Work Text:
"I told you to stay put." Ananas Dragon said as they crossed their arms and glared at the greenish-red dragon. It had been several days since their encounter with the cookies, and nothing out of the ordinary had happened. They had bandages in their hands, wanting to tend Pitaya Dragon's injury, but the other dragon had other ideas—and a lot of energy. Too much, to the point that the dragon kept moving around, even to the point of making Ananas Dragon's heart leap whenever they moved too abruptly. The wound was slowly getting better, but no way near perfect. The flesh was just mending itself back.
"You sssshould allow me room. I am not going to ssssit here doing nothing. I am a dragon, and I'll—"
"You are not a dragon with that wing."
Pitaya Dragon stopped in their tracks. Their wing twitched once. Then their tail flickered side to side, staring at the ground with a stone-faced expression.
"Don't make such a fuss about it." Ananas Dragon scowled and cut the bandage with their claw, then taped it securely. "There. You can fidget now. I'll go back to my throne."
"You are leaving me here?" Pitaya Dragon asked, their head tilting slightly to the side as their eyes landed on the golden dragon. Something in their eyes was different. But Ananas couldn't care less to stick about and find out. They had places to be. So, they carefully got up from the nest.
"As always. You are staying here."
Staring at Pitaya for a moment longer, they slowly turned around and walked away to the entrance of the den, but stopped when they heard Pitaya's voice.
"I did not ask for this."
"I know. Complaining won't change it." And they walked away.
Sitting in the middle of the nest, Pitaya Dragon stared at the pillow in their own paws; the claws that had dug through caused dents alongside it. They didn't want to actually grip it too hard, but they needed to scratch their nails on something. Rub their scales to get them scrubbed. They needed to act like the dragon they were. Wrap themself in their own tail and snuggle into their own nest. But this cookie body's tail was too small, and their body didn't allow them to lie down on the stomach with paws tucked beneath.
They tilted their head up and looked around the empty nest, the one warm place slowly feeling like a safe prison. It was welcoming, they knew. But it was also suffocating, knowing they had left their own nest unattended for weeks.
Moving slightly, they lay down on their stomach, not minding the pain of the stitches pulling, and pulled their legs beneath them. Then, they placed their paws up front and placed their head on it, their tail moving to futilely cover them.
They covered themself with their wings and just stared through the tear in one of them. The opening showed the door as they just stared.
Was it normal to want to get out? Right now?
The nest itself probably smelled like them more than Ananas Dragon now, especially since they had been here for such a long time. But if they closed their eyes and focused, they could still smell the scent of pineapple, still so strong next to their own dragon fruit scent.
They lay there for several moments before they suddenly sat up and their head snapped at the pillows…
Ananas Dragon yawned and stretched, ready to possibly cuddle with the other dragon in a pile and rest. The day had been slightly more exhausting, with some demands of the cookies they were taking care of.
Seeing the den entrance, they walked faster and flapped their wings lazily. A quick flight would have been nice, but they didn't want to wait any longer to lie down.
Entering the den, their tail subtly wagged side to side as they looked around.
"Pitaya?" They asked, not seeing them anywhere in the nest. As well as, some of the pillows and blankets were missing.
They stepped up, leaning down and taking a sniff. The fresh scent of dragon fruit was still there, so it couldn't have been so long since the other dragon left. And they took a part of their nest? They actually touched and disturbed something belonging to Ananas Dragon?
Did they not know basic etiquette??
They tilted their head up and sniffed again, trailing towards the scent. Moving, they walked as they followed it. Getting outside of the den, walking towards the mountain and flew several stories up just so they wouldn't use more energy to walk. Had Pitaya Dragon actually walked this long with that injury? The wind made it harder for them to pick up the scent, but it was still there. The scent did trail to a lot of places, almost aimlessly. Like someone was trying to find something but never did.
They didn't know how long they had been following the scent before they landed on the ground and looked around at the last place. It was beside the hill with a nice view of the ocean surrounding the island. The rocks were worn down by time, creating a small nook safe from the rain and the wind.
And in the middle was Pitaya Dragon, who was just resting there in a curled-up position. Their stomach was down, and their wings blanketed them. A guarded but comfortable way dragons usually slept.
Staring at the blankets and pillows, a part of Ananas Dragon wanted to growl and take them back. It was their nest's stuff. They belonged to them. They had the right to take what was theirs.
So, with stern steps, they walked closer and crouched down, not getting into the nest—but just taking a sniff. Trying to understand the situation. It did smell a lot like dragon fruit, with almost no traces of pineapple that would indicate that it was theirs. Not even the pillows. In fact, it smelled so much like Pitaya Dragon to the point that Ananas Dragon's instincts told them to back up. That they weren't supposed to be here.
They sighed and stood up once again, turning around and looking at the clearing.
They could just wait for them to wake up. And in the meantime…
Landing on the ground with a soft thud, they crouched down and set the big leaf bundle on the rock of the hill. Pitaya Dragon was still sleeping, soft snores escaping their lips as Ananas Dragon kept watch over them. Bringing food, offering protection- most of what they did anyway. Without the safety of their own den, and with this den of Pitaya Dragon too out in the open, it was reasonable for them to keep watch.
When a particular sound escaped Pitaya Dragon's lips, Ananas Dragon tilted their head to the side and crossed their arms.
"About time that you woke up, sleepyhead."
Pitaya Dragon grumbled and slowly pushed themself up, their eyes gradually opening to look around.
"How long have you been sssstanding there?"
"Almost the whole noon. You wasted quite a lot of my time." They grumbled and flexed their wings, evading their gaze.
"Awww, you waited for me." Pitaya Dragon chuckled and stood up, raising an arm to stretch, only to hiss as they pulled their stitches.
Ananas Dragon tried not to react, but they were already untangled before they could stop them.
"Do NOT move that quickly."
"Fine! Fine! It's jussssst pain." They rolled their eyes and leaned forward, only to place one foot to push themself up—now standing. "Look! I can walk on my own now. I can finally get ssssome ussse to thessss legs!"
"I suppose you did walk out of my nest all the way to here, carrying those nesting materials of mine nonetheless."
"Rightttt. I did sssteal them." Pitaya Dragon shrugged and walked towards Ananas Dragon, closing the distance. "But they ssssmelled more like me than you. Meansssss they are mine now."
"You are not exactly allowed to establish a nest in my territory. This is my island, and at the highest point lies your nest. That's quite—against our principles."
"Principlessss, yesss." Pitaya Dragon nodded. "Doessss bringing me food count asss principlesss?"
Ananas Dragon opened their mouth, closed it, and scowled.
"I am merely taking care of a dragon who's injured. I have told you that I cared."
Pitaya Dragon looked up and down at them before they walked towards the leaf bundle and opened it, looking at the various fruits and dead bugs inside. Even a cockroach! Crunchy! They grabbed it and bit on the head, chewing as they spoke.
"If you want to court me, just say ssso."
Ananas Dragon tensed up, their tail stopping their movements and their eyes widening.
"I do—not. I have no reason to court you or wish something with you." As Ananas Dragon spoke, Pitaya Dragon wasn't sure that they believed it, given how Ananas Dragon seemed so confused as they spoke.
"I mean, thissss isss a nice roach. And you know I love roachesss. Ssssso…"
"My actions do not mean I am courting you." Ananas Dragon finally said.
Pitaya flopped the rest of the roach into their mouth and sat on the ground with the bundle between their legs.
"Look, I don't want to disssresssspect but you would have bitten me off in my sssslumber. I am in your territory and acted outsssside of your control. But you didn't. You know who elssse doesn't do that?"
"Courtships and relationships." Ananas Dragon mumbled as they stared at the floor.
"Exactly." Pitaya Dragon nodded and dug through the bag again, grabbing a wild berry and biting into it. "Did you fly outsssside of the issssland for thessse?" They tilted their head up, only to see Ananas Dragon looking away and mumbling things under their breath. Pitaya Dragon ended up raising an eyebrow, then just chuckled. "I'm up for it if you want to court me. I've never been courted before. Ssssingle mingle."
That had Ananas Dragon's attention.
"You won't fight it as a proper dragon would?"
"I sssaid I am up for it, not that I won't give you a hard time." They flopped more berries into their mouth.
"We might end up killing each other. The difficulty of courtship has been one of the reasons why our kind has been going extinct." Ananas Dragon hummed, looking into Pitaya's eyes. "The risk is far too great."
"I am far too injured if you do brawl me anyway," Pitaya Dragon sighed and looked down at their wound. "I would ssstill fight, but I wouldn't sssstop. Ssso, death."
Ananas Dragon nodded.
"No need to lower down the amount of dragons to four, maybe even three if we end up killing each other just for courtship."
"You're right, fineee." They took out an apple, then threw it at Ananas, who caught it in midair. "Maybe after I am healed."
"Are you planning to stick around?"
"Not really," Pitaya Dragon shrugged. "You do know that you'll leave your issssland if you do court me, right? We'll need to find a new den."
"I can't leave my island. My island is very dear to me."
"Dearer than your inheritance?"
Ananas Dragon didn't answer for a moment. Their gaze was on the shore, and eventually on the trees of their island and the establishment of the mango cookies.
"Do not make me do this."
"I wassssn't." Pitaya Dragon sighed out. "Just ssssaying, thissss issssn't exactly as easssy as mortal cookiessss." They placed the bag aside and crossed their legs, leaning back on their arm as their tail slowly moved side to side. "I already once lossst to you anyway."
"You were severely weakened and were below me by choice." Ananas Dragon raised an arm and squeezed their nose bridge. "I do not doubt that you would have bitten me off if you wanted to get out."
"Well, I am not into fighting now." Pitaya Dragon grumbled. "Thissss body is already weak asss it is. Who sssays you need to fight me firsssst anyway? I thought you were ssssupposed to bring me giftssss first."
"Right…I suppose I am doing this now. For you or the future of dragon kind?"
"Both? I am doing thissss becausssse you care about me. That'sssss nice to know."
Pitaya Dragon smiled and stuck their tongue out.
Staring at the small gemstone in their hand, Pitaya Dragon wiped it for the third time and held it up to the moonlight. This was Ananas Dragon's first gift to them, a small ringstone that was yellow, golden-like. It was supposed to resemble Ananas Dragon's overall style, and it seemed nice enough to put into Pitaya Dragon's nest. Placing it onto a specific spot and circling inside the nest to get comfortable. The dragon hadn't shown up and given them the gift, no. It appeared by the hill with a single scale of Ananas Dragon's. A reminder of whose gift it was.
They closed their eyes as their tail softly let out thudding noises against the mattress, a pleasant smile on their lips. Almost toothy if they allowed it. The courtship stuff was a bit random, but it seemed like Ananas Dragon actually wanted them beside themself, and it wasn't a surprise that Pitaya Dragon liked it. Not a single dragon had tried to court them, deeming them too reckless to bear a cub with, or too head-on to be a good partner.
As a dragon, should they have been snappy? Growl? Make Ananas Dragon regret ever acting like they courted the reddish dragon? Maybe. That was expected. That was what the dragons who were being courted did. They were supposed to be stubborn, difficult, mean, and aggressive. Because being courted meant you were to stay in a relationship you didn't pick. They couldn't just refuse the courtship other than to kill the other.
Pitaya Dragon parted their eyes and looked at the ocean, the moon's reflection on it.
They didn't want to be that difficult. It was nice being the one who Ananas Dragon kept in their arms. Was it weird that they could actually pick this courtship even without Ananas Dragon courting them first?
Letting out a yawn, they shifted to get more comfortable before the sound of flapping came to their ears. They sat up, looking around and trying to understand where it was coming from.
Before a particular dragon who was growling landed on the ground and started walking towards Pitaya.
"Ohhhh, no, no, nope." Pitaya Dragon growled out and opened their wings, ready to flee if Ananas Dragon tried anything. "What isss it you are trying to do?"
Ananas Dragon panted and stood right beside the nest, not stepping further as they took in a breath.
"I—" Their voice was raspy. "I hadn't slept alone for a while. I am not taking it well. It is—restless."
Pitaya Dragon's wings curled back up, tilting their head at Ananas Dragon's state before they shuffled.
"You could have jusssst led with that." They sighed. "We can lie down."
Ananas Dragon nodded but didn't move, staring at the nest as if it would bite them before Pitaya Dragon sat down and moved to grab Ananas Dragon's paw. They pulled them slightly, making them sit on the nest and watch what they were doing.
The other dragon sat there for a while, unmoving, before they shifted. Their arms moved around Pitaya Dragon's waist, pulling them closer and burying their nose into the other's neck, taking Pitaya Dragon by surprise.
"Uhhh, wassss thissss in the deal?"
Ananas Dragon shook their head and circled their tail around them as well.
"I think we sssskipped ssseveral sssteps, but who isss keeping count?"
"I do not care." Ananas Dragon suddenly said, nuzzling into the other's skin. "I wasn't aware of how my body had come to get used to this."
Pitaya Dragon shifted a little to glance at the dragon attached to them.
"You're jusssst going to breathe down my neck?"
Ananas Dragon opened their eyes slightly where they had closed them and subtly nodded, their arms holding Pitaya Dragon closer.
"You do not have to believe me, but I felt—itchy all over. And aggressive to the point I growled at one of the mango cookies who had come for an errand in my temple." They sighed, and their tail flicked. "I do not simply lose control."
"And I am the fault?" Pitaya Dragon grumbled out. "Maybe you are hungry or sssomething. No way sssshould your body think—no, wait." They blinked and pushed themself away from Ananas Dragon, who reluctantly pulled their arms back. "No, that'sssss—that isss weird."
"What is weird?" Ananas Dragon asked, their voice having a slight bit of worry that had Pitaya's tail stand higher.
"Thissss—Ugh, I can't even sssay it." They looked away and took in their environment. They could maybe make a run for it. Just a test. It wouldn't hurt anyone—other than them, maybe.
Without further thinking, they stood up and turned around.
"What are you doing?" Ananas Dragon's concerned voice came from behind, but Pitaya Dragon shifted their leg and started to sprint. Down the mountain as they used their wings to create a push against the wind.
Ananas Dragon blinked behind them, just staring until they pushed themself up and stumbled on their step.
"WHAT?" They took another step again, until they were running behind Pitaya as well. "YOU ARE INJURED." As they tried to follow the greenish-red dragon, who was too fast for an injured dragon, they wondered about the reason for this run. Just a chase? Rough play? A game? Was it just so they could move their muscles before slumbering? When Pitaya Dragon swiftly changed their way, Ananas Dragon was soon to follow. Could it be just a tag? Why would the other dragon want to run away from them?
They suddenly halted a step, standing in the forest as they stared at Pitaya Dragon's disappearing frame.
They had run after Ananas Dragon had told them they wanted them to be there. To lie together. To—they had refused them? They wanted to get away from them? With those injuries?
After they had been nothing but kind to Pitaya Dragon?
A low growl started to rise from their throat, taking them by surprise as they shook their head. No, they couldn't. Pitaya was injured. They weren't going to battle them to see the extent of their refusal.
But—
The growl didn't stop, rattling through their chest as their tail swayed around like a snake, their wings flaring open.
They needed the other to show their strength. To prove that they didn't need their protection. That they could stand on their own enough to refuse such a dragon as them.
Giving out a roar, they flapped their wings forward and started to fly, chasing Pitaya Dragon with a speed they had never done before. Jumping through tree to tree when the forest got too crowded.
Pitaya Dragon was up front, feeling the muscles in their legs work as they hissed with each step. The stitches around their abdomen were aching, but the skin had mended itself, leaving a pink, tender skin that Pitaya Dragon thought about it as fine.
Looking back, Pitaya Dragon saw Ananas Dragon leaping towards them, seeing the golden dragon's mouth open to sink their fangs into Pitaya Dragon's neck. But Pitaya Dragon threw themself to the side to dodge, leaving their head where it was.
Pitaya Dragon growled at Ananas Dragon doe the golden dragon to take a step back and stand where they were. The greenish-red Dragon's tail started to sway at the same time as Ananas Dragon's, mimicking their movements as a clear challenge.
Ananas Dragon let out a confused grunt before they took a step up and hissed.
Pitaya Dragon took a step up as well, yet didn't hiss. They didn't need to. They just needed to battle Ananas Dragon here. No point in talking it out. Both of them were too out of it to actually step outside of their mindset.
Before Ananas Dragon could make a move, Pitaya Dragon dashed towards them and moved to dig their claws into Ananas Dragon's shoulder, who quickly jumped away and hissed in surprise. But even that didn't stop them for long—as Ananas Dragon jumped straight to stumbled both of them onto the floor.
Pitaya Dragon kicked Ananas Dragon's abdomen with a war cry and quickly stood up, holding their abdomen as they glanced at their surroundings. What to do and what to use. They needed to get Ananas Dragon below them somehow.
After being kicked, Ananas Dragon grunted and jumped again, their lips parting to dig those fangs at Pitaya Dragon.
The greenish-red dragon raised a paw and squeezed it—and punched Ananas Dragon right in the face. Rough enough to make the golden dragon stop and growl even louder.
"Sssshit." Pitaya Dragon took a step back and flapped their wings to get away as Ananas Dragon jumped at them again. Their abdomen was stinging, and actually sitting down would have been better. Maybe they could surround and allow Ananas Dragon to do whatever they wanted with them.
No, that was stupid. They were a dragon for a reason. Pitaya Dragon could protect themself.
With confidence, they started to move quicker around Ananas Dragon, circling around them and confusing them.
To the right, Pitaya Dragon lunged in for a scratch on the back, but Ananas Dragon dodged it. The golden dragon couldn't keep up with their attacks, and wasn't even in the right mind to actually strategize towards them.
Getting the momentum, Pitaya Dragon lunged again, ignoring the pain pooling up in their abdomen as their back paw landed on Ananas Dragon's chest, sending them both down. Their front paws grabbed Ananas Dragon's shoulders, keeping them down as the golden dragon let out a roar and tried to push them off. Their strength could've, but Pitaya Dragon held on to the point their claws dug into Ananas Dragon's shoulder—making a groan escape the golden dragon's lips. Ananas Dragon got up with Pitaya Dragon etched to their back and started to move backwards.
Towards the tree.
Pitaya Dragon yelped and parted their lips, biting onto Ananas Dragon's neck hard enough to cause the golden dragon to stop. If they didn't bite down, their fate would end as Ananas Dragon hit them repeatedly against the tree, and letting go would still result in death.
Pitaya Dragon's body hurt too much to keep on going.
The dragon below them slowly fell down, and only a dull thud came out. Pitaya was still on them, their paws keeping Ananas Dragon in place ad the golden dragon let out a low groan.
It didn't take long until Pitaya Dragon's body slumped down and fell onto Ananas Dragon's, letting out a grunt in response to the other dragon.
Pitaya Dragon tilted their head and stared at Ananas Dragon's expression, seeing it pained and the broken pride prominent. Of course they would be hurt that they got rejected by the dragon they were courting.
But Pitaya Dragon didn't reject them. Wasn't going to.
They leaned closer and carefully licked the bite, their tail curling around Ananas Dragon's tail as they let out a hum.
Ananas Dragon tilted their head, glancing at Pitaya with confusion. Then, they shifted slightly, so that their forehead landed on Pitaya Dragon's forehead, causing the greenish-red dragon to give out a soft purr.
After a moment of silence, Ananas Dragon shifted to move Pitaya Dragon's body off them and reached out—pulling Pitaya Dragon below them instead.
Pitaya Dragon looked up at them, raising an eyebrow in confusion before the golden dragon leaned down and started to nuzzle onto their face, hair, then to their neck. Causing Pitaya Dragon to let out a yelp and a giggle.
"Hey, sssstop!"
Ananas Dragon grunted and kept their nuzzles up.
"Should've thought about that before you decided it was a good idea to challenge me." Ananas Dragon gently nibbled on Pitaya Dragon's skin, making the dragon below them squirm and hit their head to get them off. They moved up and tucked their nose under Pitaya Dragon's neck. "I thought you were actually refusing me. Which—is okay. I thought I could handle it."
"It'ssssss fine. I wanted to ssssee it for mysssself." Pitaya Dragon grumbled and wrapped their arms around Ananas Dragon's neck. "But now you know I can level you in a fight."
Ananas Dragon fixed them a glare before rolling their eyes.
"Yes, you did beat me to it. Even while injured." Ananas Dragon sighed and pushed themself up, looking at Pitaya Dragon from above. "But you were reckless, and I could have actually killed you if you didn't bite my neck off." They lifted a paw to rub the bite mark.
"Yeah? I ssstill won."
"You are impossible." Ananas Dragon rolled their eyes once again, and their gaze slowly traveled down to Pitaya Dragon's abdomen. "Lie still."
They reached out and carefully lifted one of the bandages, looking below them to see the wound irritated and red, but not bleeding. Pitaya Dragon was breathing under their paw, with their legs and arms pinned. Their body was screaming exhaustion. Ananas Dragon reached out to place a paw on their chest, feeling the heartbeat under their paw—as well as the rising and falling chest.
Their eyes didn't leave the exposed skin for a while, their paw feeling the warmth and seeing the way Pitaya Dragon's abdomen moved slightly.
Leaning down, they planted a soft kiss on the bare skin near the wound and carefully moved towards Pitaya Dragon's chest, only to look at them.
"Ananasssss?"
"Do not mind me." They mumbled, looping their arms behind Pitaya Dragon's waist and pulling them close. "Just feeling weird."
Pitaya Dragon only raised an eyebrow and let out a chuckle.
"Okay, jussst feeling weird, got it. We are jusssst sssstaying here?"
Ananas Dragon closed their eyes, parted them open, looked around, and let out a grunt.
"We do need to go back to one of our nests."
"Ssso?"
"I don't want to."
Pitaya Dragon huffed in amusement and pulled them closer, their nose now nuzzling against Ananas Dragon's hair as the golden dragon above them let out a hum. Much like a purr, but not exactly it. Dignified but still melting.
"You are making it weirder." Ananas Dragon grumbled, their head tilting up to allow Pitaya Dragon better access.
"And? Who ssssaid courted dragonssss can't be affectionate?"
Ananas Dragon tried not to react, but a low chuckle escaped their lips.
"Thousand years of dragon history, maybe." They rubbed their thumb on Pitaya Dragon's waist. "But I do think it is quite a feeling. Nice would be putting it mildly."
Pitaya Dragon gave a purr at that and nuzzled into Ananas Dragon's neck. Big mistake. Because the golden dragon wrapped them around even more until they were nothing but a pile of limbs and a ball. Perfect loaf as they lay there together with everything tucked.
After several days, around noon, Ananas Dragon was hovering over the air, their wings flapping to keep themself up as Pitaya Dragon lifted their arms up.
"Are you certain about this?" Ananas Dragon asked, reaching down to grasp Pitaya Dragon's arms, holding them securely.
"I don't know. Are you implying you can't carry me?" Pitaya Dragon gave a toothy grin. "I thought you were ssstrong."
"I can assure you I am." The golden dragon let out a long sigh and looked up without taking off. "I am quite unsure about letting go midair."
"It'll be fine." Pitaya Dragon shrugged. "I'll slow myssssself with my wingsss if you can't sssave me."
"I'll save you in any way. But you suppose you'll slow yourself down with the injured wing?"
"It can ssslow me down. Trussst me."
"Whatever you say." Ananas Dragon flapped all four of their wings up and lifted Pitaya Dragon from the ground, chuckling when they heard the excited trill escaping Pitaya's lips. "The least you can do is stay still."
"Okay, fine." Pitaya Dragon grumbled, but their tail was wagging side to side anyway.
Letting out another long sigh that sounded too defeated for even Ananas Dragon, they rose up in the air and lifted both of them until they reached above the clouds. The sun slowly set as they hovered there.
Looking down, Ananas took in the sight of Pitaya Dragon already gradually moving their wings instinctively, and they knew how much the other wanted to feel the air. The instinct to allow the wind against their skin, to feel free. Of course the golden dragon would know that; they had the same thoughts whenever they flapped their wing against the sky.
With the sun on their skin, they flapped their wings to get to a higher altitude.
"So, are you ready for the drop?"
"Like I wasss born for it."
"You are born for it."
"Whatever." Pitaya Dragon scowled and tugged one of Ananas Dragon's arms. "Come on, let me go."
"As you wish." Ananas Dragon hummed delightfully and let go of Pitaya Dragon, watching the other slowly start to fall, only to get faster. "I do not know how I'll survive this relationship." They mumbled and stopped flapping their wings as well, successfully falling and stiffening their body straight to catch up to Pitaya Dragon.
They slowly—rather fast, but the action itself happened too slowly compared to the speed they were going through—approached Pitaya Dragon. The greenish-red dragon had a huge smile on their lips, and their eyes had this shine Ananas had never seen before. Almost glistering, so full of…
life.
A soft smile broke out of their lips then, and they chuckled. Pitaya Dragon's eyes were on the ground, the mountains, the sky, and all of what made this world, this island, beautiful. It was part of what being a dragon was, to feel the sky yielding to you as much as you respected it.
But Ananas Dragon couldn't care less about any of that, as their own view was right in front of them, with that soft skin under the sunlight and those red scales contemplating the sky's orange hues. With Ananas Dragon's golden scales, could they be this sunset? To be here together, as fate wished for it?
It wouldn't be surprising that Ananas Dragon, of all the dragons, the dragon of dragons, believed in fate. Because fate had gotten them there, and it was as real as the dragons who were the creations of heaven and hell.
Approaching the dragon closer with a flap of wings, Ananas Dragon reached out to hold a paw against Pitaya's cheek, taking the greenish-red by surprise as the sky kept moving around them.
"Yeah?" Pitaya Dragon asked, both of their wings curled up as they dived down further and further.
Ananas stared at them for a moment longer before they leaned in and captured the other's lips in theirs. Moving their paw to land on Pitaya's neck to stabilize them.
When Pitaya didn't respond for a moment, Ananas Dragon moved to pull away, only for Pitaya Dragon to let out a low growl and pull them back in, biting onto their lower lip and drawing blood from it.
The golden dragon grunted and complied, moving to hold Pitaya Dragon back again and deepening the kiss. Taking in the taste of dragonfruit made their taste buds crave more.
Yet, when they pulled away, they looked down at the ground and grinned.
"Maybe we can continue this later."
Pitaya Dragon opened their eyes and looked down as well.
"Sssssure, it'ssss fine by me." A chuckle escaped their lips as they opened their wings and flapped them to have more control over their movements, which had Ananas Dragon open their wings to follow their movements as well. Pitaya did a twirl in the air, and Ananas Dragon was quick to circle them as they kept on falling, the ground coming closer and closer every single moment.
Swaying slightly more horizontally, Pitaya Dragon flapped their injured wing against the air, but it was still difficult to get a hold of, as the tear disturbed the airflow and caused them to lose their balance now and then.
As they'd gotten closer to the ground, Pitaya tilted their head up to grin at Ananas Dragon and shifted their body to lie in the air.
"You sssure you can catch me in time?"
Ananas Dragon moved until they were falling down right above Pitaya Dragon, crossing their arms as they folded their wings to fall better.
"You're starting to doubt that I can't?"
"Nooou," Pitaya Dragon laughed, licking their lips. "Not when I jusssst know we are not done."
"You are really asking for it."
Ignoring Ananas Dragon's words, Pitaya Dragon glanced down and blinked. The ground was indeed closer than they anticipated, and there was no place for them to safely land without getting a bruise or two. Maybe even a broken bone if they fell at this speed in a particularly bad position.
Ananas Dragon was just staring at them, taking in their hesitation, before the golden dragon dived right before the second they could collide and wrapped their arms around Ananas Dragon, landing on their back paws with a loud thud that rattled through the whole island. The dirt below them shook before the ground settled. In the pile of dust and dirt, Ananas Dragon stepped up with Pitaya wrapped in their arms, in a bridal carry as their golden tail swayed side to side.
Pitaya's arms were around the other's neck as they opened the eyes they had closed.
"You could have done that without sssshowing off."
"I am guessing that's a thank you." Ananas Dragon said as they kept on walking inside the forest, not bothering to put Pitaya down even if the greenish-red dragon could walk.
"I am not thanking my mate for catching me." Pitaya Dragon rolled their eyes. "It'ssss the leasst you have to do."
Ananas Dragon halted in their tracks, staring at the horizon before their head slowly turned towards Pitaya, their tail stopping as well.
"We—we are using the traditional labels now?" They asked, their voice hesitant as they held Pitaya Dragon tighter.
"Well, it issss about time."
Ananas Dragon subtly nodded, but still looked away.
"I did not think I had lived up to the standard." They said, their tail slowly moving side to side again. "But if it is your choice, it is an honor to be chosen after years of dragon history."
"You don't have to make thissss sssentimental—"
"I promise to take care of you and our den for years to come."
"And there you go again…" Pitaya Dragon sighed and placed their head on Ananas Dragon's shoulder as the golden dragon promised them health, protection, pride, and wealth.
Pitaya Dragon would just rather kiss them now. And they did. Probably ten times. Enjoying the way Ananas Dragon stuttered each time.
They could probably enjoy this relationship more than they imagined.