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Azure watered his plants with his peer, in the silence of his living room. Today was another shameful day of winter, and Azure was already feeling down. Snow had already been dropping since last night, and the wind only seemed to be picking up its pace. He was currently resting in the comfort of his own cabin, different scented candles were lit to bring a rather exotic smell into the room.
The whole cabin, with its jungle atmosphere, was all at peace, unlike the winter storm that was happening outside. In his own little cave, at least he wasn’t freezing outside in the forest. Just as soon as Azure was going to refill his watering he heard a rather weak knock on the door. He stopped in his tracks completely. Who could possibly be strolling around the village during these hours?
He slowly approached the door, fear creeping up as his hand held the doorknob. He quickly placed the water can down, all while moving closer to the door. He twisted the knob in a slow, almost anticipating manner, his mind racing with the possible people that could be on the other side. “Two Time!?” Azure’s eyes lit up like a candle when he laid eyes on the shivering figure of his partner. Two Time only smiled weakly at him, holding their jackets close to their body;: an obvious hint that they were in fact dying in the cold. “Please! Come in before you get a cold!” Azure panicked as he ran toward them, holding them close to himself as he led them towards the living room.
“Holy Spawn, I am so sorry for keeping you waiting outside, I thought it would be some random guy,” Azure added in a guilty tone as he dusted off some of the remaining snow on Two Time’s shoulder, it was an awkward gesture yet Two Time only stood still, letting Azure clean them off.
The cabin was an altar of peace and comfort. The smell of wood and lavender twisting and mixing together to create an atmosphere of peacefulness. “Please, join me in having a cup of tea, the chilly wind is gonna get you a cold..” Azure stated in a worried tone that made Two Time’s face glow a soft pink. Two Time nodded quickly, heading to place their jacket on the nearby coat rack before following Azure.
He led Two Time to his kitchen area, sliding a chair out, offering it to Two Time: who gave out a small chuckle at the gesture, before going down to sit down. As soon as Two Time had taken their place on the table, he got straight to work. The sound of cookware crashing into each other echoed across the whole cabin, as Azure opened all different sort of cabinets. He had taken everything out that he needed, he was a big fan of enjoying a fresh cup of tea, so this was just a routine for him.
Two Time admired Azure with every move that he did, their eyes were glued on him. They didn't even bother to say anything, they were almost mimicking an owl during the night. Azure, who was too busy to comment on anything, could still feel the hard gaze coming from his partner. He felt a sliver of nervousness creep up on him as he stirred the kettle with his wooden spoon. The looks Two Time gave were always so overwhelming, but Azure knew deep down Two Time meant no harm.. at least he thought so…
The sound of the wooden spoon stirring the tea was soon replaced with the loud sound of the flowered kettle moaning. The kitchen was now overcome with heat that could nowhere be found outside. They stood in silence as they waited to hear the kettle squeak and yelp more louder. Azure locked his eyes on the flower painted kettle, while his lover kept his dark black eyes on him. A rather awkward tension shared between the two.
“Heh.. my nightshade… I have a surprise for you,” Two Time suddenly broke the silence, their chin resting on their hand. To Azure’s mind, Two time was way more abnormal than usual. Firstly, they were more quiet to begin with, and not to mention they even seemed paler than before… Azure stopped himself before he would have started to overthink the worst.
For now, he is going to have to act nonchalant and calm, and he was a master at that. (Incorrect buzzer) “Oh really? Care to tell more about it?” Azure turned to face Two Time, titling his head to the side as Two Time giggled under their breath. The sound of his partner laughing was rather scary, Azure could feel his hands sweating underneath his gloves.
For the past few weeks, it has been quite weird for both of them. Two Time had been acting rather distant lately, and it was making Azure’s overthinking worse than ever. Two Time was always one to shower Azure in their undeniable love, always being clingy and everything. But both of them wouldn’t be lying when coming to the conclusion that their relationship seemed out of place lately.
Yet even with this whole situation going on, at the end of the day, it was just them pretending as if everything was in order. “Well, the only thing I can really tell you is that I know you’ll love it,” Two Time responded now with their voice higher pitch, almost as if they were testing Azure to see just how much Azure was interested in their conversation. But really, Two Time would be the one in shock at seeing just how much Azure did care.
“Gosh, come on.. you gotta give me at least a proper hint,”
“I don’t think I really can, I wouldn’t want to ruin the wonderful surprise I prepared just for you,”
Silence fell, even if the sounds of the kettle were noisy as hell, for both of them: it was total silence. Azure really couldn’t think of anything else to say. He felt so uneasy. As if he was going to be jumped by ten different people at the same time. The more he stared into his lover’s deep, dark black eyes, the more he just wanted to kneel and weep.
“Do you really trust me, Azurewrath?”
Two Time lowered their voice and caught Azure off guard. But most importantly, it was the fact they just casually said their full legal name. The last time Azure had heard his full name being called out was before when he first met Two Time.
Azurewrath was the person he left behind in his home country. Azurewrath was the ignorant young man who believed in another foolish religion that wasn’t the Holy Spawn. The man he left behind dead in his home town. Azurewarth was not him. Not anymore. Never again. “I do, Two Time, Why wouldn’t I?” Azure's voice cracked as he spoke out loud, a sudden wave of shame washing him over. Hearing the name be said once more was close to breaking him into tears, yet he'll rather die than have Two Time see him so vulnerable.
Another short silence fell and Azure was cursing himself mentally, since when did this conversation become so awkward? This needed to stop. Azure, without a word, turned back to the kettle: which was now squeaking louder than ever. He quickly turned off the stove, moving swiftly to get some cups for the two of them. He took all the time he needed, no rush. Not after what he was experiencing.
Two Time just went back into their quiet bubble, now going back to staring at Azure’s movements. Azure grabbed the handle of the kettle with a cloth, the squeaky sounds of the kettle finally resting for once. He positioned the two glass cups, leaving the teabags to slouch inside them. He leaned the kettle down, the hot water crashing into the tea cup. Vapor rose up as the tea cup was filled with boiling water, and then another. Soon, the clear water was now a clear golden yellow. The aroma of the herbs dominated the kitchen, a sweet, soothing scent.
He paced towards Two Time, setting their cup near their hand that was placed on the counter, clearly offering the cup to them in a silent manner. Then going to place down his own respective cup, before sitting down as well. It really wasn’t soon before both of them were sat cross from each other. Both with the cups of tea in front of them. The atmosphere around them was thick with tension, yet none of them would dare to even mention it. This was supposed to be a time of peace and tranquility, maybe even a romantic time between the two of them. Still, the awkward sounds of the clock ticking and the sips of tea being heard spoke for itself.
After a few minutes of pure silence passing by, Two Time swallowed hard before standing up, walking next to their boyfriend. Seeing this, Azure’s heart pounded harder, he didn’t know what to expect from them. He turned his body towards them, expecting them to talk first, the tea suddenly neglected. Without a single warning in the air, Two Time only wrapped their arms around the bigger man in front of them. Their touch cold and stiff, they let their hands rested calmly on Azure’s back: then leaning their whole body against him.
Azure’s eyes widened at the sudden contact, a hug was something far more wild than he expected. At least it wasn’t something worse though… Azure felt their smile widen and their cheeks heat up more, he returned the touch that Two Time gave him, holding them tightly and strongly. Holding them as if this would be the last time they would share a moment like this.
They held each other close, quietly, and tightly. An intimate moment between them, and only for them. Azure’s worries felt as they had all melted away. The hug itself was powerful but silent, like if it came out of a movie. Nothing felt real. Azure’s smile widened further, his eyes closing; he was experiencing heaven while being outside the church. Little did Azure know that his happiness wasn’t shared.
Two Time rested their head on Azure’s shoulder, their face emotionless. Not a single glint of happiness was hinted in their eyes. Deep down they couldn’t really enjoy this moment, not without knowing what would happen next. Even if it was truly the late time the man in front of them would hug back, Two Time’s guilt was already too much. They knew they didn’t deserve this at all, love and mercy for them shall no longer be given by other humans. But from the glorious ever-lasting Spawn now.
“Welp, I think we spent enough time here in your cabin. How about we head towards my surprise?” Just as Two Time pulled away, a big widened smile was forced on their lips, Azure would be clueless of their remorse for now. They held his hand tightly, guiding Azure to stand up and follow them. Azure kept his wide smile, giving into their actions and letting them guide him.
“I think that would be nice. I’ll be right behind you, Timey.” He laughed while he spoke, his hand now tightly holding Two Time's, intertwining their fingers together. It was rushed, but both of them had been waiting for this moment long enough. They held each other’s hand with an equal amount of force, both refusing to let go. They walked as one as they left the cabin and moved towards the forest that surrounded the whole village.
The sun had already started to set down, adding on to the already chilling cold the glistening snow made. But it was still a beautiful sight for them, since for the past few days: only snowstorms had been dominating the skies for almost a whole week. So, maybe this could be a holy sign from the Spawn, that today was a special little day granted for the devoted couple.
They walked deeper into the forest, leaving the village behind. The trees were all covered in thin sheets of white snow, each step was a satisfying crunch. More and more minutes passed by and yet the atmosphere remained calm, none of them spoke a word to each other, but instead just moved forward. Taking in the beautiful sights of nature in front of them, it was a perfect way to really reflect on everything.
It was a healthy walk around the whole forest for now, the more minutes passed the deeper they had gotten into the forest. For the average person, the sight could be considered eerie and creepy, especially with the sound of animals and the bustling wind following them as well. But for them, it was the complete opposite. Back in the early years of living in this village: they would always come and rest in the forest. It was their secret spot for anything that was going on. They shared private conversations, celebrations, and so much more. This forest was a holy place where they could really be themselves. Not having to worry about other people judging them for nothing.
“Azure, we have arrived.” Two Time turned back to look at Azure, offering a sweet smile as they stood next to him. Azure stopped his thoughts, they had been daydreaming all of this time, paying no attention at all during the whole walk, not until Two Time spoke. Azure looked forward as Two Time moved from his sight, only to be greeted by some beautiful patches of bluewitch nightshades. Azure was absolutely bewildered. Never had he seen anything like this in his entire life! Let alone one of his favorite species of nightshades.
He eagerly walked over to the patches, making sure his boots didn’t harshly step on the delicate plants. His happiness was reaching a peak he hadn’t felt in a while, a surprise like this was almost making his eyes tear up. He swayed around to look at Two Time, who was still in the same spot, now just admiring Azure from afar. Their gaze speaking of love and disappointment all at once. However, Azure was simply too joyful to even look twice at them. He beckoned with their hand to Two Time to come and join him, which Two Time automatically came running towards them. They ran into the open arms of Azure, almost throwing themselves into their beloved lover.
Both of them hugged each other tighter than ever before, giggles and squeaks coming from their mouths as they swayed back and forward. The spell of love being cast on them both, leaving them to act all giddy. “Oh Spawn, Two Time this is wonderful! I am simply out of words.. where did you find this gorgeous scenery!?” Azure beamed out as he pulled back to look at their partner, keeping their protective hold on them. Two Time laughed as they locked eyes with the botanist, obviously in a silly state.
“Let’s just say that I actually started paying attention to your botany lessons for once.. and took matters into my own hands..” Two Time rolled their eyes playfully, which made Azure scoff.
“Well, I am happy you paid attention ONCE, but wow you really out did yourself! Be very proud of yourself, Timey.”
“Don’t worry about that, I know I am. Now I will be your most favorite person ever.
“Oh for the love of Spawn, I’ve already said you are THE favorite. Never, ever forget that!”
Both of them shared a loud laugh together, as if they were mimicking each other. Here, only them existed. No one else. So they wouldn’t have to worry about anyone else catching them in 4k.
“I love you so much, Two Time.” Azure quickly huffed out as he pecked the side of Two Time’s cheek, his lips surprisingly warm despite the cold. Two Time offer a wearily smile, going in to lay their chin on Azure’s shoulder. Everything had been going according to plan. Everything was just as Two Time planned in their head. Now came the last thing of their plan.. and then they could be free. But it was the hardest out of all, and maybe even the hardest thing they will ever do in their life. Their breaths came deeper as they felt their eyes burn once more, they couldn’t break down now. Finish it and flee. That was the key.
“Azure.. do you really love me?” Two Time whispered in his ear, their voice now serious. Yet, Azure was too busy being happy over the flowers, he wouldn’t be able to notice the sudden change in their voice. “Oh, Two Time my love for you is incomparable. Nothing can truly show just how much I care for you.” Azure whispered back softly, his smile being heard as he spoke out.
He held Two Time closer, feeling the most vulnerable in this current moment. Two Time licked their dry lips, contemplating what to say next. They can’t make it obvious, they are gonna have to sugar coat it. Really nothing else could possibly work. “My nightshade. I have one last surprise. One that was granted by our divine God: Spawn.” Two Time began slowly, the word steadily coming to their mind as they kept the conversation going.
“I want you to do as I say. Okay.?”
“Of course. I shall follow every command you speak.”
“Be serious though, promise me you’ll trust me.”
“... I will.”
Two Time took a deep breath, finally, the time has come. Now, this won’t haunt them forevermore and the holy cult will be proud of their devotion. Then, they would be the only favorite disciple. “Close your eyes, completely shut, no peeking,” Two Time commanded, their eyes fluttering open as Azure’s closed. Azure stayed silent, awaiting for what their partner could possibly say next.
“Hold me tighter, as tight as you can,” Two Time’s hand cautiously went down to the pocket of their robe, making sure their movements could be undetected. They had deliberately added the last part to their statement, just so Azure wouldn’t worry. Luckily for them, Azure did as he was told, not hugging as tight but the difference was still there.
Good thing he hadn’t noticed the dagger Two Time already had in their hand. The large, silver dagger adorned with Spawn symbols. It was a holy artifact in the cult. This specific dagger preaches how if one takes the life of a loved one in the name of Spawn: they would be granted a second life. Two Time’s goal was exactly that. They moved their arm higher, the dagger pointed straight at Azure’s back. They stood in this position for a while, having one last moment to feel the heartbeat of their beloved one.
Azure was quiet, blissful, clueless and calm. He just waited until Two Time would show him his next grand surprise. For now, they cuddled up with his lover, content with the outcome of his day. Enjoying the moment in his head, seeing Two Time, the nightshades, the dark night sky all at once, he felt his life was complete. Nothing could ruin this wonderful moment. He promised to himself: he shall cherish this memory for all times to come. No matter what.
“Spawn will be eternally pleased at our devotion….”
And with that, Two Time swiftly stabbed Azure, the dagger once a pale silver now a crimson red. Azure gasped loudly, his eyes widening. He felt a sharp, sore pain being pierced right in his back. He panicked greatly, shoving Two Time away as they brought his hand up to his mouth, a fountain of red dripping from his chin and dropping to their hand. His eyes widened in utter shock as they saw the red substance on the palm of his hand. Panic grew on him as he realized what was happening. His eyes darted to his hand, to Two Time and.. the dagger...
“What.. have you done…,” Azure began to weep as he stared in Two Time's eyes. Sure, he was crying from the horrible pain in his back, yet deep down: the pain of realizing Two Time betrayed him, hurt more. Never in a million years would he expect to see something as sad as this. The person who he loved dearly, the person who was with them all the time.. was now going to be the cause of his death.
Before Azure could say anything else, Two Time quickly pounced on him, throwing themselves on him, forcing him down on the patches of nightshade. Azure groaned as he felt his body touch the earth, feeling the cold, hard solid against his injured back.
He tried wrestling Two Time off of himself, but they were already aiming for their dagger. Their hands holding the dagger so tight, it could shatter. Bringing their arms high into the sky, with the help of the moonlight, Two Time stabbed Azure right in his heart.
Azure yelled in agony, blood streamed more out of his mouth. They groaned and whimpered loudly, so loud that it could be heard across the forest. Their once tan skin was now as pale as the moon in the sky. He rapidly lost his color as more and more blood was lost. His body laid dead on the ground, surrounded by the patches of nightshades, a truly horrible sight.
“T-Two time..” Azure gasped out, his voice almost unrecognizable at this point. They struggled to speak, his mouth moving in motion as he tried to speak. He may be dying, yet his last words were way more important than the pain he felt. Azure looked at their partner, who was bathed in the moonlight. Oh did they look gorgeous.. He brought is hand up to barely touch Two Time's chin.
Two Time only looked back. No words, no movements, no nothing. They could only watch the scene they started: go to an end.
“I… l-love yo..u..”
And there stood final silence.
There. Azure was dead now. His lifeless body covering the nightshades with his blood, the purple petals now shimmering in red. And Two Time’s dagger still stood tall on Azure’s body. The scene being lit up by the ever watching moon, who would be the only witness to this tragic event.
What did they do..?
It took Two Time a few minutes before tears were streaming down their face. Why would they do that!? What was wrong with them!? Azurewrath.. their beloved boyfriend who had been there since the start. Their one and only special person in their life.. was now decreased for their fault.
He was the only one who brought a sense of comfort when no one else could. He was the one that they yearned to have right next to their side for all eternity. The one to live the rest of their life with, to wake up one morning and see him next to them. But here they stood now. He was DEAD. All because of THEIR fault.
Two Time moved off of Azure and instead sat on the other side, their eyes never leaving his lifeless face. With shaky hands, they began to pray, the special ritual to offer life for their promise of a second life. Their voice was shaky, the words barely coming out of their mouth. They could taste the saltiness of their own tears, and feel the ugly cries they made out.
They moved closer to Azure’s body, their hands resting on his chest. “Sorry.. I apologize…. you were always there for me, but I could never be there just for you…,” Two Time’s sobs only got worse, they laid their head on him, as if their apologies would bring him back to life. They mumbled more and more incoherent apologies under their breath, despair completely taking over them.
The night grew cold, and darker, a sign for the cultist to go back. Even though they rather sleep in the forest, they knew better than to go against the rules of the cult. With puffy eyes and a new found heavy heart, Two Time stood up. Taking back their dagger back into their robe, all despite it still being tainted in blood. None of that truly mattered anymore. They will forever, no longer be worthy of any of this.
Lastly before leaving, out of sheer remorse, they took Azure’s precious hat. They put it on their head before running away from the scene, just as if nothing had happened. Leaving Azure to rest in peace with one of the favorite things he enjoyed: Nightshades. Maybe in another life, this would have never happened.