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Softness had become a common sensation.
It was strange, a flame raised with violent rigor, its purpose being demeaned to hate and destruction — all just to become addicted to the divine blessing of softness. The softness that came with the sensation of a wool scarf surrounding his soul, the softness that came with the feeling of familiar fingers stroking the surface of his skin, their touch a cooling sensation that calmed the burning spirit within. It would be a lie to say he hadn't grown addicted, craving the wind like a man in a hangover craves alcohol, ready to commit the most heinous of sins to grace the pure hands of his lover. Luckily for him, he didn't have to worry about committing such atrocities for his breeze — given the ring on his finger. But oh, the ring, its beautiful silver surface shining back into maroon eyes like a star in the vastness of dawn, bringing his long, sharp ears a whisper of marriage.
He could still recall the night when such a promise was made. Dusk was lifting herself up and over the horizon as the two guardians watched quietly, the flame's head in his lover's lap. Cold green fingers played with the wisps of flames that adorned his head, the softest of chuckles being let out as he saw another heart shaped flame escape the firey hair. The other guardian merely stared into the addictive emerald eyes, his mouth slightly agape as he found himself just admiring. The slight lift of lips as he found himself chuckling once more, the soft caresses of his cheek, the hands that merely couldn't stop touching. Not that he would ever complain, he was drunk on the ecstasy of his lover, chest heaving as his world was reduced to the mere face that looked at him like he was something. Not fire, not destruction, not pain, not unbearable heat, but something else. Something he couldn't quite identify yet found himself addicted to.
Later into the night the same soft hands lifted themselves from the heated head, earning a glance of worry that was responded to with a soft hush of the lips, the mumbling of a “trust me” leaving his lover's mouth. How could he not trust such a beautiful being? It was somewhat offensive to the spirit for his lover to suggest otherwise. His hands were gently gripped as he was pulled along a shrubbery-lined path, confusion building up as he was finally pulled into a small clearing. The moon illuminated his lover as if he were the last star in the universe, his smile gentle with the light blue tint the night brought.
He couldn't remember exactly what was said — and for such he curses himself, but he could recall the warmth blooming in his chest as the man got on one knee, still holding the flame-ridden hand tightly as he pulled out a ring. Good Lord, the ring was beautiful. Dark green emeralds decorating a silver band that twisted like vines around his finger. He stood still for a whole minute, mouth partially agape as he tried to understand what was just presented. He could see the wind's face still, a mask of fear covering his perfect features as he awaited a response, yet he couldn't move.
Fresh tears of joy flowed from hot cheeks only to sizzle into a vapor as he stared. Slowly, maroon eyes met those of green, being greeted with a face contorted by the disease of ugly fear. He didn't care much for the look, quickly jumping into his lover's arms and continuing the prior sobbing, holding onto him tightly as he basked in the moment. Cool hands wrapped around the bodysuit that covered him, hands slightly charring at the heat of his skin. “Is that a yes..?” The whisper asked, voice frail like a butterfly flying in the breeze.
“I feel more offended that you'd think I'd say no” he mumbled, wiping away the tears that somehow remained on his skin. He could feel the other man's fingers dig gently into his back, holding onto the flame as if he were but a leaf and would fly away.
The memory had planted a seed deep within his mind, one that sprouted into a glorious tree and fed off even the slightest joyful moments between the two. It had grown large now, larger than the trees in the Sacred Forest, larger than the highest mountains in the Dragon's Valley, perhaps even larger than the Millennial Tree itself. But yet it held one purpose, and such was to remember. When enveloped in the comforting plush of the man's scarf while in his most concentrated form — the Dragon's Bead — he would walk across the garden that led to this tree. He would pick a fruit from its vastness and taste the sweet liquor of happy memories atop his tongue.
Now, back to the present. The bead was comfortably held in his lover's arms as his soul remained inside, mind debating on what to do. While being with his lover was entertaining on its own, he wasn't exactly with his partner now, more a cat resting on their owner's lap as said owner does work, or in this case, duties. He found the process annoyingly repetitive, just patrolling the same old forest till dawn and maybe finding a tainted spirit or two after hours of laborous walking. Yes, he felt comforted, and yes he adored the feeling of his lover gently stroking his orb absentmindedly as he went on with his duties, but was it such a sin to just find it so… lackluster?
It had been a while since their last proper date, and while they quite literally spent day and night intertwined together sharing love filled words while gazing into one the other's eyes as if a look away would cause their beloved to disintegrate was, well, daily — it was bound to feel repetitive at some point. Back in the days of their friendship they were constantly sent on missions together to separate continents with the purpose of defeating those great foes; such tasks that forced the two to combine their minds and create great elaborate plans. Maybe he missed the thrill of watching his flames be carried by the wind into a monster's face, causing it to shriek and fall to defeat. The rush of dopamine would always hit him hard, eyes lighting up as he'd look back towards the wind guardian to find him sharing that same happy smile.
Frankly, they were in a horrid war at the times of those missions. Some cookie lady became too obsessed with herself and her cult-like following to where she became a God damn witch. Maybe that's why they were constantly sent on those sorts of great missions. But either way he missed the adrenaline that filled him during those fights, the slightest bit of blush tinting his already rosy cheeks as the Archer would gently grab him to pull him aside from some blast, the man always specifically grabbing his waist. Sometimes he'd get all jumbled in his own thoughts and would wonder if the Archer touched anyone else like that, if he held the moon or sea in the same way he held the fire those dire moments, emerald eyes glancing into maroon with worry as lips tensed with their unspoken vows. He later learned that the waist-grabbing saving technique was always specifically reserved for the spirit. Apparently, given he had no excuse to actually hold him in such a manner day-to-day, he decided to use saving the man as an excuse to touch his fiery skin without getting yelled at for hurting himself.
It always distributed the spirit when he'd lift from the Archer to find the slightest bits of ashen skin around where their skins touched. While it had become less and less common as the two figured out ways to hold one another that would avoid the injuries — it still didn't change the fact that he was hurting his partner. Even from gently lifting his head from the man's hands to find them charred to a phase of his where he refused to touch the other without wearing a cloak to cover all his skin — he was scared of hurting him. No matter how much the wind calmed the burning inferno that made the spirit, no matter how many times he cradled the man in a foreign softness, it didn't stop the flame's destructive manner of life. Somehow, ironic as it was, the bead didn't burn his dearest lover, so hence came the act of the wind holding his beloved flame in the soft hems of his scarf during duties.
And now back to the overwhelming boredom. The horrid, disgusting, and most notably annoying boredom. His solution had become abundantly clear: he wanted to take the man on a date. Maybe not something too extravagant, mortal riches didn't mean much to immortal beings, but he wanted something new yet old. So far his idea was boring, at least according to Storm Bringer. The woman had critiqued his very plain plan of taking him on a slightly more romantic walk, stating “oh but it's too normal” this and “you two have those everyday anyways” that. He'd usually just sigh in defeat, accepting the critique and returning to the drawing board to find himself a new idea, a very common and familiar action.
But as of recently he heard whispers from Mala Sauce about an old and familiar mortal holiday named Valentine's day. He could recall little of his mortal days when he celebrated it, only remembering sharing chocolates with his friends and perhaps one or two roses. It was all very plain, given it was kids who did, in fact, all lacked partners doing it. It was bound to just be boring. But now he had a partner, and not just some random one night stand or first date, but his fiance. It was practically a requirement to do something big and love-filled for the man. He had secretly managed to run astray from his partner for a few minutes and ask the great Millennial Tree about him at some point. While he received few answers, mostly just the man's usual riddle-filled words, he caught some hints. Mostly just remember the man's promise for life, something along those lines. He'd heard it many times, for of course his beloved Wind would tell him of it constantly.
“Back before I gained this physical form I was nothing but the sentient wind, flowing through the forests aimlessly. Deep inside I held a wish for purpose, to be something more than just the guiding path that led sailors to new continents or pulled the weak leaves from string trees, I wished for a physical form. I came to the sweet Sugar Swan about it and swore that I'd devote my life to protecting the forest if granted such a form. She was amused yet she agreed, praising me for such desire. Before entering this form, I swore to her those very words, something about protecting the Sacred Forest. I can barely recall the words any more, it happened so long ago that the whole memory is fading.” He'd always chuckle at those last words, his cheeks would always turn a rosy tint before he'd look down at his lover and search in maroon eyes for a response.
Was the Millennial Tree perhaps asking him to do something related to the wind's duties? If that was the case, then more specifically, what? He could assume it was something related to them, but given the man's intriguing manner of hinting at advice, it felt illegible. And so the spirit was left, stirring in his orb with agitation.
The Wind seemed to notice their lover's pouting for cold fingers dug into the orb ever so gently, pulling him out of the scarf. He pulsed gently beneath the touch, creating small ripples as the surface was stroked lovingly. “Love? Is something annoying you?” He chuckled softly, shaking the orb softly “are you shy?” He laughed at his own comment, kissing the glossy surface before setting it down beside himself “if you're gonna come out be careful, you're on the grass.”
Gentle flames carefully exited the orb, avoiding all possible grass like the plague. Upon reaching air they contorted into the shape of the spirit, the man in a position of Ponder as he looked at his lover. “Why did you set me down on the grass floor?” He complained playfully, rutting his head before dramatically crossing his arms.
“Oh stop being such a big baby” the Archer shook his head, laying back on the ground in a manner so he could still see the spirit. “The sunlight suits you.” He commented, emerald eyes admiring the flame wielding man.
“You say that every day” he mumbled, floating down before laying on his partner's chest. He positioned his arms over the other's so as to not burn the grass, setting them face to face. “Everyyyy day Windy.”
“Mmm, am I lying?” He asked in response, reaching his finger to gently push back the flames that fell over the man's face, smiling.
“You're gonna burn yourself..” The flame guardian mumbled, maneuvering himself away from the touch, only to be pulled into a kiss. It was not like he could fight a kiss, if he even wanted to, after all they felt like heaven. He gently sunk into the other's lips, a slight grin appearing on his face.
Eventually the wind guardian pulled away, looking at his lover with hooded eyes and smiling, charred hands feeling around him gently. “Sometimes I wish we could stay like this forever” his voice was a hushed whisper as he pressed their lips together once more, earning the softest giggle.
“Maybe we can” the one of fire suggested “forever and ever and-” he was cut off with a finger to his lips followed by disappointed tutting, making the flame guardian's smile drop dramatically as he groaned. “Don't say-”
“-Duties” he finished for him, chuckling “come on, I still have to do them love” he replied, earning a dramatic pout in response. A flaming hand gently played with his collar, babbling about how annoying these so-called duties were.
“At least bring me along, geez.” He mumbled, earning a nod as the wind guardian lifted the orb that stored the man's soul again, lifting it towards him. “Already?” He murmured , complaining as he always did.
“We can lay here for a little longer, I'm not against this position.” He replied, earning a laugh from the other as he gently hit his chest before laying down on the soft skin, dimming his flames.
“Can we nap together here? Just for a bit?” He asked, his hands gripping the man's shirt like a cat's claws to prey. “You make a great bed.”
“I never understand how you get so tired lazing around all day” the wind guardian laughed but accepted the request, holding him tightly “lets sleep here, for now, I'm only giving us like an hour” he stated, earning some quick enthusiastic nods. With approval granted the spirit allowed himself full relaxation, cuddling up against the wind's chest like a child and dozing off into a peaceful sleep.
-
“Fire Spirit?” A sweet voice asked, blue fabric trailing behind a beautiful woman as she revealed herself in the light of dusk. “Why are you here? And so late? Should you not be with the Wind?” Moon Light questioned, circling around the fire guardian, her eyebrows furrowed. “And why so suddenly? It's been months since we last saw one another.” She mumbled, concern evident in her tone.
“What's up with this commotion…” Mumbled Storm Bringer, walking out from the woman's bedroom. She was followed by Sea Fairy, more weary than the other two. As soon as she saw the other guardian she calmed, now wearing the same mask of confusion. “Fire Spirit? What are you doing here???”
“Oh geez did I interrupt some sort of girl's night?” He asked awkwardly, pointing at all of them only to receive a nod. He rubbed the back of his head awkwardly, being met with crossed arms from Moonlight before his hand was grabbed by Storm Bringer.
“Cmon, we're going back inside, there we can discuss everything” she mumbled, sleep evident in her tone as she guided the spirit back to the room full of beds. “So, why'd you come here so suddenly?” She asked again, turning towards the spirit and cocking a brow. The man mumbled something incomprehensible, examining him for a moment before noticing the engagement ring and gasping, pulling his hand closer “You and Windy got engaged???” She asked, pointing to the ring as if he didn't stare at it every night with adoration.
“Yeah… I wanted to tell you guys but well” he gestured to the room around him, earning a quick nod. Moonlight came towards the commotion, deciding to examine whatever was happening herself before gasping. She looked up at the spirit, a silly grin on her face as she hugged him tightly before lifting him. “Woah!” He yelped, gripping onto her tightly as he was spun around.
“Frost Queen look who got engaged!” Storm Bringer pointed out teasingly to the other woman sitting in the bed, earning a small nod from her as she examined the ring. “You should've told us before! Geez, when are you guys getting married? Can I be invited?” She asked quickly, tugging him to sit down on the floor with the other four.
“I came to ask actually… about Windy” the man mumbled, his cheeks turning a rosy tint as he thought out his words “Valentine's Day is coming up and I just need ideas…” he mumbled, looking at his friends who nodded quickly.
“Well lover man, what do you know about what he likes?” Asked Moonlight, tilting her head with intrigue. “Anything he may appreciate?”
“Well he likes a lot of things, I know he likes flowers but hates bouquets so I've been growing these cute little flowers in a pot to hopefully be to his liking. I also know he enjoys specific kinds of caramel so I want to ask Starch Noodle about buying me some from the main markets. I also know he really, really likes touching” he paused for a moment before rambling “I know it's very random! But like due to me being fire and all I burn him whenever he touches me and I guess I just really, really hate that. He doesn't mind but I feel guilty every time his cheeks or hands become scarred because I decided to hold his hand.” He mumbled, voice filled with guilt as he spoke softer as if the truth was disgusting.
Frost Queen looked at him for a moment, debating before offering “I believe if given enough time I could figure out some sort of shield that prevents you from burning him?” She slowly stated “I once crafted Cotton a necklace that would protect her from the fire. She still kept her original temperature, sense of touch, all of it, just the fire wouldn't burn nor hurt her if she came too close” the icy woman offered, tilting her head.
“You can do that?" Storm Bringer asked, mouth agape “well we already have a solution! That's great!” She laughed for a moment before looking at Fire Spirit. “Well now I want to hear about this relationship, you owe it.”
“Don't force him to speak if he doesn't want to” Sea Fairy sighed softly, her hand cradled in Moonlight’s lap as she gently stroked the patterns of the waves. “But, I must say I am interested.”
“Oh geez” the Spirit blushed for a moment before mumbling "It's been a bit since we started dating and he only recently proposed. We're still making wedding plans and stuff.. “ He replied, his face becoming a rosy red as his flames contorted into small hearts.
“Any other gifts you plan to give him?” Asked Frost Queen, batting an eyelash with intrigue “knowing you this is… apologies for my wording, but lackluster.”
“Well, I was hoping that Millennial Tree could possibly “assign” us a mission together just like the old days, then when we get there I sorta take him on a date, that's the plan so far” he shrugged, fidgeting with the blankets “ and I should probably get going, he'll kill me if I come home late” Fire Spirit joked, laughing to himself before standing up.
“Already? You just came!” Moon Light complained, shaking her head “ we haven't seen each other in a while and this is how short our meet is? Okay Fire Spirit” she said sarcastically before laughing.
“Okay let's let the lover boy return to his wind now” Frost Queen stated before sighing, looking to Fire Spirit "I'll see if I have your necklace done by Saturday”
“Thank you, all of you” Fire Spirit replied, quickly standing up and rushing to the door “goodbye! Have a fun night!”
-
The wind sat on the porch quietly, his expression one of worry as he looked out into the vast darkness. It would be a lie to say he wasn't dearly missing his husband that very moment, yearning for the man to suddenly come back and perhaps kiss him on the cheek just as he always did. His wings shifted with disappointment as he slowly pushed off from the railing, posture slacking.
The crisp sound of flames rushing his way rang prominently in the air.
He quickly turned only to be tackled to the floor by his lover, the man embracing him in a tight hug before kissing his forehead quickly. The wind guardian was caught off guard, eyes wide as his cheeks were adorned with a light blush. “Fire!” He stated, hugging him closely as if letting go was forgetting. The spirit laughed at the action, gently shimying his arms out to home his lover's face.
“I'm sorry it took so long, I had to go to Moonlight's place” he explained, kissing his dove before slowly lifting him and taking the man to their shared bed. “I will also be gone for a bit tomorrow night, so I guess that's a quick warning.” He was met with a frown, the dove holding onto him.
“Why are you disappearing so much?” He asked, feeling the flame putting on his heat resistant gloves and quickly beginning the careful process of preening his lover. He adjusted his wings to aid with the action, spreading out the beautiful white feathers.
“I'm making you a surprise,” the spirit admitted, chuckling “you'll love it, I just know it.” He massaged the man's shoulders as the other hand brushed through the feathers, pulling out wrong ones and aligning them back together.
“How could I not love anything from you?” The other asked, sighing dramatically before kissing the flame. The man laughed at the action, turning the wind to face forward as he continued the gentle process.
“Well, you never know, you have called my ideas dumb before.” Fire Spirit shot back, only to be met with a sarcastic groan.
“I'm sorry that pea shooter 5000 doesn't sound very great” he retorted, shaking his head as boisterous laughter rang from his lover.
“You're just a bit hater Windy” commented the flame, booping his lover's nose quickly with love. “Do you want a hint?” He whispered, giggling.
“Would it truly be a surprise then?” Wind Archer asked curiously only to receive sad mumbling from his lover, laughing again “okay dear, you can give me hing.”
“Touch without burning” he whispered, watching his lover's eyes light up as he gasped. He nodded quickly, chuckling as he was pulled into his wind's arms and kissed quickly.
“Oh my good Lord I can not wait” he giggled, continuing to kiss the man “to finally hold you without this worry of yours…” A genuine tear began to form in the wind's eyes “and to not have you as scared anymore… to finally”
The fire guardian quickly pulled him closer, allowing the wind to rest his head on his chest “touch without pain” he repeated, chuckling “I can't wait.”
“I also can't, we have to sleep faster for it to come” he mumbled, cuddling up against his lover quickly “fast, we need to do it fast.”
“Oh wow, I've never seen you this excited” he wasn't able to say much else before he was pulled down and hugged tightly, being held against the wind.
“Sleep, I love you” he stated, leaving no room for debate.
“I love you too” the flame whispered back, giggling softly before cuddling into the wind.
-
“A mission?” The great Tree repeated the Flame's words, tilting his head. “You wish for me to tell Wind Archer that you two will be going on… a mission? Is that it?” He asked, gently rubbing his chin as he considered his words.
“Is that not what you spoke of that day?” He replied, his voice a careful whisper as he watched the tree quietly “I thought you were saying for me to take him on a date related to his duties, so his missions.” He argued, tilting his head before looking at the man.
“You read my words well” he laughed heartily, eyes lidded as he guided Fire Spirit to the Great Tree “your flames are very smart.” He stated, pulling him along the path.
“Well, there isn't much else Wind Archer loves except for his friends and duties.” He replied, shrugging slowly. Millennial Tree considered the man's words before shaking his head.
“Not exactly, dear flame. He does love the soft rustle of the wind in the mornings, he enjoys the feeling of soaring in the air beside you, he likes many things, but they're merely small to you. He likes the soft kisses you give him before sleep, the quiet exchanges you share in the forest as sleep overtakes you two, he loves many things.” He chuckled, glancing at the spirit “but yes, you're still right.”
“Well if we were to consider such things then I couldn't go on forever, I love looking into his eyes, holding his hand, the sensation of being nestled in his scarf as he does his duties, preening his wings after a long day, and so much more. I don't really consider those things when, well, planning. They sort of happen naturally.” He shrugged, looking at the great tree quietly “what do you think?”
“If we don't appreciate these tiny things then we're bound to not appreciate the true extent of their love.” He replied, his hands grazing some shrubbery. “If you only pay attention to the main picture, then how do you expect to notice the fine details?” He glanced at Fire Spirit. “I'm not saying you're exactly doing it wrong, but have you considered such a perspective yet?” He asked curiously, tilting his head.
“No, not really I guess. I just kind of expect such intimacy.” He replied, shrugging slowly before glancing up at the tree “but it's not like he'd just stop if I didn't appreciate every slight thing, would he?” Asked the flame ridden man curiously. “Right?”
“That's for you to answer dear” Millennial Tree responded, stroking the grass beside the tree before turning to the guardian, smiling. “Well then, you should be off soon, your lover awaits your word.”
“Already? So fast?” He asked quietly, coming closer to the tree before looking up at him, lips a thin line.
“Well, yes, I don't know what else to tell you dear, go show your love.” He whispered, gently gesturing for him to go. The spirit took a moment before nodding.
“Thank you then, dear Millennial Tree, for this knowledge.” He began to float back towards the forest's shrubbery, waving goodbye.
The Tree smiled, chuckling to himself before waving goodbye to the spirit back “ah, youthful love, may they be blessed.”
-
Everything was going exactly to plan.
The Archer had followed the regular mission procedures, his hair tied back in a bun as he stood beside Fire Spirit, his eyebrows in a tight line. They were walking along the path that the Spirit had preset the prior day, a small clearing being created where his plan would unfold. If it was any other patrolling day then the Archer would be gladly holding his lover's hand, but likely due to the threat of enemies around them he held both of his hands on his bow with an arrow locked in place.
“I'm confused, what's with the sudden mission?” The Archer admits, glancing at his flame wielding lover with confusion. He was met back with a shrug in response “I thought we obliterated all the darkness in that forsaken war, why is it suddenly prevalent again?” He mumbled, his wings adjusting.
“Well, we only really defeated that witch lady, it was kinda just her doing all the evil stuff.” He replied, shrugging before glancing at the man. “So some darkness does remain.”
“Fair” he sighed softly, shaking his head “would it be pathetic of me to admit that I feel nervous?” He asked quietly, looking at his lover with worry. He was met with a shake of the head, the flame gently stroking one of the wind's feathers.
“No, I believe it's perfectly normal” he responded, shrugging “I admittedly also feel stressed.” He was met with silence at that, the Archer examining him before speaking.
“You appear… comfortable though, the only nervousness on you is that kind that you have when you hide something” he stated, tilting his head. “Is this the surprise Fire Spirit? Is this not a true mission?” He suddenly asked, making the flame blush before muttering “dang it” under his breath. “Ah, I see” he responded, chuckling at the reaction.
“How'd you guess so easily? I thought I did a good job keeping it secret!” He complained, pouting like a child as he crossed his arms mid air.
“Well, first of all you already told me before that you were planning some sort of surprise, so I assumed based on that” he shrugged, glancing at the spirit. “And you don't have your usual stressed look on you, if anything you looked excited which is obviously unnatural for such a mission.” He glanced around the path before glancing back at him “so when's the surprise?”
“Give me a moment, the reveal was supposed to happen in a minute” he grumbled.
“Awww, here I can act like I didn't know ever” the Archer replied, quickly putting on a mask of worry that made his lover laugh.
“Oh come on Wind Archer, you don't need to” he sighed, shaking his head before pulling out a strange necklace that made the Archer pause.
“What's that?” He asked, curiously glancing at his partner as he put it on.
“Well, this was supposed to be the part where I put on this necklace Frost Queen made to restrict my burning abilities and then I'd suddenly kiss you and well, I guess catch you off guard with the fact that you weren't burned.” He shrugged, looking at his lover.
“Lah lah lah I'm a clueless Archer who doesn't know anything of my lover’s plan” the other played along, looking forward aimlessly. Fire Spirit chuckled at the action before taking his arm and pulling him into a kiss, watching as the Archer's eyes genuinely widened. “Oh wow, did it actually work?”
Fire Spirit examined the area around the lipsxyhinking for a moment before nodding “yeah, there doesnt seem to be any marks” he examined him closer, moving his head around like an intrigued snake. He suddenly felt his cheeks being caught before he was kissed, eyes widening as his cheeks fell into a deep red blush. The Archer seized the moment, pulling him closer before kissing every spot on his face.
“Oh my dear Flame, you do not understand just how happy I am” he whispered, quickly sneaking in another kiss “to still feel your warmth… yet without the scarring you fear so deeply…” he chuckled, looking deep into his lover's eyes.
“I still have more gifts” Fire Spirit mumbled, earning a surprised coo from his beloved as he tilted his head.
“Even more? You're spoiling me dear, Ill soon be adorned in never ending gifts if you keep this up” he laughed, gesturing towards the wing ornaments the man already made him.
“Well yes, I have to be a good lover after all” he replied, slowly shaking out of the hold and guiding him further along the path. “I got you some of those caramel candies you love and grew you some flowers” he replied, hearing a quiet gasp come from his lover as they arrived at the table where it was all set up. His hand was still tightly wrapped around his lover's as he approached the gifts, wings adjusting as emerald eyes scanned the selection.
“Oh my” he whispered, turning towards his lover slowly with wide eyes “I truly don't know what to say my dear… I'm so glad” he whispered, genuine tears starting to flow from his eyes “I'm so glad… truly” he hugged the flame tightly again, kissing his forehead continuously.
“I'm glad you like the gifts” Fire Spirit whispered in response. “I was slightly worried you wouldn't like the flowers, given they're grown in such a small pot” he said, voice full of guilt.
“Nonsense, we can plant them in a small guardian around our home.” He stated, wings enveloping the spirit of flames.
“Our home” said spirit repeated, his eyes teary as he held the man close. “Ours.”
“Yes my dear, ours” he whispered before he pulled them down onto the grass just as they always did in the forest, grinning as he realized that the spirit's flames wouldn't burn the grass anymore. “You're so beautiful.”
The fire didn't argue back this time, but instead he merely stared, his eyes wide as he tried to process the beauty of the moment that just occurred. He gazed into those emerald eyes like they held the secrets of the universe, eyes trailing now to look at the man's whole face, then his whole being; and at that moment his gaze was akin to that of a devoted worshipper viewing their everything.
And to the spirit, the wind was everything.