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It was around maybe six in the morning when Azure woke up. He rolled over onto his side, letting out a small groan. Really, was it already time to get up? The sun had barely risen over the edge of the window, painting a thin line of orange and soft yellow warmth on the side of the wall. His first instinct was to feel the space beside him in the bed, hand slowly pushing at the covers before he turned his head. His hand slowly slid around, feeling for the body that should always be beside him. Once he could feel the soft skin under his fingers after dipping his hand under the covers, he rubbed at the other person’s back in a slow, loving manner. Two Time was just where he left them last night. In the bed, all snug against the covers and mountain of pillows that Two Time insisted they needed in order to get, as they put it, ‘The perfect night’s rest! — With you, of course.’ Azure smiled joyfully at the memory. The house smelled of newly blooming flowers, following the spring blossoms into summer beauties.
Azure didn’t dare to wake Two Time, as the other had no sort of need to get up. They didn’t the same kind of job like Azure did, and frankly, The botanist greatly preferred it that way. Two Time worked from home which meant the other didn’t have a reason or a wish to leave home all the time. Two Time would even do the chores while Azure worked downstairs on the main floor. He was a botanist— he studied all the flora and fauna of the world. That made maintaining a flower shop relatively easy. It was also good for money. Knowing every little detail on organic life meant that year-round he was able to make good use of his talents.
He stayed in bed for a little longer, just to watch Two Time sleep. He could do this any day- there wasn’t any rush for him to soak in the sight or have to make extra time in his day to wake up early and watch. Two Time’s schedule consisted of sleeping until woken up, or getting bored of laying in bed before they’d go on to wander the apartment floor and tend to anything that they thought needed to be dealt with. Whether that was a dusty windowsill, unwatered plants (which was a rare occurrence. Azure was very particular about the plant life they had in the house.), or even just making something to eat.
Rarely was Two Time the kind to venture a foot out of the apartment. Occasionally Azure would follow them to go down the steps during the slow hours of the day, just to watch him work if it was Azure that ever felt the tug of loneliness on his heart. He wasn’t very good at being separated from Two Time, but on the same hand, he couldn’t bear the thought of letting anyone else being around Two Time other than himself. He always swore he was working on it, really. He was! He was trying to get better at not being so needy over Two Time, but dammit was it a tricky task.
Two Time was like a lily flower! And Azure? Utterly lovestruck! It was like when they were teens again, back in the days of the cult! Ever since they’d left, however, Azure noticed how Two Time was… Not prepared. They were unfit to roam outside alone. There were so many dangers that plagued the Earth. People couldn’t be trusted, and even Two Time couldn’t always be trusted to be alone. They were the most prized living thing in the apartment, after all. How could Azure ever let something as delicate as Two Time come into harms way? After all the attempts the both of them had made to get out of that god forsaken cult…
Azure grit his teeth. They’d planned it together. It was just Two Time often… didn’t take it as seriously as they should. The very idea made his heart squeeze and his brain run laps. He sighed softly, reaching out to brush a strand of black hair from Two Time’s face. They had such a lovely face. Soft and calm in their sleep, they looked like an angel.
Azure’s hand trailed down, running over healing scars and soft lines. He gently rubbed at the exposed skin on Two Time’s collar, seeing his partner shift at the contact before settling into it. Azure smiled. After a few more moments of touching, Azure’s eyes wandered to the clock. It was now seven. Ah, perfect. He liked to spend some quality time with Two Time before he had to get up and set things up downstairs. He let out a yawn, sitting upright in bed and stretching. He had a long list of things to do. He stood up, rolling his shoulder before beginning his day to day. First thing was to take a shower. It was a bit of a shame that he couldn’t wake Two Time up purely for a shower. He’d often just sit near the tub whenever Two Time bathed, talking to them about his day, about the flowers…
Azure smiled again at the thought. Soon enough, he turned the water on and walked into the shower. It was a chilling sensation, but he paid it no mind. It helped him wake up in the mornings. He stood under the dripping water, closing his eyes as he went over his tasks for the day. He had to prune some leaves off the window plants— they had to look their best if they were going to attract people inside.
He also needed to give some extra attention to the marigolds in the back… they’ve been wilting a little as of late. Those, alongside the nightshades he had planted in the hanging planters, were Two Time’s favorites. Two Time would get the special treat of picking out any flowers that were due to wilt soon, and bring them back up into the apartment. He smiled at the thought. Two Time simply adored all the plants. That’s why he had moved so many up stairs. They seemed to help Two Time adjust to a more… closed-in life.
He ran a hand through his hair, thinking some more. What should they do for dinner? Two Time was pretty capable in the kitchen— just, nothing with knives. Two Time was banned from using knives in the apartment. Maybe he could make him a stew— or perhaps he could get Two Time to make the broth… it’s just boiling down bone and meat shreds. Azure can cut them beforehand. Yes, Azure nodded to himself. That was a good idea. Making Two Time feel like they had a part in their own life. Azure liked to make Two Time feel needed. it would give them purpose! After all, Two Time was the one who wanted this life. It was only fair that Azure do everything he possibly could to make it a dream for them. He slowly turned the water off, shaking his head from both the chill and the extra water.
He grabbed the towel from the edge, trying himself off. On the outside of the bathroom door, a certain someone was already awake and making his way through the apartment.
Two Time had woken up not long after Azure began to run his hands along their body. He wasn’t the easiest to ignore in your sleep. The way he brushed his hands over their arms, his breath soft against their forehead. Two Time loved the way Azure would always fawn over them so early in the morning. It was just the cutest! Two Time loved everything Azure did. However, sometimes… it could be a bit boring.
Oh, spawns. They thought, wandering down the hall from the bedroom. When did it get so stuffy in here? It can’t possibly be good for the plants. Two Time looked around, then looked to the window. Azure made it a habit to lecture Two Time about the dangers of getting too close to the door and the windows. Something about how dangerous it was out there. ‘What if people saw you? What if they recognized that god-awfully cute face of yours?’ Two Time snickered at the thought. While yes it was a silly joke the two shared, they knew Azure was serious about it.
No. They couldn’t risk people seeing them. But still, it was early in the morning, it couldn’t possibly be that bad.. Two Time stepped closer to the windowsill, putting their hands on the bottom like how they had seen Azure do many, many times before. They lifted it up, feeling the cool morning breeze finally reaching the apartment.
It was a nice breeze, crisp and fresh. If Two Time was enjoying it, surely, the plants must be enjoying it as well. They smiled, leaning a little closer over the edge of the window. The breeze carried many scents with it. Some were sweet— they reminded him of the sweet-smelling flowers downstairs, the flowers that lined the walls in the apartment. Two Time smiled as they leaned their elbows on the side, watching the skyline change. It was one of the few things that Two Time got to do alone. Whenever Azure was downstairs, they’d often crack the window open a little, just for the fresh air and breeze.
Azure was so silly, thinking it could ever hurt Two Time. But it didn’t matter. They knew it was for their own good, as Azure would tell them. But, still… it got awfully lonely and boring up there, all by himself. There were rules, set in place while living with Azure. The biggest one being that they weren’t allowed outside during the day, and that if they did go out, it was during the hours between one in the morning and three. Even then, Two Time was only permitted to walk a few paces out and down before Azure would rush to drag them back inside.
They sniffed at the breeze once more, picking up a warm scent this time. Something freshly baked, something sugary sweet. They hadn’t had a baked good in a while, now that Two Time was thinking. Delicious buttery croissants, warm loafs… They couldn’t help but feel their mouth water at the thought. As they picked up more of the scent, they could hear the rest of the block beginning to wake up and start their days. Maybe today, they could-
“Two Time?” Two Time looked up, the feeling of panic setting in when their head turned around to see Azure. His hair was still damp, clothes lazily put on after his shower. Two Time stared at him for a moment, hands slowly leaving the windowsill. Azure was quick to rush forward, pulling Two Time away from the windowsill with more force than what was needed. He heard a soft sound of pain come from the other, but he was too preoccupied to hear. His other hand was quick to grab at Two Time’s chin, as if holding them in place. His eyes were wide, as if searching Two Time’s face for any signs of defiance. “Two Time, oh g- oh, spawn.“ He murmured, biting at his nails with sharp teeth and a frozen stance. Two Time looked up at him, wrist still being gripped by Azure’s strong hand. “What are you thinking, my nightshade? Haven’t I told you enough times?”
Azure dragged them into the middle of the apartment, away from the windows. “Azure, my love, it was just a little stuffy in here… And I had only spent a few moments at the window. There was just this delicious scent coming in, and it made me a little hungry…” Two Time tried to reassure their lover, but they could tell by Azure’s expression that it wasn’t working. If anything, it was making it worse. “Oh, no. Two Time! You don’t get it. You cannot, absolutely cannot get near an open window. Oh, heavens… no, no…”
Azure shook visibly, shaking his head as he pulled Two Time closer by the wrist. He could see the fear and despair swirl into Two Time’s widened eyes, the small shake wrecking at their body. Gods, he thought. No, no. It would be alright. It was okay. It was okay. “Timey, my love…What ever had possessed you to do that in the first place?”
He let go of Two Time’s wrist, the faintest mark of red taking his place. He brought both hands to his head, saddened by what Two Time had done. It only took him a moment to return to his senses, taking Two Time’s wrist and kissing the mark apologetically. “I-“ Two Time stuttered over their words, pulling their hands close to their chest. They didn’t look up at Azure. There was the faintest sound of hiccuped breathing coming from the shorter. “I just… wanted some air. I’m sorry.” Two Time mumbled, fiddling with their fingers. “I’m sorry.” Azure turned their head, hearing the soft apologies spill from Two Time’s mouth. “It’s okay, my nightshade.” He hummed, turning around fully to wrap his arms around Two Time. “You’re still learning, my dear.” He murmured into Two Time’s hair, taking in Two Time’s scent. They smelled of marigold and the sweet detergent that Azure used to wash the sheets regularly. It was the perfect blend of earthy and sweet sugary notes- just how Azure liked them.
Two Time pursed their lips, leaning their head into Azure’s shoulder. “Must I…?” They looked up slowly, hands slowly curling into Azure’s shirt. Azure’s scent was so calming to Two Time. He smelled like a warm hug- strong and grounding. However, Two Time never liked to hug for too long, as the flowery scent would usually become overwhelming and make them feel terribly dizzy. Azure always ignored Two Time’s requests to let go, though.
“Hm?” Azure shifted his head, looking down. “Repent? Oh, how thoughtful… Always thinking ahead, aren’t you?” He pulled away, looking at Two Time. They had such sorrowful eyes… that wouldn’t do. Not at all. Azure smiled, features softening. “It was merely a mistake this time… an easy sin to forgive for, my dear. You won’t need to repent for simple curiosity this time… but if I were you, I’d stray from doing it again. If the apartment ever gets stuffy as you say, wait for me. I’ll fix things.”
Azure couldn’t help but adore the way that he could see Two Time’s eyes light up at his words. He brought his hand to their cheek, rubbing at the soft flesh slowly. “I’m doing this all for you.” He breathed, fingers slowly pressing into the flesh of their cheek. “You know that, right?” Two Time nodded. “They’d eat you alive out there… heavens, how would they even ever love you? This is why we’re here. Why we are doing all of this. Surely, they’d never love you like how I do, my dear.”
Azure’s hand soon dragged down to their chin, asking for them to look up. The spawn had clearly chosen Azure to be Two Time’s guardian. And for Two Time, to repay Azure’s devotion to them and the spawn with disobedience? Guilt settled deep in their gut. Their eyes slowly lifted, looking at Azure with a pleading gaze. Not a plea for release, but a plea for more.
How could he ever let such an angel live alone? The even worse thought of Two Time deciding to leave him one day gnawed at his brain. He absolutely had to keep Two Time for himself.
“Say, you had said something about a sweet scent out in the air?” Azure murmured, moving his hand from Two Time’s face to their hands, leading them back to the bedroom. Two Time nodded slowly. “I- I’m sorry about that.” Two Time looked down, feet gently kicking at the tile. “I won’t bring it up again, I pro-“ “No, no. You have needs, like anyone else. I don’t suppose you wanted to have something sweet today, do you?” Little treats here and there didn’t put any harm on Two Time, and they often made the other feel better about Azure keeping them in the apartment all the time. Two Time looked excited when Azure spoke. “I’ll go out early and get you something nice. Do you think you can water the plants for me while I’m gone? Once you’ve eaten, we can set out the dinner ingredients to let them thaw.”
Two Time nodded eagerly, following Azure. “Go get dressed for me, alright?” He murmured. Before Two Time went to the bedroom, they wrapped their arms around Azure’s waist in an almost apologetic way. “I’m sorry about the window, I really am.” They murmured. “I know you are. As long as you promise, truthfully, to never do that again, there won’t be any problems, alright? It’s the same thing with the door, my nightshade. I don’t want any harm to come to you! Only I have the keys, so if anyone knocks-“ “Be quiet and don’t go near the door.” Azure smiled widely, pressing a kiss to Two Time’s cheek, before moving to press a kiss to their lips. “That’s my darling nightshade. Such a smart little flower.”
Two Time laughed, kissing Azure back. This is what Azure did it all for. The little moments, the ones where Two Time was truly happy, all because of him! He made their life the best it can possibly be. As long as the two ignored the past and focused on the future, it would all work out. Maybe one day, Azure will be able to take a nice stroll outside with Two Time. Perhaps marriage papers could be a good idea…
Eventually, Two Time pulled away to walk into the bedroom. Azure watched them from where he stood, the door staying ajar. He adored to watch Two Time like this. Of course, it was pressing a little into his schedule, but he simply had to make time for his darling.
He watched like he was a stone statue guarding a temple, the way Two Time peeled their sleep shirt off, yawning a little. Their body was soft, months of Azure’s hard work visible over their skin. Two Time used to be terribly unhealthy. Azure still wouldn’t forgive what pains they had to go through, but now that they were under his care, Azure made good on his personal promise to make sure that Two Time was always well kept.
After enough watching, Azure walked away from the bedroom. He went into the kitchen, taking the watering can from the counter and holding it under the sink. The cool water soon spilled into the can’s opening, the slow thud and trickle being a daily occurrence in the morning. Perhaps I should look into getting a pet for them… Azure thought. That would give Two Time something to focus on during the day. A little playmate, if anything. Perhaps a cat? Two Time always seemed to be fond of the little creatures.
Once the can was filled, Azure left it back on the counter so Two Time could find it later. He looked to the TV in the corner of the main space, crossing his arms. His eyes landed on the clock nearby. 8:34. The weather should be on any minute. It really was a shame, having to keep track of even when the news was playing. He turned the TV on, leaning on the side of the couch. While the weatherman was droning on about the forecast.
The moment he heard the door from the bedroom door open and close, he quickly shut the TV off and hid the remote back in its place. He looked at Two Time, smiling. “Handsome as ever, my dear.” Azure sighed in an almost dream like way, watching as Two Time’s expression brightened like a daisy facing the sun. They were simply such a gorgeous lover— how could Azure want anyone else?
“I’ll be downstairs. You know how to call for me, so I’ll leave you be for now. I’ll be up for lunch, alright? Do you want me to get anything like take out? Or would you prefer to eat leftovers?” Azure asked, walking over to Two Time and pressing a kiss to their forehead. Two Time giggled, thinking. “Leftovers are fine. You’re already going out to get me something, so it’s alright.” Two Time smiled, leaning up to press a kiss to Azure’s jaw. Reluctantly, Azure pulled away and turned to the door.
“The watering can is on the counter, alright, my dear?” He watched as Two Time nodded eagerly, going to the kitchen counter to grab the watering can and start on their tasks for the day, while Azure bid him goodbye at the apartment door, opening the many, many locks before he slipped through the crack and disappeared. He did up all the locks on the outside, making sure that the door was nicely shut. He slipped his shoes on near the doormat, making his way down the stairs. Plants lined some of the walls, with Azure checking each plant as he went down.
Once he reached the main flower shop floor, he looked around. It was still quite early, so he could make that rush for the treat Two Time wanted. He wrapped his scarf up tightly, unlocking the door and walking out onto the sidewalk. The flowers out there seemed to be doing well, thankfully. It was a stormy night- he had worried that he should have brought them in. He was unfortunately a little busy with pleasing and playing with Two Time in bed. So, Azure knew he had to take the risk. Well rewarded, as always. He smiled.
Azure could only think of a few places where the scent might’ve came from- it was a little far, but he didn’t mind. He could use the walk to take some time to think. The sun was barely rising over the buildings, and the air was nice and crisp. He walked down the street, hands in his pockets. He waved hello to the people he passed, some he knew, others he didn’t. His eyes traveled to the sides of the buildings, turning the corner a little further. He stopped for a moment, pausing in front of a poster on the wall. It was small, just the size of a usual sheet of paper. It was stuck to the wall, only slightly flapping in the wind.
Two Time’s face stared back at him. All neat and dressed in their finest robes. Their cheeks were a little more hollow, and eyes sunken in. Not their best look, but Azure doesn’t mind however Two Time looks. They will always be his nightshade. The red words above spelt out MISSING.
Azure grimaced. What do they know. Two Time isn’t missing. they’re perfectly fine. Hell, Azure is doing everyone a damn favor keeping them safe. The news reporters stating that they want Two Time back safely. Lies. All lies. Only Azure could keep Two Time safe. Everyone else? They’d destroy his angel. The amount of lies he had to build to make people turn away from him as a possible suspect… gods, they didn’t know when to stop, did they? Wasn’t it a sign enough? Two Time was the one who pleaded for an out. His fingers gripped at the paper, nails tearing into it.
They had to ruin one of Two Time’s favorite shirts, soaking it in pigs blood and ripping it apart to hang on a tree in the forest nearby. Then came the search parties. Azure had to fake getting sick during one just so he could leave. It played well into his desperation and grief over ‘losing’ Two Time— having hidden a thermos of foxglove tea. Now, any botanist would call Azure mad for brewing such a dangerous flower into a tea. But he was prepared. Just a petal, not even two, boiled in steeping hot water was enough to do the trick. He had folded over, vomiting during a search party. He muttered something about how he hadn’t been doing well since Two Time’s disappearance.
The other times they tried to search his apartment for any clues, he had put on his best grieving act- begging them not to enter. Begging them that everything was exactly how they left it. The way the bed was a little messy. The dishes in the sink- the watering can left by the plants. The laundry that hadn’t been touched in weeks.
Azure was a very good liar, all things considered, and Two Time was a very, very good hider. The sneaky little thing couldn’t keep a chuckle in the moment the police left.
He continued his walk, turning down the way to the bakery where he could get Two Time their treat. It was just a simple thing. A jelly filled pastry with sugar on the top. It was freshly baked, just as Two Time would want it. He spoke to the baker, his usual kind demeanor sparking a little conversation that died down as soon as it came. He waved goodbye, leaving like a shadow that was never there.
He was quick to make it back to the shop, and more importantly the apartment. He was an hour from opening time, around 10. It was only 9 now, which was good. He paid no mind to the poster the second time, rushing by as if he was too regretful to even look at Two Time. He would soon see the real one, very soon. And that was far better than any paper copy.
He opened the door to the flower shop, flicking the lights on with a hum. He walked up the stairs, taking his shoes off by the doormat and doing all the locks on the door. “Oh, nightshade,” He sang. “I got you a little something.” He closed the door behind him, the last of the free sunshine slipping away when Two Time looked at him with such devoted and loving eyes. Azure nearly felt the need to put Two Time back to bed and give them a different kind of treat. However, he pushed those thoughts aside. Two Time must be awfully sore, and Azure didn’t want to overdo it. It was better to wait until your prey was nice and energized to start a chase— if it was all for fun, of course.
“Come. Let me feed you, I know how much you love being pampered my nightshade.” Yes. He thought so disgustingly as he coaxed Two Time closer to him. Azure felt his lip twitch at the edge with a gleeful kind of excitement. My most beautiful flower. He leaned down, pressing a long kiss to Two Time’s mouth, the other eagerly accepting it.
Mine.
Mine ALL mine.