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Gilgamesh isn’t one to allow the practices of common folk bother him, as they’re for common folk, and he’s a king. He’s the greatest king, yet he sits in a huff, pacing back and forth in the privacy of his Chaldean quarters trying to come up with a plan only to draw up a blank. Just what is he supposed to do about the grievous situation he has at hand?!
Interesting things happen in Chaldea every Valentine’s. There was a castle of chocolate one year and…that’s all he’s bothered to remember, but the point is, it was someone’s bright idea to have not just this year’s wacky fiasco, but a dance to go along with it. How ridiculous. A dance? For commoners?
At least, that’s what Gilgamesh thought at first. What was the point of asking anyone? He doesn’t ask. That’s not what he does. Why on earth should he have to ask for anything? No one came asking in the first place. Well, good, he initially thought.
Until he came to a realization. Why is it that every other king in Chaldea had a date to this dance except him? Ozymandias has a date, Altera has a date, Ivan the Terrible, of all of them, has a date. Every variant of Artoria has a date! Most terrifying of all, Iskandar has a date, even the child variant! However, there is one Servant in Chaldea that is absolutely unacceptable.
The child variant of himself has a date! Two of them! Illya and Chloe are going with him, as friends.
At this point, Gilgamesh is attempting to relax in his bathtub made of pure gold. An irked brow twitches, the man molding floating islands of rich bubbles into his child variant, then pushing it into the water as if drowning it. Is he overreacting? Of course not. That would be the same as admitting there’s an issue. There’s no issue. None at all. There’s nothing going on that would warrant it being called that - except maybe every Servant in Chaldea is taken at this point.
Everyone he’s asked, absolutely nonchalantly of course, has told him they’ve already got a date. He’s asked every woman with the appearances worthy of him, that would look good on his arm, with charismatic personalities.
The King of Heroes would never admit this out loud but this is how he discovered every variant of Artoria has a date.
He has to go to this commoner’s party now. Everyone in Chaldea will be there with dates, and the amount of gossip he can imagine will spread of his not being there has him angrily drowning an Artoria shaped bubble lump. Yet somehow, the ahoge survived the drowning. Sinking below the water to wallow in its warmth, Gilgamesh racks his mind for ideas. Even Master has a date. He doesn’t know how that happened but it did.
If Master can get a date, surely he can too.
Normally, he wouldn’t bother with the opinions of sheep, but seeing as how this is a social gathering with history’s mightiest kings, with some other riff-raff attending, he could lose the respect his title has earned him. Oh, gods, his condescending glare will lose all effect. Rising so he could suck in air, Gilgamesh groans as he parts his soaked bangs. Why is coming up with a solution so hard? He, of all people, is having a difficult time coming up with a scheme.
No, no. Its not a difficult time, because that would be admitting there’s an issue. He’s hit a roadblock is all.
But truly. Why is he hitting roadblocks? The answer is right there, he feels it, the solution to all these absolutely-not-issues issues. Gods, even Enkidu can come up with something!
Oh.
Oho.
Ohohohoho!
Infamous laughter rings in the bathroom as he rises to his feet, hands on his hips as he cackles. That’s the solution! How brazenly simple! He’ll do as his young variant is doing - go to the dance with his bestest friend as friends! Yes! How simple!
They’re the original best friends of legend, fortunate to be reunited in this place after cruelly being ripped from each other. The other Servants need mere dates to save face? Ridiculous. All he needs is Enkidu!
Now hopefully they haven’t been asked already, otherwise he’s entirely doomed to go alone, which is arguably worse than not going at all.
Bundled in a robe of only the finest furs, Gilgamesh lazily makes his way to his friend’s room, all while attempting to appear as calm and collected as possible. Its hard to avoid the annoyed tick of his brow whenever anyone passing gives him a pointed look, almost as if they know what his mission is. But how could they, he reminds himself. If he starts getting paranoid now, that would be admitting there’s an issue.
And there is absolutely, definitely, NOT an issue.
Rapping on the shining spotless door of Enkidu’s quarters, Gilgamesh waits with all his kingly manner, inspecting his fingernails with an aloof stare. Ah, there’s a thumb nail that’s grown a fraction longer than the others. He’ll need it filed down. The door sliding catches his attention, met by the purple stare of his one true friend.
“Enkidu!” Gilgamesh guffaws loudly, stepping past them, wandering to the center of the room. “How are you?”
“I’m-“
“Wonderful!”
“Gil, I didn’t ans-“
“There is a small problem!”
Blinking, utterly confused by his behavior, Enkidu presses a button to close the door, tilting their head curiously. Keeping their answer short, mostly because they have the inkling they’ll get interrupted again, “Okay?”
“This dance, if it could be called such a thing, has become quite a nuisance, wouldn’t you agree?”
“Uh-“
“That’s what I thought. My friend, has anyone asked you to be their date?”
So that’s what this is about? Now a little more baffled, Enkidu hums softly, tapping their chin. “I don’t believe so. Why does-“
“Ah! Then we are in the same situation.”
“Gil, I-“
“I’ve thought of a solution! The rest of those pathetic commoners needed dates so desperately, they didn’t even think of this as an option.”
“Gil-“
“Why be bound by society? I am a king!”
“Right-“
“Not just any king! What am I?”
“The original king. Gil, please, wh-“
“Exactly! I can go with whomever I please, whenever I please! Fuhahahaha!”
“Okay, so-“ Interrupted once more, Enkidu stares at Gilgamesh in disbelief. What’s his issue? With a huff, they raise their voice slightly once he makes another pause in his rant, “Gil! What has gotten into you? You are behaving as if there’s a problem.”
“Problem?” Blinking, Gilgamesh crosses his arms over his chest, tilting his head, eyes narrowed. “There is no problem. How could you think so?”
“You’ve been interrupting me this whole time.”
“I have not!”
“If you won’t tell me what the issue is,” they say with a deceptively sweet smile, picking up a book and sitting on the edge of their bed, an innocent gleam in their eye, “then I simply will not assist you.”
“Wh-“ The audacity! Pinching the bridge of his nose, Gilgamesh sighs loudly, grumbling under his breath.
“I wouldn’t be able to help even if I wanted to if you're going to grumble.”
“It is merely a situation.”
Admittedly, its adorably hilarious to see him this way. Smile curving wider, “Gil, I know you better than anyone else here. There’s an issue.”
“Its an emergency,” the king finally admits with another hefty sigh.
“Ah.” Closing the book and fully turning to face their friend, Enkidu chuckles. “Do tell. What could pose such an emergency to you?”
With a literal swallow of his pride, Gilgamesh caves, leaning on one hip as he rests his face in his hand. “I am dateless to this peasant meet-and-greet.”
“Okay? Since when have you ever required a date, except to simply have arm candy?”
“Since I discovered every king in attendance will have arm candy of their own! Enkidu, its ridiculous! Ivan the Terrible has a date, of all Servants!”
“My, that certainly is an issue,” they deadpan, brows pinching just a touch.
“Indeed!”
“So why are you here?”
“Well, see, I had this brilliant idea!” Proudly sweeping his bangs from his face, Gilgamesh delivers his best glowing smile, standing up heroically straight. “We will go together! As friends!”
“Heh?” Now looking a little worried, Enkidu leans forward to whisper, “But isn’t Kid Gill doing that with those young, matching girls?”
“Don’t…don’t mention him in front of me.” Plopping beside them, Gilgamesh runs his fingers through his hair. “Every king is bringing a date, yet I am dateless. I will be laughed at as if I could not find anyone every Valentine’s for the foreseeable future here. But I am Gilgamesh! I can bring anyone I so desire!”
“Then why are you dateless?”
“…Artoria said no.”
“…Every Artoria?” Solemnly nodding, Gilgamesh looks away, Enkidu holding their hand over their mouth in a silent shocked gasp. “You didn’t ask each, did you?”
“I did.”
“No.”
“Yes.”
“Gods, Gil. Nothing looks more desperate than that.”
“You think I haven’t realized that?”
“No, of course you have, which is why I can’t believe you of all people did it.” Chewing their lip, Enkidu gently pats his shoulder. “It’ll be okay.”
“Yes! Because I have a plan!”
“I wouldn’t call it much of a plan, Gil.”
“Then what’s yours?” The king hisses, eyes pointed accusingly. Its a perfect plan! A rational plan! It only makes sense!
“So your plan is we go together as friends?” At this, Gilgamesh nods quite proudly. “But isn’t your younger self already doing that? And everyone knows he’s the one who did it first?”
Opening his mouth, Gilgamesh blinks, then his expression melts into annoyance. “That doesn’t matter! How would anyone really know?”
“Because you got desperate and made some mistakes.”
“I would not call it desperate,” the king grumbles, leaning his head in his hand. “But unfortunately, you’re right. What am I supposed to do?”
Stroking their chin in thought, Enkidu wonders if this was the opportunity they’ve been waiting for all this time. They’ve always loved their dear friend, but the question of are they willing to take a chance and ruin their friendship always comes into play. Purple hues steal a glance, their chest hurting seeing him in such a state. “Maybe,” they start hesitantly, Gilgamesh’s scorching red eyes flicking to them with hope, “we pretend we’re together?”
He blinks, the idea churning in his head, slowly nodding as he stands. “Yes…yes…” Excitement breaks upon his face, unleashing a wild cackle. “Yes! Of course my only equal could think of something so genius! Yes, no one would expect such a thing!” Gilgamesh claps his hand over Enkidu’s shoulder. “Right. Good work, my friend. We’ll go together and keep it a secret!”
“O-Of course,” they blink in surprise, it all feeling a little unreal they managed to convince him. Then again, he seemed desperate enough for ideas. Anything seemed genius. “Are you already leaving?”
“Yes. I have many duties to attend to! I am needed for what Master calls a ‘challenge quest.’ I am above the mundane gathering of materials.”
“Right. Have fun.”
With a cackle, Gilgamesh leaves the room, a hydraulic hiss as the door shuts behind him. Well, that worked out perfectly, didn’t it? Everything’s sorted out just fine! Nodding, he roars his infamous laughter, earning some curious stares from passing Servants and staff. Now, to change into his armor and destroy his enemies!
Meanwhile, Enkidu isn’t sure whether to bristle in excitement or sigh and hide under the covers. That worked out really well. Finally, they have a chance to try and further their friendship to something better, something romantic and fulfilling. They’ve both been platonic for so, so long, even in legend. There’s just one thing left, they think, wrapping themself in the soft plush blankets. There’s no room for error or else this’ll all be for nothing.
~~~
Its the night of the dance, and Enkidu is nervous. They managed to convince Zhuge, who also goes by Waver, to lend them a suit, looking over their appearance in the mirror with wide violet eyes. Well, its a little form fitting, but it isn’t a problem if that’s how they’re supposed to be. The purple tie brings the outfit together, the black material soft and comfortable despite its tailored nature. Finally, they take a gold chord, tying long green locks into an easy low ponytail, fixing the bangs framing their face. Well, they look great! Like, as they say in this modern era, a snack! What will Gil think?
A knock on their door snaps them from their stupor, taking a calming breath before lingering over like its no big deal. Even though its a huge deal. They’re going to turn heads once everyone sees they’re going as a couple!
“Gil?” Enkidu smiles softly as the door slides over, blinking in surprise of his friend’s appearance. Of course he looks, as they say, like a snack.
The man has passed on the tie, leaving the top buttons undone to expose golden jewelry dressing his collarbone. His hair has been left down, bangs swaying as Gilgamesh tilts his head, smug smile telling he knows just how good he looks. The dress shirt is a dark red, the suit black, with a matching handkerchief folded neatly in his breast pocket.
“Greetings, old friend!” Gilgamesh cheers, guffawing rather loudly. “The suit looks good on you. Elegant enough to join me on my arm for such an event!”
“Well, erm, you look amazing, Gil.”
“Don’t I? Once I saw the red, it practically glowed ‘Gilgamesh’s!’”
“I’m sure,” Enkidu laughs softly through their nose. “So we’re leaving?”
“Yes!” He watches his friend close the door behind them, and how they shift awkwardly on their feet, watching him expectedly. “Are you okay?”
“Gil, are you forgetting something?”
“Hmm? Ah, yes.” Why is this so strange? Anyone else and he never would’ve forgotten to raise an escorting arm. At first this seemed like a decent enough idea, but maybe the once a year embarrassment would’ve been fine? Well, there’s no going back now, especially now that they’re dressed and on their way.
Since when has Enkidu looked so feminine and masculine at the same time? A face of gentle features, glimmering amethyst eyes, and a lithe body that’s not covered by a tablecloth. And now their arm is looped through his, their smile shining much more brightly than the usual serene expression.
“I was thinking,” they whisper, almost like any second they could get caught, the king raising his eyebrow curiously, “that we have pet names like couples do?”
“Hmm? Why on earth would we do that?”
“To, you know, really sell that we’re together for the night. Keep up the act for a few days, then say it didn’t work out and go back to how it was before.”
“Ah. Well, I don’t see the harm. You’re right.” Brows furrowing in thought, Gilgamesh thinks of all the possibilities. Baby would be too much. Darling might work. But would a ‘relationship’ such as theirs be so typical they’d use common names for each other? No. Never. He is the greatest king and on his arm is the greatest weapon. The man snaps, turning to them, “I know! You will be my jewel, as you are far too precious and priceless for a common pet name!”
Does he know how they feel?! Eyebrows flying to their hairline, it takes all their strength not to allow their cheeks to color or sputter over words. This man, with his glowing smile, laughing like he’s the world’s greatest mind, has Enkidu regarding him with a look of pure wonder. Just how is he supposed to come up with a name that’s nearly as precious?
“Um…then you are,” Enkidu trails off with their most serene expression, grasping at straws anxiously as Gilgamesh’s eyes seem to bore into their being, “you are my…heart.”
That was…unexpectedly sweet. Blinking, Gilgamesh is stunned for words. Swallowing thickly, he nods. “A good choice! Fitting for anyone.”
“No, Gil. Just you.” A small little smile, they hum, clearly pleased with his reaction before brightening. “Ah, we’re here. Are you ready, my heart?”
“Of course!” A quick shake of his head to fluff his hair, Gilgamesh equips his award winning smile, pulling Enkidu closer by their looped arms and clapping his free hand on top, leading them into the large room converted into a hall to host the dance.
Heads are instantly turned, the lively music somehow not matching the surprise etched on everyone’s faces. Enkidu gives a small wave as their partner fills the hall with his loud laughter.
Exclamations are whispered, gasps echo, and there’s sounds of disbelief. After the shock has worn off, there are some who simply don’t buy the charade, making Enkidu a little nervous. Are they not convincing enough? For one night, they’d like to feel like they’re really with their best friend, turning to him with a soft ‘tss’ to get his attention.
“Gil, some of them aren’t buying it.”
“Oh? Pfft, like who?”
“Artoria Alter.”
Grumbling curses, he catches a glimpse of her unimpressed smirk, his brow ticking in annoyance. “Ideas?”
“Kiss my cheek and get me some cake.”
“Wh-“ Well, that’s one way to try and sell the image. “Very well.” Leading them at his side to the food bar, manned by none other than Emiya and Tamamo Cat, he exclaims rather loudly, “A cake for my jewel!”
Off in the corner, Artoria Alter’s jaw drops. No way.
Emiya passes him a slice of chocolate, looking a little worried but shrugs it off. Some Servants in Chaldea figured it would happen at some point. Their friendship is legendary.
“Here you are, precious,” Gilgamesh smiles, but its more like a cross between a smirk, lips brushing their cheek, using the fork to hold up a bite for Enkidu to take, their cheeks finally allowed to color a little. Leaning forward, they take a hesitant bite and smile, the spongy texture melting on their tongue with bursts of flavor. “That’s my jewel,” Gilgamesh chuckles, thumbing a stray hair behind their ear. “Why don’t we sit?”
“Yes please,” they slowly nod, unable to believe that really just happened, led by the hand to a table surrounded with balloons. Gilgamesh even pulls the chair out for them, holding their hand as they sit before taking the chair at their side, a victorious smirk.
“Think we fooled them?” Nodding, Enkidu takes a quiet bite of cake, the flush of their cheeks finally receding. Its all a little too overwhelming! “You’re a wonderful actor, blushing like this. Let’s wow them a little more, shall we?” Leaning his cheek to his fist, he plucks the fork from their grasp, stabbing another bite of cake saying, “Say ahh~, my precious jewel.”
They could die and go straight to heaven with a sight like this. With a soft ‘nom,’ Enkidu takes a bite, humming from the flavor. Swallowing, they find something else to look at. “I think we’ve wowed them, Gil.”
“That so? Maybe a little more? Say ahh~.” It is so incredibly fun teasing them like this. If Gilgamesh was a cat, his tail would be swaying and flicking in every mischievous manor, his grin playful as Enkidu takes another embarrassed bite. “Tell me, how does it taste?”
Enkidu covers their mouth as they chew, eyes cast to their lap. “Really good.”
“Ah-ah. Look at me when you speak, precious.” Reaching, he gently takes their chin, turning so they face him. “Now speak properly so I can hear you.”
“Its really good,” Enkidu nearly squeaks, eyes wide and blinking. They’ve never seen this side of Gilgamesh, except maybe when he’s with women, so to experience it first hand has this sensation thumping in their chest, like their insides are ready to break free from their body and run away to hide.
“That’s my good jewel,” the king purrs, releasing their chin to take another forkful for himself. Then has an idea, raising a brow. “Why don’t you feed me some cake?”
How is this even real?
Nodding silently, they take the fork, scooting a little closer and holding it to his lips. “Say ahh~”
“Ahh~mmph!” Chewing happily, Gilgamesh nods, arms crossed over his chest. “Yes! This cake is delicious. I’ll have to have one to myself when this ordeal is over.”
Ordeal. That’s right. This is all pretend. Giving their head a brief shake, Enkidu remembers to simply enjoy what they do get to share with him, resisting the urge to frown, resuming their typical serene expression. “You seem to be having fun.”
“Well, certainly. I’m with you.” Was that genuine or pretend? “I’m going to mingle, is that okay?”
“Of course.” Why would he need permission? He’s free to do as he pleases. They’re not real in a relationship anyways. “Have fun.”
With a wink, he rises, arms open and wide as he laughs. Enkidu is happy enough to resign themself to the table, poking away at the cake as the minutes pass, occasionally looking up to people watch. Its all very interesting to see who came with who. They can see the younger Gil having a great time dancing with Chloe and Illya, Iskandar has a disgruntled Waver pressed against his side as he converses with other Servants, even Ishtar of all people came to the dance for something called ‘Galentine’s’ with Ereshkigal, spending quality sister time with each other.
The world just seems to pass by, Enkidu getting up once in a while for another slice of cake, perhaps saving some for when Gilgamesh decides he’s done socializing. As they take their seat, they look up to see their - albeit pretend - date on his way over. However, their brows pinch at the realization his walk is angry.
“Gil, I saved you some cake-“
“I don’t want cake,” he practically growls, plopping in his chair with his arms crossed, toe angrily tapping.
“What’s going on?” Setting the dessert down, their hands fold in their lap, head tilting. Checking the time, they realize its been a few hours. What happened to the time?
“Artoria said no!” As Gilgamesh rests his fuming brow in his palm, glaring across the dance floor, Enkidu feels their insides drop. He what?
“Why would you do that?” Its taking everything they have to not let their voice wobble. Maybe its not what they’re thinking! “What happened?”
“So we were in the hallway, right?” This already sounds like its going to hurt. “Its decorated so there’s lamps and lanterns and glow in the dark stars, with flowers and such, all very romantic, where I thought would be the perfect place to woo her.”
“Oh, no.”
“This is all after a discussion of philosophy, and she wandered off without her date, so I figured it would be the best opportunity for me.”
“Didn’t she already say no to you?”
“Why would I let something as precious as her escape my collection? Anyways, that doesn’t matter-“
“Doesn’t matter?”
“Please don’t interrupt me, old friend. Anyways, I followed her, exchanged some quips, some banter, and I had her against the wall between my arms. I would’ve been kissing her if she hadn’t turned her nose up and called me a wild pig that only thinks with his-“
“I understand.” The fork snaps in Enkidu’s grip, Gilgamesh’s stare turning from fuming to confused.
“Are you okay, old friend?”
“You keep calling me that,” they say softly, “but you’re a terrible friend.”
“What? What are you talking about? I’m a wonderful friend.”
“I’ve been sitting here for hours waiting for you, Gil. We were supposed to be here together.”
“But that’s all pretend, isn’t it?” Just what is going on with them? They knew this was all pretend. They knew from the beginning, so why is there a sudden issue?
“I was trying to be a good friend by doing this for you so you wouldn’t get your ridiculous pride wounded, because your feelings always matter more than mine, right? I’m here to help you and you left me at a table by myself for hours while you chased down a girl because you don’t know the meaning of no. So maybe it was pretend for you, but it wasn’t for me, and for a few minutes I was happy, but of course you had to go and ruin it by being selfish and arrogant. Though I shouldn’t be surprised. That’s who you are after all.”
“Wha-?” Gilgamesh has never been so shocked he couldn’t find words, or a sassy retort, or a smart quip. He simply sits in his chair, eyes wide as Enkidu’s cheeks turn darker and darker with every word that spills from their lips. As his mouth opens, they abruptly stand, lip shaking, purple eyes full of hurt.
“You can sit there for hours and see how you like it. I’m leaving. Enjoy your stupid dance.”
“Wait!” Eyes across the room turn to him, then to Enkidu, who’s carrying themself tall despite the pain in their chest. Doors part then slam close, echoing in the space.
Sitting, Gilgamesh realizes now he’ll be known as the king who went back on his word, who abandoned his date, and sat alone. Enkidu’s words rattle in his mind, unable to form a defense against any of them. Real for them? This whole plot was real for them? They wanted to go to the dance as a real couple to begin with?
He thickly swallows as he holds his head in his hands. All this time and he couldn’t see it, distracted by all these trophies that mean nothing to him, all while something more valuable than anything in his treasury has been beside him this whole time. With a deep inhale, he rises to his feet, fixing his cuffs, collar, and hair as he follows Enkidu, ignoring the stares he leaves behind.
Its not a lengthy walk, finding them in the planetarium, looking up at the projected stars. Clearing his throat, he’s never felt more pain than when Enkidu turned around, a stream of tears down their cheek. The last time they cried, they were dying in his arms.
Pushing the unpleasant thought away, Gilgamesh wets his dry lips, trying to think of anything to say. “I wanted to check on you.”
“I’m fine.” They turn away.
“No, you’re not. Talk to me.”
“I did.”
“Then talk to me more.”
Silence rings loud, Gilgamesh afraid he’s going to be ignored until Enkidu finally breaks the silence. “You called her precious, Gil, after you called me precious all night. Or is everything so equally precious to you, nothing is really important?”
“That’s not true.” He takes slow steps, hesitant to get close, but it can’t be avoided. “I meant like a trophy on a bookcase. She isn’t anything special. Only because she said no and I never got my way.”
Keeping their back to him, they chew their lip, hands balling tight. “I want to be precious to you.”
“You are. You’re my one true friend, my only friend. I want it to stay that way. The…bookcase doesn’t matter to me, not like you do.”
“Then why’d you leave?”
“I was caught up in my own head and ignored your needs. I’m…” How does one do this? The word is caught in his throat, as he’s never had to apologize for anything. A shuddering sigh and he forces the word out. “I’m sorry. Even if it was pretend, I was there with you. I should’ve stayed by your side, or keep you at mine. Where you belong.”
“Where I belong?” Now willing to face him, they turn, finding Gilgamesh’s expression serious. “It was pretend for you.”
“That’s what I was telling myself. I am very bad at this sort of thing. Apologies are not a talent that comes naturally.” Stepping closer, Gilgamesh reaches to wipe away one of their tears, frown deepening. He doesn’t like to see them in tears, or any pain whatsoever. It reminds him of the emptiness of when they died, which feels a lot like what he felt when they walked out of the dance. “You’ve always belonged by my side, haven’t you? In life and now in death we’ve still found ourselves at each other’s sides. It only took you leaving to realize you’re far more precious than any stone.”
“What are you…?” They can’t believe the words coming out of his mouth. “But Artoria-“
“I’m sorry to interrupt you again, but Artoria means nothing to me. As I said, she was merely something I wanted because I was told I couldn’t have it. Yet I’ve had you. I’ve had you for a long time, and I couldn’t see it, now could I?” Wiping away the tears on their other cheek, Gilgamesh chews his lip in his search for words. “Why don’t we stop this foolish pretending?”
“What do you have in mind?” Their words are slow, almost mistrusting, until their insides jump, pulled into a gentle embrace. Looking up, the projected stars stare back at them, twinkling much like how their chest feels as strong arms envelop their frame.
“Will you be my date to the dance, my jewel?”
“I-“ Its everything they’ve wanted, arms tentatively rising to curl around his waist, drawing closer to feel his unique warmth. “Yes, my heart.”
“Good! Let us return!” Gilgamesh’s beautiful loud laughter rings, taking their hand to pull them back to the dance, an arm slinging around their waist as the doors part. Eyes are back on them, the king announcing bravely, “Ladies, gentlemen, we have returned!”
Some don’t really believe it after the spectacle, but find their closeness cute nonetheless. They’ve returned just in time as the thumping pop music comes to a slow, Gilgamesh’s features lighting up with a devilish idea. Taking Enkidu’s hand in his, he places a gentle kiss on their knuckles, leading them to the dance floor, their face in a flurry of different shades of pink.
Pink, purple, and blue lights shine on the dance floor, bathing the dancers in an ethereal glow. Drawing Enkidu close by the waist, his hands linger on their hips, smile smug before it dissolves into something more sincere.
“I truly am sorry for my behavior. I don’t like the thought of being without you.”
“I’ve been blessed with another chance to be at your side,” Enkidu admits, the music, the lights, their closeness starting to get the better of them. “I do believe you’ve been my heart for a long time now.”
“Ah, and you my jewel. My crown jewel. You are where you belong.”
“You were an absolute idiot, though, to be honest.” A smile curves their features, resting their forehead to his shoulder, the feeling of his hands on their hips just so relaxing.
“Yes, I was. I believe I have been for a long time.” It feels good to hold them close like this, his hand trailing up and down their back, resting his cheek on the crown of their head. His one true equal - of course they’re the only one worthy of his genuine affections.
The music swells, Gilgamesh finding he’s forgotten about the other eyes in the room, the only eyes that matter to him are admiring him from his shoulder, gently swaying in his arms. Touch wandering up their back and down their arm, to their hand resting on his chest, he twines their fingers. Enkidu’s sure this racing feeling in their chest is their heart. Is it their heart? They only feel like this when he’s there beside him. He really must be their heart.
It feels natural with the mood and their surroundings, the gentle music, to lean closer, Gilgamesh rubbing little circles in their lower back, feeling Enkidu completely melt against him. It feels like everything moves in slow motion as he leans closer, eyes on their pale lips, closing his eyes as he dips to meet them.
The kiss is slow, soft, and pure. It would be described as heavenly, Gilgamesh’s insides burning brightly with how right it felt, Enkidu’s legs going numb from the sheer amount of joy feeling the softness of perfect lips meshing so well against his.
They’re reluctant for him to pull away, feeling his breath on their ear making them shiver. “Right where you belong - by my side, my jewel.”
Squeezing his hand, their smile curls into one of pure happiness. “Of course, my heart, and you belong at mine.”
“Always.”
“Always.”