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Folkwin stands on his toes, looking around. His eyes scan the trees surrounding them but he doesn’t see anyone.
“Do you see her?”
“No, Ari, I don’t.” Folkwin answers. He’s taller, something he likes to tease the younger boy about. But he doesn’t tease today. He’s distracted as his gaze continues to search the trees. But he sees no sign still. She’s supposed to be here by now and he wonders if he should be worried.
“Winnie!” The younger boy whines, trying to get his attention.
“Shhh!” Folkwin hisses.
“But…”
“I’m listening, Ari.”
Ari huffs and crosses his arms. “I love you.” He mumbles.
Folkwin’s eyes widen at the boy’s words. “Shhh!” He hisses. “That’s a secret!”
Ari glares at him. “No one is here!”
Folkwin scans the trees again. Then a slow smile spreads across his face. “I love you, too.” He says softly.
Ari steps closer to him. “We’re gonna get married, right? You and me.”
Folkwin’s smile widens and he nods. “When we are old enough.”
Ari tilts his head. “How old is old enough?”
Folkwin shrugs. “I don’t know.”
Ari huffs and thinks. But he really doesn’t know. “I’ll ask my dad how old I have to be to marry you.” He says, nodding his head.
Folkwin starts nodding his head, only half paying attention as he’s still scanning the trees. But then Ari’s words sink in. His eyes widen and he shakes his head as he turns to look down at the younger boy. “Ari, no! Don’t tell the Reik!”
Ari frowns. “Why not? I wanna know!”
Folkwin shakes his head. “Because boys don’t marry boys! Boys marry girls!”
Ari narrows his eyes and glares up at him. “Is that why you’re waiting for Thusnelda? Cuz you wanna marry her?”
Folkwin blinks and looks down at him. “What?”
“You do, don’t you?” Ari presses.
“No!” Folkwin shakes his head. “I don’t wanna marry her! She was supposed to meet us here!”
“Because you wanna marry her instead of me!” Ari whines.
Folkwin shakes his head again and sighs. “No. I just… she was supposed to meet us here and she’s late and something might be wrong and I don’t want her to hear you!”
Ari clenches his fists at his sides and glares again. “Because you don’t love me!”
“Yes I do!” Folkwin says, his voice louder than he knows he should be. “I told you I love you and we will get married! When we are old enough!”
Ari still glares. “You promise?”
“Yes!” Folkwin throws up his arms. “I promise! Now be quiet before she hears!”
Ari narrows his eyes more as Folkwin turns away from him. The younger boy pouts and shakes his head. “I don’t wanna wait. I wanna be married now!” He says. He steps closer to Folkwin and stands on his toes. He grabs the older boy’s collar and pulls him down. Folkwin is too surprised to react and Ari pulls him until he can press his lips against Folkwin’s. Then he lets go and crosses his arms. “There! We kissed! We’re married now!’
Folkwin touches his fingers to his lips. He’s smiling and he can’t stop as he shakes his head. “I don’t think that’s how it works.”
Ari grabs Folkwin’s hand and laces their fingers together tightly. “Do you love me?”
“Yes.” Folkwin answers.
“Do you marry me?”
“Yes.”
Ari nods. “Then we’re married! I’ve seen it done. We’re married now. You can’t marry Thus!”
Folkwin is still smiling and he rolls his eyes. “Fine. We’re married. Just don’t tell anyone.”
Ari pouts and sighs. “I won’t sos they won’t make you marry Thus.”
“Folkwin! Ari!” Their names are called and they turn. She appears in the trees and waves and smiles. “Sorry I’m late!” She calls as she runs.
Ari pouts more and tugs on Folkwin’s hand. “Mine!”
“Alright!” Folkwin hisses and pulls his hand away. “Just shhh!”
Thusnelda pants and leans over as she reaches them. She catches her breath quickly and straightens back up. “Sorry!” She repeats and catches Ari’s expression. “What’s wrong?”
Folkwin’s eyes widen and he clenches his jaw.
Ari huffs and crosses his arms. “You’re late! We’ve been waiting forever!”
Thusnelda shrugs and pushes around them. “Oh come on! You’re just mad because I’ll beat you!” She turns and glances over her shoulders. “Now!” She calls as she runs off.
Folkwin smiles and bumps into Ari. “Come on. Can’t let her get away.” He leans closer. “Husband.” He whispers before taking off.
Ari smiles and follows.