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The sun hung high in the sky, painting the grass in vibrant greens. Players were scatted all across the map.
Scott, the elven prince with striking features and a pair of massive, soft owl wings tucked neatly against his back, wandered alone. He preferred observing from a distance.
He spotted the tall person near a small hill, struggling with a bundle of sticks and wool. The man—human, by the looks of it—was unusually tall, with a lanky build that made his movements endearingly awkward. He dropped a stick for the third time, muttering to himself with a sheepish laugh as he bent to pick it up. His blonde hair caught the light, and when he straightened, his face lit up with a bright, genuine smile directed at no one in particular.
Scott’s heart stuttered. Who was this? The way he failed yet kept trying, chuckling at his own clumsiness instead of cursing it, was disarmingly cute. Scott found himself smiling before he could stop it. He adjusted his wings slightly and approached.
“Hey there,” Scott called out, keeping his voice friendly. “Need a hand? Looks like those sticks are giving you trouble.”
The tall human turned, brown eyes widening in surprise before crinkling with another easy grin. “Oh! Yeah, thanks. I’m Jimmy—well, Solidarity, but Jimmy’s fine. I was trying to get some tools and a bed before night fall. Clumsy hands today, apparently.” He rubbed the back of his neck, a dorky little gesture that made Scott’s chest tighten with affection.
“Scott,” he replied, offering a hand. Jimmy shook it firmly. “I was heading out to explore a bit. Mind if I tag along? Safety in numbers on day one.”
Jimmy’s face brightened even more. “Really? That’d be great! I’m not the best at this survival stuff, but I’m willing to learn. Come on, I think there’s a nice spot over that way—lots of flowers. Feels peaceful.”
Scott fell into step beside him. He was used to being one of the tallest players, but Jimmy’s height was striking. It made Scott feel safe. As they walked and talked, Jimmy’s personality unfolded like one of the flowers he kept pointing out. He rambled about his favourite flower from his home server, tripped over a root and caught himself with a laugh.
“You’re really kind, you know that?” Scott said after Jimmy helped him over a small stream, even though Scott’s wings could have easily carried him across.
Jimmy shrugged, cheeks tinting pink. “Just how I am. No point being mean when we’re all stuck here together, right?”
Scott was smitten. Completely, irreversibly smitten. This dorky, clumsy, endlessly kind human had captured his attention in minutes. By the time they crested a hill and looked down into a hidden valley bursting with colourful wildflowers, Scott had already decided.
“This is perfect,” Jimmy breathed, eyes wide. “We could settle here. Team up? If you want, I mean. No pressure.”
“I’d like that,” Scott said softly, wings fluttering with quiet joy. “A lot.”
They spent the rest of the afternoon building. Jimmy’s enthusiasm made up for his occasional fumbles—he dropped logs twice but recovered with jokes that had Scott laughing harder than he had in ages. As the sun dipped low, painting the sky in oranges and pinks, their small base took shape: a crafting table and furnace, a few chests for their few shared items, and one singular bed.
“We only had enough wool for one bed,” Jimmy said apologetically as they sat down on the chests, rubbing his neck again. “And no blankets yet. Sorry about that. I can take the floor if—”
“No,” Scott interrupted gently, his owl wings shifting. “We’ll share. It’ll be warmer that way. Nights get cold.”
Jimmy hesitated, then nodded. “Alright. Thanks, Scott.”
As darkness fell completely, they settled onto the bed. It was a tight fit, but not uncomfortable. Jimmy seemed delighted by the novelty. “I’ve never been the little spoon before,” he murmured sleepily, already curling toward Scott. “You’re taller than me. It feels nice.”
Scott’s heart raced. He lay on his stomach at first, then turned on his side, wrapping one massive owl wing around Jimmy’s form like a living blanket. The soft feathers enveloped them both, providing warmth and a cocoon of safety. Jimmy sighed contentedly, scooting even closer in his sleep-drunk state. His long limbs tangled with Scott’s, head tucking against Scott’s chest, one arm draping over his waist.
“You’re really warm,” Jimmy mumbled, voice thick with drowsiness. He nuzzled closer, completely relaxed and trusting, like they’d known each other for years instead of hours. “Night, Scott. Glad we teamed up…”
Scott lay awake long after Jimmy’s breathing evened out into deep sleep. His cheeks burned with a fierce blush that refused to fade. This adorable human trusted him so completely. Curling into him like this, seeking comfort in his wings, made something protective and tender bloom in Scott’s chest. He tightened the wing wrap slightly, the other wing draping over them both like a second layer. Jimmy made a small, happy sound in his sleep and pressed even closer, legs intertwining.
Scott’s mind raced with soft thoughts. He’s perfect. How did I get this lucky on day one? He studied Jimmy’s peaceful face in the dim moonlight, the slight smile even in sleep. Every clumsy trip earlier, every kind offer, every cute laugh replayed in his head. Scott was gone for him.
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Morning light woke them slowly. Jimmy stirred first, blinking awake and realising how entangled they were. Instead of pulling away, he smiled shyly. “Best sleep ever. Your wings are amazing.”
Scott blushed again but returned the smile. “Anytime. We’re a team now.”