Silent Strength

Chapter 41

Nani, his mother, and Prim took on the responsibility of preparing the funeral. The air was thick with grief, yet everything had to be done, arrangements, guests, traditions. Nani threw himself into the process, keeping busy, keeping his emotions locked away where no one could reach them.

But Sky never left his side.

From the moment they left, Sky was there, quiet but unwavering. He didn't ask questions, didn't push Nani to talk, but he made sure Nani wasn't alone, not even for a second.

And when Nani barely touched his food, Sky noticed. Every meal, he would sit beside him, placing a plate in front of him with quiet determination. At first, Nani ignored it. Then he pushed the plate away. But Sky was patient.

"If you don't eat, you'll collapse." Sky said softly one evening, holding a spoonful of rice in front of Nani's lips.

"I'm not hungry" Nani muttered, voice hoarse.

Sky didn't argue. He just brought the spoon closer. "Just a little."

Nani sighed, exhausted, but when he met Sky's eyes, filled with so much care, so much quiet understanding, he finally opened his mouth. Sky fed him slowly, one bite at a time, never rushing, never forcing.

Win and Dew were busy greeting the guests who arrived at the funeral, making sure everything ran smoothly. But no matter how occupied Win was, he never missed a thing

His sharp eyes caught the quiet scene across the room. Nani sat stiffly, his face blank, exhaustion evident in every part of his body. And right beside him, Sky was patiently feeding him, his movements gentle, his expression filled with silent concern.

Win nudged Dew with his elbow and tilted his head toward them. "Look at that," he murmured.

Dew followed his gaze and let out a soft sigh. "Sky really doesn't leave him for even a second."

Win crossed his arms, a small smirk playing at his lips. "Of course not. That's his person."

Dew glanced at him. "And you?"

Win rolling his eyes. "What about me?"

They both stood there, watching as Sky patiently coaxed Nani into eating, one spoonful at a time, one quiet act of love at a time.

The funeral lasted for two days, filled with quiet mourning, whispered condolences, and the heavy weight of unspoken emotions. And finally, the moment arrived—the time to lay Nani's father to rest.

One by one, family members stepped forward for their final goodbye. Some wept openly, some whispered prayers, and others simply stood in silence, staring at the man they once knew.

When it was Nani's turn, Sky instinctively loosened his grip, thinking Nani might want this moment alone. But before he could step away, Nani reached for his hand, gripping it firmly. Without a word, he pulled Sky along with him.

Standing before his father's resting place, Nani took a deep breath, his voice steady but filled with quiet emotion.

"Dad, I know I'm stubborn," he admitted. "I still can't let go of all the pain from your mistakes... but I'm trying my best. Just like you wanted." His fingers tightened around Sky's hand. "And I didn't get the chance to introduce Sky to you. He's the only person who could change my mind about coming to see you."

Nani turned slightly, glancing at Sky before looking back at his father. His voice softened.

"Please give us your blessing... since we're going to marry."

Sky's eyes widened slightly at the sudden confession, his heart pounding. But he said nothing, only squeezing Nani's hand back, standing by his side just as he always had.

A gentle breeze passed through the air, rustling the leaves around them. And in that quiet moment, Nani liked to believe it was his father's way of answering.

The drive home was quiet, the hum of the car engine the only sound between them. Sky glanced over at Nani, noticing how exhausted he looked. His eyes were closed, and his body was slumped slightly to one side, clearly fighting sleep. The past few days had drained him, both physically and emotionally.

As they pulled into the parking garage of their condo, Sky's heart softened seeing Nani's weary face.

Sky knew Nani hadn't slept properly for days, his mind likely racing with everything happening around them. Sky's heart ached for him, but at the same time, he felt a deep need to take care of him.

Carefully, Sky unbuckled Nani's seatbelt, then leaned over, gently lifting him into his arms. Nani stirred slightly, but didn't wake. Sky smiled softly, his gaze lingering on Nani's peaceful face. He adjusted Nani in his arms, ensuring he was comfortable before heading toward their condo.

The elevator ride felt slow, but Sky didn't mind. He cherished these quiet moments, just the two of them, even if Nani was unaware of his presence. When they reached their floor, Sky carried him to their condo, moving as quietly as he could so as not to disturb him.

Sky carefully laid Nani on their bed, pulling the blanket over him gently. He tucked Nani in and brushed a few stray strands of hair from his face. Nani let out a small breath before pulling Sky to sleep beside him too.

" Next time, wake me up so you don't have to carry me around like that." Nani said but his eyes still close.

Sky couldn't help but smile at the thought of how comfortable Nani felt in his arms.

"Alright, I'll make sure to wake you up next time," Sky said, his voice soft and warm. He gently slid under the covers beside Nani, keeping a little distance at first, but Nani's hand instinctively reached for him. Without hesitation, Sky scooted closer, letting Nani pull him in.

Sky rested his head on the pillow beside Nani, their bodies close but not quite touching. But soon, Nani rolled over and nestled against Sky, his hand finding Sky's, holding it like it was the only thing anchoring him to the world.

Sky smiled, squeezing Nani's hand gently, his heart filled with tenderness. "Sleep, Nani. You can rest now."

Nani let out a small sigh, his body relaxing against Sky's warmth. The soft, rhythmic sound of Sky's voice, the gentle squeeze of his hand, everything about this moment wrapped around him like a safety net.

"Thank you for everything you have done for me." Nani mumbled, his voice still thick with exhaustion but carrying a hint of sincerity.

"You don't have to thank me. I'm just here because I want to be."

"I know. It's just... sometimes I don't know how to say it. But... I'm glad you're here."

Sky smiled, a quiet, tender expression that only Nani could see. "I'll always be here, Nani. Always."

And with that promise hanging between them, Nani finally drifted into a peaceful sleep, feeling safer than he had in days. Sky stayed close, never once pulling away, watching over him until his own eyes finally grew heavy with sleep. They were both exactly where they needed to be. Together.