Chapter 294: To the New Heavens

Chapter 294: To the New Heavens

Chapter 294

To the New Heavens

Atmosphere was festive, with loud music blaring out into the L.A.s night sky. Flashing lights alerted the living and the sleeping world to stay away, if the music itself did not. Many would think that there were hundreds of souls enjoying the night but, in reality, there were roughly fifty-sixty spread about a roof of a skyscraper, enjoying the slowly-cleared L.A.s sky.

Cain sat on the side, looking at the hanging banner that read Goodbye Cain, youve been such a pain!, his lips pursed. It felt less like a warm, loving send off and more like the good riddance, you punk sort. Shaking his head, he took a sip of beer and moved his gaze forward, looking at the familiar faces. Everyone had gathered here, leaving the Tower and joining the party.

A warm feeling surged within him, comparing the two incomparables. His past life, he was always alone. Ignoring the sendoff, hed have been hard-pressed to find two people to attend his funeral. And yet, now, there were so many, so many people who cared. Granted, a few faces he didnt recognize, but most he did.

Quite a party, eh? Senna sat by his side, grinning.

You drink? Cain asked, his eyes widened.

Oh, come on, she rolled her eyes at him. What? You think Im still sixteen? Besides, werent you the one to give me my first beer?

...

Thats what I thought, she chuckled. How are you feeling?

Warm and fuzzy.

Oh, Ill bet.

What? I can feel warm and fuzzy, he retorted. Beneath this badass, frigid interior is a delicate soul.

... Im gonna miss you, she said suddenly, lowering her eyes. I... I dont think Ive even had a chance to process it, how quickly it went.

... yeah, Cain said, his expression mellowing out. Its like ripping off a bandaid.

But its not, she replied, looking at him. Youre bigger than a band-aid, dad. Not being able to see you for years... what if I have a question? What if I dont understand something?

I know, he said, reaching out and pulling her head into his chest. But I have a really hard time believing you wont understand something.

Hey, Im being serious!ViiSiit novelbi/n(.)c/(o)m for latest novels

Ha ha, so am I, Cain said, feeling a gaze on his back. Oh? Is my little angel jealous? Get over ere! Lana sighed with a helpless smile, joining the group hug. I have a feeling even the gods envy me right now. Two unparalleled beauties, one in each arm... ah, the heavens!

Oh, shut it, Lana wrangled herself out of his arms and stared at him deathly while Senna pushed away gently, though still smiling.

No, no, Im serious, Cain pushed. Honestly, I might not even get to do anything while Im there. Ill probably just brag about how Ive got the coolest two daughters in the universe and how I love them beyond love.

... were you always this embarrassing?! Lana asked, her cheeks turning red.

Yup, Senna answered quickly. This is even tame, if Im being honest.

Second, third, fourth, Cain replied honestly. Honestly, the only reason I want to leave is because itd be too embarrassing to stay after being thrown a farewell party.

Pfft, ha ha ha, wow, thats the most you thing Ive heard you say in a while.

Yeah, yea, laugh it up. You wont be laughing when its three in the morning and youve got that tingle.

... Emma looked at him oddly for a moment before her lips broke out into a smile. Ill be thinking of you.

Yea, that ought to kill the tingle, I imagine.

Hey, she smacked him gently. I know you love coping, but its too early in the night for copium, no? Did you say goodbye to the others? Taimas been asking about you.

... no, Cain replied. In fact, Im about to leave.

H-huh?

Look around, he said, smiling lightly. Everyones laughing, drinking, having fun. Stopping it all just for some sod-ridden speech so I can douse them in cold water... is it even worth it? By the end, itd feel like a funeral more so than a sendoff. This is perfect.

You just dont want to deal with saying goodbyes, right?

Yeah, pretty much.

You never were good at them, she said, fixing her hair.

To be fair, its not a goodbye. Just a see ya later hater. Cain said, taking another sip. This one night... was just to etch your faces.

... Cain.

Hm? he turned around, facing her, surprised at her serious tone and her using his full name, something she rarely did.

Youre not allowed to die, she stated factually.

...

Ill be waiting, she added. A year. Two. Three. Ten. Ill wait until Im old and gray and decrepit and pissing and shitting myself on the hourly.

Wow, thanks for the image.

Im serious.

...

Youre not allowed to die, she repeated again.

... neither are you, he said after a brief moment of silence, landing his fingers against her chin and lifting her face up slightly. Love you, Em.

Love you too. Emma closed her eyes and leaned in, expectant. However, the soft sensation of his lips pressing against hers... never came. Slowly, she opened her eyes and found him gone, like the wind. Looking around, he was nowhere to be found, with none being the wiser. The singing and the drinking and the celebrating continued, faces alight in joy. But he was gone. He was gone.