And so there I stood, in that cold October rain. The sky was heavy with clouds, thick and solid like swirls of oil paint, the softest hint of autumn colors casting a faint yellow gold hue on that insubstantial dome overhead. I stood beneath an oak tree in the graveyard, one near the gate, so that I could rest my back against the brick, and lace my arms through the iron bars. Chilling drops and sopping wet leaves rained down on me, sticking to my skin and matting my hair to my scalp. It was a beautiful day.

I was wearing the hoody he gave me. It was black and a little too big, but I loved the softness of it, and the intricate silver dribal design that disguised the zipper. It was soaked through by then, but I didn't care. I had pushed the sleeves up around my elbows so that I could feel the rain on my forearms, and dropped my hood so the thick drops could run through my hair. Each time one rolled down my neck, I would shiver. My eyeliner had almost washed off, leaving my eyes stained grey and it looked like I had been crying. It didn't bother me at all, I loved the rain. So there I stood, soaked, cold, waiting, all for him.

A single oak leaf drifted to the ground infront of me, it was dark red in color, like the color of blood, and vibrant against the gray-green grass. The effect was pretty when combined with how the air seemed to be filled with a faint amber fog. It was like something out of an old time movie. A small smile drifted over my lips, becuase while it looked like a movie scene, I felt like I was living in a fairytale, even though I was the farthest thing from a fairy princess with my gothic clothing and blood red hair. Caught up in a worth of secrets, mystery, blood and shadows, this was more of a frighteningly seductive fantasy, with my love and I as the hero and heroin.

It was then that I felt something vibrate against my stomach, beneath my corset, the one place on me that was even remotely dry. Disentangling my arms from the wrought iron bars, my fingers darted beneath the tight fabric, retrieving my cellphone from its mildly damp prison. My smile widened at the sight of the number glowing on the screen. Flipping open my little silver phone, I raised it to my ear, a greeting poised on my lips.

"Rose..." My breath caught in my through at the sound of his voice. His smooth whisper was like silk and chocolate; soft, sweet and rich. Just that one syllable was enough to wipe all thought of speaking from my mind. "Rose," my dark angel spoke again, "I want you to shut your eyes, and hang up the phone when I'm done speaking. I have arranged a surprise for you... I want you to count to three, out loud, after we hang up, and then, only then, may you open your eyes... Alright my sweet? Hang up now..."

As if without a will of my own, I flicked the phone shut and let it drop to my side in my closed fist. My eyes drifted shut and I inhaled slowly through my nose, my lips parting to speak.

"One..." I whispered, unable to raise my voice any higher. A drop of water landed on my forehead, sliding down the bridge of my nose. I could feel my heartbeat picking up, and I quickly brushed a stray strand of dark red hair back on top of my head.

"Two..." The anticipation was almost unbearable. A shiver ran over me, raising gooseflesh all over my skin. The drop of rain rolled down teh top of my nose and fell, landing softly on my bottom lip.

"Th---" The second my tongue touched my teeth to for the word, the warmth of a kiss silenced me. I vaguely recognized the faint taste of salt; the remains of the raindrop on my lips, and I smiled. I exhaled a breath I hadn't realized I had been holding, and cupped my hands around the jaw of my love, savoring his sweetness, and securing his lips against mine. His skin was wet and warm, the slight stubble of a day old shave tickling my palms. The familiar warmth of his body pressed against me, successfully pinning me against the brick wall as our frames melted together. His hands gripped my wrists, fingers folding over my pulse so he could feel my heart race beneath my flesh. I could feel the smile on his lips as he slid his hands up my arms and behind my shoulderblades to embrace me.

Almost unwillingly, we pulled away, allowing ourselves a moment to breathe. The taste of his kiss was stil sweet on my lips as I opened my eyes, taking in a deep breath of much needed air.

"Three." I whispered, a smile cracking on my lips, followed by an airy laugh that I only had when he was around.

He leaned his cheek against mine, his skin warm and smelling of a spicy cologne. "Surprise" He whispered back, his breath tickling my ear and sending warm shivers down my back. I certainly was surprised. It wasn't often that I got to see him before dark, but the days heavy with rain prevented the sun from burning my loves tender skin, and allowed him the chance to join me beneath the oak tree.

He kissed me again, another slow, sweet kiss that left me aching for more. His pale fingers unzipped my hoody, sliding it off of my shoulders, and off me in one quick motion. He grabbed my hand and spun me around, his clear blue eyes taking in my corset, torn jeans and combat boots. He stopped me with my back to him, and my breath caught in my throat as the warmth of his breath graized over my neck, mixed with the chill of the icy rain dribbling down my back.

"Did you get all dressed up for me?" He asked teasingly, his lips just barely touching against my bare skin as he spoke. The effect was almost enough to make me melt, and I shivered in response. I had the feeling that that crooked little half smile of his was already tugging on his lips at this point. His hands gripped my arms lightly, and he kissed my neck once before sliding a heavy black cloth up onto my shoulders. To this day I have no idea where that cloth came from. He turned me around once more, his hands rubbing warmth into my back.

"Come on now, lets get you inside before you get sick." He whispered soflty, directing me toward a sleek black car that was parked on the curb. I hadn't even seen it until then, but there wasnt a doubt in my mind that this was more of my loves magic at work. He seemed to have a way with making silent appearances...