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"You're everything to me." And isn't that such a bold statement? It implies so much, four words that hold more than they ought to, more than even the strongest could carry. Yet Rejoice meant every word of it. He wanted to come up with something that sounds more sincere, more poetic. He didn't want to say something he's heard so many times before—something that at this point has lost all meaning. Unfortunately, there’s no other way to describe how grateful he truly was. How when he says everything he means everything.
"I know it's cheesy, I get it. Believe me, I tried to think of something myself! But I mean it wholly. You are everything." He insists, Wemmbu looks shocked. not discontent, not annoyed, not unimpressed. That's all the confirmation Rejoice needs.
"You’re the holder of all my love, my warmth and joy, you mean so much to me that I don't think I'll ever be able to put my appreciation for you into words. I’m trying my best to express that now but know this is only a fraction of how I really feel." he grabs ahold of Wemmbu’s hand, Wemmbu latches onto it as if letting go would mean the end of the world. It gives Rejoice the encouragement he needs to continue.
"Whenever I do anything I think of you, when I look at the night sky I can only think of you, of how you are just as beautiful, just as breathtaking. Just being alive brings you to thought and how grateful I am for you and your bravery."
Rejoice pulls Wemmbu into a hug, one so tight you'd think they’d fused together. Wemmbu hugs Rejoice back. Their hearts beat at the same pace, their breath mimicking one another. It’s calm, it’s peaceful, something neither of them take for granted, no, not something this rare.
Rejoice whispers just enough for Wemmbu to hear above the beating of their own hearts. "You mean so, so, so much to me and I hope you realize that."
Rejoice pulls back slightly and then just as quickly leans back in, only this time for a kiss.
It's magical, as silly as that sounds. His head feels light, having just said everything he's ever wanted, getting something off his chest that’s been there much longer than it needed.. The kiss is messy, a bit desperate yet somehow steady and patient all at once. It lasts as long as they can go without getting too flustered—not very long. But that's fine, it was warming both inside and out, with Rejoice’s heart in a flurry and his cheeks flushed. It made him happier than he already was.
"I- thank you." Wemmbu stutters out, looking anywhere but Rejoice, embarrassed he couldn't say something as heartfelt as Rejoice had. Though Rejoice would argue Wemmbu had just as much love in his statement, maybe even more.
Rejoice cups Wemmbu’s face, his hands are warm and comforting, it makes Wemmbu feel sick. Not in a bad way, more in a “I haven't had someone be this open about their care for me and it’s freaking me out” way. Wemmbu can’t bother dwelling on his embarrassment for long, finally giving in.
Rejoice is looking back at him with so much affection, so much love and adorance in his eyes that Wemmbu wants to faint and he almost does when Rejoice speaks again. “I should be the one thanking you, you’ve done so much for me, you know?” His voice is soft, soothing, breathtaking, it has him melting.
Sparsely does anyone tell Wemmbu how much they appreciate him, rarely do they say so in the way Rejoice has now, never has Wemmbu felt so bashful, so loved and so cherished. It's hard to comprehend the fact that someone could feel this way about him, that he could feel this way about someone. He wants to accept it despite his doubts, with an open mind and an open heart.
This time Wemmbu takes the initiative, hugging Rejoice and clinging, latching onto him with the intent to never let go. Rejoice lets out a little giggle, hugging him back and making himself comfortable. They'll stay like this as long as possible, as long as they can without interruption.
Wemmbu feels at home, for the first time in a long, long time. He feels as if he’s found his place, he hates settling down, the thought has always bothered him, but he can make an exception just this once, just for Rejoice. He can stay here in this moment until it fades no matter how long that may take. Instead of feeling restless Wemmbu focuses on the way Rejoice is breathing, ragged and not yet used to fresh air. He focuses on the way Rejoice’s hair tickles his neck and the warmth you’ll only ever be able to feel from another person in your embrace.
Rejoice feels comfortable, warm, and safe. He feels so safe, he feels safe enough to let his guard down, something he couldn’t do before, wasn’t allowed to do before—the fault of his civilization only ever assigning one guard. Letting himself relax, it’s something he wishes he could’ve done earlier, though earlier would mean without Wemmbu and there’s zero way he’d allow that. Here with Wemmbu, he feels at peace, more peaceful than he’s ever been and that means a lot for someone like himself!
“You mean just the same to me.” Wemmbu mutters, Rejoice barely catching his words. He didn’t expect Wemmbu to say anything more, it wasn’t required of him, yet he did so anyway. Rejoice saves the sentence to memory. How he sounded, nervous yet honest, how Wemmbu squeezed him the smallest bit closer right after. All saved to memory, fully intent on replaying it over and over in his mind.
They’ll bask in this rare bit of comfort for as long as they can, an unspoken agreement between the two of them. Not taking a single second for granted, nor a single touch, breath, or whisper of affection.