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There was a trail of blood stains on the ground.
Finally
Tighnari signs in relief. He knows the Avidya forest as if it's his backyard. The bright scholar can distinguish paths with his eyes closed and name almost all the plants and animals-- except for those unnamed ones or those left in his study that he needs to research more before making a report on it as a new species -- living in the forest. It's just that this creature is really good at hiding itself.
The green haired scholar crouches before the crimson stains which are shaped like paws. According to its size, it is something large. Tighnari is patient but when he came across the blood near Gandharva Ville, he was alarmed that maybe Collei got hurt but thankfully, she was unscathed when he called her over in worry. Or maybe, it has to be those reckless adventurers who keep on hurting themselves because of their foolish antics.
Tighnari stares at the blood, thinking how fresh it might be. He is also grateful that it wasn't the adventurers because the Forest Rangers treated ten this week, if he learns that someone fainted because of poisonous mushrooms or got stung by a bee again-- it won't look good for those adventurers. As calm and nice Tignari is, he can be frightening if he ran out of patience.
Tighnari looks around for any other blood stains. He spots them farther, going into the deep forest with dense vegetation and hardly having any light. 'Ahh, I won't be home in time. I hope Collei eats dinner without me.' The sun set some time ago, and it's starting to get dark. Tignari just hopes that his apprentice will not wait for him, because Collei refuses to eat when they're not complete on the dining table.
Tignari was about to stand up from the ground, when he actually trips on a rock.
'My archons'. Tignari grumbles as his bum clashes back on the ground. He has been on the search since early afternoon, feet aching like never before and hungry. He was too preoccupied with who or what got hurt.
Tignari frowns, standing up, he noticed that one of his hand is bloody. 'It must've had landed on the blood, now I have to drop by a pond.'
He sighs in exhaustion, why did he have to forget his handkerchief and disinfecting spray now of all times? The pond is a little far from where he is. It will be really dark once he gets back. Maybe, it's fine to rub the blood off? Just this once... He knows he might get infected and is being foolish, but with the amount of blood he saw, he has to find the creature immediately and help it.
Tignari rubs the blood on his clothes when he hears leaves rustle. Something is coming.
Is it the creature?
Before Tignari could turn towards the sound, he felt calloused warm hands around his face and finds himself staring right back into a familiar pair of red eyes.
The normally stoic General Mahamatra now looks panicked.
"Why do you have so much blood?!" Cyno still cupping the flabbergasted forest ranger's face, hovered all over Tignari like a stressed mother hen.
"I'm okay-"
"There are a lot! It's dripping on the ground and on your clothes" Cyno shakes his head, berating.
"What do you feel? Groggy? Dizzy? Let me see if you've broke some bones... Okay, good you didn't but we have to get back to Gandhavara Ville as soon as possible"
Tignari jolts when the warm hands suddenly felt around his waist. Even if it's a fairly cool weather, he suddenly feels hot. Tignari clears his throat. Prying Cyno's hands away from his waist. The white haired man apologizes, thinking that he violated his friend's personal space so Tignari reasures him.
"It's alright, Cyno. It's not my blood"
"Oh..." Cyno awkwardly trails off. He wasn't supposed to act that way, a Mahamatra has to act composed at all times. It's just that he can't stand the thought of Tignari getting hurt, and seeing him with blood. He clears his throat to cover his embarrassment.
Tighnari understands that Cyno rarely shows big reactions and he limits himself from showing them because of the nature of his work. He just openly expresses himself without restraints when he plays his favourite card game or when he tells those god damned jokes-- usually Tignari and Collei has to suffer for Cyno to let loose.
"I was out on patrol earlier when I found this blood stains. I thought it was someone's but now that I found this, it must be an animal's" Tighnari explains to which Cyno nods, back to his usual poker face.
"I'll accompany you, I've finished my rounds after all. I have nothing left to do today"
"I appreciate it, Cyno. Well then, let's go" Tighnari gratefully smiles. Before Tignari can walk, Cyno like lighting, fishes out a handkerchief from his small pack and grabs Tighnari's hands to wipe the blood from them.
"Umm...thanks" The green haired man awkwardly chuckled, feeling hot again when his friend cleaned his hand using the towel. What's with him today? Is he that exhausted he'll come down with a fever soon? Tighanri hopes not, he has to look after Collei and can't be the one to be taken care of.
The friends headed into the dense forest, and it's even darker inside. It doesn't help that both of them aren't familiar with this area. Some time later, Tignari remains cool and calm, using his connection with the forest to navigate through the darkening place. However, Cyno is running out of patience because it looks like, feels like they've been walking around in circles for the last hour.
At long last, Tighnari finally finds another lead but now it's a pool of blood. He crouches down to inspect it as Cyno scans it quickly before urging the thinking scholar to walk again.
"We're wasting time" Cyno comments, itching to move again. "If it's bleeding that much, it won't be far. Let's move" Besides, its now fully dark and they are still in the forest. He makes for the bush but halts when Tighnari doesn't follow, he looks around the area with unhurried focus.
"Wait" Tighnari brings out the flashlight he always keeps with himself, he switches it open and points at the animal tracks. "We shouldn't make haste, I'm not as familiar with this forest as the other parts are. And look at the paw prints" He continues.
"This creature must be limping, we can track its directions easily if we follow the bent grass, over there instead of rushing blindly"
Cyno exhaled sharply, now leaning against a tree. He taps his spear against it. "We don't have time for a guessing game. Not now, Tighnari. Tracks or not, it's heading somewhere and if we don't follow fast, we'll loose it"
Tighanri doesn't hear Cyno's suggestion, too preoccupied with studying the paw prints, inspecting its uneven pressure.
"See how the claws dig deeper on the left? It's following that paw- it's limping... If we track the bent grass ahead rather than just the blood, we can anticipate its path more accurately"
Cyno is losing his cool. Can't Tighnari see how dangerous it is to be somewhere unfamiliar during the night? It won't be a problem if Cyno is alone but he's with Tighnari, he doesn't want his friend getting hurt. He wants to say they should go home and come back tomorrow but knowing Tighnari, the ever responsible forest ranger, he won't stop at nothing to rescue this creature.
Cyno's jaw tightened, but he calms down, giving in to Tighnari's desire. He scans the ground with narrowed eyes.
"Fine... But I'm not standing around forever. Once we see it, I strike. Don't even try to stop me"
Cyno has always been a little impatient in some situations, like this, if someone he cares about can be in danger. The reckless general who doesn't even think twice before charging towards psychotic criminals prefers to play it safe when he's with Tighnari-- whenever danger is involved. And Tignari knows it.
He rose, finally motioning forward to Cyno's relief. They have been stuck with the paw print for a good twenty minutes- Yes, he was counting.
"Alright" Tighnari nods, but deep down he knows he'll be lenient towards this creature. Like plants, animals have a soft spot in his heart.
"But let's move with care. A misstep could spook it, or worse, like you said, can put us in danger. Watch the shadows, it's clever, not just wounded"
Cyno just grunts in reply.
As they advanced, Cyno's steps became quick and impatient, a taut wire of urgency, while Tighnari's careful pace left them attuned to every rustle, every scent, every clue the forest had to offer. A perfect balance.
Cyno caught himself glancing at Tighanri more often than necessary, the latter in his element and too absorbed with observing to notice. The way the scholar studied tracks with unwavering focus, his passion shining through– is remarkable to Cyno. It reminded him of those times he watched Tighnari from afar at the Akademiya, the memory urges a strange tug of deep adoration he wasn't ready to admit.
Tighnari is his friend. Maybe more than friends? He is someone he can call a best friend after all. Even if scholars can have immoral motives, Cyno trusts him with all his heart. He knows Tighnari knows his boundaries and won't abuse his intelligence. This is one of the reasons why Cyno opens up to him, not in a way he does to others.
He even left Collei in his care.
Tignari notices Cyno's sudden restless energy. He looks more humane with an expression of confusion-- not that Tighnari-- wants Cyno to feel it since it is a negative emotion-- but he always gave off an intimidating vibe, especially when they weren't close friends, back at the Akademiya. The General Mahamatra was infamous for being a scary enactor of justice who also rarely shows his emotions. A lot of people questioned whether he was King Deshrat's reincarnation because of how inhumane his strong principles about justice is- as well as his phlegmatic disposition.
Tighnari- smirked faintly. It's fun to see him like this, other than his usual stoic self. "Sometimes you move too fast, you know? Even the forest has to catch its breath sometimes" He light-heartedly jokes, breaking the silence.
Cyno's eyes flicked up, a half-grin breaking from his usual sternness.
"Or maybe I just like having someone who slows me down"
Tighanri's ears twitched, though his eyes never left the trail as they walked. Did Cyno imply that he likes having Tighnari around? Of course he does, they are friends but does he enjoy Tighnari's presence as much as the scholar enjoys his? Even if his character stands out, Cyno can be quiet and reserved but also can spew intolerable jokes. Tighnari enjoys it all, as long as he's with Cyno.
The scholar brushes these kinds of thoughts away. He replies, "I also appreciate someone who rushes ahead, it reminds me to keep moving. That's why I like being with you."
Tighnari suddenly feels warm, he didn't mean to flirt but he couldn't let the chance of possibly getting a reaction from Cyno escape. Thank archons, it was dark because he can feel his cheeks warming up in embarrassment. But it stops there, Tighnari refuses to dwell in this kind of thoughts. The object of his affection has been a good friend for a while. He can't just ruin that.
Unknown to him, hidden in the dark and avoiding to look at Tighnari's peripheral vision, is Cyno, with his reddening cheeks.
Together, they fall into a rhythm- a push and pull of urgency and caution, each step drawing them closer not only to the wounded creature, but subtly to one another.
Sometime later, it began with the first drops falling silently, dotting the leaves like whispered warnings. Within moments, the rain poured, drumming on the canopy which turned the forest into a maze of slick roots and mud. Darkness pressed in, thicker than ever making the forest even more dangerous.
Cyno curses under his breath, wiping the rain from his eyes. "This isn't good. We could miss the creature in this mess. Or worse- someone can get hurt"
Unknown to him, his voice trembled slightly, the memory of Tighnari earlier, hand covered in blood. Thankfully not his own, but that painful memory he hides deep within– of his dear friend paralyzed and weakened. The reason behind why Tighanri's flawless arm got tainted with an ugly huge scar that made Cyno furious every time he remembers it. Furious at no other but himself. Without realizing it, the same instinctive worry gripped him more, an emotion so strong it made Cyno agitated without control.
Tighnari slowed to a careful walk, eyes still scanning the forest with calm precision. Unaware of the other’s dilemma.
"It's alright, we shouldn't worry too much. The forest doesn't hide its creatures completely, it communicates... In ways we can't see. Blood, scent, broken branches-- they're all signs you see? The rain complicates things, yes but it doesn't erase the trail. We just need to focus on it"
Cyno's hands tightened around his spear, electricity crackled along the weapon, sharp and hungry. It must've materialised into existence, ready to annihilate whoever its master deems undeserving of life. It also appears whenever he feels an overwhelming sense of protectiveness.
The tension on his shoulders betrayed his concern and Tighnari finally notices it.
"I... I just…” Cyno stammers. He regains his thoughts into something understandable. Tighnari’s patient expression encouraged him. “I just don't like not knowing. I don't like the feeling of not being in control. What if someone suffers-" YOU "and I can't do anything to help like that time when lightning struck you"
Tighnari halts and opts to face Cyno, understanding the severity of the situation. Now, it's not just about the animal but Cyno is actually showing his vulnerable side willingly. Without a doubt, it's raw fear and worry he saw in the eyes of his friend.
Tighnari offers a comforting smile, I thought he was over it... I was the one who got hurt but he's the one who can't seem to forget it. He then thinks of the mark on his arm.
Tighnari reaches out for the polearm to put it away but Cyno immediately pulls it back. “Don’t touch it! Anything wrapped in lightning can hurt you… and I can’t let that happen again.”
“Cyno, you’ll hurt yourself. It’s raining—if anyone’s going to get shocked, it’s you”
“I can’t let you near anything electric... You were caught in it before, and I just stood there. I couldn’t stop it” Cyno makes his weapon vanish but his eyes, usually so sharp and steady, flickered with something unspoken—regret, guilt, a weight he refused to voice. Guilt, ultimately shadowed Cyno’s eyes, and the composed, disciplined mask he usually wore started to crack, a tremor of helplessness running through his posture.
"Like what I've always said and will always say.. It's not your fault. I'm fine, it healed and is only a scar now so you don't have to blame yourself for it" Tighnari’s gaze was gentle, carrying the quiet reassurance of someone who truly meant every word.
"I was right there when it happened and I couldn't even stop it-"
“It came out of nowhere, you couldn't have prevented it”
“I have an electro vision… An electro vision, Tighnari. I CAN prevent that damn lightning from hurting you but I failed-”
Tighnari raised a finger to Cyno’s lips. “Shhh…” he said softly, a quieting touch that let Cyno pause and breathe. The scholar shakes his head, "There are some things that we can't control and even if these things are bad, it happens for a reason."
“I don’t understand how a scar could ever be a good thing. You got hurt, and I can’t just ignore that.”
“But it does, I got a clear mind for once. I actually stopped thinking about all my duties and managed to get some proper rest. And then… what else?” Tighnari playfully thinks, wanting to put Cyno at ease. “My resistance to Electro has also gotten better. At least now I can collect more samples from those volatile Electro flowers without constantly worrying about their sting.”
Cyno sighs, knowing that he won't get through Tighanri's stubbornness. A trait they both share. But when it comes to Tignari, he would always concede.
"It's dangerous. Why don't we just continue tomorrow?" He switches the topic, hoping to reason despite knowing he's on the losing side.
"I'll be fine, really. I have you with me too” Tighnari reassured him. “No one is going to suffer tonight but if we don't look for the bleeding creature, it might die and I won't allow it" Tighnari stepped closer and brushed some raindrops off Cyno's wet forehead. A light touch that made the latter's chest tighten unexpectedly.
"You don't have to bear that guilt alone. I’m glad that you told me" Tighnari murmured. “I’m not going anywhere. Whatever comes, we’ll face it side by side. You’re not alone in this, Cyno —and I’ll make sure no one gets hurt”
Cyno's throat tightened. His blunt and duty- bound nature fought with the warmth blooming in his chest. He has been guarding his affection for a long time because why did he have to bother Tighnari, off all people with this burden?
But it's too late isn't it? How can Cyno not open his heart to this kind hearted person, now warmly smiling at him.
"... I just can't stand when the people I care for get hurt. Especially if it is you" Cyno said before he could stop himself, the words almost a whisper.
Tighnari's ears twitched, a blush creeping across his face again. He immediately tries to hide it now that Cyno has all his focus on him. He really really didn't want to overthink about what Cyno had said.
"Then stay close. Let the forest guide us tonight... We’ll face it together, as always" Tighnari said carefully, forcing calm into his voice while secretly wanting to reach out and leave no space between him and the General Mahamatra.
It's definitely not because of the rain nor because it was cold.
Cyno falters, and for once with an aware mind, lets himself step closer, their faces so close he can count the tiny freckles on the ranger's face.
"Together" he murmured, his typical fierce temper replaced with something soft, almost vulnerable.
Tighnari nodded, his hand lingering near Cyno's arm for the briefest moment, grounding them both. "Together..."
They were soaked to the bone but they couldn't find it in themselves to care. The storm didn't feel threatening since they held each other. Their hearts beat a little faster in tandem. Both aware- yet unwilling to admit- that what pulled them closer wasn't just the hunt.
Unfortunately, the rain turned into a storm and it continued to rage but the two fought through it, they were long soaked but both found joy in it, even if they were shivering from the cold. There is something romantic about being stuck together in the rain-- even if they're on a mission-- they're still together. Just like what Tighnari said.
The air was thick with the smell of damp mossy stones, and Tighnari can make out a faint metallic tang of blood thanks to his inhuman senses. Cyno's boots splashed in shallow puddles as they pressed deeper inside, polearm ready at his side. Every shadow felt alive and every drip of it sharpened his nerves.
Then they saw it.
Crouched against the far wall in a cavern, not too deep and visible to the eye. Its fur bristling and amber eyes burning in the dimness, was a Rishbond Tiger. A deep gash, oozing with blood fell from its flank. Even if it's wounded, the tiger's presence filled the area--- muscle and claw, power restrained only by fear. A guttural growl rolled from its throat, vibrating through the stone floor beneath it.
Lightning, the crack of it split Cyno’s memory open. Tighnari’s cry. Sharp. Painful. Too fast. Too loud. He had been too slow. Too late. Too useless. Cyno's grip tightened on his weapon. With alarm, he stepped forward on instinct, putting himself between it and Tighnari.
Not again. Not under his watch. Not ever. Every growl, every strained snarl, made his pulse spike. Heart hammering, mind racing. He imagined the worst—Tighnari hurt, screaming in agony, and he was powerless. Cyno clenched his fists, muscles coiled, senses on fire. Nothing can hurt Tighnari as long as he was here. Not now. Not ever. Tighnari would be safe. He would make sure of it...
But before he could strike, a hand softly brushed his arms. Light and steady. Pulling him back from the edge. Cyno couldn't fight back, not with how gentle Tighnari's expression looks. Full of understanding, as if the green haired man could decipher his inner turmoil from his face alone- which would look normal for other people. But not for Tighnari, who seems to notice and understand his feelings, even from the smallest difference in his expressions.
"Wait" Tighnari said, careful not to alarm the beast. His tail flicking low, ears angled in focus.
"Look closer. It's terrified"
Cyno regains his composure, he is losing it in secret but ultimately decides not to force it. His jaw then clenches. Voice coming out rough, harsher than he meant. "And if it attacks?"
"Then we defend ourselves" Tighnari answered, eyes never leaving the tiger. Careful not to intimidate it since some animals become more aggressive when it is stared right into its eyes for some time. "But we shouldn't rush, we'll prove its fear right otherwise"
The tiger snarled, confirming what Tighnari was anticipating. Its claws gouged the wet stone, but Tighnari didn't even flinch. He then suddenly crouched, lowering himself slowly, his voice dropping into a soothing murmur. Cyno couldn't make out the words but he still stood close to Tighnari, the words were soft as the calming rain outside. It meant to soothe, to bridge the chasm between the beast and what it seems to take them for -- the hunter.
Cyno hovered close, his body wound tight as a drawn bow. His gaze flickered between the tiger's gleaming eyes and the calm line of Tighnari's back. Every heartbeat thundered in his ears-- terror at the risk, but something else too, something raw and unspoken, surging whenever he looked at him. Especially if Tighnari is in his element, showing how skilled he is with what he handles. A true expert in his field and the reason why the Akademiya offered him a position.
Even with his nerves on edge, Cyno couldn’t help but swell with pride at Tighnari’s calm mastery.
Suddenly, the tiger's growl faltered. Its breathing steadied, ears twitching toward Tighanri's voice. For the first time, its deadly claws also eased from the stone.
Tighnari's free hand then reached the beast without a thought. Cyno was quick to catch it, their fingers tangling --- firm, deliberate. Heat shot up Cyno’s arm, grounding him while a surge of warning and possessiveness tightened his grip, refusing to let Tighnari risk himself.
"Trust me" Tighnari said softly, calm threading through every word, as if to tell Cyno there was nothing to fear. He was fully aware that Cyno was not only caring for him, but his fear stems from an intense feeling of self reproach.
Cyno's grip tightened. The quiet certainty in Tighnari’s voice cut through his guilt , reminding him just how much he trusted him—and that Tighnari had everything under control in this situation, unlike his accident. It was an accident, Cyno realizes.
His answer was not a command but to yield. It was low, certain like a vow.
"I always do..."
Tighnari smiled, his heart warming at the thought of Cyno trusting him to such an extent.
The tiger then gives one last huff, then turns, limping deeper into the shadows until only the sound of the rain remains.
In the hush that followed, their hands stayed entwined, even though the danger had passed. Neither moved, neither dared to break the contact, both avoiding each other’s gaze. It was a quiet reassurance—Tighnari silently telling Cyno that he was fine, and Cyno letting himself believe it, both holding on longer than they had any right to, simply to feel that everything was okay.
Sometime later, the rain had softened to a gentle drizzle. Cyno kept his gaze ahead, but he could feel Tighnari's hand brushing against his, they are still holding hands after all. An imperceptible warmth lingering where they touch. Neither spoke of it-- both still pretending indifference-- but the quiet comfort it carries cling to them, grounding and stirring at once.
The Rishbond tiger surely hadn't gone that far. Tracks in the mud led them deeper into the forest, where shadows pooled among the rain-darkened trees. On his free hand, not holding Tighanri's, Cyno's polearm manifested in case they faced any danger.Every inch forward, he can see Tighanri moving with careful deliberation, reading the forest as if it was a part of him. He's looking for the Tiger and utilizing the forest as if it's an ally, scrutinizing each leaf or grass for clues. Cyno was captivated, letting his friend pull him around. Tighnari is beautiful when he's running around like this, how come Cyno hadn't noticed before? Even better, he can hold his hand right now.
In no time, they found the tiger. With what will take days for other forest rangers to track dangerous beasts in a dark and unfamiliar forest, it only took Tighanri little time to do. The tiger wounded but alert, crouched protectively over a pair of small, striped cubs. Its amber eyes flickered between them warily.
Cyno's chest tightened--- understanding at once why it had fled earlier. Survival wasn't just for itself, it had little ones depending on it.
"I didn't realize it had cubs. No wonder it ran the first time, it was just protecting itself"
Tighnari's tail flickered, voice still quiet so as not to alarm the tiger. "Rishboland tigers are fiercely protective of their young. Even wounded, they'll do everything to ensure their cubs survive. That's why it didn't run far, it knew it needed to stay close to them"
To Cyno's distaste, Tighnari lets his hand go to kneel slowly while speaking soft coaxing words as if the animal can understand him. Maybe it does because the tiger's ears twitched, muscles tensed, yet it stayed and didn't attack even if Tighanri is close to its litter. However, Cyno couldn't help himself, his heart thudded in his chest, watching Tighanri approach without haste, without a single ounce of fear. He finally saw the creature completely relax under Tighanri's care, giving ground to the gentleness he offered.
Cyno lets out a breath of relief, the last bits of apprehension disappearing into the damp air.
Step by careful step, Tighanri tended to the tiger's wound. It is now as tamed as a house cat, though its growls were low and hesitant, it didn't strike at all. Cyno completely calms down, summoning his polearm back to invisibility. A rare smile breaks across his face.
"You really are something" he said, voice lighter than expected. "The way you handle all this is incredible. You're amazing."
Tighanri's ears tilted slowly at the compliment, a blush rushing to his cheeks. Now, he's sure that it isn't because of some possible fever but because of his friend. He lets out a soft, teasing laugh. "And you," he said, smirking, "are surprisingly... less impulsive. I thought you'd fight through me to attack the tiger for even looking at my direction"
"Fine, I'm guilty, I'll confess. Thank archons you stopped me. I wouldn't want to leave this cubs without their mom"
"Hmm" Tignari hums. "I'll definitely make you take care of the cubs with me"
Cyno softly smiles. They kind of parent Collei, it wouldn't hurt to adopt more kids-- even if it is an animal. The tension of the last hours started melting just enough for both to feel at ease. Cyno didn't reply immediately, letting the moment linger-- the quiet affection, the teasing warmth, the subtle charge between them.
After quite some time of Tighnari tending to the tiger and Cyno, admiring his handiwork or just admiring Tighnari for being well, Tighnari. He finally announces that the creature is safe and can be left to fend for itself without any possibility of dying due to its injury. And the cubs are safe too, they began their walk back through the forest. The rain had stopped completely, leaving droplets glinting on the leaves in the moonlight-kissed forest. Shadows stretched long and soft, and the forest which felt threatening before now feels almost serene. Or maybe because Cyno and Tighnari are in the presence of one another.
Droplets cling to the leaves and branches, catching the pale light of the moon as Cyno and Tighnari move through the quiet forest. The general now walked a few steps ahead, stealing glances back at Tighnari, his hand twitching at his side. He remembered the first time they held hands, which was just earlier when they pursued the tiger. It was just for reassurance, Tignari comforting him-- but now, Cyno can't explain it but he just wants to hold hands with Tighnari.
The thought of reaching out made his chest tighten with a different kind of anticipation. But, Cyno hesitates, fingers curling and uncurling, heart thudding with the fear of being too forward, too obvious.
He promised that he won't bother Tighnari with these feelings but he can't control himself anymore. He just has to hold him.
Tighnari walked beside him now, his senses alert to the forest, but his attention kept drifting to Cyno. He noticed the subtle signs awhile ago as they walked-- Cyno's brief pauses, the almost-but-not-quite-brush of fingers-- and Tighnari's pulse quickens with the realization.
A small smile tugged at Tighanri's lips, feeling a surge of confidence. He has felt the comfort of their previous hand-holding, knowing it was for reassurance but this time he senses a different urge behind Cyno's movements. It is a silent invitation that Tighnari didn't need words to understand.
His feelings are reciprocated, Cyno does like him too because why would he act this way? It has always been obvious. Especially when he kept on blaming himself for his accident.
As Tighnari observed, Cyno finally exhales and lets his hand shift slightly, a hesitant motion, almost as if testing the water. Cyno's eyes widened, meeting Tighanri's knowing ones when the latter's hand closed over his bigger ones immediately. Firm yet warm, their fingers entwined with an ease that spoke more than any words could.
'I think this is enough for now. I wouldn't want to rush things, especially with a friend.' Tighnari thought. Acting as if everything was normal as they walked, hand in hand.
Cyno, on the other hand, froze for a heartbeat when it sank in. Surprise and relief mingling. Tignari does see him the same way-- he smiles softly to himself as he relaxes into the touch. Tighnari presses just a little closer, letting the contact linger, letting himself enjoy the feeling-- not just the reassurance of safety which he has always felt with Cyno, but the quiet, intimate joy of holding the general's hand.
The trees soon began to thin, giving way to the familiar path that would lead them out of the forest. Overhead, the clouds had finally parted, giving way to the moon that spilled silver light on them, catching on the wet leaves as it painted their faces in a soft glow. It was the kind of light that made everything feel quieter, more intimate, as if the world itself has softened around them. Their hands were still linked, fingers intertwined, until the forest edge opened wide and the last traces of the shadowy dark trees slipped away. It was Tighnari who loosened his hold first, not out of reluctance, but because the open path felt less like a secret to guard. Their hands slipped apart, and the cool air immediately filled the space where the warmth had been. Cyno’s fingers flexed once, yearning for the intimate moment they just shared to happen again.
He can’t be hasty, it might be too soon for Tighnari.
Cyno cleared his throat, eyes fixed ahead, the words stumbling out but earnest. “We… handled that well together. I don’t think anyone else could’ve done it like you did.”
His tone was steady, but there was an awkward edge to it, the weight of something deeper sitting beneath the simple praise. For someone unused to softness, it was as close to a confession as he dared.
Tighnari glanced sideways, catching the faint stiffness in Cyno’s shoulders, the way his ears almost seemed to burn under the pale light. Relief and warmth stirred in his chest. They didn’t have to name what they had just shared—the brush of fingers, the deliberate grip, the comfort of knowing the feelings weren’t one-sided. That was enough, for now.
A sly smile curved Tighnari’s lips as his tail flicked lightly behind him. “You know,” he said, voice smooth with teasing, “if you wanted to keep holding my hand, you could’ve just asked.”
Cyno faltered, heat creeping up the back of his neck. “...That’s unnecessary,” he muttered, though the slight upward tug at his lips betrayed him. “You seemed eager enough on your own.” Tighnari laughed softly at his retort, the sound carrying through the moonlit air, bright and warm. Cyno looked away quickly, but his smile lingered, small and genuine. The path stretched before them, silver-lit and promising, as their footsteps fell in easy rhythm side by side—two friends, and perhaps something quietly, unmistakably more.