|Future|

"You're really not my master?" Arina asked while making her move on the chessboard.

"At times like this, I really wonder what's between your ears," he drawled sardonically. "If I am really your master, do you think you can get away with hitting me or bossing me around?"

He did have a valid point, Arina thought. Even though Carlisle was always teasing her with his sharp tongue, he really was very patient with her. No matter what she wanted, even without her mentioning, he would give it to her. He sometimes smiled gently at her, not the fake gentle ones, but the real ones which made her felt... loved? She shook her head, what was she thinking. There was only one reason why he treated her this way.

"If I am not your pet bird, why are you treating me so well?"

His hand froze midway, holding a marble piece on top of the chess board.

"Why are you suddenly asking so many questions? Do I have to explain everything to you?" he asked with a half smile and shrugged nonchalantly.

See, he hadn't changed at all.

Then he added, "If I don't want to treat someone well, no one can make me." He finally made his move. "And vice versa."

Arina lowered her eyes to avoid his piercing gaze. Why was he always like this? Saying things that could speed her heart up. That could make her blush, Arina thought.

After the chess match, the two of them rested underneath the huge peach tree. It was a perfect afternoon, with clear blue sky and gentle breeze. Slowly, the two of them fell asleep in this leisure afternoon. Arina's head lying on Carlisle's shoulder.

When it seemed like both of them were sound asleep, Arina opened her eyes. Her eyes shone with her usual calm and intelligence. Her hand gingerly touched Carlisle's.

"Guilt can't tie down people. You belong to greater things, discard me, like you're supposed to," Arina muttered with melancholy. She lowered her hand again and returned to lying her head on Carlisle's shoulder. Like what happened before was just a mirage in the desert.

She closed her eyes. But why... why was she still stealing his warmth like a thief? Just a while, she thought. Let her stay greedy for some more time. With this thought, she slowly drifted to sleep.

As soon as her breathing became deep and regular, Carlisle opened his eyes, not an ounce of sleepiness was found inside. He tapped his finger on Arina's forehead lightly.

"You're such a bad liar," Carlisle said with a half smile. "And it's not because of guilt, you stupid bird."

He wrapped Arina's hair around his finger and said softy, "I will wait for you."

He would wait for her to forgive him. Even if it took forever.

It's his punishment.

~The End~