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A flicker sits next to stone, admiring the being next to it. “I love you very much.” The flicker whispers, cuddling close to the stone. “As do I” the stone replies, inching closer. The space closing between them brings a sense of unease to the flicker. “Darling please, you’re too close.” The flicker says in a meek voice. The flicker feels small, helpless. “I think not my dear,” the stone inches closer still, feeling the warmth of the flicker. Discomfort, the flicker wishes for it to stop, fears any further touch. “Please stop, I don’t want this,” the flicker whispers out, now trembling. The stone covers the flicker, nearly extinguishing the being of warmth and flame, “Oh but don’t you love me dear?” The stone asks in a voice of mock sadness. “Of course…” a voice so small it might be mistaken for a breeze, the flicker now seems like mere embers. “Then you’ll allow this, my sweet.” The stone replies in a voice velvety smooth, but the sugary sweet words infect the flicker like venom. The touch only continues…and the flicker only allows it, helpless to do anything else.
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Fire Spirit awakes as a scream tears its way out of his throat. His lover, Wind Archer, is startled awake by the sounds of his distressed lover. “Love? Oh my love what gives you such distress.” The guardian whispers, concerned for the being of flames. “I-I can’t.” Fire Spirit can only stutter out a handful of words. “Oh my lovely flame…” Wind Archer extends his hand, reaching to hold the spirit's cheek. He only flinches one response, concerning the archer. “Do you not wish for touch?” He asks his lover. Fire Spirit can only shake his head, lips trembling. “That’s alright my love. May I know what frightens you so?” Wind Archer asks once more. Fire Spirit stumbles over his words, seemingly unable to find the right words. “You need not tell me now if you’re unable to. If you ever can, then I promise to listen.” Wind Archer reassures.
The two sit in silence for what feels like an eternity. Concern is evident in Wind Archer's eyes as he looks at his lover. For Fire Spirit, however, his stomach twists and churns in a feeling of shame and guilt. He’d never told his lover about the events of his past relationship, he’d barely managed to say he had a past relationship at all. Wind Archer deserves to know doesn’t he? It’s a thought that constantly eats away at his mind. “Wind Archer…” the being of flame says in a whisper, one as quiet as a breeze, “I need…to tell you something…I think I can find the right words…if only you wait a moment.” The archer in question turns his full attention to the spirit, relief washing over him at hearing the sound of his lover's voice once more. “I will always wait, my dear, for as long as you need.” His voice is filled with a tender, caring love. One that makes Fire Spirits' burning heart flutter no matter how often he hears it.
Fire Spirit hesitantly reaches his hand out, and grasps the archer's own. “I have…told you about my past partner.” He starts. Wind Archer only nods in response, giving a reassuring squeeze to his lover's hand. “I’ve never told you…the extent of what he’s done…” he starts trembling once more, mind racing to find the right words. Wind Archer only sits, giving his full attention and nothing more. This isn’t something he should push and he’s well aware of that. So he’ll only do his best, and listen. “He wanted things from me. Things I couldn’t give. He wanted intimate touch and that was something I’d never sought in a relationship, or ever wanted. I couldn’t give him what he wanted… So instead, he took it…” Fire Spirit falls silent once more and his lover intertwines their fingers in an attempt of comfort. “It was an awful nightmare. He was too close, I didn’t want to feel that but I just can’t forget. I can remember every way that he felt.” This voice begins to break, “and I hate it. It feels disgusting and I want to forget, but I don’t think I can…”
Tears flow once more down the spirits face and he can only let out sobs. Wind Archer reaches his free hand up to his lover's face, though halting before making any contact. “May I?” He simply asks. Fire Spirit only nods in return. Wind Archer places his hand on Fire Spirits cheek and gently wipes away his tears. “Oh my lovely flame… To have suffered like that is something you never deserved and I am so, so sorry you ever had to experience that. I do not know what you wish for me to do, but anything you ask of me I will grant.” Wind Archer says I’m a soft, gentle voice as he tries to soothe his lover. “I couldn’t give him what he wanted, and I don’t think I can give you what you want either.” Fire Spirit says quietly, voice sore from crying. “My love, you needn’t give me anything. I don’t want you to think that what I love is your body, what I love is you and it always will be. I wish to hold you and care for you, and you’ve shown how much you want that too. You owe me nothing, and I want you to know that. I love you, and I know you love me, and that is all I need.” Wind Archer places a gentle kiss on his lover's cheek. “Now, is there anything you want me to do, my love?” He asks the spirit. “I-“ Fire Spirit halts for a moment, as if debating whether or not he shall truly say it, “I want you to hold me close…and I want to be rid of those thoughts… He haunts my dream.” Wind Archer brings his lover closer, wrapping a blanket around them. “Then let me hold you close, my love, and keep those dreams at bay. I love you so much my lovely flame and I only want to care for you.” Wind Archer wraps his arms around the spirit, placing a gentle kiss on his forehead. Fire Spirit leans into the touch, letting his eyes fall shut. In mere moments the two are asleep once more, comforted and safe in the feeling of their love.