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"Amarah—"
"No."
"But—"
"No means no, Azure."
Azure had been attempting to reason with Amarah for at least an hour of their time, a sour pout crossing in their expression. What he been trying to convince Amarah to do? Well, it had been a very long day of nonstop study, and Azure was concerned for their dear partner— FRIEND-, Two Time, to have one day outside the cult. Sadly…Amarah wouldn’t budge on their decision.
"Please, Am!" Azure practically begged. "Two Time’s never been outside the cult since they were but a wee child!"
Azure sighed, placing a hand on his face. "Exactly. And you haven’t since you were all but thirteen. You are both, without a doubt, are perpetually hopeless outside the church." Amarah tried to reason.
"Nuh uh— uh- I believe otherwise, Amarah. For I, despite not leaving I a long time, have a place to reside. Me and Two Time shall gain a protection there." Azure said confidently, setting his hands on his hips.
Amarah sighed, placing a hand on Azure’s shoulder. "Azure. You know what will happen if you are both caught…" Amarah started, but Azure quickly piped up.
"Yes, I know that! However— it’s after our Spawn Study! If you just let us out, nobody will notice! Pleeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeease?" Azure begged, using their best pleading expression. It was obvious they were pretty desperate.
And at last, by some miracle of the Spawn…Amarah finally caved in. "…alright, fine. As long as A: you don’t get caught. And B: you have to recite pages 81-274 of the spawn book." Amarah couldn’t help but give Azure a simple smile.
Azure ecstatically couldn’t help but break out into a bunch of excited giggles much like a child. As soon as those words ran through his ears, he practically darted to Two Time’s room. Even though he wanted to burst into the door— he remembered to knock.
After a couple moments, the knob cranked open slightly open, revealing a drowsy and sleepy face. Two Time. Even though Azure had seen them all day today, an excited flower bloomed in his heart seeing his p—friend.
“Hello, my Nightshade. Have you been having a well nap?" Azure asked, looking around before gingerly placing a hand on the side on Two Time’s cheek, cupping the soft skin.
Two Time gave a big yawn, leaning into the warm hand. "Mmmn…mhm…still tired." They mumbled with a gentle sigh. Azure smiled, booping their cute little nose. He adored watching Two Time’s cheeks begin to burn with a rosy hue.
Two Time gave covered their face, an embarrassed little squeak out of their mouth. "A—azure…y-you know spawn is always watching! We cannot—"
They were interrupted by a small rumble from their own insides, making the cultist quickly quiet down. Azure’s eyes quickly went from amusement to concern. "Two Time? Have you eaten today…at all?" Azure queried, keeping his voice non-judgmental and gentle.
Two Time squirmed awkwardly. "Erm…nnooo…I—I just don’t want to eat.." They attempted to reason, but was promptly stopped by Azure.
"Oh, no no no. We are going to get some food in you. Come, let us make haste! We shall arrive at my place." Azure smiled, holding Two Time’s hand and practically dragging them to the church’s exit doors.
~. ___ .~
The doors of Azure’s residence opened with a small click, revealing the simple interior. It was unlike anything Two Time had ever laid eyes upon. There was a comfortable couch, brown shelves, a counter that led to a kitchen, a door that most likely gave way to a bedroom…
"Woah…I.. I could get lost in here!" Two Time commented. Azure had the best taste in everything, except when it came to Two Time. What did Azure even see in a no-good cultist like them…? They tried to shake away those thoughts. Focusing on Azure instead, they took in the way he was carrying a potted plant of Iris and Nightshade flowers. With such care, love…the way Azure cared for them.
Two Time couldn’t stop the gentle flutter in their heart. They truly adored Azure. So, so much…
"So," Azure started, setting the pot down on a sturdy shelf. He turned towards his partner, a smile on his face. "Anything in particular seem appetizing to your unorthodox tastes, my nightshade?"
Two Time thought for a moment. Well, all they usually had were the grits from the church (which they don’t like, it’s like cardboard), and couldn’t exactly remember anything before they were in the holy place of spawn…
"…well, Im not exactly the pickiest eater….so anything is fine, I suppose." Two Time shrugged. They focused on the interior of Azure’s humble abode, hand gliding over the smooth wood.
"Alright! I shall acquire something simple, yet my personal favorite! *Mozzarella fries*!" Azure said, looking ecstatic at the mention of…that item.
Two Time, not feeling a need to comment, simply gave a happy nod. They were still pretty tired, so they took a seat on the couch. As mentioned earlier, it was very…comfortable.
~. ___ .~
By now, the mozzarella fries had already been consumed by Azure and Two Time. The warm melty goodness of the treat had satiated Two Time, making them even more sleepy. So now, their body was currently snuggled up to Azure. The two were lying in his bed, wrapped and bundled up in warm covers. Two Time sighed contentedly, their skinny arms coiled around Azure’s stronger body.
They couldn’t help but feel…so out of place. How did someone so wonderful…so kind, so loving…end it with a cultist like them? Azure was practically perfect, from his excitement when caring for his succulents, to keeping a happy face and calm exterior on all day, even when he was exhausted. Two Time didn’t know why Azure would ever love someone like…them.
"What’s wrong, flower…? You look…stressed." Azure’s comment startled Two Time out from walloping in the depressing thoughts. They looked up, seeing Azure’s concern, beaming through his eyes. Two Time stuttered for a moment, before sighing and deciding to fess up.
"…I…why do you love me? I’m just some troublemaking cultist." Two Time, pathetically glancing away. It took a couple moments for Azure to respond, but each second felt like hell.
"…because I don’t see a troublemaking cultist. I see a silly, curious, and absolutely radiant human being, a gift from the spawn themselves." Azure commented, holding their face with a worried smile. Two Time didn’t know what to say, those simple words sinking deep into their soul. And finally, Azure added— "And besides…I love you for who you are."
…Two Time broke. They felt hot, smothering tears spill down their face, their hands moving to try and cover their eyes. Azure quickly saw their tears. "O-oh…oh nightshade..c—cmere." He soothes, pulling Two Time against his chest. The smaller cultist sobbed quietly, cheeks flushed with humiliation and comfort.
After a couple more minutes of crying, Two Time slowly started to calm down. Their sobs turned into sniffles, tears into dewdrops on their cheeks, and their vice-like grip loosening. "I…I’m sorry." Two Time whispered, only to be immediately swaddled up with blankets, like a baby in a cot.
They struggled against it at first, surprised. However, the comfort of warm, fuzzy cloths and Azure’s hand, petting their messy hair…it calmed their nerves. Two Time hiccuped, looking up at Azure. They couldn’t help but give a gentle smile.
"…Thank you. For taking care of me."
"Always, my flower."