open, but he only stared blankly at me. Napawi ang ngisi ko.
"No?" I asked.
"No." He scoffed.
"Rai..." ungot ko.
"Still a no. Go, baby. Strip." He raised his hand.
"Give me one chance pa?" I muttered. He smirked, shaking his head.
"No chances. I said calm me down, but you didn't. You even pranked me, huh?"
"Rai kasi..." I stomped my feet again.
He suddenly stood. My eyes widened as he walked toward me. I stepped back until my back hit the wall.
"Rai..."
"Hmmm, yes?" He cornered me, leaning close until his face was on my neck. He pressed soft kisses there, making me gasp.
His hand slid to my waist, moving up and down. I tilted my head, giving him more access. I touched his nape, fingers running into his hair.
When he kissed me, I quickly responded. He bit my lower lip, deepening the kiss. I clung to him breathlessly until he tugged at my gown, unzipped it effortlessly, and it slipped to the floor.
Our gazes locked, and without hesitation, he hitched me up.
He set me down on the table, sweeping things aside, then leaned in close to capture my lips with kisses. He parted my legs apart, and his hand immediately found itself between my wetness.
He touched me teasingly, pushing the fabric of my underwear aside, his finger finding my sensitive bud. He rubbed it repeatedly, slapping my wet core, making me jolt in pleasure.
Hindi pa siya nakontento at tumungo pa para hulihin ang dungot ng dibdib ko. While maintaining his eye contact, his mouth suckled on my nipples, his fingers pleasuring me.
"Rai! Ah!"
"You like it, hmm, baby girl?"
"Y-Yes, Daddy. Yes!" Habol ang hiningal ko at mas itinulak pa siya sa aking dibdib.
He then pushed a digit or two inside. My toes curled. Muntik pa akong mahulog sa lamesa kung 'di ko lang natukod ang mga kamay ko. I rubbed myself with his finger, moving my hips to accept his thrusts.
"F-Faster, Rai, please!"
He kissed me, wrapping my leg around his waist as he finger-fucked me. I moaned in his mouth, biting his lower lip, wrapping my arms around his nape.
"If you still weren't pregnant, I'll make you one tonight," he whispered in my mouth.
"Would you?" I smirked and gasped when he slapped my core. "Ah! Shit, Rai. Faster!"
He smirked, grasping my ass to kiss me better and just as I reached my release, I convulsed. Nahulog ako sa dibdib niya, naghahabol ng hininga.
He touched my back for support and kissed my head again.
"Let's continue this on the bed," he whispered.
Nag-angat ako ng tingin, maya-maya ay ngumuso.
"Rai..." I called.
"Hmm?" He gulped, licking his lower lip as he glanced darkly at my body.
He even licked his fingers clean, his jaw clenching with desire.
"Rai, I don't want na," I said at mabilis niyang hinanap ang mata ko.
"Huh?" His mouth parted.
"I don't want na, I'm tired," I muttered.
"What? We can still do this on the bed, I'll move for us–"
"Eh, ayaw ko na nga," inarte ko. "Saka nagugutom na ako, gusto ko ng pagkain."
He stared at me then blinked again.
"Baby..." He called, his eyes pleading. "Are you serious? I have a fucking hard-on."
"Aba, malay ko sa 'yo." I hissed, humalukipkip ako sa harapan niya, iritado. "Uunahin mo talaga 'yan kaysa sa akin? I'm hungry!"
"Of course not!" Tanggi niya kaagad at napatango. "Alright. Gutom ka na talaga?"
"Yes..." Malungkot kong sabi at humawak sa tiyan. "Wala na akong energy, gusto kong food."
"Oh, alright." I could still see how horny he was. Nabitin pa pero tumatango sa 'kin kaya nakonsensya naman ako at inabot siya. I kissed his cheek.
"Sorry, daddy. I didn't mean to stop you, I just feel so hungry," I said.
"It's alright. Don't explain. I can manage." He smiled, brushing my hair with his fingers. "Take a bath first, okay? I'll cook for you."
"Sorry, Rai," paumanhin ko. "Am I being a brat? I want to make love to you, too, but my stomach's churning and—"
"Love you." He silenced me with a kiss. "It's okay, it's just my libido. My baby's more important."
My heart skipped, mabilis ko siyang niyakap.
"Love you, daddy. Gusto ko ng pinya," I said.
"Alright." He chuckled, kissing my forehead. "Wait for me here, okay? I'll prepare your bath."
I nodded and smiled. Before leaving, he wrapped me in a blanket, and when he stepped out after fixing my bath, I grinned at him.
He chuckled when he saw me swinging my feet. Lumapit siya at humalik sa noo. "Bath is ready. I'll carry you?"
"Ow...kie!" I said, smiling widely.
He quickly scooped me up. I wrapped my arms around his neck. When we reached the bathroom, he gently lowered me into the warm bathtub.
It was a fun night, literal na masaya.
My daddy should've punished me, but I ended up punishing him instead. After eating and resting a bit, I grew so sleepy that I passed out right after a few moments of flirting in bed.
But the next morning, karma hit me. I woke up with my stomach churning, at nasusuka ako. I immediately jumped out of bed, almost running to the bathroom.
Muntik na akong madapa sa panghihina nang tuhod nang lumuhod ako. I was clutching the side of the bowl, retching. I was trembling, then I felt him behind. Rai touched my back, bundling my hair out of my face.
"What's the matter, baby?" ani Rai.
I kept vomiting. Patuloy siyang humaplos sa likod ko hanggang sa wala na akong maisuka. Exhausted, I looked at Rai kneeling beside me, his brows furrowed.
"You done?" he asked.
I nodded weakly. He held my waist and gently guided me to the sink to clean up.
I rinsed my mouth and brushed my teeth while Rai stepped out to get warm water.
When I finished, he returned immediately. He handed me the glass, and I drank it all before hugging him tightly.
"Masakit ba ang tiyan mo?" he whispered, hugging me and caressing my back.
"No."
Binuhat niya 'ko pabalik sa kama bago lumuhod sa harapan ko, nag-aalala.
He helped me back to bed. When I sat down, he knelt in front of me, looking worried. He brushed my hair away from my face.
"You wanna go to the doctor?" he asked. "Or I can call a doctor here–"
"I'm fine, Rai. I just..." I sighed, biting my lip. "May ipapasuyo ako sa 'yo, okay lang?"
"Alright, what is it?" he asked. I brushed his hair with my fingers, smiling.
"Could you go to the pharmacy and buy three pregnancy kits?"
Namilog ang mata niya't umawang ang labi.
"Y-You..."
"I still don't know." I pouted. His gaze dropped to my stomach, then back to my eyes.
"Serafine, if this is a joke, I will punish—"
"Ta-try ko nga." I laughed, touching his jaw. "H'wag muna mag-expect, okay?
He licked his lower lip, glanced at my stomach again, then back at me.
"Too late. I-I will go now!" He suddenly stood. I laughed as he grabbed his shirt and almost ran out of the unit.
When he left, I touched my stomach and bit my lip.
"Baby, are you there na?" I whispered.
Minutes later, Rai came rushing back, frantic, holding a plastic bag.
"Y-You should check," he said, his eyes glistening.
"I will." I chuckled, grabbing a towel to dry his sweat. "You're sweating a lot. Did you run?"
"Yeah, I..." He licked his lip again. "You should check, Sera."
"Bakit excited ka?" I teased.
"Yes, just go, baby." He almost pushed me toward the bathroom.
"Hmm." I grinned at him.
"Sama ako—" he started, but I shook my head.
"Ako na, Rai."
"But baby—"
"Sabihan kita kaagad, okay?" I said. He obediently nodded.
He looked lost and excited. Para siyang batang nag-antay sa labas ng banyo.
I used the kits. Habang nag-aantay ay halo ang kaba at excitement. Nitong nakaraan ko pa naiisip na may possibility an buntis nga ako dahil delayed ang menstruation ko. Pero 'di ko pa nakokompirma.
I closed my eyes, took one and my eyes widened when I saw it had two lines! My heart quickened, mabilis na tinignan ang dalawang kit at parehas lang ng result.
I almost screamed. I tried to calm myself.
Oh my God! Oh my God, Serafine!
I held my breath, trying to steady myself, until I heard his voice.
"B-Baby? What? What's the result?" He knocked on the door impatiently.
Suppressing my smile, I stepped out, hiding the kit in my hand.
He swallowed hard when he saw me.
"W-What? What is it?" he asked, sumisilip na sa likod ko.
"Kumalma ka muna!" I cackled. "Huminga ka!"
He exhaled, licking his lips. "I-I'm calm."
"Now, go to bed. Upo ka ro'n," I said.
He looked confused but obeyed, sitting on the bed while I stood in front of him. I saw him gulp, his hand forming a fist.
"Ready ka na?" I asked.
"Fucking yes," he said breathlessly.
I chuckled, biting my lip, then slowly nodded.
"I-I'm pregnant, Rai," I confirmed.
He immediately rose from the bed. Tumalon siya't nasuntok ang hangin.
"Fuck, yes!" he exclaimed. "I knew it! I freaking knew it—" He suddenly froze when he saw my smiling face. He frowned.
"Are you pranking me again?" he accused.
"No!" I exclaimed, laughing.
His eyes narrowed, hands on his hips.
"The truth, Sera? It's still April, so I know that joke is still allowed—"
"Hindi ka naniniwala?" I asked unbelievably.
"Yes... No... I don't know, woman." He scowled. "You pranked me last night! I have trust issues! I don't know what to believe anymore. I don't even know myself!"
I burst out laughing, which only made his lips press tighter.
"See?! You're pranking me!" Napapikit na siya sa kunsomisyon, hinahawakan pa ang sentido.
"Hindi nga!" I laughed, lifting the kit in my hand to show him. "Look, positive."
He grabbed the kit, stared at it, and I saw his eyes glisten—though he pouted.
"Pentel pen ata ito, Sera!" he exclaimed, and I laughed again.
Mas bumusangot siya.
"You're fooling me! You're mean!" he hissed.
I laughed, tiptoed, and kissed his lips. Then I pulled his hand toward the bathroom and showed him the other two kits.
"See," I said.
He stopped. I saw his hand tremble as he took the kits. He stared at them, bago sa hawak niya at no'ng nakitang pare-pareho ay suminghap.
"Fuck..."
"See? I'm not pranking you!" I chuckled. "I'm pregnant, Daddy."
"Oh, shit... Fucking shit." He cursed in disbelief.
I smiled. Tumitig siya hanggang sa biglang nanghina kaya napahawak sa pader.
"F-Fuck, sandali, ang tuhod ko! Nangangatog ako..." he muttered, napaupo siya sa nakasaradong bowl at muling tinitigan ang mga kit.
He was in awe. When he lowered them, he grabbed his hair and tugged at it.
"Fuck, I—I'm a father now?" Sumulyap siya sa 'kin.
Tears welled in my eyes as I nodded.
"Y-Yes, Daddy. May baby ka na," I whispered.
His tears fell. My heart softened as he pulled me close and buried his face against my stomach. My eyes swelled when I heard his sobs and felt his kisses on my tummy.
"B-Baby... this is daddy," he whispered against my stomach. I sniffled as he hugged my waist and cried in happiness.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
"CAREFUL," HE MURMURED.
"Come on, Daddy. I can handle myself."
"No, it's slippery here," he said.
I chuckled, touching his hand.
"Seriously..."
"It's better safe than sorry." Umiling siya. "Matarik dito, Serafine, and I don't want you to slip. I don't want you or our baby hurt, okay?"
I let him help me. As we climbed higher up the cliff, the wind grew stronger. The breeze blew my hair, the scent of fresh air making me smile. When we reached the top, I was immediately awestruck by the view.
The Lost Island truly was a sight to behold. Better than the pictures. Definitely. It doesn't even give justice.
From the cliff, the pristine blue sea stretched endlessly. The flock of birds flew across the sky like they were in a synchronized dance. I could see coconut trees swaying on the far side of the island. Wild grass covered the cliff, and in one corner, flowers bloomed, though the rest was bare.
Below, I saw the haunting beauty of a shipwreck—the once-grand vessel now rusted, claimed by nature and sea creatures as its home by the shore.
I hugged myself, smiling as I took in the peaceful scenery, the sound of waves crashing against the rocks still echoing from the shore.
"Come here, baby," Rai called.
Inilahad niya ang pwesto. Inilatag niya ang jacket para maupuan ko.
"Thank you!"
He nodded, offering his hand. Naupo ako at tumabi siya, yumayakap kaagad at humahalik sa balikat ko.
"Daddy, mabuti na lang at nabili n'yo itong isla, 'no?" I said, gazing around.
"Good thing Lucian introduced this to us," he said, intertwining our fingers.
"Ang gaan ng loob ko sa lugar na 'to," I muttered, looking around.
"Me too." He chuckled. "You know this is our favorite hangout place. Sometimes we don't accept guests just so we can roam the island again and again."
"Kayo lang? Ng mga pinsan mo?"
"Hmm." He hummed, brushing my hair aside and hugging me tighter.
"You're so clingy, Daddy."
His lips curved into a smirk as he leaned closer.
"I love you, baby girl," he whispered.
"Love you too, my daddy." I giggled. "Mommy and our little baby love you so much!"
He chuckled, showering my cheeks with kisses.
"Look at the shipwreck below." Turo niya kaya bumaling ako ro'n.
"Yeah, ang ganda, 'no? But why is there a shipwreck here, Rai?"
"That's what caught Lucian's attention," aniya.
"I get it. That's breathtaking. That would've caught my attention, too," I agreed.
"Do you believe in tales, baby?" he asked.
"Hmm, yes. This has a tale, right?" I asked. He nodded. "Well, this is the Lost Island," I said, gesturing to the land. "And that one... is the Sea of Thieves?" I pointed to the sea.
"Yep," he confirmed.
"Marami pa akong hindi nakikita rito, ano?" I asked, and he nodded.
"Yes, there's an island near here, part of the Lost Island. It's called Zarina," he said.
"Can we go there?"
"Yes, of course," he replied. "Maybe tomorrow? We can also visit the hidden lagoon. There's another shipwreck."
I turned to him, eyes wide. "Seriously? Parang 'di ko nabalitaan 'yan sa mga kwento!"
"Yes, but unlike here." He pointed at the shipwreck below. "That one is under the sea."
"I wanna go there!" I exclaimed.
"Yes, of course, baby." He chuckled. "We'll go tomorrow, kapag hindi malakas ang alon."
"Is it included in the tale, too?" He nodded, caressing my palm.
"Yes, in some version of the tale. Though what I'll tell you now was the most known," he said. Tumango ako, 'di na makapag-antay sa kwento.
"Way back, ages ago..." he began. "Queens and kings were the highest in society. They were old, rich families whose wealth passed down through generations. In a faraway kingdom, there was a royal family with only one child—a daughter."
I nodded, listening intently.
"It was tradition for each family member to marry the finest and richest princes or princesses. Since they had a daughter, they searched for a wealthy prince to marry her."
"What's the princess's name?" I asked.
"Guinevere," he muttered.
"Well, despite the fact that she was supposed to marry a prince, the princess grew up believing in love. She wanted to marry someone she truly loved. Kaya noong nakapili ang magulang niya ng ipapakasal sa kanya, she escaped the palace."
"When the king and queen found out she was gone, they searched everywhere. They ordered guards to find her. May malaking reward sa kung sino mang makakahanap sa kanya. The princess wandered until she reached the marketplace. Doon sa may dalampasigan, nakita niyang galit na galit ang mga tindero. Turns out, the pirates were stealing from their shops again."
"Ang sama! Gano'n ba talaga ang mga pirata?" Nangunot ang noo ko.
"That's how pirates live, baby. They are thieves."
I pouted and nodded. "But that was bad. Ayos lang ba iyon sa palasyo?"
"If there were people who hated the palace the most, it was the pirates." He smiled. "Guinevere wanted to confront them, but before she could, a palace guard spotted her. She panicked. She didn't have time to talk to the pirates—her priority was to escape. She ran, and the only place she thought safe was the pirates' ship. Tumakbo siya at pumasok sa barko nila. At that time, it was her only way."
"Oh? Hindi ba mas dangerous? They could kill her! She's a princess and they hated people like her for sure!"
"Well, she hid in the storage room on the lower deck," he explained. "But the pirates caught her."
"Hah! I knew it! Wala na, mamatay na siya!" I exclaimed, disappointed in how this will it'll end.
He laughed, kissing my ear. "Not yet, baby. Not yet."
"Huh? It's a dead end! The pirates would kill her!" I snapped.
"That's what she thought," he said. "They took her to the upper deck, to the captain. They were supposed to kill her because she was a stranger and mostly, from the palace. She begged the captain to spare her life. But when the captain saw her beauty, he was captivated."
Umawang ang labi ko. I squealed with the realization. "Oh! It's a love story!"
"Yes, baby." He laughed.
"Oh, what did the pirate look like? I'm sure the princess was beautiful—she's royalty! How about the pirate? Pogi rin, ano?" I asked excitedly.
He froze, his smile fading.
"He was ugly," he said with a frown.
"Oww?" I teased. His brows furrowed.
"Don't be like that. It's not as if pirates still exist!" I chuckled. "I mean, not like that. May pirata pa rin pero 'di na ganyan s'yempre. And of course, mas gwapo ka sa pirata. Ikaw kaya ang daddy ko." I winked.
He sighed, serious but hiding a grin.
"Love you! So, ano ngang itsura ng pirata?" I asked.
"He's tall, with black hair and black eyes," he explained. "Ugly, right?"
"No!" I exclaimed. "Ang gwapo! Anon'g pangalan?"
His face soured even more, pumirmi ang labi niya at kung may zipper lang ay sinara na niya ang bibig.
"Rai!" I whined.
"Mukhang puwet iyon, Serafine!"
"You're so mean!" I pouted, crossing my arms. "Ano nga name? I'm getting annoyed na, kukutusan na kita at nabibitin ako sa kwento.
He sighed. Inabot niya ako para sa halik pero umiwas ako.
"No kiss, daddy! What's the name?"
"Promise me you won't imagine anyone?" he negotiated.
"Crazy ka ba? Mapipigilan ba 'yon? S'yempre mag-i-imagine ako." I hissed.
He sighed, pulled me into a hug as he revealed it.
"Lucian. The pirate is Lucian," parang nalulugi pa niyang sinabi.
My jaw dropped, and I immediately imagined his cousin.
"Now you're imagining that asshole..." matabang niyang reklamo.
"Oh my God..." I muttered. "I am imagining him! The description suits him—black eyes, tall, handsome!"
"Whatever," he hissed.
"Lucian looks more like a prince to me. And... and he's so handsome!" I figured, getting more excited because there's now an image in my head. Of a real person!
"Serafine," he warned. I glanced at him when I realized where that behavior originated.
"Oh, now I know why you're all so bitter about handsome Lucian." I giggled. "You're all jealous of him?"
"Not at all." He scoffed.
I chuckled, tilting my head to kiss his cheek. "Don't worry. He's handsome, and that's it. Ikaw? Handsome na, love ko pa." I winked.
His cheeks flushed, lips protruding.
"Bolera..."
"Such a baby," I teased.
"Shall I continue the story, or will you just giggle about my cousin?" Wala pa rin siya sa mood.
"Opo, daddy." I laughed. "Seloso."
"The pirate's plan was to return the princess to the palace in exchange for money. 'Yon naman ang ginagawa nila. They needed the money but the princess begged them not to, and the pirate told her he'd think about it. Habang nasa dagat sila, the princess, being such a kind person, easily got along with the pirates.
"She helped them in the kitchen and assisted with chores around the ship. They grew close, and she learned that the pirates only stole because the merchants were greedy. The merchants sold their products twice or thrice of the original price."
"Oh!" I nodded. "Kaya pala."
"Eventually, the pirates and the princess bonded. They treated her like family, and she treated them the same. Later, Lucian found himself falling for Guinevere."
"The story's getting more exciting!" I giggled.
"They confessed their feelings, and luckily, Guinevere loved him, too. They were happy—until one day, no'ng dumaong sila, someone saw the princess with the pirates. The informant immediately told the palace."
Nanlamig ako sa narinig.
"The palace warned Lucian and the pirates to surrender the lost princess, but they refused. She was family to them now, and Lucian and Guinevere had decided to fight for their love. They protected her and ignored the palace's demand. That's when the palace declared war against the pirates."
I gasped.
"The palace, with its skilled armies, battleships, cannons, and guns, fought the pirates. Of course, the pirates didn't have enough weapons to match the palace. They're advanced. The pirates only had improvised bombs and swords. They're at a disadvantage. One fateful day, their ships clashed. The palace's cannons destroyed the pirates' vessel."
My heart sank.
"The pirates had no choice but to dock their ship on this island," he said.
My eyes shifted to the shipwreck below.
"You mean..." Tinuro ko 'yon.
"Yes. That's the pirates' ship, baby."
"The pirate and the princess could have escaped while the crew fought the palace's armies. Guns versus swords—it was a brutal fight. Lucian wanted to protect the princess but he couldn't abandon his men–he wouldn't. They're his family, so he chose to fight alongside them, for love and loyalty."
My chest tightened. Tumango ako. Even I, I won't leave my family.
"He fought bravely. Even after his crew fell, he endured countless gunshots. When he killed the last soldier with his sword, he thought it was over."
I clutched my chest, breathing heavily.
"He looked at the crying princess. Weak and bleeding, he tried to walk back to her, smiling despite his wounds. However, before he could reach her, a gunshot echoed..." He paused as his voice grew heavy. "And a bullet pierced his chest."
Doon na tuluyang kumawala ang luha ko.
"W-What... Why? They didn't deserve to die, Rai! Minahal lang nila ang isa't-isa! Mali ba 'yon?!'
He sighed, pulling me against his chest, stroking my back.
"Guinevere was devastated. She ran to the sea, hugging Lucian's lifeless body. May guards na humabol sa kanya at kukunin sana siya but she grabbed the guard's gun and ran toward the cliff."
I lifted my face from his chest, eyes swollen. "H-Here?"
"Yes, baby." He sighed, touching my face. "She ran here, with guards chasing after her."
Sinundan ko ang tinuturo niya. He was pointing to the part of the cliff where red flowers bloomed. The only place they grew.
"She stood there, watching the once-blue sea turn red with the blood of her love and his crew."
Tears streamed down my face at the image it created in my head, like I could witness everything happening right in front of my eyes.
"She felt empty. She remembered their memories and realized death would never separate her from him. She wouldn't let it."
I sniffled.
"So..." He caressed my back. "Before the guards could reach her, she placed the gun to her head and... pulled the trigger."
I sobbed harder, hugging him.
"T-That's so unfair, Rai!" I ranted. "They didn't deserve it! Nagmahal lang naman sila!"
"Love isn't always a happy ending, baby." He hushed me.
"Kahit na! It's unfair! Nagkakilala nga, nagmahal nga! Pero binawi rin!"
"Love is a choice, baby. You can ignore it, run from it, or face it. In their case, they fought for it. Maybe fate wasn't just on their side."
I sniffled, letting Rai wipe my tears.
"The palace ship carrying the dead princess sank too," he added.
Nilingon ko siya.
"On their way back, napadaan sila sa Hidden Lagoon. They got lost in the stone formations and caves. The ship was too big to maneuver. They got in, but couldn't get out."
"Karma!" I exclaimed, laughing through tears. "Mabuti nga! Bastards! Deserved! Mga hinayupak sila!"
Rai laughed, kissing my head.
"Guess so. Some say the sea witches were responsible."
"Sea witches?"
"Mermaids." He smiled. "They witnessed the love of the pirate and the princess. After what happened, they were heartbroken and enraged by the tragedy, and they chose revenge.
"They lured the palace guards and crew into the sea. When they jumped, the mermaids dragged them down, drowning them. Then they sank the ship beneath the waves. That's why it lies under."
"Hah!" My grin widened as I wiped my tears. "Karma is a bitch, right?! Kasama ro'n ang hari at reyna?"
"Yep." He winked. "With the prince the princess was supposed to marry."
"Yes!" I punched the air. "Serves them right!"
He chuckled, kissed my cheek, and wrapped me in a warm hug.
"Tragic, right?"
Tumango ako. "Though the palace got what they deserved, I feel bad because it's unfair. They didn't deserve that, Rai. The end doesn't justify the fight and love they had."
Tumango siya.
"You know what's magical about this island?" he asked, glancing at me.
"What?"
"There are beliefs that the pirate and the princess blessed this island with their love. Maybe because they didn't get the ending they deserved, they left their blessing here. Everyone who comes with their loved ones while carrying a love that's true and unshaken finds their happy ending—unlike them."
Nalukot ang puso ko sa isiping ibinigay nila sa iba ang bagay na ipinagkait sa kanila.
Ang pagmamahal nang walang katapusan.
"That's so sad. They deserved better. They deserved a reset, Rai!"
He chuckled and nodded.
"Maybe... in another universe, in another life, they'll be together."
"I hope so." I sighed.
Tinuro niya ang dagat. "That sea is where the pirates had their journey, and also where they died. That's why they call it the Sea of Thieves.
"And this island was once nameless. When the tale was passed down through generations, it finally earned a name. This is where the lost princess died, so they called it... the Lost Island."
It felt sad, but somehow I felt relief.
"Daddy, do you believe in reincarnation?"
"Hmm, maybe?" he whispered.
"Sana totoo." I sighed and looked around, crossing my fingers and wishing. "I hope that if the princess and the pirate were reincarnated, they finally get their happy ending, like the people they blessed it with."
"I'll wish for it, too," he whispered, hugging me tighter.
˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖˚ˋঌ˖
"RAI!" I CALLED, waiting for him to come out of the cabana.
"Wait, baby!"
I smiled when he stepped out.
"Tara," anyaya niya.
Tumayo ako nang inabot niya ang kamay ko habang sa kabilang kamay ay naro'n ang basket na may lamang pagkain. We plan to have a meal by the shore that evening.
The island was peacefully quiet. We were the first guests that week, with only a few crew members around. Natapos ang renovation. It came out better than we envisioned.
Rai fixed the sun lounger and placed the basket on the small table. Large umbrellas shaded us from the sun. While he arranged things, I glanced at the sea.
Nakaka-tempt lumangoy. I looked at Rai, quickly slipped off my dress, and tossed it at him.
He froze when the fabric covered his eyes. Kinuha niya 'yon at pumirmi ang labi.
"Sera..." he warned.
"I'm just gonna swim!" I giggled. "Sunod ka!"
His gaze darkened, jaw clenched as he looked at me in my red bikini.
"Bye, daddy!" I waved, blew him a kiss, and ran to the sea.
Ang sarap sa pakiramdam ng tubig, sakto lang ang lamig! Lumangoy ako't nag-ikot-ikot pero natigilan nang pagtingin ko sa may dalampasigan ay wala na si Rai.
I got worried. Did he come after me? Inilibot ko ang tingin sa dagat pero wala siya.
Kumunot ang noo ko habang hinahanap siya nang may brasong umikot sa baywang ko. Suminghap ako nang umaangat si Rai sa harapan ko, basang-basa at nangingiti.
"Rai!" I groaned, slapping his chest.
"Hey, baby." He smiled foolishly.
"You scared me!" I snapped.
"Kiss." He puckered his lips.
I hugged his nape and kissed him pero napansin ko ang pamumula ng noo niya.
"Oh, what happened?" I asked.
"Where?"
"On your forehead." I touched it gently.
"Hmm, nauntog ako sa bato," he muttered.
"Huh? Kawawa naman ang baby ko!" I sighed, pulling him down and kissing his forehead softly.
"Better?"
He hid his smile, pouting. "Uhm... here too."
He pointed to his cheek. I kissed it and touched it.
"Better?"
"Dito pa, oh." He pointed at his neck.
Natawa na ako at alam ko na ang kalokohan nito pero hinagkan ko pa rin. Tinuro niya ang dibdib at do'n din daw.
"You're joking."
"I'm not." He grinned. "Nasaktan din 'yong dibdib ko. Itong buo ang tumama."
I narrowed my eyes but leaned down and kissed his chest, anyway.
"Mayro'n pa?" I teased.
"Here." He took my hand, slowly guiding it—until he placed it on his crotch.
"Miranda!" I gasped.
"What?" He grinned. "That needs your attention and kisses, too."
Bumaba ang tingin ko sa tubig. 'Di ko nakikita sa tubig pero nararamdaman ko siya sa may tiyan ko kaya idiniin ko ang sarili sa kanya.
"Pero inferness, malaki siya kahit hindi gising—"
"Serafine!" he exclaimed.
Natawa ako, lumayo at lumangoy palayo. Hindi siya nagpatalo at humabol din hanggang sa nagbabasaan na kaming dalawa. Inabot kami sa dalampasigan at sa haba ng binti niya'y naabutan niya ako't nahuli.
"Got you!" he said breathlessly.
"Daddy!" I kicked playfully, but he only laughed and carried me tighter against his chest.
Dinala niya ako sa lounger at ipinahiga. Akala ko nga'y iiwan niya lang akong gano'n pero hinuli niya ang mga pulsuhan ko't iniangat iyon sa itaas ng ulo ko gamit ang isang kamay.
His mischievous smile made my heart race. His gaze fell on my chest, and I saw him lick his lower lip.
"I want..."
"D-Don't tell me..."
"Then I won't." He winked.
"Rai!" My eyes widened when he lowered his head, claimed my lips, and immediately touched my chest.
I moaned, napaigtad ako nang maramdamang ibinaba niya ang bikini top ko at hinaplos ang dibdib ko.
"R-Rai...baka may tao!" I groaned.
"No one's here, baby," he muttered, his breath fanning my neck. "It's near sunset and I asked the crew not to go here and disturb us."
"B-But..."
"Don't you want this, hmm?" He hummed, lowering his hand on my bikini.
"S-S'yempre, gusto..." I whimpered.
"Alright, then." He grinned, parted my legs, and a moan escaped my lips when he inserted his finger into my core.
My mouth parted, my toes curled when he lowered his mouth to my chest, his fingers moving like they had memorized the right spot to hit in pleasuring me.
"Don't scream so loud, they might think you're drowning... with my kisses," Rai teased.
I glared at him. He just gave me a wicked smile, catching my lips again for a long and sweet kiss.
My eyes darkened while watching him pull his trunks down, slowly stroking his erect dick before lowering himself to claim me fully.
Hindi na ako halos makahinga sa tawa nang muntik na kaming mahulog sa lounger nang nasira ang isang paa nito sa lahat ng pinanggagawa namin.
"Ikaw kasi!" I exclaimed.
Laughing, he carried me to the other lounger, and my laughter vanished when he attacked me with renewed hungry kisses.
We made love under the setting sun, with the crashing waves as our witness. Exhausted, we fell asleep in each other's arms.
When I woke, I was already dressed again. Rai was busy by the shore, starting a fire for our dinner.
Tumayo ako at lumapit, humahalik sa pisngi niya.
He smiled sweetly. "Energized now?"
"Yeah," sagot ko bago naupo sa nakalatag na tela habang pinapanuod siyang nagsisimula ng apoy.
Nag-ihaw kami ng mga karne at hipon, 'di maubos ang kwentuhan at tawanan sa usapan. Hanggang natapos na ang kain ay tuloy-tuloy ang kwento.
He pointed to the kiss marks on his chest that I made no'ng may nangyari sa 'min dito sa isla at nahuli ng mga kasama ang tsikinini ko.
"So, you told them it was from a cockroach?" he asked.
"Yes!" I laughed. "I didn't even think of it—it just slipped out! Malay ko bang nalagyan pala kita ng kiss marks!"
"I was shocked when Clarisse called me a cockroach. So it's your fault, huh?"
I giggled, hugging him.
"It's alright, my daddy cockroach. You're handsome anyway."
"Swerte mo, mahal kita." He chuckled, resting his head on my lap.
As the fire crackled beside us, Rai pressed kisses to my stomach.
"Do you wonder if it's a boy or a girl?" he asked.
"I still don't know, baby." I brushed his hair. "When we get back, maybe we should visit the OB."
"Do you think I'll be a good father?" His soft eyes met mine.
"Of course," walang pagdadalawang-isip kong sagot sabay haplos sa kanyang panga. "You'll be a great daddy. Sa 'kin pa nga lang, daddy material ka na. What more when it's a real baby?"
He chuckled, touching my cheek.
"Thank you, Serafine," he said seriously, his dark eyes glowing in the firelight.
"For?"
"For everything—for coming into my life, for accepting me again."
"You don't have to thank me." I smiled. "Instead, let me thank you for igniting the will in me to fight for my dreams."
He stared at me, his eyes burning with sincerity, passion, and love.
Habang nakatitig sa kanya'y 'di ko lubos maisip na darating kami sa puntong ito. Na siya iyong makakasama ko sa oras na ito. Na possible pala kami.
"Will you marry me, Rai?" I asked straightforwardly.
He froze, his mouth parting.
"H-Huh?"
"Will you marry me?" I smiled. "Please, marry me?"
Napaupo siya at sinapo ang mukha ko para sa halik.
"Yes," he breathed, kissing me again. "Fucking yes, baby, I'll marry you."
I giggled, gazing into his eyes as he caressed my cheek with fascination and awe until he remembered something.
"Ring..." he muttered. "Shit, the ring isn't with me!"
"It's alright, pagbalik na lang." I chuckled.
"No." He kissed me again, then stood abruptly. "Wait for me."
Surprised, I nodded, watching him run back to our cabana.
I caressed my stomach, feeling happiness bloom inside me.
"We'll give you a happy family, baby," I whispered, watching the fire blaze brighter.
Rai returned, a wide smile on his face. He sat in front of me, holding a bond paper he probably found in our room.
"What are you doing?"
"Wait," he said, winking.
I smiled and watched as he folded the paper, shaping it carefully.
"Origami?" I asked.
"Done!" Proud niyang ipinakita iyon. My heart softened more.
"A for the effort!" I exclaimed despite the tears welling in my eyes.
He winked playfully, crawled closer, and took my hand.
"So, Engineer Serafine Veronica Mendez..." he muttered. "Let me ask you this time. Will you marry me?"
I nodded.
"Y-Yes..." I murmured. "Yes, of course, daddy."
With trembling hands, he slipped the paper ring onto my finger and kissed the back of my hand.
Suminghot ako, mahigpit ang yakap sa kanya habang inaangat ang kamay kung nasaan ang paper ring.
I don't need shiny things anymore. The only treasure I'll ever value is him... and the family we'll build together.
After the hug, he pulled away. I watched him set things up before offering me his hand for a dance.
He held me close, and I smiled as our bodies swayed together. The flames flickered beside us, casting shadows that moved in rhythm with our steps.
"I love you, Sera," bulong niya.
"I love you too, Daddy Rai," I murmured, watching how the fire seemed to dance with us.
The fire was our mirror, dangerous yet beautiful, consuming yet alive. It burned without hesitation, just like our love did. Every spark flickered like a heartbeat, every crackle a reminder that love can destroy but also illuminate.
We wanted a love like fire: unpredictable, untamed, a blaze that could scorch but also warm. A love that risked everything, knowing it might leave ashes behind, yet choosing to burn anyway.
"Will you dance in fire with me? Again?" he rasped.
"I will, baby. Willingly," I said, gazing at the flames.
And as the fire rose higher, I realized that our love was not meant to be safe. It was meant to ignite, to consume, to shine so brightly that even the stars above bowed to its glow.
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