Dandelions would also be a beautiful song for this chapter 💜❤️💜🤍!!!

Clouds.

Since my papa's death, there's been a dark cloud looming over me, following me like a shadow. It's full of rain, waiting for the right moment to rain on my parade. Here and there, there are a few sprinkles of water when the going gets tough. Like when I have to help Mama calm down and sleep because she spends hours sobbing over my papa. It penetrates my heart, splitting it into multiple fragments to watch my mama deteriorate into dust.

"Pechule, I don't feel like I'll survive much longer," Mama cries, snotty tears streaming down her cheeks.

"Mama," I chastise, dragging her into my arms, and I rub her messy gray hair. "Don't say that. I still need you. You can't leave me with no familia. Just hold on for a bit longer, please."

My pleas left a sour taste in my mouth. Is it my place to ask my mama to keep fighting? For me? Doesn't it make me selfish to want her to keep suffering so I can have her by my side? But I need her. She's the only familia I have left. My mama has been by my side since I was born— always supporting me even when I went against my papa's wishes. I always knew my mama loved my papa so much, but he didn't deserve it.

He didn't deserve someone as precious as Mama.

Sometimes I wonder how mama met papa-- like what made them fall in love? What made them want to get married? What twisted fate led mama to mix into the crowd with papa? It hardly matters. No love story can erase all the despair papa brought upon mama during the fifty years of their marriage.

"I'm not leaving you alone, Pechule," mama says, positioning herself comfortably into my arms. "You have Mika. She's your familia. Don't lose her, okay?"

I chuckle lightly. "Since when have you been on the Mika train? You are always so rude to her. Is this your excuse to feel less guilty for leaving your only son with no familia?"

Mama sighs, sporting a ghost of a smile. "You could say that. But I see the way you guys are with each other. It's real-- genuine. It's all I could ever want for you and your brother. Rest in peace, his soul. All I wanted was the best for you both."

Mama isn't a liar. She always speaks her mind, even if she shouldn't. It's one of her only jarring qualities. It's one of the qualities that got her into repeated quarrels with papa. Mama always fought for our beliefs, our happiness, and our wants. Ultimately, with Ander, Papa won, but Mama worked extra hard to keep me following in their footsteps.

But the world always has a way of fucking things over.

It makes me wonder-- does mama know?

"Mama?" I clear my throat, rubbing my hand up and down her shoulder. "D-Did you know Ander was into guys?"

Mama's eyes widen in shock as she picks up her head and stares into my eyes. "H-How did you know? H-he didn't tell anyone."

"Luka told me," I admit, chewing on the inside of my cheek while feeding her a lie.

Mama's veiny, trembling hands clutch onto mine, squeezing them. "Dios Mio. Your papa was furious when he found out. That's why our holidays together ended. He killed Luka's father to prove a point, but nothing changed. Ander and Luka were in love until one day-- they stopped existing. It was like magic. They went from loving each other to hating each other, but I don't know the full story."

I nod my head in acknowledgment. "All this time, I was jealous of Luka taking all my time with Ander, but I was cock-blocking. I wish we could know the full story, but everyone involved is--."

"Dead?" A heartbreaking chuckle escapes her lips. "Who would've thought the two underestimated Morterero would be the ones still fighting? You keep fighting, okay? I don't have much time, but you have plenty. Live the life you always wanted with Mika. Promise?"

I bob my head, feeling a lone tear slide down my cheek. "Just promise to stick around for the wedding, okay, Mama? A few more days. That's all I'm asking for. Then you can go to God in heaven. I'll meet you there one day."

She pinches my cheek. "Not too soon, okay? You live your little heart out. I want to see my son when he's old and gray like his Mama."

I sniffle, turning my head away to hide the tears tumbling down my face. "Mama, you know, I love you. Right?"

"Of course, Mio."

I kiss her weak knuckles, setting them on my heart. "Just give me three days. I'll have a ceremony thrown together."

Mama gasps. "Are you kidding? That's not enough time to have your dream wedding. You can't have a half-assed wedding. This day is a one of a lifetime unless you're planning to have another one."

"No!" I nearly shout. "Mika is my soulmate. I will never find anyone like her. But don't worry, Mama. It's just a ceremony for you and a few close relatives to attend. Once everything settles down, we will plan an official wedding. What matters is you will be there to bring your son down the aisle."

She exhales a long breath. "Of course. It's my duty. I'll hold on until I can achieve that. You can leave your mama now. I will be able to sleep without crying. I love you, Pechlue."

"I love you too."

The bed squeaks as I get up and walk to the door, turning off the light before shutting the door. "Goodnight, Mama."

As every coming year, the Morterero familia compresses into a smaller number. It's like the world wants to take us out one by one to break our familia's legacy. They're halfway there. Once Mama is gone, I'm the only one left. That's a fat dart board on my face. It takes one individual to pierce me with a dart, leaving me bleeding on the floor.

Sighing, I sink into my sheets and glance at the digital clock to see midnight. Mika is probably still working. Gosh, I miss her. It's moments like this when I want to cling on to-- hold her all night long until she's sick of me. Either way, I sent her a quick message, confessing how much I love her and miss her because I'm a weak man that wears his heart on his sleeves. Lastly, I snap a picture of myself-- nothing sexual and send it to her.

Dropping my cell phone on the bedstand table, I scour through my drawer and pull out the little baggie of heroin. The white powder taunts me like ghosts wanting to possess my soul. My mouth waters at the sight of the fucker. I want to, so badly. It's so compelling to find sanctuary in this drug for the night, but I can't.

Not again.

I could've saved my papa if I wasn't so high off my ass. Even if he didn't deserve me as a son and to be saved-- I would've because he's the only papa given to me. Beggers can't be choosers. Papa might've hated me, but at least he provided for me-- it's the bare minimum. Unlike Mika, who got the short end of the stick with an abusive father. How can I compare when there is worse out there?

My phone lights up with messages notification on the screen.

From- My soulmate.

Jesus Christ! How dare my fiance be so fucking hot and not by my side? It's a felony. Sorry for working tonight, but I'm all yours tomorrow, so empty your schedule because it's you and me all day long.

I love you,

Mika.

A smile spreads on my lips as I nestle the phone into my chest. It's nothing like the real thing, but it warms the missing space in my bed. My eyes focus on the starry night, peeking through my open blinds, and I fall asleep thinking of Mika.

Probably dreaming of her, too.

There are three best ways to wake up to.

Obviously, one is getting an extra hand with the morning wood. Honestly, one of the best fucking sensations to wake up to, especially when it leads to an extra hour of cuddling in bed. The second best way to wake up is with Turbo, rubbing his fluffy body on you. It's one of the cutest things ever.

And lastly, I love waking up to a kiss from my future wife, Mika, and this morning happens to be one of those days. She continuously pecks my lips, smooching and giggling, until my eyes flutter open to meet her breathtaking, aquamarine eyes. Mika smiles, dimples peaking through her cheeks as she plays with my hair.

"Wakey, wakey, Muñeco." She presses a kiss on the tip of my nose. "It's time for our little date."

My arms stretch above my head, and I groan, attempting to cover the yawn fighting through. "Woah, Woah. Seems like you're coming after me since I always plan our dates, but I'm looking forward to what you have planned."

Mika awkwardly chuckles, scratching the nape of her neck. "Actually, I want your input for a perfect date. I just want everything to be perfect. Who knows when we will have a day like this again?"

Gently grabbing the back of her neck, I drag her in close and place a kiss on her forehead. "Are you kidding? We have an endless supply on our way once we're married. But I have an absurd idea."

Mika flashes an uneasy grin. "Uh-oh. What is it?"

I wiggle my eyebrows. "Just get the car ready with some snacks and leave the rest to me, Princesa."

In the span of twenty minutes, I shower, change into athletic clothing, fill a water bottle, and dash to a waiting Mika in the car. She's playing with the ax cord, twirling a gummy worm on her finger before biting it. Mika is definitely in an outfit that will make what I have planned difficult, but I have spar clothing in the truck.

Luckily for me, I'm taking her to a place that specializes in quality time with nature and our thoughts. Also, doesn't hurt that hardly anyone goes, so no one would get to see how sexy my girl looks in her black corset top, her boobs nearly spilling out. Other than that, she's glowing today, radiating with confidence-- happiness?

"Where are we going?" Mika drums her fingers on the dashboard.

I laugh. "It's a surprise, Princesa. Just ride the wave."

She playfully thumps the back of my head. "Stop with your freaking metaphors and tell me! Pretty please, with a cherry on top."

"And extra whipped cream?"

Mika wiggles her perfectly trim eyebrows. "Mmm, and maybe a slice of me."

My face scrunches up with amusement. "Oh, so tempting, but I'll turn you down this once. We have the entire day to ourselves. I'm sure I can find a reason to bend you over a tree without breaking any laws."

Mika bites her pointer finger, smirking. "Wow. My Asiel gets kinkier by the day. Feel free to use me any way you want." She giggles, grabbing my hand on the shift and dragging it towards her prize between her thighs. My rough pad thumb grazes against her slick pussy lips, nearly losing all composure and swerving us into an accident. "I hope you don't mind. I forgot to wear any underwear. I wouldn't want anything to get in your way."

My eyes roll back. "Goddammit, Mika."

She jolts in her place, covering her lips with her pointer finger. "Muñeco, how dare you say the lord's name in vain. How unlike you."

My tongue snakes out to moisten my lips. "You're going to be the death of me."

Mika clicks on the button to open the sunroof, tying the strings on her corset. "I hope you wouldn't want it any other way."

"There's nothing more I could ask for than to be with you," I reply, using my finger to hook under her chin, and dragging her towards my lips, giving her a quick peck before returning my attention to the cars on the street. Her lips taste like strawberries--probably her chapstick.

Once the sunroof opens, Mika springs up, screaming and waving her arms as the wind drifts through her long, black hair. She's a burst of sunshine today. It's an unusual sight. Mika being carefree, laughing, dancing to the pop music on the radio. It's easy to fall for Mika-- it's impossible to have her fall for you, but somehow I achieve just that.

She loves me.

She wants to spend the rest of her life with me, and I couldn't wait to spoil her until we perished.

While I lost so many things, I had this beautiful gift placed in my life the moment I needed it the most.

The car comes to a halt in front of a towering mountain going for miles and miles. Mika slumps into her chair, the look of impassiveness flashing on her face. White puffy clouds float in the sky, moving along to the tempo of symmetry. The green leaves on the trees move in sync with the direction of the wind. Colorful flowers like daisies, orchids, and sunflowers guide us to the trail, leading us to the top.

"Asiel?" Mika calls out as I slam the car door.

"Yeah?"

She clears her throat, sticking her leg out when I open the door, exposing the five-inch heel on her foot. "You expect me to hike in these shoes? This is why you should've told me before."

Mika obviously just doesn't want to spend her morning hiking up a mountain. I don't blame her. Cardio is a killer, but she isn't getting out of this. We're going to do everything on our bucket lists, and mine happens to involve accomplishing every single activity with Mika.

A little smirk takes root on my lips as I go into the back seat and pull out a pair of sneakers. "Don't worry, Princesa." I bend down, taking the heel off her foot and replacing it with the sneaker. "I got it covered. Now, you can hike just fine."

Mika pouts, displaying her disappointment like a sign in the doctor's room. "B-But. Fine. I'll hike under one condition."

I arch a brow. "What is it?"

An involuntary gasp leaves my lips when she jumps onto my back, clinging like a koala bear to my neck, using her hands and her legs wrapped around my waist. "Carry me. What's the point of having a boyfriend if he can't carry you around?"

A chuckle croaks from my throat as I secure her tightly against my body. "Wow. I'm basically an object, but how can I refuse the Princesa's request?"

The shining, rising sun causes my eyes to narrow from the intensity, and I start the daily climb. Mika's body weight acts as a resistance on my journey up the mountain. For the first hour, Mika is completely silent-- both of us focusing on the leaves crushing under my feet. We debate back and forth over what I had just stepped on.

As usual, Mika is right.

We work as a team, Mika pushing the branches away from me, and I squat down to keep her from getting hurt. Sweat drips down my forehead from the sizzling heat, and Mika cleans the excess with her towel. There are over twenty trails that lead us to the top, and I wanted to explore all of them with Mika.

Obviously not today, but a tradition to keep for the upcoming years.

"Are we there yet?" Mika asks, swinging her legs back and forth.

"Almost Princesa."

The sound of something crashing fills my ears.

There it is.

Picking up the pace, I charge up the remainder of the trail and halt at the top, revealing an insane waterfall. The water fuzzes up at the bottom from the pressure of the water crashing to the floor. While the sight is beautiful, I always get lost in Mika's childlike demeanor as she admires the waterfall.

Craning my neck, I face Mika with a smirk. "Do you wanna go in?"

Her eyes bulge from her sockets. "Are you fucking insane? We won't last in there. Let's just stare." Mika's arms loosen around my neck, and she lands on her legs, tugging at my sleeve. "I love seeing the earth with you. There are so many places I want to see and experience with you, but... I don't know."

My body stiffens at her uncertainty. "What do you mean you don't know? We have fifty, sixty, and seventy years left to travel to the ends of the earth. Why are you questioning things? Is it wedding jitters?"

Mika cringes, guilt flashing in her azure irises. "No. I just-- I don't know. It's too good to be true. You and me, at the finish line. It's a dream for a reason-- because we aren't supposed to achieve it."

"Mika," I mutter, cradling her cheek in my palm, nearly combusting into a pile of dust at the agony in her irises. "I know life has given you a lot of rotten apples, but after all the bad-- there's something good, like a rainbow in the sky after a storm. You don't have to question anything."

"What if I'm not the person you think I am, Asiel?" The pain in Mika's voice cuts me down to the bone. "What if I did something so unforgivable? Would you love me, then?"

Dragging her close by using her head, I rub the hair on her head and lay my chin on it. "Mika, please. Don't question my feelings for you. My heart bleeds for you. You're everything to me-- my entire world. You're my familia. You're my dream."

Mika breaks away from the hug, fanning her eyes to keep the tears from falling. "You're mine, too. I want to continue falling in love with you a little bit more every day." A heart-wrenching grin breaks on her lips, meeting her glossy eyes. "I love you. Just try to remember that."

"I love you to the moon and back."

A few fleeting moments pass as Mika takes pictures of the scenery, and I observe her getting lost with the way her face concentrates. It's cute. She's endearingly beautiful. My heart swells to the point of a near explosion, but I keep filling it with my love for her.

"Mika, my mama isn't doing well these days," I confess, using a stick to play with the dirt. "I don't think she has much left, and I really want her to be there on our wedding day."

She nods. "Of course. We can just have a ceremony if you want. I don't really care as long as it's you and me. Gifts, money, parties are all insignificant."

My eyebrows slowly raise high. "I still want a celebration, but for my mama's sake-- I wanted to have a small ceremony for her--the day after tomorrow. I know that might not be enough time to get ever-."

Her warm eyes pierce into mine, and she snaps a picture of me, caught off-guard. "It's perfect, Asiel. If you're happy, then I'm happy. That's all I ever wanted from our wedding day. Also, I'm excited to finally be known as Mika Morterero."

A smile grows on my lips. "I love the sound of that."

A hint of smirk tugs at Mika's lips. "Almost as much as I love the sound of you whimpering whenever I take your cock in my mouth. Or when I make you come. The cutest sounds come out of you, Muneco."

My ears burn red with embarrassment. "You really want me to fuck you in the woods? It's dirty, Mika."

The fire in Mika's eyes intensifies at my words and melts my insides. "Muñeco, it's your fault. You suggested it, and now I can't stop thinking about it. All I've been thinking about was being fucked up against the tree. Take me out of my misery."

It's too much. Staring at Mika is like looking directly into the sun. You know you're going to blind yourself, but you can't help but want to look. Desire dances on the tip of my tongue, but my throat tightens, swallowing the urges as my eyes fall on a collection of dandelions.

"Time to make a wish."

Mika blinks, confusion lingering on her face. "What?"

"It's dandelions. Haven't you ever made a wish with them before? Like candles on your birthday," I explain, observing how pink her cheeks get at the question.

She squats down, placing her phone on the floor and staring oddly at the whistling flowers. "No. I never did. Do they usually come true?"

I shrug. "Mine did."

Mika's thumb strokes my pulse point as my finger hovers over the stem of the dandelion. "What was the wish?"

Capturing her face between my hands, I tilt her head up so that we're eye-level with each other. "To fall in love with an incredible girl. To find my soulmate. To find you."

The sound of stem ripping from the ground fills the silence as Mika's intense blue eyes draw me in. "Let's make a wish together."

"Sure," I reply, grabbing a dandelion for myself. "On the count of three, okay?"

One.

Two.

Three.

We both blow in sync, causing the dandelion petals to float into the air, colliding with the wind. Mika watches until every petal disappears into the abyss. My body oozes with love. I can't wait to spend the rest of my life with this girl.

"What did you wish for?"

Mika gives me a crooked grin. "For you to fuck me up against the tree."

My inside twist and turns into knots of pleasure as I envision all the things she will let me do to her-- out here in the open. It's kind of exotic. My mind spins, but my body obeys willingly. I close the distance between us and kiss her. Her hands fall to my belt buckle, not wasting any time, and my body melts under her touch.

Might as well make her wish come true.

What did I wish for?

For whatever Mika wished for--

because I have all my dreams right in front of me.

This might be one of my favorite chapters!! Like the whole energy and softness between Mika and Asiel— warms my heart man. Made me want to cry 🥹🥹 heart felt tears lol

Do you think Mika really wished for Asiel to take her up against the tree? Or that she wished for something else 👀? What do you think she wished for?

Do you think Mika is going to tell him everything real soon? Hope you guys enjoy and I'm so excited to reach what everyone has been waiting for ;)

Thank you for always supporting me and I can't wait to read your comments 🤍💜❤️💜🤍

Love ya!!!