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It’s ridiculous how one girl could make Milori turn into a warm, melty mess of a boy.
He remembered that first night they met like it was yesterday. Her warm yellow glow, her reaction to touching snow for the first time, himself accidentally scaring her, the nicest conversation he’s had in a long time.
It was magical.
She was magical.
Tonight, he waited with a book near the border of Spring and Winter. He wasn’t certain she’d actually show up, he could imagine it’s quite difficult to sneak out of the Pixie Hollow Tree.
He always did want to see it in person…
A bright yellow glow beside him had him looking up. He was met by her warm smile, the scent of hydrangeas, and her caramel colored hair.
“Hello,” he said, a smile creeping on his face.
“What are you reading?” Clarion asked.
He shrugged, putting his dried leaf bookmark back in and closing it, “just some book on caring for baby animals, some of the weasels have been trying to adopt some from Fall.”
She let out an “ohhh” and sat beside him, leaning slightly over the border to get a better look at the book.
“Careful,” he gently poked her head back into Spring and moved the book between them.
She gave him a frown, “I can handle Winter, you know.”
“Being careful never hurts.”
She rolled her eyes, no real annoyance in the action, “you’re paranoid.”
He let out an amused huff, “and you’re a little careless.”
“You say that as if it isn’t one of your favorite things about me,” she held her chin up.
“I admire many things about you, Clarion, but that in particular might just give me a heart attack one day.”
“I promise, you and your heart will be fine,” she reassured.
…
The next few hours were spent talking about little things and reading the book together.
Apparently Clarion’s tinker friend who made her Winter coat was crushing on Clarion’s personal knight.
Milori had to wonder just how much was going on in the other seasons — gossip wise, that is.
His gaze kept flicking from the pages to her, her eyes looked so pretty and her smile so warm.
She was as bright as the stars, probably just as warm too. She was as sweet as frozen syrup.
As amazingly unique as a snowflake, as beautiful as one too.
“Milori? Are you all right?”
He was brought out of his daze at the sound of her voice. He blinked a little and nodded, “of course.”
She raised an eyebrow, not buying it. Why did she have to be so perceptive?
“Truly, I’m fine — more than, actually.”
She let out a soft sigh, “if you say so.”
He had to force his focus back on the book. Something something fawns something something.
…..when did they get from weasel kits to fawns?
Milori could feel his cheeks redden as it became apparent just how busy he’d been admiring Clarion instead of paying attention to the book.
Oh she would tease him endlessly for this.
Eventually, they finished reading the book. It was still night, though the moon was considerably lower now.
Clarion frowned when she looked up at it, like it had personally offended her.
“I should be heading back,” disappointment was dripping off every one of her words.
He tried to hold back his own disappointment. It was far too selfish to wish she’d stay longer. She had a coronation coming up, she had to be preparing for that on top of her other responsibilities.
“Alright,” he muttered as he stood up and offered her a hand.
She took it, giving him a thanks and a goodbye as she turned to leave.
It felt like she was taking the warmth with her.
Before he could stop himself, he spoke again. “Clarion, wait.”
She turned to look at him, a few paces away. Her blue eyes held confusion.
Her eyes always did remind him of bluejays.
Milori walked over to her and gave her a soft kiss. So soft it was practically a whisper.
He smiled and gave her a “have a safe travel” before racing back into Winter, far over the border and hid behind some foliage.
Her yellow glow was pinkish now, he could imagine his was similar.
After she left, he could still feel the warmth.
Spring was warm — no, warm was an understatement. It felt like he was burning when he was over there for only a few seconds. Was that how she felt when she first stuck her hand into Winter all those nights ago?
Heavens, he’d love to face it again if it meant more time with Clarion.
He shook his head, trying to force that idea out. No, that idea’s dangerous and stupid.
He felt a pair of large yellow eyes on him, he looked up to see his owl, Noctua, staring at him.
He swears, he can see a smile on her face.
“Not a word about it…” he said.
She whistled.
“Yeah yeah, I finally kissed her. You can stop egging me on about it.”
Another whistle.
“....No, I haven't told her I love her yet.”
He could practically feel her judging him.
“I’ll get on that…eventually.”