Chapter Text
It wasn’t common for it to rain in this area. Considering the sun itself was one of the residents, most water didn’t last too long. Today was an exception. It started light at first, coming down in a light drizzle. Now it was coming down in buckets.
Tunner didn’t mind it much, back at his old home it was quite wet… probably because he lived in a lake with the rest of his family, but that was besides the point. He paced back and forth, trying to think of a good excuse to visit him. He could probably get away with saying it was a routine safety check, but he’d already used that excuse five times. His tail swished back and forth in thought.
“Sheriff?”
The familiar voice cut through his thoughts. Tunner looked up to see him. He tilted his head the way he often did as a greeting, causing his hood to fall over his dark eyes. Gods, he was perfect in every way.
“Good afternoon, Jevin.” Tunner said, hoping he didn’t sound too nervous. Jevin raised the umbrella he was holding and opened it over Tunner’s head.
“What are you doing out in the rain, Sheriff?” He asked in a way that demanded an answer, before adding on “and loitering outside my church, at that.”
Tunner tried to think of a response, but nothing came to mind. All he could do was stare. Jevin didn’t seem angry, just curious. His tail swayed languidly, the crescent shaped barb at the end brushing against the dirt. Finally Tunner was able to speak.
“Simply, making my rounds, Bishop.”
“Yes, you did seem to be walking in circles, so I suppose you were making your rounds.” Jevin spoke, giving him a small smile. That smile. That damn smile. Tunner wished he could see it all the time, it was just so… wonderful. Seeing Jevin smile was just so incredibly rare, and the fact that Tunner had made him smile...it was just so… wow. He wished he could make him smile more often. Jevin handed Tunner the umbrella
“Would you care to come in for a cup of tea, Sheriff?”
Tunner was caught off guard by the request. Jevin almost never invited people inside the church unless he was giving a sermon, the only exception being his brother Sky. The offer was tempting to say the least. The rain was cold, his poncho was soaked, and knowing Jevin, the church would be warm and full of wonderful smelling herbs. At the same time, he had a job to do, and he’d promised to help Vinera with her garden pests. Slowly, Tunner shook his head.
“It’s a tempting offer Bishop, but I’m sad to say I have responsibilities I have to attend to today.”
Damnit, he made it sound like he didn’t want to spend time with Jevin. “Responsibilities I have to attend to,” what an asshole thing to say, it sounded like he’d rather work than spend time around Jevin. Stupid, stupid, stupid.
“Th-that isn’t to say I wouldn’t rather be with you- I mean hang out with you, I love you- er hanging out with you!”
Fuck! Damnit, why couldn’t he talk properly!? Why did this always happen? He could never hold a conversation with Jevin, he always messed up!
Tunner buried his face in his hands.
“I’m sorry.”
Jevin took his hands, slowly lowering them. “What on earth are you sorry for, Tunner?”
The look in Jevin’s eyes; it wasn’t pity, or annoyance. He tilted his head, his hood casting a shadow over his eyes, as a small smile spread over his face. Why did his smile have to be so wonderful? It couldn’t just be that it was so rare to see Jevin smile. Jevin gently rubbed his thumb over Tunner’s palm.
“It’s clear something is on your mind, do you need someone to talk to?”
Tunner took a deep breath and exhaled slowly, in hopes of keeping himself from getting a heart attack. What was he even supposed to say? That he thought Jevin was perfect? That he was the kindest person Tunner had ever met? That he was Tunner’s first real friend in this place? That he… loved him?
“No.” Tunner said simply, before straightening up. “Thank you again for the umbrella, Bishop, I appreciate it.”
“I appreciate it.” That’s it!? Why could he never say what he meant? He was such a moron. Jevin nodded, but as Tunner turned to leave he grabbed his Poncho gently to stop him. Tunner turned back.
“Is there anything else you need, Bishop?”
It was hard to realize what happened in the moment. It was so quick and so damn overwhelming. Jevin leaned in and… and… Tunner couldn’t even process it in the moment. Jevin smelled so wonderful, like citrus and dried flowers. He leaned back smiling, it was the biggest smile Tunner had ever seen on Jevin’s face, which honestly… wasn’t all that big.
“I love you, too.”
With that, the Bishop, the wonderful, kind, perfect, Bishop, turned and walked back inside.
Tunner stood there for a long while, he just couldn’t move at all. Slowly the biggest, goofiest, stupidest grin spread across his face.
“FUCK YES!!!” He screamed.
He just couldn’t keep it in, this was the best day of his life! The most wonderful person in the world had just kissed him! He couldn’t help but spin around and jump in the air. He was laughing and yelling like a little kid. He tried to take a moment to calm down, but he just couldn’t, he was way too giddy.
Just then it came to him, he was late meeting with Vinera. Shit, he was never late, this was bad. He started running as fast as he could, his step full of bounce as he carried the folded bright blue umbrella. He might not need it, but he would never get rid of it. Not even if the world ended.