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Valentine's Day is... a day for noticing little things—the quiet warmth of someone's presence, the way a smile can make the world feel lighter, the gentle brush of a hand that suddenly feels like home.
Azure hummed softly to himself as he adjusted his cloak, glancing around the cabin to make sure everything was in order. The sunlight spilled through the windows, leaving warm streaks on the wooden floor, and in the quiet, he could almost hear his own heartbeat.
A small smile tugged at his lips as he thought about the day ahead—about the little surprise he'd been planning for Two Time. It wasn't much, just a simple gesture, but he wanted it to be perfect. Flowers, food, a picnic... something that would make them smile, something that would make this Valentine's Day feel special.
He set down the skillet, the smell of sizzling eggs and bread filling the cabin. "Just a bit more," he murmured, stirring gently. He had made enough for breakfast, but he'd prepared a little extra just in case Two Time decided to stop by later, or maybe even take some for supper. Azure didn't mind—he liked cooking. And he liked seeing his beloved enjoy his food even more.
A sudden knock at the door made him jump slightly. "Who is it?" he called, wiping his hands on his apron.
"Two Time. Good morning, Azure!" came the cheerful but quiet reply.
Azure's eyes widened. He hadn't expected them so early, let alone awake at this hour—but the thought of their smile as they tasted his cooking made him grin.
"Come in," he said, stepping aside. "I was just finishing up breakfast."
The moment Two Time stepped inside, the warm scent of his cooking hit them, and their eyes lit up. "It smells wonderful! Your food is always delightful, Azure," they said while grinning. "I've been cursed by the Spawn... I've burnt the kitchen before."
Azure chuckled, heartwarming at their comment. "Lucky for you, I can cook. And I made more, just in case you wanted some for later." He stepped back, gesturing toward the table, the pan of fresh food waiting.
Two Time smiled. "You didn't have to. I'm so blessed to have you."
Azure sat down beside them, careful not to overwhelm them. "I guess we've both been blessed by the Spawn."
Two Time simply nodded before taking a few little bites of the food. It wasn't that they didn't enjoy the food; in fact, they loved Azure's cooking. But their stomach churned each time they took a bite, and Azure knew this and noticed almost immediately.
"Timey, you don't need to finish it. At least try to eat half?"
They clenched their hands, lifting the fork again and ate. Azure stole a few glances with them, giving them reassuring smiles or thumbs-ups. They smiled quietly, shoulders relaxing.
"You're doing great, dearest," he assures them, getting up to clean his plate.
Two Time hummed softly, quietly grinning from the praise. This only made Azure's smile grow bigger. He was truly proud of the effort they put in every day, and they were recently getting better!
Half the food disappeared from the porcelain plate by the time Azure came back. A cheerful little Two Time, staring at him with pride glinting in their eyes, when Azure gave them a high five. Their cheeks flushed hard, and their pupils dilated like a cat whose owner rewarded them for a good deed.
"I truly appreciate the food! Thank you, Azu!" they chirped, grabbing his hands abruptly.
Azure chuckled, intertwining their fingers. "It's my pleasure, Times. I'm glad you enjoy it."
A small kiss was placed onto their burning cheek—a simple but delicate gesture. It was enough to get Two Time all flustered and quiet, something Azure loved teasing them about. Their head wings fluttered as they hid their face slightly, quietly murmuring.
"You're very red, Timey," he prolonged his words in a teasing manner. "Seems like someone enjoys my affection a lot."
"In fact, I do," they shot back, but there was no bite to it.
Warmth spilled into his chest as Two Time giggled happily. He enjoyed it when his beloved was content—he'd do anything to keep them happy, even if he might have to sacrifice himself while doing so.
Their heartwarming moment was then cut when the church's bells rung unexecptedly—their chime sharply bouncing off the walls. Two Time shut quickly as they winced quietly.
"A-Ah...– seems like I must take my leave..." they murmured, hugging Azure tightly. "I do pray your tardiness won't be an issue today."
The botanist nodded, hesitantly smiling as if to reassure the smaller cultist. Azure placed a final peek on their forehead before they left, leaving him in the depths of his cabin.
. . .
The church was quieter than usual.
Sunlight spilled through the high windows in the pale ribbons, dusting drifting in the air as prayers came and went. Two Time knelt where they always did, hands folded neatly, voice steady as they chanted words they'd known for years. Everything felt familiar.
Except Azure.
He was beside them, as always, but something was off. Not wrong—just different. He was unbelievably late and would definitely get a scolding from Amarah after morning prayer. His focus kept slipping away toward the doors, toward anything but the altar. Every so often, he'd grin to himself, like he was holding onto a secret they hadn't quite caught onto yet.
Two Time noticed. Of course they did.
They leaned closer during a pause between prayers, lowering their voice. "You're acting strange today."
Azure startled, then laughed softly. "Am I?"
"Yes," they said, nodding with certainty. "You aren't focused."
He met their gaze, expression warm but unreadable. "Just thinking about something."
That answer only made them more curious.
As the final prayer ended, and everyone rose, Two Time found their attention drawn to Azure, a strange flutter settling in their chest. Whatever he was planning, they could feel it, like the calm before something gentle and important.
A sharp voice cut through their soft moment, and both of their heads snapped towards the owner of that voice. Amarah.
Two Time swallowed whatever lump they had in their throat before walking with Azure, hands intertwining.
"Azurewrath. Two Time," the mentor started, running his hands through Two Time's hair, "you were very late to morning prayers, hm?"
"I– I apologize, Amarah," Two Time stammered, gaze finding the ground.
Amarah lifted their chin and kept his expression neutral when they looked back at him. "No worries, my child. It is your first time being late, so I'll excuse it on this occasion."
"As for you," the priest's entire body language changed when his gaze was on Azure. "Let go of their hand this instant."
"Why were you late for the second time this week?"
Azure came up with an excuse quickly as he let go of Two Time's hand. He could see they were nervous and scared of being punished. "I'd forgotten to nourish the garden's plants, and I was unaware of the time when I finished."
Amarah gave him one stern look, not being convinced enough. "You may go. May the Spawn bless you."
"May the Spawn bless you as well," both of them said in union.
As they left, their hands locked once again, but tighter, like one was scared to let go.
. . .
The day went by normally, and everyone did their duties as always. Expected for Azure. Two Time caught him starting at the windows or disappearing for a few minutes longer than necessary. When they asked him about it, he'd always respond with, "Just something I need to take care of."
It left Two Time curious, and maybe a bit giddy, but they couldn't place why.
As the day went by, its normal routine, they were granted a short break. Two Time followed Azure back to his cabin, feet aching and stomach growling. The warmth inside his place was familiar, comforting. Azure handed them something to eat while he prepared lunch, and they settled near the kitchen, close enough to hear Azure talk.
They talked idly at first about chores and about the quiet of the day, until Two Time hesitated, fingers fidgeting with the sleeve of their cloak.
"Azure?" they asked, "May I ask you a question?"
He looked up at them from the kitchen. "Of course."
"What is... a Valentine's Day?"
Azure ceased all at once, and the plate he was holding was placed on the counter as he made his way to Two Time.
They couldn't read his expression, but they hoped he wasn't mad at them. He pulled the chair as he sat down next to them.
His expression wasn't what they thought at all; instead, it was soft and sympathetic.
Two Time tilted their head, confused. "Everyone's been whispering about it all day. Amarah always said it was a waste of time, that it distracts from devotion. So, I never really... learned."
"It's not a waste," he said quietly. "It's a day people use to show love, not just devotion to each other. Appreciation, care, and affection."
Two Time listened intently, like they always did when Azure spoke. They found his voice soothing.
"Sometimes with gifts." Azure smiled a little, "or flowers. Or sometimes with dates, or just spending time together and making someone feel cherished."
By the time he finished explaining all the fundamentals to Two Time, their cheeks were a warm shade of rose red, as if the words themselves bloomed there. They smiled without realizing it, eyes bright.
"That sound... really nice," they murmured.
Azure watched them for a moment longer than necessary, admiring them from a short distance. Then he stood.
"Two Time, will you be my Valentine?"
Two Time gasped quietly, their headwings covering their flushed face slightly before they nodded.
"Then meet me in the flower field at sunset," he said. "Dress comfortably."
Two Time nodded immediately, grin widening. "Okay!"
. . .
The sun was already setting when Two Time arrived.
They had to explain to Amarah where they were going, and the conversation was... interesting to say the least.
. .
Two Time was slowly walking out of the church to go into the fields as Azure had instructed them to, managing to be as quiet and unseen as possible. Seems like it didn't work because the moment their hand found the handle to the exit, Amarah was already behind them with a gentle hand on their shoulder, a warning.
"My child," their parent-figure whispered, "where are you going off to?"
"To the fields, Amma..."
Amarah hummed, turning them towards him. "I have no objection, but may I know why you are in this type of clothing?"
"I wouldn't want to make my cloak dirty; you'd have to clean it," they claimed, awkwardly smiling at Amarah.
He sighed, looking them up and down again before pointing at their hips. "I'd given you that cloak to hide that skin; you must wear it.
"But Amma! Just this once...? I'll read ten more pages of my Spawn book!"
Amarah thought for a while, staring at Two Time's outfit. They had a bodysuit with the Spawn emblem, cargo pants, a book bag, and their dagger. He rubbed his forehead before making his final decision.
"...You may go, but be back before light out."
They hugged their mentor tightly. "Thank you, Amma!" they said before gripping their book bag and leaving happily.
. .
They slowed their footsteps as soon as they saw it.
The blanket.
The basket.
Azure, standing there like he'd been waiting forever.
"Oh," Two Time breathed, a few steps away.
Azure turned, the moment his eyes met theirs, his shoulders relaxed. "Happy Valentine's Day."
"I love it." They smiled, suddenly shy, fingers curling into their book bag. "I love all of it."
He smiled, warm and fond. "I'm glad you do."
For a moment, neither of them moved. Then Azure gestured towards the blanket. "Come sit with me?"
Two Time didn't hesitate.
They settled next to each other, close enough that their shoulders brushed against each other. The flowers swayed gently in the wind, the breeze cool but comforting. Two Time glanced around, taking everything in.
"You did all this?"
Azure rubbed the back of his neck. "I wanted it to be simple, but also meaningful to you."
Their chest felt tight in the best way. "It's really pretty," they said. "...You're pretty too."
He froze, then laughed softly. "You can't just say things like that."
"I absolutely can," Two Time replied, smiling.
When the breeze picked up, he reached out—tentatively at first—and brushed a kiss against their forearm.
Two Time laughed, startled and breathless. "Azure—!"
Another kiss followed, just above the first. Then another.
“That tickles,” they said, already giggling, shoulders drawing in.
“You’re laughing,” he pointed out.
“Because you’re being unfair,” they replied, trying to sound serious and failing miserably.
Azure smiled and kissed their wrist this time, then their knuckles. “I like hearing you laugh.”
Their face felt warm. “You’re doing this on purpose.”
“Maybe,” he admitted, before leaning in to press a gentle kiss to their forehead.
That one made them go quiet.
“…That one didn’t tickle,” they murmured.
Azure’s voice softened. “Good.”
They stayed like that for a while, talking about the day, about flowers, about how strange and nice Valentine’s Day felt. Eventually, Two Time reached out and picked a flower, turning it between their fingers.
“Can we make something?” they asked.
Azure followed their gaze and smiled. “Flower crowns?”
“Yes.”
They worked slowly, hands brushing, fingers bumping together now and then. Every time it happened, Two Time laughed softly like it was the funniest thing in the world.
Azure finished first. “Hold still,” he said gently.
They did, eyes closing as he carefully placed the crown on their head, adjusting it until it sat just right. “There,” he murmured. “Perfect.”
Two Time opened their eyes, cheeks warm. “You keep saying that.”
“That’s because it’s true.”
They finished Azure’s crown next and leaned over to place it on him, tongue peeking out in concentration. “Okay… don’t move.”
“I won’t.”
“There,” they said proudly. “Now we match.”
Azure chuckled. “I like it.”
The sky darkened, and stars began to peek through the clouds. They lay back on the blanket, shoulders touching, hands slowly finding each other.
“This day feels… different,” Two Time said after a while.
Azure glanced at them. “Different how?”
They turned their head to look at him, expression thoughtful. “Like it’s supposed to end soon. But I don’t want it to.”
He softened at that. “We don’t have to rush it.”
They hummed quietly, then shifted a little closer, shoulders brushing again. Silence settled. Comfortable, warm. Azure’s fingers twitched, hesitating before reaching out and brushing against theirs.
Two Time noticed immediately.
They looked down at their hands. Then back up at him. “…Azure?”
“Yes?”
“Are you nervous?”
He laughed softly, a little embarrassed. “Is it that obvious?”
They smiled. “A little.”
He took a slow breath. “I just… I wanted today to be special. For you. And I don’t want to ruin it.”
“You haven’t,” Two Time said quickly. Then, quieter, “I don’t think you could.”
Their words lingered between them.
Azure leaned closer. Not all the way, just enough that Two Time could feel the warmth of him, the way his breath slowed. He lifted a hand, brushing his thumb gently along their cheek.
“Can I…?” he asked, voice barely above a whisper.
Two Time’s heart leapt.
They swallowed, face already heating up. “…Yes.”
Azure leaned in slowly, giving them every chance to pull away. Two Time didn’t.
When their lips met, it was soft... barely there at first. Careful. Like both of them were learning something new at the same time.
Two Time froze for half a second.
Then they melted.
Their hands fisted lightly in Azure’s shirt as a quiet, breathless sound escaped them. When he pulled back just a little, their face was bright red, eyes wide.
“Oh,” they whispered.
Azure smiled, gentle and fond. “Oh?”
“I— I think—” They covered their face with their hands, laughing nervously. “I think my heart—”
He chuckled, brushing their hands away carefully. “You okay?”
They nodded quickly. “Yes! Yes. I just— I’ve never—” They trailed off, flustered beyond words.
Azure leaned his forehead against theirs. “Neither have I.”
That made them laugh again, softer this time.
“…Can we do it again?” Two Time asked, barely audible.
Azure didn’t answer with words.
The second kiss was a little less careful. Still gentle, but warmer. Longer. Enough to make Two Time sigh into it without realizing they’d done so.
When they finally pulled apart, Two Time rested their head against his shoulder, cheeks still burning.
“…I like Valentine’s Day,” they murmured.
Azure smiled and pressed a kiss into their hair. “I had a feeling you would.”
They stayed like that, tangled together on the blanket, fingers loosely intertwined. At some point, Two Time’s breathing evened out, their body relaxing completely against him.
Just before sleep claimed them, they whispered, half-dreaming, “I’m glad… my first kiss was with you.”
Azure’s chest tightened.
“Me too,” he said softly.
They fell asleep beneath the stars, flower crowns askew, hands still holding on, ending the day the same way it began: together. (´˘`♡)