Shattered by the Moon (Henry Craven)

[Elizabeth Constance]

Full Moon on August 3rd

Many nights after Chelsea went to bed, Lizzie would get caught up on her work before heading out to spend time with Henry. The last four months had been amazing for her and it seemed that she found a partner that she could rely on. One that would defend her when another would seek to harm her instead of insisting to hide out in her perfectly built panic room that she once used almost religiously. Her previous suitor tended to get her into trouble often either because she was collateral damage or talked her into doing something that she didn’t entirely agree with for what seemed after long debates to be for the greater good. She was free of him, granted her insanity from her many trips to the Realm of Shadows added in that and sadly when she was free of him, she learned the treachery of her sire as well. It amazed her how much her sire was her grandsire. Neither seemed to be around to steal another from her, though she doubted that Henry might even entertain either of them which was calming to her.

Tonight Lizzie had decided to take Chelsea shopping for school. The virus had been running amok through the world and it concerned her that her daughter fought her to go to physical school but she was a charismatic child that wanted to play with her friends. It was bad enough that she was entering into the second grade and thought that she was such a big girl because she would be seven years old soon. The spirited child had met her in the office below the residence at the art gallery. Closing her finance ledger as she saw the bounding ginger coming toward her. Opening her arms to her and kissed the top of her head once she was in her embrace.

”I see that you are ready, my Princess. However, you are forgetting one thing.” There was a subtle disapproving groan as Lizzie pulled the child sized face mask from the drawer of her desk. Perking her brow as she passed it to her and shook her head. ”No Ma’am...you promised that you would not fight me on this if I agreed to let you go to school instead of studying at home. You promised Molly and I both. Are you changing your little mind?” Chelsea quickly shook her head and took the mask from her mother, slipping it on. Giving a simple nod in agreeance as she reached for her own mask and put it on as she was cursed with having a weakness to any sort of toxins or illnesses, plus she didn’t want to bring back the illness to her daughter or best friend.

Standing up from behind the desk, she grabbed her purse and took her daughter’s hand, leading her through the art gallery to the streets. Clothes wouldn’t be necessary as her daughter went to a private school and the uniforms had been delivered already. Though there was the strict list of supplies that was needed that had been emailed to her. It shouldn’t take too long but she also understood how excited her daughter was that it would probably drag out the trip. Stepping outside, the sun had begun to set and the sky was rather beautiful in the array of many colors that danced across the sky. Chelsea always seemed to get excited when she was able to take the subway and so Lizzie had planned to take her instead of ordering a car for them. The joy on Chelsea’s face was all that she needed to see as they entered the station just in time to step on the train.

As the train stopped at their destination, she squeezed Chelsea’s hand as she led her to the shops. The first stop was to get a backpack to hold the girl’s belongings. As they stepped into the shop, the instant squeals of joy erupted as the little hand pulled free and she started running about the shop. Smiling as she watched Chelsea make her selections, she looked at the shopkeeper and gave her a nod as a silent apology for her daughter’s excitement. It wasn’t long before the little girl bounced back at her with an arm full of backpacks. All were of random characters that Lizzie had no idea about as Molly was the one that would watch television with her but there was one plainly colored bag. Purple which wasn’t a surprise as her daughter shared the same favorite color as she did. Smiling as she pulled the purple backpack out of the bunch. It was a nice, solid bag that could hold quite a bit and might possibly withstand her daughter’s abuse to be used years to come. Taking the other bags from Chelsea and handing her the purple one. ”This one is perfect. It is durable and will last a while. Stand at the counter, I will be there shortly as I put these back in their place.” The shopkeeper stopped her and assured her that she would take care of replacing the bags. Looking at the pile in her hands, she frowned as she hadn’t wanted to cause extra work but allowed the woman to take the stack from her. Paying for the purchase, she took hold of her daughter’s hand once again and led her to another shop.

All they needed now was the supplies. This is where she allowed her daughter to have her fun with anything that dealt with characters that she adored. A child was allowed to have some amount of fun. Checking off each item on the list as her daughter moved through the store and returned with them. It didn’t take long to fulfill all that was required including hand sanitizer as well as extra face masks so that she had a different one for each day. Making the final purchase and the backpack filled with all that was required and needed, it was time to return home. Chelsea was on her best behavior even through her excitement, Lizzie decided to treat her to some ice cream. Stopping into the ice cream shop, she let Chelsea pick and flavor that she desired. Once the delight was purchased, she chose a table furthest away from anyone so that her daughter could remove her mask. The joy on her face always lit up the room. Brushing a stray curl behind her daughter’s ear to ensure that it didn’t fall into the ice cream. It didn’t take long for the little one to finish which caused her to laugh. ”Let us be on our way. We can play a little when we get home and you can have some television time before bed. Is that good with you?” Chelsea’s head bobbled quickly as she put on the mask again and rushed to throw the trash away.

Smiling as she followed behind her and took her hand so that she could keep her from harm. Night had fully set in and looking up at the sky, the moon never looked more beautiful than when it was full with glittering stars to accent it. It created a calm within her. The train was quick to arrive and they hopped on. Wickbridge was a short ride which caused small excitement within her as this was one of the few nights she had been away from Henry but she refused to neglect her duties as a mother. Lizzie was still aware that she would have to clarify with Henry about her child but she wasn’t sure if four months was too soon or not as this was all new territory for her outside of Enver who was aware of Chelsea as a baby when she was married to Robert, though Robert was never listed as the father which was a wise choice as they had recently broken up. Chelsea was her love and joy that she would do anything to protect. She would even remain human unless she pulled at Lizzie’s heartstrings to turn her but only after she was an adult and knew what it meant, what she would lose.

Once they returned to the gallery, Chelsea ran through so that she could get to the residence above. Taking the stairs quickly, she looked around and frowned as she found the backpack laying on the floor. A sigh slipped from her as she heard giggles from the other room. Picking up the bag, she hung it up on the coat rack. ”Chelsea, my Princess, the backpack goes in your room when you head to bed. Do you understand?” Her words bounced off the walls as she called out. Waiting for a response, she heard the little feet running towards her. Turning, she tried to see which direction she was coming from and soon she was caught off guard as her daughter leaped, landing on her back. A gasp escaped her and confusion set on her face as once in her undead life, her body and strength betrayed her as she began to topple to the ground.

[Henry Craven]

It was quiet when he woke. The room was as dark and lonely as a white-washed cell, albeit with the luxuries of a king size bed with bamboo sheets, a memory foam mattress, and matching pillows. Furthermore there was a dividing wall between the bedroom and bathroom and every amenity was taken care of. A cool, blue light soon dappled across the ceiling, creating the illusion of a late summer evening sky. For a brief moment, the Brazilian forgot where he was as the vision had him consumed with thoughts of home. Reality was often disappointing, as the sky painted across the ceiling quickly faded to black when his phone went back into rest mode. Henry tossed the covers aside, sat up, and then threw his legs over the side. He wasn’t all too eager to get out of bed, but there wasn’t much to be done about it. After checking his messages and the range of client meetings for the day, he knew he had to get a move on.

Stepping into the shower, his toes flinched as they touched the chilled ceramic floor. Henry's hand fell to the lever and the water rained down, so cold at first he gasped into the naked air. When the stream thickened and warmed, steam rose to his aching eyes. After ducking his head under the torrent of searing water, his jade orbs sealed closed and his thoughts faded into dullness until everything was a foggy illusion. The steam hung like low clouds scented with green mandarin and cardamom, refracting the white light of the halogen downlights into tiny diamonds against the marble walls. Though the heat brought relief from the sting of being awake, he wasn't exactly enthusiastic about showering alone. It was just another function of his regimented day, however; just a necessary action before he could finally tumble back into Elizabeth's arms.

Henry left his domicile after getting dressed at a leisurely pace. Nonchalant by nature, though never lazy, the Brazilian made his way to the first meeting. His green eyes watched the budding nightlife as he moved. The clouds hung like jets of grey across the sky, suggesting an incoming weather front and the day’s earlier forecast had confirmed that the night would carry with it a threat of rain. The city seemed to go crazy when it rained; crowds jostle for arm space and evade umbrella spokes as they hurry for shelter. The roads were worse; car lights beamed past in rows of red and white and stirred up waves of gritty water as they rushed to beat the traffic lights. It took preternatural dexterity to step back in time as one rogue wave washed up the pavement in front of him; had he been any slower, it definitely would have soiled his trouser leg.

With that incident aside, Henry carried on with his journey. But as he passed by the Modern Art Gallery, he felt a spike of anxiety pierce his heart. The Brazilian paused, his sights pressing to the doors as though he was expecting something terrible to happen. He waited a whole ten seconds before he decided that he was being stupid, and yet, he wasn’t itching to carry on. After checking the time, he determined that he could spare a few minutes and check in on Elizabeth. Henry dismissed the gnawing tension as he pulled open the door, but it had yet to leave his chest even as those doors swung closed behind him. It was only as he moved into the room that he recognised the cause of this phantom anxiety. A preternatural warning bell rang in his head as he watched Elizabeth tumble backwards to the ground; a young girl laid atop her, smiling wickedly.

He wasn’t quick enough to break the fall, but he was at her side and offered her a hand in the very next blink of an eye. “Oi, are you ok?” he breathed, keeping the emotion from his silvery voice. Green eyes addressed the… human child suspiciously then, but it took an instant before he smiled a charming smile at her. “Hey there, anjinho,” he said, warmly. “Are you lost? Mistaking this beauty for a playground, eh. Where is your mother?”

[Elizabeth Constance]

As the sound of rain resonated through her home, she was briefly glad that she had gotten her child indoors when she did but she couldn't focus on that as gravity took it's hold upon her. She hit the floor hard and with the weight of her daughter on top of her, her head gave a quick discomforting bounce to the floor. A soft groan slipped from her as her entire body hurt as it finally screamed out in agony as if it was actually a 30-something body. It took her a moment to realize that Henry had appeared next to her. Furrowing her brow as she was still very confused as to what happened and how it was even possible to begin with.

Chelsea had moved off of her mother as Henry offered Lizzie his hand to help her up. His question danced through her ears as she lifted her hand that hadn't taken his to help her up to give her head a soft rub. "Uh...I...I think so." She closed her eyes for a split moment before they shot open as he began to address her daughter. Her eyes darted back and forth between them for a moment as if she was watching a match at Wimbledon before she began to panic. She ran an orphanage and hoped he might jump to that conclusion as she wasn't sure if he was ready to meet her just yet but of course Chelsea had different plans despite her training to not answer such questions from strangers. Maybe it was because they were in their own home that she thought it might be okay as her little mouth opened and Lizzie was instantly terrified.

"No, I'm not lost." Chelsea tilted her little head as she took a step forward as if she was challenging the strange man in her home. "I live here." She then pointed to Lizzie to the final question that Henry had presented to the tiny princess. "She's my mommy." Lizzie tried to move quickly to her daughter to cup a hand over her mouth but as she moved, her body screamed out in pain from abuse it had taken just moments before which caused her to whimper and get to the little girl a moment too late to stop the words that exposed them. "CHELSEA ADDISON LLEWELLYN!!!" She shouted before stopping in an instant as it was out there now and she instantly felt regret for yelling at her daughter. Sighing as she pinched the bridge of her nose and she felt the little hand touch her. "I'm sorry, Mommy. Are you okay?"

Dropping her hand, she opened her eyes and looked down at her little beauty before she knelt in front of her. She brushed a tiny curl back and tucked it behind Chelsea's ear. "I am sorry for yelling at you but what have I told you about talking to strangers?"

"Not to talk to them or tell them who I am to you."

"Why?"

"Because they might hurt us."

"And what did you just do?"

"I told him who you are but Mommy I was answering his question. He's in our home....if we can't trust him, why is he here?"

"Fair question though keep in mind, there are bad people in the world and they do not need an invite to harm us."

"Yes, Mommy..."

Lizzie's eyes grew soft and sympathetic as her daughter had a point as their home was a safe place for them to be who they are. Nodding softly as she gave a soft little boop to that adorable little nose. "Well, you see...Mommy has a new friend. We have been spending a lot of time together and I like him a lot but it was not time for you both to meet yet but now that you have...his name is Henry and what do you say?"

Little blue eyes looked over at the man as her mother explained the situation and then nodded her head. A little smile slipped upon her face as she took tiny steps forward as Lizzie moved to stand once again even though it made her feel a little dizzy. Lizzie tried to connected her mind to Henry's to silently apologize only to frown and try to hide her concern from her daughter....her powers weren't working. Chelsea reached her right hand out the Henry. Lizzie shook her head. "Where that would normally be right, remember we are not allowed to touch people right now. There is a virus hurting the world." With a pointed nod, Chelsea dropped her hand.

"Hello Henry, I am Chelsea. It is very nice to meet you, please don't hurt my mommy."

Lizzie perked a brow and sighed. She wasn't wrong in her greeting but she was too young to threaten anyone that Lizzie might bring home. Who in the world would even be afraid of a threat from a seven year old. Shaking her head before she chuckled as she thought over it. "Grab your school bag and head to your room, Molly will be in soon to tuck you in. I need to speak with Henry." The little girl, quickly nodded her head before she ran over to the coat rack and grabbed her bag. Quickly she disappeared to the other side of their home and slammed the door behind her. Soon cartoons could be heard from beyond the door.

Crossing her arms upon her chest as she gave him a soft and apologetic look. "This is not how I imagined this meeting to happen. The older she gets, the bolder she becomes. A child is not for everyone especially for our kind. I would completely understand if you decided to run for the hills." She felt the need to sit down as her body continued to ache, gesturing to the dining room table near the door, she pulled out a seat and sat down. "What made you decide to stop in? I thought you were working today and we were meeting later?"

[Henry Craven]

There are many words in the English language - some 170,000 words in fact. There are many words that explain or describe the action or feeling of being completely shocked, dumbfounded, flabbergasted, astounded, and knocked off one’s feet - to name but a few. Synonyms and colloquial extensions enrich languages, shape them, and provide further colours in the artist’s palette by which to create poignant paintings. By comparison, the Portuguese language has far more words - 250,000 in total - and yet, the only expression that came to the Brazilian’s head in the moment of meeting his lover’s secret human daughter was: Eita porra, which roughly translated to holy ****.

Henry was barely able to listen to the unfolding conversation between Elizabeth and Chelsea as he was overcome with the thoughts swirling about in his head. It was the equivalent of performing gymnastics on a rollercoaster, or performing cartwheels on the nose of a spacecraft as he was jettisoned to the sun. He felt dizzy, anxious, and a little bit sick. Yet, he was still standing there and he was still compelled to look back and forth between the two females as if judging the relationship (and what that now meant to him). Admittedly, the idea of starting a family had never been on his radar. Many things that were long-term or stable had been completely out of the question for such a long time, in fact. These goals, ambitions, and dreams had no foundations from which to sprout. Still, he’d never been content with the hand he’d been dealt; Henry had made the decision to escape his fate.

And he had escaped it - for the most part. He was now on the other side and had the opportunity to begin a new life. Harper Rock might not have been the place he imagined spending an eternity in, but Elizabeth had made it more appealing. Henry hadn’t felt the smile creep on his face; how it twisted his lips into a wide grin that pressured a sparkle into his jade green eyes. If the eyes are the gateway to the soul, then one’s lips are certainly the same thing for the body. Both glimmered with affection in that moment and all but blistered with cautious joy as the young child turned and stepped up to him. He marvelled at how the polished words, wrapped in the echo of her mother’s voice, came out of the tiny redhead. Her introduction, as well as the expertly veiled threat, created a deep and blossoming heat at the centre of his chest. Henry was also about to shake the little hand that was offered, but Elizabeth’s reminder had put them both in check.

“It’s nice to meet you too, Chelsea,” the Brazilian replied in a soft voice as his fingers rolled reflexively back into his palm.

At that point, however, the girl was also on her way to the livingroom at her mother’s command; slamming the door behind her. The sound pushed a laugh right out of him, but it dissolved like a wispy white cloud as Henry noticed the apprehensive storm that surrounded his beloved. It was clear that their meeting was fated, though outside of Elizabeth’s ideal design; like a bloom of dandelions in a well kept garden. Perhaps she would have preferred to present the secret as a bouquet instead of having him trample through the lawn for himself. His surprise, anxiety, and doubt was undone by the realisation that this secret struck at the very heart of his love’s vulnerabilities. As she gestured to the dining table and promptly took a seat, Henry could have sworn he saw her trembling. He closed the distance between them, falling to his knees in front of her. He took her hand in both of his, cradling her soft skin as if she were a tiny bird.

“Meu amor, do not concern yourself with my work,” he said, meeting the sad blue of her eyes with hopeful green. “I understand this must be difficult for you, and, I won’t make it any harder.” Henry smiled and massaged her hand as he continued, “I can see that you are upset, my darling, but you do not have to worry for I am not going anywhere. I will stay here with you. For now and for forever.” Henry placed a kiss along the crown of her knuckles then laughed lightly. “We can say that I, err, got caught in traffic. I can always rearrange my meetings. You are far more important to me.” He kissed her hand again, three times, then smiled back up at her from his knelt position.

[Elizabeth Constance]

He was gentle with Chelsea as she spoke with him even though she had threatened him. It was a nice thought that they could get along and they could have a picture perfect family even though she knew that was a fairy-tale dream. The delusioned dream that every little girl had because of those dreamy Disney movies. An unforgiving yet unneeded sigh escaped her as she shifted uncomfortably in her chair. If she didn't feel better by morning, she would see if a chiropractor would work for vampires.

The moment he moved to kneel before her that confusion replaced the pain coursing through her. Her eyes looked at the door and then the time before they met those beautiful jade eyes that looked up at her. He didn't want her to concern herself with his work and yet he was dating a workaholic, it sort of amused her a smidge. Her thumbs rubbed lightly against his hands as he held onto them. It was the words that followed that surprised her the most.

She wasn't sure that she heard him correctly and replayed the conversation in her head and then again to make sure she didn't imagine it due to the bump on her head. He wasn't leaving. He didn't have intentions of leaving, he wasn't leaving her. Tilting her head as he kissed her knuckles a few times and she processed all of the information that was presented to her. Soon a small smile slipped upon her face as she slipped off the chair and knelt before him. "You are staying? Are you sure that you are okay with this though I did want this meeting to be more delicate, I wanted to tell you about her before you met her." A soft chuckle slipped from her, ignoring that her head hurt, that he came up with an excuse so quickly for missing the meeting and followed that she was important to him. "Henry, I would never force you into anything that you are not ready for or are uncomfortable with. I also would not force you to miss work either. I love you...always." She leaned forward and placed her forehead against his. She spoke in a near whisper. "How did I get so lucky to have you in my life?"

[Henry Craven]

“I know,” Henry replied, squeezing her hand and nodding. “Eu também te amo.” As she leant forward, their brows kissed, and Henry sighed deeply and blissfully. Her whispered words made him whisper a small chuckle back. “Ah... Don’t count your blessing just yet,” the Brazilian murmured half-heartedly.

He’d only meant to scold himself and never really considered how else Elizabeth might take the words. Though, of course, the truth rang deeper than he really wished to hear. He couldn’t fault Elizabeth from keeping such a high-risk secret from him, and certainly not when he’d compare the little white lies and the omissions he’d make to her. These weren’t always conscious decisions on his part, but he felt no less guilty for failing to rectify any false impressions he made. Henry saw the woman as a beacon of light, this wholesome and innocuous creature, the fabled girl next door. Of course she was more than a collection of fine qualities and stereotypes, but he still believed that he didn’t deserve to be in her life.

Elizabeth reminded him of the kindly priests he’d known back in Sao Paulo. These elderly gentlemen that would forever smile and turn the other cheek, forgive you your trespasses against God and his Holiness. Yet, there seemed like a limit to that benevolence; an invisible line drawn in the sand which Henry supposed he must have pole-vaulted over at least a dozen times a year. He worried about crossing that line with Elizabeth, and not because he feared facing an eternity alone. It was because of what she did to him. Because even though he never felt good enough, he wanted to be. He wanted to be that knight in shining armour for her, the good father, and the good husband. There were blueprints in his blood and in his memories of what it took to be that man, and while he wasn’t his father, he still wanted to be.

Henry brushed a lock of strawberry-blonde hair behind Elizabeth’s ear as they nuzzled and then he moved to embrace her in a hug. He hadn’t broken the habit of breathing, so took a long sigh. The scent of lilacs and orchids enveloped him like a warm hug and he closed his eyes, all-consumed by tenderness. She had the fragrance of every safe place he’d ever known as a child. Not literally of course, but it was those emotions that swam to the surface as they continued to hold each other. In that intimate space, so close to the nape of her neck, he knew that the scent of her perfume was something he’d always crave. Henry knew he'd have that emotional need to come right back here, to this exact moment, to this blessed time their connection became more than attraction and fondness. He meant it when he said he loved her.

“Te amo,” he repeated and fashioned a kiss to the velvet of her skin. “I love you, Elizabeth."

[Elizabeth Constance]

He chuckled but the words that followed the chuckle made her frown for only a moment. Was there something he was keeping from her just as she had been keeping something from him. Granted she didn't think that he had a secret child hidden somewhere but his words did sprout curiosity, the lack of powers was a relief because she couldn't just reach in and find the answer for herself. "Why do you say that, my Love?"

She had hoped that the question might open him up to her but Lizzie also knew that there were something things that should just remain private. If that was the case, she would grant him that privacy but she hoped that he knew that she would always be supportive of him, no matter the situation. Hell she would admit that her past wasn't great and some of it, she preferred it would stay there but that wasn't always the case. Hell she had to admit that she still worked in a building that was established by her ex. Yes a little weird but it was the best source she had to continue her humanitarian work.

Her forehead never left his as she pulled her thoughts back to him as he was here in the now and no matter what he might hold away in the dark depths of his mind from her, she would still care for him. She placed her hands on each side of his neck and closed her eyes as she spoke softly with compassion, letting him know that she would always support him. He never needed to tell her what bothered him but she would still hold him as if she was going to keep him safe. "No matter your reasons for why you stated that, I will always be here for you."

Henry had her heart and her soul. He seemed different from when they first met but they were small differences almost as if he was evolving into the man he wanted to be. She'd never ask him to change but she wasn't naïve enough to think that a person wouldn't naturally change. She had and it showed.

A smile moved upon Lizzie's lips as he pulled her into a hug, pressing into him as they snuggled on the floor. The pain was easily ignored as time moved to slow to a stop. She listened to his breathing which soothed her. His voice echoed sweetly through her ears as he said he loved her. Twice, he said it twice in both languages with a sweet kiss that make her skin sing where his lips once were. Lifting her head to look straight into those gorgeous jade eyes as she spoke from her heart. "I love you too, Henry.'

[Henry Craven]

Just a glance from her held him in paradise. Henry’s smile reached his eyes, creating round dimples that caused those green gems to squint just that little bit. Elizabeth was warm in a way that Henry craved. She was sunlight and heat, raw and unfiltered, the glorious life to which flowers turned their heads when they were struggling to grow. Henry relished every moment with her, feeling the heat thread its way into every vein and make him feel more alive now that he'd ever been. He could have stayed like that all night, tucked against her body on the wooden floor, inhaling the scent of his beloved, their skin ghosting over the other despite layers of clothing. He lifted both brows at the declaration of love, his hand lifting to bring more light to her face as he swept away another strand of coppery hair. Henry leaned closer to turn his head and let their mouths touch. He always closed his eyes when they shared a kiss, he also held her like he couldn’t live with the idea of ever stopping. His hands skimmed her face; soft cheeks and a delicate jaw bone retreating under his touch as he moved down a neck, across shoulders, and caressed the tops of Lizzie’s arms. There were several moments before the Allurist reluctantly broke the kiss. He took both of her hands in his own and gazed into her cerulean blue orbs.

“Elizabeth, meu amor,” the Brazilian murmured, low and intimate. His voice crawled over the short space between them like a skulking spider and his thumbs made circles over her knuckles as he continued. “I believe that if we’re lucky enough to have found each other in this crazy world, we’re worth betting on. I want to be by your side, to be with you, forever. You have stolen my heart, Elizabeth,” he declared and brought their hands to his chest where a still-beating heart rested. “When I look into my heart, I see only you. If you can look into your heart and only see me, then I believe we should spend the rest of eternity together.” A pause, their hands settling into a comfortable position between them once more, and Henry glanced at them momentarily before he returned his gaze to hers. “You deserve more than a man and his word,” he offered in a tone more serious than he felt was possible. “I want to be there for you, and for Chelsea, too. You will tell me, is it too grand a gesture to ask you to marry me?”

[Elizabeth Constance]

Henry was twice as handsome when he smiled. Those gorgeous green eyes sparkled and those dimples were little divets of joy. He radiated of happiness and hope that was rare in this dark city and even rarer in her life. It was comfortable as if it was a home. A feeling that made her feel safe and loved. It was strange to think of such feelings towards another but it was almost like the world disappeared when they were together, like nothing could go wrong even if it all could come crashing in on them at any moment. A life line not that she would use him as one but a life line that they could build together to protect them and their family.

Curling into him with his arm around her. Warmth filled her as he brought his lips to press against hers after tucking a lose strand of hair behind her ear, her eyes always closed in hopes to erase the world; leaving only them. Tilting her head into his caress when he placed his hand upon her cheek as they kissed, her eyes remained closed as if she was trying to burn the feeling and image of them on the floor upon her mind. Her breath caught in her throat as his hand moved down her face over her neck, shoulders, and down her arms before he pulled away. Opening her eyes as she watched him, casually looking down at their hands before meeting those beautiful jade orbs once again when he began to speak.

His voice was low and spoke softly. They were wrapped up in their own presence that Chelsea was able to sneak out of her room and curled against the wall out of sight watching the pair on the floor. A light smile rested on Lizzie's face as his thumbs caressed her knuckles as she focused on his words. 'Betting on.' Gambling was unheard of but she hadn't thought about it towards a relationship but the more he spoke, the more she agreed with him. Forever! He wanted to be with her forever and this caused her to smile so wide, bright, and proud. She felt she was his when he caught her on the dance floor months ago that she joked about how he swept her off her feet when she just was clumsy. She didn't express her feelings towards him in fear he would run but here he was confessing he felt the same.

Henry was presenting a thought to her, to her heart. Taking a moment to look deep down what she had already been feeling to be one hundred percent sure. Going over every thought and feeling she had ever had since they met at the party. Every moment that they shared since. How he reacted to meeting her daughter and the response he provided. Yes, she could say without a doubt that she saw only him and that made her smile even more. The pause made her panic for a moment even after he expressed his feelings to her. It was almost as if there was a 'But' coming especially when the pause followed up with she deserved more. No, he was perfect and his words were what made her know she was loved even as he expressed it with little actions like a gentle touch and a soft kiss. His tone turned serious and she prepared herself for the 'But', however, it never came. Instead his words bounced upon her mind like a ping pong ball. Marriage!

Chelsea had smiled to herself and quickly snuck away from the two. In the living room was the radio. Quietly plugging in her iPod and scrolling through until she found the perfect song for what she had heard. Flicking the stereo sound to go through their intercom system and quietly moved back to watch as Jason Derulo's voice moved through the house with the song 'Marry Me'.

Lizzie broke the eyes contact from Henry as the song began to play. Confusion washed across her face as she looked at the intercom speaker and then back at Henry before pointing up. "I do not think it would be a grand gesture because I would say 'Yes', however, did you do that? My powers are not working right now so it is not me?!" Pausing for a moment before she realized what she said. It was the truth, she would indeed tell him yes and that made her beam with joy. "Forgive me... Yes, Henry! The answer will always be Yes." Quickly she brought her hands up to his cheeks, placing each hand on each side of his face as she leaned in and kissed him before he could respond. He accepted her world and wanted to be apart of it. She didn't want to let him go. He was the love of her life.

'Marry Me' by Jason Derulo

105 is the number that comes to my head
When I think of all the years I wanna be with you
Wake up every morning with you in my bed
That's precisely what I plan to do
And you know one of these days, when I get my money right
Buy you everything and show you all the finer things in life
Will forever be enough, so there ain't no need to rush
But one day, I won't be able to ask you loud enough
I'll say, "Will you marry me?"
I swear that I will mean it
I'll say, "Will you marry me?"
Singing
Oh, yeah
How many girls in the world can make me feel like this?
Baby, I don't ever plan to find out
The more I look, the more I find the reasons why
You're the love of my life
You know one of these days, when I get my money right
Buy you everything and show you all the finer things in life
Will forever be enough, so there ain't no need to rush
But one day, I won't be able to ask you loud enough
I'll say, "Will you marry me?"
I swear that I will mean it
I'll say, "Will you marry me?"
And if I lost everything
In my heart, it means nothing
'Cause I have you
Girl, I have you
To get right down on bended knee
Nothing else would ever be better, better
The day when I-
I'll say, "Will you marry me?"
I swear that I will mean it
I'll say, "Will you marry me?", yeah
I'll say, "Will you marry me?" (The day I get on my knees)
I swear that I will mean it
I'll say, "Will you marry me?" (And what you do me, baby?)
Got me singing
Got me singing
Would you marry me, baby?
105 is the number that comes to my head
When I think of all the years I wanna be with you
Wake up every morning with you in my bed
That's precisely what I plan to do