As My Heart Dies-Chp65

[warp jump was initiated, n the odd couple listened to Marshmello n other EDMs songs along the way, until finally they reached the planet]

Awesome: Nice planet, eh? Kinda reminds u of the colour of whiskey

Sylvia: Yeah, kinda does.

Awesome: Should've named their planet Whiskey instead of Gintonic instead bcoz it's nothing like gin n tonic [chuckled as he flew the car pod into the planet, landing on the ship docks]

Sylvia: (giggle) Dumb joke.

Awesome: Heh, I try [got off the car pod, then opened the door for Sylvia n held out his hand] Shall we, milady?

Sylvia: :) (took his hand as she was helped out)

Awesome: [led her to a public hovercraft, helped her up on it, then stood nxt to her, holding her close] Hold on, this hovercraft can be a bit fast n u need a steady footing [types the name of their destination n the hovercraft started gliding along the road]

Sylvia: (does so) (thinks; so far he's being nice...) :$

[the odd couple glided dwn the road n soon they were at a big posh building bearing the sign "Chez Naomi"]

Awesome: Here we are, Bee [helps her dwn the hovercraft, slots in the credits on its meter n pressed the homing button to send the hovercraft away]

Sylvia: Wow, nice... :)

Awesome: Shall we? [held out his arm for her to hold]

Sylvia: ... (nod) (wrapped her arm around his)

Awesome: [led her into the building, where he was greeted enthusiastically by the usher, calling him "Your Highness" n led him to the best seat inside, then helped her with her seat]

Sylvia: :) Thanks. (took her seat)

Awesome: [took his seat opposite her n read the menu] Order anything u like, Bee. Don't be shy, I can afford it

Sylvia: Um...sure. (looked through her menu)

Awesome: I hope u don't mind I order us some wine first

Sylvia: Okay... :^)

Awesome: [told the waiter the wine he wants]

Waiter: [nodded n went to get it]

Awesome: [propped his chin with his hand, staring at Sylvia with a small smile on his face]

Sylvia: ...Well, this is new from you.

Awesome: :| Wat do u mean?

Sylvia: :^) Oh you know, the way you treated me back then compared to right now...?

Awesome: Well, contrary to wat u might think of me, I'm still royalty, n we royals know wen to be serious wen the situation needs to, n tht also means treating a girl right

Sylvia: That right? But what about any other girls you've hung out with...?

Awesome: [shrugged] Ehh, I had my flings, bt nothing serious. The day we met at tht planet, I felt we had a connection, bt I was in my party mode, so I wasn't reli thinking straight, thus the way I behaved

Sylvia: I see...

Awesome: I'm going to be honest with u [takes a deep breath] I believe we're soulmates, tht we're meant for each other. It took ur furball friend beating me at my own game n me having a sit dwn to think it thru to get me figured out

Sylvia: Well... shouldn't we make sure about this before we go into anything serious?

Awesome: Well I'm pretty sure abt it. It's my instincts as a Marina. Our species can tell wen we've met The One. It's like our basic gut feeling n intuition [takes her hand] N I intend to marry u [his face looked pretty serious as he said it]

Sylvia: (face went fully red, unsure how to respond)

Awesome: It's OK, u don't hv to say yes so soon, bt know that wen a Marina has found The One, we won't go for anyone else. We'll keep courting them even if they end up not choosing us n marry someone else, even if it means we would stay single for the rest of our lives for them, so just a fair heads-up for u

Sylvia: Oh...well... :$ I'd... like to wait at least to make the right choice...

Awesome: [shrugged with a smile] It's fair, take all the time u need [the wine finally came] U ready to order now, Bee?

Sylvia: (nod) Okay. (gives the waiter her order)

Awesome: [gives the waiter his order as well, then poured her a drink] U know, tbh, I thought u n tht furball were a thing

Sylvia: We're mostly friends, like brother and sister.

Awesome: I see. How did u two end up being friends?

Sylvia: Well... I was doing my own thing, he was doing his and we ended up bumping into each other. Didn't like the idea of his antics but grew used to them eventually.

Awesome: N lemme guess, he ended up inviting u to join him in whatever he was doing n the rest was history?

Sylvia: (nod) Pretty much.

Awesome: Did u, well, had any other guys u hung out with? Like an ex or maybe evn, I dunno, a current boyfriend?

Sylvia: Not really... Besides one guy but don't hear much from him anymore.

Awesome: Who might tht be, if u don't mind me asking?

Sylvia: His name's Ryder.

Awesome: :| Ryder? U mean the space bandit/pirate Ryder? U hung out with him?

Sylvia: That's him.

Awesome: Wow, u hung out with him, huh? Did u guys, well, u know, ended up dating or anything?

Sylvia: Only once, as least.

Awesome: I take it that it didn't work out?

Sylvia: (shake) Not one bit.

Awesome: Why? Not romantic enough? Not fun enough?

Sylvia: Clearly not romantic. |-(

Awesome: [chuckled]  I suppose being a space bandit/pirate doesn't reli leave much room to be romantic

Sylvia: I guess not.

[their food soon arrived n they ate n made small talk, enjoying the food n wine pretty well]

Awesome: Kinda curious tho... Wat abt ur family? Hv u ever visited them during ur travels with the furball?

Sylvia: Not recently. (shrugged)

Awesome: U...don't get along with ur family?

Sylvia: My brothers, yes. My Ma, not so much... What about your family?

Awesome: Ehh, we had a bit of falling out after I sorta trashed my own planet with my crazy partying. I made it up to them by conquering a deserted planet for them to rebuild, bt we're still a little strained, so I try to stay away n carry on my merry way to party n hv fun. YOLO, right?

Sylvia: Mhm...

Awesome: Bt if u want me to, I can stop partying n settle dwn. Like I said, once we meet The One, we'd do anything for them as part of the courtship

Sylvia: Well I could allow you to continue your party thing but at least tone it down.

Awesome: Ur wish is my command [takes her hand n kissed her knuckles]

Sylvia: (flushed again) Heh, yeah... :$ (began eating her meal)

[the duo ate n continued small talk. Wen they were almost done, a gentle romantic music was playing n there were some couples going to the middle of the dance floor near the stage to dance]

Awesome: [held out his hand to her] Care to join me, Bee?

Sylvia: (think) ... (took his hand) :)

Awesome: [led her to the dance floor n started a slow dance, waltzing along with the music, guiding her gently]

Sylvia: :$ (rested her head on his chest)

Awesome: [rested his chin gently on her head as he continued dancing] Would u consider the possibility of our marriage at least...?

Sylvia: I'll think about it...

Awesome: :) [continued dancing until the music was over] Ur pretty light on ur feet there, Bee

Sylvia: Heh, you too. :$

Awesome: U up for desserts? Or would u rather skip n blow this joint to party somewhere more livelier?

Sylvia: (think) ...What's a lively place you know of?

Awesome: There's Club Nocht just a few blocks away from here, unless u want to hv desserts first before we go? They make a pretty mean chocolate flambe pudding

Sylvia: Sure, why not? :)

Awesome: [led Sylvia bk to their table n ordered said desserts] U'll love it. Their chocolate came from the rich agriculture planet from the 9th galaxy, I heard

Sylvia: :)

[the dessert soon came 10 mins later, big enough for two ppl to share]

Awesome: Dig in, Bee [takes a scoop n tries to feed her]

Sylvia: (giggle) (took the bite) ... (hearteyes) Gob, that's good.

Awesome: Right? [takes a bite himself] Mm~ I nvr get tired of having this. I remember the first time I ate this was wen my parents brought me here for my 10th bday. I almost had a fight with my brother n three sisters coz I didn't want to share (giggle) bt Dad set us straight

Sylvia: :) Hehe... (notices a speck left on his chin) ... Let me get that. (leaned over, licking the speck off) :P Yum.

Awesome: O////O Oh umm... Th-Thanks...

Sylvia: ... Oh, sorry, sorry! o////o I don't know why I did that!

Awesome: Eh heh, it's OK... [smiled as he leaned in to kiss Sylvia on the nose] I'm glad u did tht. It means I got a chance ^_^

Sylvia: :$ Heh, yeah. Maybe.

[once they've finished their dessert n paid the tab, Awesome led Sylvia dwn the blocks to the said Club Nocht, making his way to the front of the line]

Usher: Oh, Your Highness! It's an honour for u to be here. Pls [makes way for them]

Awesome: Thanks, Willy [enters with Sylvia, holding her hand tight so as not to lose her in the crowd]

Sylvia: (stayed close to his side)

[the club was happening as they were playing amazing jams, ppl enjoying the booze n dancing their heart out]

Awesome: Nice digs, eh?

Sylvia: :) Sure is.

Awesome: C'mon, let's cut some rug! [led her to the dance floor n danced]

Sylvia: :D (danced with him)

[the couple danced the night away, with drinks in btwn, enjoying the moment together in the flashing club lights n booze]

Sylvia: :D This has been fun~

Awesome: Yeah, totally [danced closer to Sylvia, then leans in to kiss her gently on the lips] Ur fun

Sylvia: ;) So are you.

Awesome: Still wanna party? Or u wanna find some plc where we can 'party' in private, if u knw wat I mean ;) It'll be too late to go bk to Bonehead's ship n I'm a little tipsy to drive. Wat say u?

Sylvia: (giggle) Okay, mister~

As My Heart Dies-Chp64

[moments later, Awesome, who was let into the ship port to wait for Sylvia, sees her showing up]

Awesome: Well, abt time. I was worried u... stood me... up... [his words faltered at the sight of Sylvia's outfit]

Sylvia: (wore a white dress with a dark blue ribbon around her waist and had her hair tied back with a sparkling blue ribbon) (smirk) Sup?

Awesome: :O [was speechless for a moment before he snapped out of it] Ahem! Well, uh, u clean up nice there, Bee [felt almost a little underdressed with his suit n tie]

Sylvia: Heh, not my style but it'll have to do.

Awesome: Well then [opens the door of his car pod for Sylvia] Shall we?

Sylvia: :) Sure. (steps inside)

Awesome: [closed the door for her, enters the driver's seat, pulled the glass hood ovr n turned on the breathable air before driving out of Hater's ship] The planet is just abt 3 hours away thru warp jump. Hope u don't mind the ride

Sylvia: No, it's fine. (leans back in her seat) ooh, comfy~ (heart)

Awesome: Best leather n cushion money can buy. Wanna listen to some music?

Sylvia: (nod) What tunes have you got?

Awesome: Mostly disco n EDMs, ooh, this one is my recent fav frm the Planet Earth, he calls himself Marshmello, or something? His tunes r sick! [plays one of his tracks]

Sylvia: (nods her head to the beat) Not bad. :D

Awesome: Right? Ooh, we're almost at the spot for warp jump. Hang on [pressed the button to initiate warp jump]

Sylvia: (holds on)

As My Heart Dies-Chp63

[the gang soon boarded the ship n made their way towards the direction to Planet Skeletor, which from Janet's position, would take abt a week or two to reach. Soon, midway thru the journey...]

Peepers: [was chking the navigation wen he noticed an incoming ship towards them, n an incoming vid call] Sir, should we answer tht?

Hater: ...Yes.

Peepers: [answered the vid call, only to hv Awesome's face booming on the screen]

Awesome: YOOO~~~ Is Bee ready?? I'm here for our date!!!

Peepers: (doh) Oh crap, I forgot abt him...

Sylvia: :| Ugh, not now...

Peepers: Yo, Awesome, uhh, kinda bad timing, don'tcha think?

Awesome: Wat do u mean bad timing? I've already told Bonehead I'm gonna pick Bee up for the date. Ur not backing out of the deal, are ya, Bonehead?

Hater: My family's at war...no time for that date of yours...

Awesome: Do u want me to take the ship away from u again?

Peepers: [whispered to Sylvia] Better do it n get it over with or we won't hv a ship to go anywhere (idea) Maybe u could even use ur charm to persuade him to join the war. We need more manpower anyways

Sylvia: (think) ... Ya know, Fishface... We could use your awesome skills in this war~ (smirk)

Awesome: Huh? Wat war? N why? It's not my war, why should I get involved? :^)

Sylvia: We're needed for backup and we could a strong man like yourself~ (smirk)

Awesome: (think) ...Go on this date with me as promised, n we'll see

Peepers: [gives her a "Do it" nudge]

Sylvia: Yes, I'll still go out with you, but if you can't handle this...

Awesome: Oh I can handle anything u throw at me, Bee, trust me on tht. Now, we've got reservations at Chez Naomi on Planet Gintonic, remember? I'll wait while u get ready. Chop chop! [ended the vid call]

Peepers: Well, u heard him. We'll wait here for ur return, just go before anyone changes their minds

Sylvia: Mhm... (glanced at Wander and left to get ready)

Wander: [just gave her a "Good luck" thumbs up n left to the opposite direction]

Brad: (think)...

As My Heart Dies-Chp62

[the nxt day, it was time to leave, n Janet was giving Angel her last goodbye]

Janet: [hugged him in her rose corporeal form] Ooh, I'm so proud of u, Angel, n at the same time I'm gonna miss u

Angel: Take care of yourself, Janet.

Janet: Don't worry, I will. I've got dear Maury n the residents here to keep me company :)

Peepers: [noticed one person missing] Where's Wander?

Sylvia: He...he'll be joining us...

Hater: :(

Peepers: OK, well, lemme escort u to our ship n take u to ur quarters, Mr Angel

Angel: :) Just call me Angel. (follows Peepers)

Wander: [showed up a few mins later, looking a little disheveled, his eyes a bit dark n puffy] Sorry, am I late?

Sylvia: ...A little.

Hater: (also looked away)

Wander: [looked abt] Where's Papa?

Janet: Ur tiny friend escorted him to the ship [hugs Wander] It's a shame that ur only here for a while, bt I'm glad ur getting ur dad out of the house

Wander: :) [hugs her bk]

Sylvia: Mhm...

Janet: U take good care of ur Papa, u hear?

Wander: Will do. Ditto to u [gave one last hug n went ahead to the ship]

Janet: [whispered to Sylvia] Is Wandy-poo gonna be OK?

Sylvia: Guess we'll have to give him a little more time...

Janet: Just keep an eye on him then

Sylvia: (nod)

As My Heart Dies-Chp61

[the gang spent the night on Planet Janet, n Wander was helping his dad pack for the trip]

Wander: Don't forget ur coat n scarf, just in case the weather gets cold on Planet Skeletor

Angel: (nod) I know, son. ...But is there something else you want to talk about?

Wander: Wat do u mean? [puts the scarf into his luggage]

Angel: You seem upset... with that Skeletor, I believe.

Wander: ...No, I'm not [looked away a little]

Angel: Son...talk to me...

Wander: ...I don't want to talk abt it...

Angel: (sighs) Whatever be the case with you and him... you'll eventually have to talk it out between you.

Wander: ... Whatever. U OK to finish packing up the rest on ur own, Papa?

Angel: ...Of course.

Wander: [gave a peck on Angel's cheek n left the room, making his way to the kitchen to make something to drink]

Sylvia: (was in there as well, munching on a sandwich)

Wander: [sees Sylvia] Oh, hey, Syl [edged ard her to reach for a glass]

Sylvia: Hey... :^)

Wander: [looked thru the fridge to find his drink, not saying anything]

Sylvia: ...You think it's hard for you...?

Wander: [sighed, not facing her as he got orange juice n poured it for himself] Wat r u talking abt, Syl?

Sylvia: :| Seriously, Wander. You're better then that. Hater finally needs your help and you turn him away.

Wander: I am helping him. His family is in danger, n I'm helping them

Sylvia: I mean his cancer, Wander!

Wander: [flinched a bit, then turned to give her a "So u knew all along" accusing look]

Sylvia: :( I'm sorry, but we didn't know how to tell you... mostly Hater didn't.

Wander: [turned bk to the fridge n stared at it for a while before slamming the fridge door] ...I don't wanna talk abt it

Sylvia: Wander--

Wander: [snapped at her] I don't wanna talk abt it!!! [his hands balled into a tight fist, almost shaking]

Sylvia: :( ...This is because it's like losing your mom all over again, isn't it...?

Wander: [bit his lip, glared at her for a bit before turning away, storming out of the kitchen n to his room, slamming the door]

Sylvia: (sighed) ...

As My Heart Dies-Chp60

[the group entered the house n all sat in the living room]

Hater: (sat across from Wander, looking away)

Peepers: [sat next to Brad, feeling awkward abt Wander n Hater's situation]

Wander: [doesn't look at Hater either] Hate to cut the small talk n all, bt we need ur help, Papa

Angel: On what?

Hater: My family's at war...they can really use the backup.

Wander: Yes, n I knw frm Mama's stories abt both ur travels tht u could hold ur own to protect her with ur angel nomad powers, so I was hoping... tht maybe... u knw...

Angel: ...Perhaps. but you seem to be unhappy with something else as well.

Hater: (worry)

Wander: [glanced quietly a little at Hater, then deflected the question] Yes, bt... its not important right now. The most important right now is to help Hater's family. Lives r at stake right now, might evn involve a newborn baby. Will u help us, Papa?

Peepers: [keeping fingers crossed behind his bk]

Angel: (think) ...

Hater: ... (gets up) I'm sorry... (leaves the room)

Sylvia: (watches him leave and gives Wander a disapproving look)

Peepers: S-Sir... [follows aftr him]

Wander: [doesn't look at Sylvia either as he continued to wait for Angel's response]

Angel: ...I suppose I'll have to.

Wander: Thanks, Papa :) We reli appreciate the help. Plus, tbh, its abt time u get out of the house n do something instead of moping abt [smiled a little mischievously]

Angel: Indeed...

(outside)

Hater: (was walking off and heard Peepers following him)

Peepers: Sir, sir! [slowed dwn to match his walking pace] Sir... U... U OK...?

Hater: I knew he woulnd't take this lightly, but... :( I guess he does hate me now...

Peepers: He doesn't hate u, sir. I mean, I think he doesn't. If he hates u, he wouldn't even be asking his dad for help to fight ur brother's war. He wouldn't go thru all this for ur family if he hates u

Hater: But he won't even look at me...

Peepers: Like I said, he just needs time to process all this. Why? Would u rather he throw a tantrum?

Hater: No... :(

Peepers: Give him time. He'll come round soon. Just focus on ur health right now, as well as ur brother's war. It'll keep u distracted for a while

Hater: I guess so...

As My Heart Dies-Chp59

[awkwardness was an understatement as Wander was behaving like tht throughout the whole journey, until almost everyone sighed a relief wen they've finally arrived at Planet Janet]

Wander: [took off first the moment the ship landed] Hi, Aunt Janet. Where's Papa?

Janet: Wandy-poo~ Ur papa said u would come home. He's at the river catching fish for tonight's dinner. Want me to take u there?

Wander: Sure [rode onto Janet's materialized carriage n left, leaving the rest of the gang behind]

Peepers: O...kaaaayyy... Guess we're walking?

Sylvia: Wander...

Hater: :(

Peepers: Guess he's reli taking it harder than we thought

[meanwhile, Wander arrived at the lake where Angel was fishing]

Wander: [got off the carriage] Papa~! I'm home!

Papa: (looked up from the porch) Welcome back, son. (apporached him) How have you been?

Wander: [smiled, tho his smile didn't fully reach his eyes] It's been...eventful. We've traveled to so many plcs, liberated planets n stuff. How're u holding up?

Angel: Things have been quiet... (notices the others) Friends of yours?

Wander: [turned to see them] Yeah [gestured at them] Hater, his sidekick Peepers, n Brad Starlight, bt u can call him Bradley. I've been traveling the galaxy with them. Brad is a recent addition

Brad: Hey.

Hater: Hi...

Sylvia: You kind of left us behind, Wander. :^)

Wander: Sorry, I got excited to see Papa [still not looking at Hater in the eye, pretty obvious reason was tht he wanted to avoid Hater]

Peepers: |-( [muttered to himself] Uh-huh, yeah, sure...

Sylvia: Hmm...

Hater: (sighs)

Angel: (could sense some tension)... Care to come inside?

Wander: Sure, we need to hv a real talk anyways

Peepers: (nod)

Angel: (nod) (leads the group inside)