Work Text:
Scott was walking down a long path, trying to get to the sky. He looked up at the sky, disappointed at the trees still covering the twinkling sky. As he quickened his pace, one of his flower crowns started slipping.
He froze in the path when it fell off, twirling to the ground. He turned, ready to pick it up when a strong hand grasped it and stood up.
Scott looked into the eyes of a tall, brown haired man.
He grinned. “Here,” he said. Scott took it gingerly, a little speechless. “Uh.. yeah, thanks.”
Nom took a place beside the elf, walking down the path together. “What are you doing out here so late?”
Scott smiled, tucking a piece of hair behind his ear. “Ive always loved stars. My mother did— uh.. never mind, sorry. I like the stars.”
Scott realized where the ramble was going, cutting himself off quickly.
Nom’s eyebrows furrowed, but he left it alone, thankfully. “Yeah, the stars are pretty great. I just needed a breath of air. I was feeling a little cooped up,” he said, softly, like he didn’t want to break the almost enchanting aura the night held.
Scott nodded. "Yeah, I can relate to that," he said, smiling. They got to the end of the path, and the trees broke and…
wow.
The stars really shined when there wasn't something holding them back.
Nom raised an eyebrow at Scott. "You…really like stars? They're.. kind of pointless."
Scott tore his eyes away from the night sky to look at Noms eyes. They reflected the shimmering twilight, adding more beauty than even usual. "Yeah. They make me feel connected."
Why did he say that? Why oh why did they blurt that stupid sentence out— "connected to what? Or… who?"
Scott swallowed, deciding to look back at the sky. It was easier to talk about this sort of thing when he didn't have to make eye contact.
"My mother. She liked stars. They make me feel safe. Protected. Like.." he sniffed, rubbing his eyes, but there were no tears.
"Like she's still here."
Nom was looking at him intently, Scott could feel it. "Uh, here, we can sit by the shore." He walked forward, breezing by the other man.
He sat down on the rocks heavily, laying on his back to get a good view. The water lapped beneath him, unable to reach the soles of the boots he was wearing.
Nom laid next to him. He sighed. "I guess it's mine turn for a confession, then," he said quietly, again.
Scott glanced over. Nom was looking up at the sky, but his hands were fidgeting which eachother.
"I don't like sitting still. Here. Looking at the stars. It—It makes me feel.. unworthy. Unproductive. Like I'm worthless and I should be doing something and—" Scott interlaced their fingers, squeezing the other man's hand with his palm.
"You are."