Work Text:
Fire Spirit Cookie wandered through the dark part of the forest, moving around without a thought inside his head, just the silent pain he has endured since becoming aware of how worthless others see him.
On the other side, Wind Archer Cookie was sitting in front of a nearby waterfall, closing his eyes and feeling the wind pass through, admiring the peaceful way of nature. He opened his eyes and noticed Fire Spirit Cookie. He started wondering where all the vivid colors go. He called out for the one that was once a lively flame, hoping he would listen.
— Fire Spirit Cookie?
— Yeah?— Fire Spirit looked at him with dry eyes and a stern look
— Come, sit with me— He gestured Fire Spirit to sit next to him— Let's talk for a bit
Fire Spirit Cookie rolled his eyes. He hesitated for a moment but then went and sat on the spot. Wind Archer Cookie smiled softly and returned his gaze to the waterfall falling into the ongoing lake. After some minutes of silence, Wind Archer spoke.
— I remember the first time I visited here— He caressed a wilted flower, healing it and making it grow into a beautiful blue color— Here is where I met my mother, I still remember her feathers reflecting a beautiful light across this lake... She cares a lot about every living thing as my father does, and they both were my inspiration to protect this forest and every being that inhabits it
— And you're telling me this, because...?— Fire Spirit looks at him with a confused look on his face
— Because something tells me, that you aren't caring about yourself the way I do
Fire Spirit froze in place, Wind Archer really cares about him? or is it just the Sugar Swan magic in him? He quickly returns to his frown, realizing it may be out of pity.
— Yeah, sure, as if you cared...— Ashes fell down from him as he speaked
— I care about you, but the important thing is that you don't give yourself the same treatment— He sighed and continued— Look, you used to be more prideful and joyful, what make you feel like you're not worth it anymore?
— Do I really have to tell you? can't I just be on my own for one minute?!
— Calm down, you don't need to tell me... Just know that I'm here for when you're ready to talk about it
— I can't even end myself, I won't bother anymore with this sorrow...— His voice was full of sadness, the pain could be seen in his deep eyes— I was never worth it, I don't know why my stupid self thought that I could ever be loved
— ...Excuse me?
Wind Archer is surprised and worried. Why did Fire Spirit try to end his life? Life is a beautiful and sacred thing, at least for the desert guardian. He looks at Fire Spirit, showing genuine concern.
— You are loved, everyone is— He grabbed Fire Spirit's hand— I love you just the way you are, and I always did
— How can I believe that? How can I, after being left out all of my life? How do I know you really mean those words?
— I guess you just have to see what my eyes see, someone with so much potential, who's seen less than he really is— He caresses Fire Spirit's hand, giving it a gentle squeeze— You are important to me, and I know i'm not the only one that see you this way
Fire Spirit Cookie couldn't hold it anymore and his tears started to flow, Wind Archer Cookie moved his hand and laid it on Fire Spirit's shoulder, whispering reassuring words and letting him cry all he needed to.
After the crying ceased, Fire Spirit Cookie started resting his head on Wind Archer Cookie's shoulder, who put his arm around the sad spirit.
— Are you feeling better?— Wind Archer asks, Fire Spirit answers with a head nod— That's good, that's good...
— So... — Fire Spirit takes a deep breath and decides to ask one last thing— You... still love me?
— As I said, I always did...
They remained in that position for a long time until Fire Spirit decided to head back to the dragon's valley. Wind Archer embraced him tightly, and they bid farewell, hoping to meet once again in the future.