PART 86

Sky snapped back to reality, his usually bright eyes now clouded with a sudden, intense sadness.  He mumbled his apology, his head dropping until his dark hair almost completely obscured his face.  The sharp angles of his shoulders slumped, and his whole body seemed to shrink, conveying a vulnerability that surprised Nani.  "I just... I don't want you to be taken away," he whispered, his voice barely audible, laced with a tremor of fear.

Nani's heart ached at the sight of his distress.  "It's okay, Sky. I understand," he said softly, reaching out a hand to gently touch his arm. "But please trust me. You're the only one I'll ever love."

Sky pouted, a childish gesture that belied the depth of his emotion.  His lower lip trembled slightly, and his brow furrowed in a miniature storm of worry.  "Promise?" he asked, his voice still tinged with apprehension.

"Yes, I promise," Nani smiled, his voice warm and reassuring.  "Cross my heart."

He crossed his arms defensively, his posture rigid, a stubborn refusal to completely relinquish his anxiety.  "Whatever," he muttered, the words a thin veil over his underlying insecurity.

"Can you smile?" Nani asked, his tone gentle.

He shook his head, a small, almost imperceptible movement. "I don't want to," he mumbled, his gaze fixed on the floor.

"Please!" Nani playfully started tickling him, his fingers dancing lightly across his ribs.  His initial resistance crumbled quickly, his body erupting in a cascade of giggles and laughter that chased away the shadows in his eyes.

"Hahaha!"  The sound was pure, unadulterated joy, a stark contrast to the sadness that had preceded it.

"See? You look much more handsome when you smile," Nani said, his eyes twinkling with affection.  The light returned to his eyes, reflecting the warmth of his smile.