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"...Do you prefer the day, or the night?"
"I've always preferred the night."
"Which of the four seasons is your favorite?"
"I've taken a liking to Autumn."
"Alright, now think of a perfect day. What is the weather like? Sunny? Rainy? Or perhaps, cloudy?"
The beginnings of a smirk unfolded over Rerir's lips as he tightened his hold on the Lightkeeper, who was nestled comfortably within his lap, the smaller man looking up at him as the two sat on their bed. "It doesn't matter what the weather is like. So long as I have you, every day is perfect to me."
Flins gave a small chuckle in return.
"What an interesting answer," he mused lightly. "Now then, forests, lakes, or open seas, which do you prefer of these?"
The bandaged man closed his eyes for a moment or two, thinking over the choices. "Hmm...I suppose forests? Khaenri'ah may have been underground, but lakes still existed, even ones that were so wide and so deep they were classified as inland, or rather, under seas. Whereas forests didn't, unless you count giant mushrooms and stones as a forest."
"I've heard that Liyue has a unique karst landscape that's often referred to as a forest, and Sumeru's jungle is supposedly home to enormous mushrooms. So perhaps they can if you want them too."
"My answer is the same regardless. I was never fond of being in deep waters where you can't see the shore even though I know how to swim."
Flins merely nods. "Very well. Now for the final question. Imagine you opened your very own shop. What would you sell there?"
"Wait, what kind of question is that?"
"A very important one."
The Sinner gave a half amused snort at that remark. "So what you're saying is the other questions don't matter at all."
The fae shook his head in response. "No, they factor into my final decision as well. It just wouldn't be very fun if you were only asked one question and judged on that, would it?"
"True. Then I guess if I were to open a shop... I'd sell second chances."
Flins' smile can't help but grow when he hears that, for more reasons than one.
"Well then, with the answers you've given me, I believe the animal that fits my dear morning star the most is..." he trails off before his eyes curve softly, "...an adorable Slothsheep."
The Lightkeeper had to bite his tongue to keep from laughing when he seen the priceless look on Rerir's face. Too bad the now mischievous grin he was wearing didn't help the situation either, especially since Rerir's lips were now pursed into a potent frown.
"Now now, no need to be so nettled, I'm just joking," he said, raising his hand to gently palm the Sinner's cheek and tilting his head in a cute manner. Oh yes, the clever fae had found the loophole that allowed him to get away with teasing his dearest, and he made sure to take full advantage.
"If I'm being honest, while a Pale-Furred Wolf is an obvious choice for you, the animal that I believe fits you the most is the proud Crowned Eagle. With its' keen gaze and impressive strength, it has no rivals within the skies that it freely flies, and nothing can escape its' claws once it sets its' sight on a target."
It's now that Flins shifts and rests his arms over the larger man's broad shoulders, eyes half lidded, and still wearing that playful grin upon his tiers.
"I'm afraid I don't have a sugar sculpture to give you, but perhaps this will suffice instead?" the Lightkeeper hummed while leaning forward and craning his head up, placing a gentle, yet loving peck upon the bandaged man's lips.
Apparently it didn't, seeing as the instant Flins had retreated, Rerir's hand had shot up and grabbed his chin to pull him back for a proper kiss. Not that he minded of course, since he allowed Rerir to deepen the kiss by opening his mouth to welcome the Sinner's tongue inside. It isn't long before the fae finds himself on his back, both of his wrists pinned by one large hand, and the white haired man looming over him with their mouths still kneading together fervently.
When Rerir finally does pull away, the Ratnik is left trying to catch his breath as a full blush claims his elegant features. This time it's the Moon Hunter who chuckles as he dips his head down, heated breath ghosting close against the rounded shell of Flins' ear.
"I'll accept it for now. Though that teasing of yours will only get you so far, my beloved heart," came a sultry purr that effortlessly drew a shiver from the smaller man. It's only then that Rerir backs off, letting go of Flins' wrists and getting off the bed entirely, leaving the fae with a confused pout on his face as he sits up.
"It's nearly time to head out," Rerir notes before offering his hand for the other to take. "And don't worry, we'll pick up right where we left off after Moon Prayer Night winds down."
His sulky expression shifts at that statement, a satisfied smile etching itself over his tiers as he nods and accepts Rerir's hand.
The sun had just set as the couple make their way outside of the lighthouse and the Sinner is quick to change his appearance to his more 'approachable' attire, as he dubbed it, alongside having dark bandages return to cover the bottom portion of his face. Only then does he drag his hand down to create a familiar rift that would take them to the outskirts of Nasha Town.
The port town was bustling more so than normal, with brightly lit decorations of the moon, stars, and kuuhenki, scattered about, canopies and streamers strewn across the plaza while people of all walks of life crowded around various stalls and games. The two took their time perusing the events, stopping first to visit Lauma, who was standing near a booth handing out and helping to hang up wishing slips.
"Good evening you two," the Moonchanter chimed with that airy timbre of hers, "Happy Moon Prayer Night." With that, she offered both men a wishing slip and a pen.
"Thank you, and Happy Moon Prayer Night to you as well, Miss Lauma," the Ratnik says with a nod as he and Rerir accept the trinkets. Honestly, he's not quite sure what to wish for. He's fortunate enough to have good friends, a good home, and of course, his dearest Rerir, who he can see has already penned something on his own tag before quickly handing it to Lauma and whispering something to her under hushed breath. The woman gave a soft giggle before she nodded and hid away the wishing slip instead of hanging it on the rack.
What did he wish for? Flins can't help but wonder before looking back at his still blank slip. Perhaps he should tackle this from another angle. He decides to go with a more sentimental approach, jotting down his wish before handing it to Lauma, giving her a polite bow, and taking the bandaged man's hand within his own as they leave to scout out the other booths. Only when the two are far enough away does Lauma take to hanging both slips on the rack, as Rerir had requested that his be hung without Flins seeing it.
The night continues on, familiar faces pop out of the crowd like that of Miss Columbina, young master Illuga, Miss Aino plus Ineffa, and even Miss Nefer, who is surprisingly civil with Rerir and vice versa, a notion which outright leaves Flins flabbergasted. There truly must be a special type of magic in the air this Moon Prayer Night...
They visit a stall giving away candy with unique flavors, play a game that required you to match kuuhenkis, to which both the fae and the Moon hunter end up covered in stickers due to the rounds going back and forth between them, and even take a few shots at the new and improved ring toss game that Miss Dori had set up. By the time the full moon was nestled high in the sky, the hub has quieted down some and the duo have taken to simply strolling along the upper levels of Nasha Town, enjoying the still lively atmosphere from a more respectable distance away from the main attractions. Rerir had pulled the bandages down from his face to try a bit of the candy he and Flins had received, only to grimace at the bitter taste. To think that one year ago this was a sight that only Flins himself had been privileged enough to see, and now the man felt comfortable enough to show his face in public without worry. Rerir truly had come a long way since he accepted Tholindis' blessing and allowed himself the chance to move on.
"Kyryll," Rerir asked suddenly. "Something just crossed my mind. What would your spirit animal be?"
"Hm?" the other replied, shaking his head as he was pulled from his own thoughts, "Ah, I've never thought about it actually. Although, if I just picked it myself, it would spoil the fun of the game, no?"
"Then how about I ask you those questions instead? I feel like I know you well enough to decide on what creature would fit you best."
Thin brows arched in a cross between curiosity and amusement, then the hints of a smile appeared over his lips as he nodded. "By all means, go right ahead."
"Do you prefer the day, or the night?"
"The night by far, but I've come to appreciate the day as well." Because Rerir made for an excellent pillow, and provided him security he didn't even know he desired when he was able to sleep during the day.
"Which of the four seasons is your favorite?"
"Winter." It reminded him of Snezhnaya, with its' stretching plains of white snow, and the auroras that danced in the skies above. Yet even when he resided within his homeland, the fae still enjoyed the Winter months far more than the other seasons. It provided a quiet, almost serene calm that was unmatched, and the chilling cold brought out the warmth of others, be they fae or human.
"Think of a perfect day. What is the weather like?"
"So long as we're together, every day is perfect to me... Though I do prefer when it's not too hot or sunny outside."
The Sinner gave a gentle laugh at that remark. "Fair enough. Now, which do you you prefer, forests, lakes, or the open sea?"
"I like them all, though I enjoy forests the most overall. There was a large taiga located close to my childhood home that I enjoyed playing in when I was younger." By 'playing', he meant scaring the living daylights out of people who passed through the snow laden woods at night. Though the mischevious little wisp would always make things right by leading the poor victims to a treasure he had hidden, or simply lead them to safety, if they were good of course. If they weren't...then he made sure they never dared to step foot in that forest, or Snezhnaya, ever again.
Now it was time for the final question, and Flins had his answer ready. What he would sell if he had his own shop was-
"Will you marry me?"
Flins stopped dead in his tracks, eyes widening somewhat as his gaze swiftly locked with the Moon Hunter's, mouth slightly agape from astonishment while his mind went blank for a split second. Did Rerir say what he think he just said? Was this because of his little bout of prior teasing?
Rerir, who observed the Lightkeeper's motions like a hawk, was able to easily glean the concern behind his pale yellow hues and took the smaller man's hands within his one of his own.
"I would never say such a thing in jest." He pulled the Ratnik closer, that visible eye fixed directly on him as his free hand had risen, lightly cupping the other's cheek.
"Kyryll, love isn't a strong enough word to describe my feelings for you. You're the best thing that's happened to me in a long, long time. Just hearing your voice and seeing your face brings me an unbridled joy like no other. You've provided me with more than just a second chance at an ordinary life, you've given me a purpose, a reason to use this power of mine for something more, to be a better man than what I once was." He dipped his head down, soft, white locks curtaining his face as he pressed his his forehead against the fae's. "I wish for nothing but to bring you the same happiness that you make me feel each day. I wish to see that beautiful smile of yours, to be by your side through thick and thin, to hold you in my arms and never let you go."
It's now that Rerir pulled away whilst removing his hand from the Lightkeeper's face to pull something from the pocket on his coat, his gaze not leaving the other for even a single moment.
"Kyryll Chudomirovich Flins, would you do me the honor of allowing me to take your hand in marriage?" The bandaged man opened his hand, revealing a silver ring within his palm.
Unlike Tholindis, who had refused to give Rerir a proper answer until it was far too late, Flins didn't even blink twice before he nodded, his features softening as a genuine smile etched itself over his lips.
"Yes," he said in a breathless whisper before repeating once more, making sure the Sinner could hear him clearly. "Yes. I would be more than honored, Rerir."
A moment or so after he had given his answer, the fae had gasped and was forced to cling to Rerir's shoulders as the larger man had suddenly scooped him up by his waist into a tight embrace and twirled him around ardently. When Flins glanced down towards the other, he felt his cheeks heat up while his heart skipped several beats at the sight he was greeted with.
Rerir beamed at him, his smile warm and radiant from sheer elation, his slitted eye had practically lit up, softly curved and holding a delicate tenderness aimed at the Ratnik. He hadn't seen the Sinner look so happy since his and Flins' reunion, and all from him saying one little word. It was an endearing notion, one that effortlessly coaxed Flins into mirroring that lovely view with a mien that was reserved for the Moon Hunter alone.
It's not long before the couple opt to call it a night and leave Nasha Town to return home, and as they make the trek into the outskirts of the port town, the Lightkeeper takes note of the fact that Rerir has not stopped smiling. Only when the two men reach the privacy of their bedroom within the lighthouse does that grin vanish, being replaced with a sultry smirk instead. The Moon Hunter did promise to pick up where he left off after all.
One thing was for certain, neither he nor Rerir would ever forget this night.