It's Time
The FireWind Fic I've Been Hyping Up For Weeks
It's Here
A Blazing Love for a Tempest Heart
Words: 4,670 <> Ao3 Link
@mintaikkcorpse , You Get A Ping For Ovbious Reasons.
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The first sign that something had changed that day should have been the behavior of the Fire Spirit, and yet, the shift in dynamic had embarrassingly flown over Wind Archer's head.
It had began so simple, he had been making his rounds of the Dessert Paradise, with a schedule in mind to visit Millennial Tree after checking in with the Sugar Swan when he felt satisfied with his time patrolling. However, it would have seen that fate had other plans for him that day.
If fate happened to have a… rather boisterous personality. And was called ‘Fire Spirit’.
The wind guardian had long since known of the spirit's existence, and all the personality, behavioral traits, & quirks that came with such a bright presence.
How he'd twirl his staff when proud of himself, how he'd push a hand through his hair when he avoided topics, how he'd float and twirl around Wind Archer when he desired his attention, how he'd kick his legs in mid-air if something made him laugh, how the edges of his flame would burst in blues if someone could fluster him off-guard, how on a rare occasion the sparks of his flame would form little shapes in tandem with his current mood…
And, of course, the Fire Spirit knew much of Wind Archer's own existence… for better or worse…
How he'd hide his face in his scarf when embarrassed, how he'd fiddle with his bow when agitated yet never drawing arrow to string, how his eyes would always soften upwards whenever a smile found its way to his lips, how he'd always sit with his bow in his lap while he listened to the sounds of the nearby animals and forest, how his expression would subtly twitch to one of melancholy whenever a corvid was in visual or audible range, how he always had this full-hearted chuckle whenever he found himself happily laughing…
Ah- of course, there were things the flaming one didn't know… but Wind Archer felt no desire for the other to learn.
And so, that day felt no different when the Fire Spirit made his presence known.
“Heeeeey Windsy!!” A shout erupted and echoed for a bit before fizzling out, signaling his arrival before the Wind Guardian. “Di'ja miss me?”
Wind Archer would sigh, resting his bow along the crook of his arm and crossing his arms. “As I've learned to expect of me and you. You as a pesterance and I who've learnt to long for it.” Wind Archer would pause, a small smile adorning his face and softening the gaze of his eyes. “Hello Fire Spirit. What brings you to the Dessert Paradise?” He asked, tilting his head for visual inquiry.
A silence fell upon the two of them for a moment, just enough time to study faces so they could both read the room. This is normal for their talks, as they've both learned over many… many… many years… that they are both horrible at reading moods, so having these little moments of unhindered judgement has become routine.
Wind Archer could talk forever about every individual thing he notices about Fire Spirit in this moment, but just a few things would suffice. The edges of his cape worn behind him swayed up & down like a dragon's wings in a clearly intentional slow movement, just something to give an ambiance or purpose to his usual simplistic hovering. The embers of his hair frequently sparked yet the flame itself was slow, indicating he was either incredibly stressed or just casually lazing. And, of course, Wind Archer would be a fool not to notice the giant grin adorning the other's face, one that signifies his pride in acquired draconic heritage and well respected & earned ego.
So, a casual conversation it would be then.
As their moments of mutual judgement came to a close, Fire Spirit let out a playful huff. “Come ooooon, can't I just wanna hang out with my bestie? You're the only one who doesn't nag me about my duties now'a'days!” He huffed in exasperation, worsening his posture to get his point across.
All the dramatics brought Wind Archer to a facepalm. “That's because I've learnt there's no point trying. You'll commit to your role only if it is fun, dire, or both. Anything otherwise couldn't matter much less to you as is.” Wind Archer, too, would let out a huff. “I prove myself correct by your mere presence, Hearthflame. Conversing with fellow guardians from other parts of our world to learn of it’s current states is, in fact, a duty. Your mere existence in front of me is you commiting to your job, as much as this will only be for your entertainment rather than for official work.”
“Nooo lectuuures! Cease with your cruelty this instant!” He begged in mockery of himself, slightly surprising Wind Archer with the second of humility.
“And yet, you choose to stay beside me anyways. So, if my company is your only plan of this day, you can help me round out my own duties here. It's the least you could do.”
Fire Spirit rolled his eyes, floating to Wind Archer's other viewside and hovering as if he were lazing on an invisible surface. “You're no fun sometimes.”
“And yet, your own bored-presence persists, so I'm doing something right by your own jurisprudence.”
“My own what-now?”
. . .
Turns out, a day does fly by quicker with company.
As a genuine surprise to Wind Archer, the Fire Spirit actually did decide to help out! Assisting in cornering a few corruption sprites so he could aim his arrows at them without worry of missing his targets, or worse, hitting anyone else.
In fact, the encounter had multiple surprises in store for Wind Archer; Be it Fire Spirit's surprising humbleness in the presence of The Sugar Swan, to the other's careful steps when around the foliage or creatures, and even the fact that Fire Spirit never saw a need to demand respect! Sure, he absolutely flaunted his might, and certainly gave an aura of power within the tranquil paradise… and yet, he mostly kept either to himself or nagged Wind Archer instead.
He'd hope he'd never have to admit to such an assumption, but he'd underestimated Fire Spirit and his longing of other's bonds. He had the other all wrong… just this once.
Even with this minor blight, Wind Archer chose to continue his schedule even with a Fire Spirit in tow.
And so, to the Maze Grove they went.
Due to Fire Spirit's nature of, y'know, being constantly ablaze… well- most of the time, Lord of Ash is an exception… the duo chose to take a safer route to their destination, it was hardly a coincidence the chosen path was a more scenic route as well, Wind Archer would never pass up an opportunity to display the beautiful forest he's sworn to protect.
Glimmering berries lined the trees, encompassed by dewdrops stalling their descent. Every leaf carefully sewn in place by their stalks, a few even gaining duller edges due to the changes of season. Wind Archer had a passing thought that he'd need to make sure all the animals and tribes were settling well for the upcoming autumn. A few birds called from above, roosting upon upper branches just out of sight, likely in their nests. A plethora of chirps accompanied the ambiance of the forest, most were Robins and Finches… though a few Ravens were dotted amongst the symphony, their croaks a stark contrast from the chirps and trills of the others.
“So-” Fire Spirit began a sentence, most likely detecting his growing melancholy. “Anything you got planned with Millie for the day? Or is it just a check-in check-out kinda meetup.”
Wind Archer shook his head, “You know I don't ‘check-out’, my Phoenix. I have sworn to protect this forest, and I do so with whole honor, anticipation, and glee.” As much as Wind Archer would most likely never admit this as a whole, the way the other's figure changed upon the usage of one of his many nicknames did not escape his gaze… and yet- he didn't know what it meant this time. It certainly wasn't one he'd seen of the other before.
It was… mainly the look the other gave that threw Wind Archer for a loop. They'd known eachother for centuries, and yet, either Wind Archer had never seen or had never noticed such an expression. He doesn't know which is worse. And- it wasn't like the expression was bad either-
Just… why? Why was Fire Spirit looking at him like he was the most important thing in the world? Why did the other's eyes glimmer like stars peaking through sunset? Why did his gaze show such intense blazing fervor yet abyssally deep serenity? Why did his eyes dilate like he was viewing the greatest treasure in the world? Just… why? Why didn't Wind Archer know the other as well as he thought he did? How didn't he know?
It took a gentle headbut from the other for him to realize many things. One; he, too, was staring so long that the other took notice. Two; he'd begun fiddling with his scarf as he was lost in thought, almost tearing another hole at its hanging end. And three; they were here.
“I know I'm charming, but I thought you'd know better than to let me get'cha lost.” Fire Spirit began, brushing a hand through his flaming hair in a quick motion. “I dunno if you're spacing out uncharacteristically, or if you trusted me that much along this path, but thought it'd be best to check.” He explained, giving room for Wind Archer to follow up.
“Ah-” He'd stutter, “Of course, of course. I… thank you for your vigilance.” He spoke, composing himself. “Would you like to join me? Or is this where we part ways this time?”
“Passing up an opportunity to spend more time with my Chinook? I would never!”
With Fire Spirit's company reaffirmed and guaranteed, Wind Archer took the first steps into Millennial Tree's glade, knowing that the other would be hovering just behind him. The warmth the other emanated doing well to quell his previous embarrassment. The soft smile Wind Archer did not fight to banish from his face displayed that well.
Deep down, he hoped noone noticed the perk his step gained as they walked. No brain, now is not the time for bird.
Regardless, as is the nature of the frankly small clearing, it did not take very long for the duo to locate the Millennial Tree amongst the foliage. The sacred tree turned smaller form was resting beside his beloved stag, the deer tilting it’s head to nuzzle against the tree's. Upon their presence growing closer, the Millennial Tree pried himself away from the creature, albeit only slightly, to gaze towards his visitors. “Hello my beloved wind, my greeting extends to you, flame of afar.”
“Sup Millie!” Fire Spirit began casually, deciding to hover as if he were laying upon an invisible surface again.
“Hello sacred tree.” Wind Archer greeted more formally. “I have completed my patrol in the Dessert Paradise for today, helped in part with Fire Spirit's involvement.”
“Wonderful. I take it the Sugar Swan is doing well? Her usual company and the dessert critters as well?” The Tree praised them and then inquired, stroking a hand through his familiar's fur to confirm they'd not been forgotten.
“I can confirm such,” Fire Spirit spoke up, “I met with her alongside Windsy here, she seemed even more perky than usual. Then again, I don't chat with her nearly enough to know what's usual and what is not.”
Wind Archer, upon the other's decently detailed explanation, nodded to showcase the description's integrity. “I can attest to her attendants and the dessert creatures as well. Red Panna Cotta was helping some of the fondant falcons preen and Blue Slushy was practicing archery in my absence, even the Cookiemals were simply running around as they usually do, though Choco Ring Lion did have a scratch I had to heal.” He reported in full to the other, Fire Spirit giving a similar bop-nod like the one Wind Archer gave to confirm truth.
Upon the explanation and display, the Millennial Tree gave a full hearted chuckle with their synchronization. “That is delightful news to hear from both of you, I am glad to hear they afar are doing well, just as I am glad you two seem to have been enjoying eachother's company today.”
Fire Spirit chuckled afterwards in a similar rhythm. “Don't suppose I'm getting kicked out so I don't set this place ablaze since the point of this meeting is over.”
“No-” Wind Archer began, though quickly correcting himself, “I- wouldn't assume you would be! You- You've been rather tame in your recent visits after all…” Wind Archer hid his face in his scarf. He was not one to say who the Sacred Tree would allow to be kept within this fabled grove.
After a moment of silence, the Tree spoke, “You may stay.” referring to Fire Spirit. Afterwards, he'd continue with, “I see no reason to shun your presence, especially due to the feelings it evokes within my sacred wind. You've been naught but a positive warmth within recent ages, I'd be a fool to not allow your fervor within this forest, provided you are careful with your might.”
Wind Archer left out a breath he didn't know he was holding into his scarf, he knew there was no reason to be afraid of the Sacred Tree, and yet every fiber of his being scolded him for daring to speak his own will in such a place as this.
“Aw! Thanks Millie! Won't put that faith to waste, promise!” Promises were not something thrown around easily for draconics, so everyone here knew how genuine the eternal flame was being with his words. “Now, if you don't mind since Tempest here is done with his duties, I'm gonna steal him for a bit!” Fire Spirit ended off his statements before a monologue could start, taking the other's free hand in his own and beginning to dash off with him in tow.
The hearty laughter of the Tree echoed within the grove, “Enjoy yourselves! Remain safe!”
And with that, the meeting officially concluded, but Fire Spirit apparently still had somewhere to take Wind Archer. He wasn't going somewhere random, there was a method to this unforeseen path.
“If I may inquire,” Wind Archer began, not fighting the pull of the other, just making sure he, too, was hovering to make the journey easier. “what exactly are you planning to show me or take me to? I know this forest better than almost anyone, I doubt there's anything I haven't seen here.”
“Come on! Have a bit of faith in me! Besides, you never know~”
Wind Archer would naturally assume he would know, but decided he'd entertain the spirit of flames anyway.
Oh how he became that glad he did.
Now, Wind Archer was no stranger to nests. Not only has he assisted the forest creatures in gathering supplies and setting up such places, but he's also no foreigner to creating his own in little nooks ‘n crannies of the forest. Be it cave overhangs or tree canopies or even little mini glades he discovers…
And yet, he didn't know of this one.
A small canopy between two grand magnolia trees resided before him, one with white blooms, another with pink. Their branches intertwined and adorned with draping cloths and jewels; the silk and satin cloths of deep maroons & indigos - and the jewels in stunning colors of pale gold & deep limes, no doubt being citrines and jades. Beneath the overhang the trees naturally provided, was a section primarily made of the mentioned cloths packed in a loose oval shape upon the forest grass.
A nest.
It was… a nest.
“You- like it, I presume?” His glance to Fire Spirit conveyed Wind Archer's confusion clearly, and thankfully, the other guardian seemed inclined to provide him with the mercy of an answer. “Your eyes are real dilated right now, Breezy. Like- the way mine get when looking upon my treasures. I know draconics ‘n birdies share some traits, so I'd figure I'm not too far off, yeah?”
The thing is, nothing Fire Spirit said was wrong. He knew the same information as the other, it was common knowledge. The only thing he didn't know was exactly how he looked… though, he almost pointed out the other's eyes seemed dilated as well… but something else came from his voice instead.
“I- I love this… I love this… so much-” words were never the strong suit of the Wind Guardian, they'd always felt so odd escaping him… and yet, he found ways to persist just this once. “I have no idea-... when you would've- could've made this- but-... I love this… I love this…”
Wind Archer didn't miss the way the other's flames flickered in blue, the sincerity and vulnerability of his own voice clearly surprising the other. If he could actually get any more words out, he might have commented that he thought he saw a heart-shaped flicker out of his peripheral. However, it seemed his own body and mind wouldn't allow any more words to be spoken… the odd croak-chirp he sounded was a testament to that.
Even so, that display of tranquility, reverence, and instinct was clear enough to Fire Spirit to know what to do. “I'm… I'm glad you like it, my Gale. Now- come on, let's get the birdie into his new nest spot, yeah?”
The ‘trip’ was only a few short steps away, but the surprisingly gentle way that Fire Spirit's hand encompassed his own on the way there will be burned into his memory for eternity.
Upon reaching the designated spot, Fire Spirit maneuvered them both into the clothed oval space, relocating Wind Archer's quiver & bow to just outside its perimeter… and, while the other did this…
…he willingly unveiled his wings.
Pristine white, shadows of green, with the rare feather tipped with a violet edge… a cruel reminder, but- one he's grown to be at peace with. There will always be that darkness within him, he will always hate the freedom he doesn't want that his wings symbolize… but he can no longer bring himself to hate himself over such things. It wasn't he or Night Raven that caused such a crisis, but the corruption within the woolen mask forced over their eyes. It isn't his place to despise The Millennial Tree or The Sugar Swan for wanting him to have such wings… He is a being of wind after all…
An odd silence rang behind him, and a knowing expression appeared upon his face. He let a chirp ring out as he turned to glance at the other with knowing eyes.
Sure enough, there sat Fire Spirit… completely awestruck, eyes clearly dilated just as he commented Wind Archer's were… just as mentioned he does upon gazing at his treasures. Wind Archer had another passing thought, a heartfelt one of the implications of such a stare, but there were still things to do in the present. He could leave himself to his thoughts at a later time. There were feelings to convey.
Another chirp rang from his mouth, underlined by a croak, but not one of melancholy. It was of emphasis. And, thankfully, this not only seemed to snap the other away from his daze, but it became clear that he'd conveyed himself clearly to the flaming one. “You wantin’ me to preen your wings, Emerald? Just checkin-” Fire Spirit didn't even get to finish the full questioning statement before Wind Archer answered with a reassuring nod.
Fire Spirit replied with a silent nod of his own being uncharacteristically careful when shuffling closer to Wind Archer's back. Once Fire Spirit got comfortable, Wind Archer turned away… though, that didn't mean Wind Archer couldn't feel the enamoured gaze upon his back…
He… doesn't really show his wings much, especially not to Fire Spirit since, up until just awhile ago, every minuscule reference to them wrought his entire being to immense self-loathing. Fire Spirit had known him long enough to know this, and was very careful to not reference them at random. Even his nicknames usually never mentioned his animalistic traits, typically going for nicknames like ‘Tempest’ or ‘Emerald’ instead…
…in fact, the only bird-themed nickname he’d given him thus-far was ‘Songbird’, which even then he usually used for Night Raven when they made an appearance.
Even Wind Archer wasn't certain how in the earthbread himself's name that Fire Spirit pulled that off… to be able to detect the minuscule extra amounts of corruption in the mask adorned in runes that Night Raven wore and managing to strike with such precision as to erode the cloth away but not scar any part of his face. But… after that, it was discovered that his ‘other half’ had nothing to do with the corruption at all! Consciously, at least. While Wind Archer and that part of himself still have tension due to them being made of darkness… it's… better now.
All thanks to Fire Spirit.
It was around this point in Wind Archer's zoning-out that Fire Spirit's hands found their way to his feathers, barely grazing the surface as if he believed they were made of glass. Knowing, and having tested, that he still couldn't speak, Wind Archer chose to let out another knowing chirp, accompanied by a trill this time.
“Yeah yeah, I know, featherbrain. Look- you can't call me out like this! Your wings are very pretty! And shiny! And cool! And stop looking at me like that!” Fire Spirit let off his chest in several huffs, the last comment arising even though Wind Archer was still turned away from the other.
The nickname used was a new one, but Wind Archer would be compliant in letting it slide.
When Fire Spirit finally moved his hands into the feathers, the first thing Wind Archer remembered was just how warm the other was. The very warmth that seeps into the earth of Dragon's Valley, the very warmth that Fire Spirit embodied with every word, the very warmth that got him nicknamed ‘Hearthflame’ by the Wind Guardian… the very warmth that was currently seeping into each and every nook of his feathers, coating his wings in sheer bliss.
Every pluck the other had to do to begin was always soothed over immediately; by the nature of the flames of his hands as they pulled from the base of the feathers. Each and every feather plucked was met with sweet nothings and reassurances whispered behind him for only he to know, conveying the other's knowledge that such an action would cause pricks of pain or discomfort.
Every pin feather unveiled from the keratin sheaths felt like dancing embers were flowing between his wings, momentarily bursting through with each new feather that would be freed. The warmth would sometimes disappear as he heard the tell-tale sounds of something being dusted away from a hand. Some birds would eat the shells to regain the nutrients, but the Wind Guardian had no desire or necessity to.
Every feather perfectly itched and straightened back into place was pure euphoria. Wind Archer felt every single feather that Fire Spirit would itch at with clawed hands, not to loosen, but to soothe. The gentle radiance felt through each and every vane brought nothing short of delight to him, and every feather straightened back into place as the other moved onto the next sent invisible shocks down his spine.
At some point, throughout the whole process, Wind Archer stopped being so quiet, little chirps ‘n trills ‘n croaks emanating from his throat. All muffled out only to him by the sheer tranquility Fire Spirit brought. In the midst of his vocalizations, he was able to make out the signature laugh that Fire Spirit had, though he wasn't able to make out what the other had said nor what he himself ‘replied’.
For a fair time, that is how they remained. Fire Spirit having finished preening his wings and now idly brushing them or petting the area they connect to his back, and Wind Archer allowing himself to voice his bliss as his wings fluttered behind him from the sensations.
After a certain point, Wind Archer leaned back into the Flame Spirit's arms and torso, allowing him to just gaze up to the other.
And seeing just the gentlest of eyes gazing back down at him.
For a while longer, they remained that way, just existing in eachother's hold and presence. Allowing the world outside the nest to exist without them… it didn't need them back just yet. They were just for the other at this time… just themselves… together.
As time wore on, however, so did the avian's eyes. His Sunburst held an endless beauty he would love to stare at forever… but the beckoning call of sleep waits for noone and nothing. As if sensing his dilemma, Fire Spirit spoke in a soft questioning voice. Wind Archer would not & could not reply, but he had a good idea of what was asked, and a well-timed yawn conveyed his own side of the situation well.
Another signature laugh rang beautifully from the other, chuckling and huffing as he maneuvered them to different laying positions within their nest…
Their nest… this is their nest… their nest… their nest…
Their's…
. . .
It was sometime around that point, that Wind Archer had most likely drifted off to sleep. His memories of the waking world halted past that point.
However, once the waking world returned to his grasp… a peculiar sight awaited him.
They were both tucked into the edge of their nest that Fire Spirit had made, Fire Spirit more-so along the wall and Wind Archer himself being little-spooned by his hold. The other's head tucked into his back and neck, nuzzling him gently in the flame's own slumber. His cape draped across Wind Archer's form, serving both as a blanket as well as a shield or cover.
And, of course, a small written-paper placed before him, held down by a pebble.
[ Hey Windsy! Hope you had fun being all bird-brain yesterday! Or what will be yesterday hopefully unless we get ambushed! That'd be bad! ]
[ Can I get a second of honesty with you? Seeing you so happy in the nest I built for us actually- made me really happy. I was kinda scared you'd hate the fact I snuck into the forest or that you'd be unhappy with something about it or just wouldn't accept it or- you get the point! I know you do. ]
[ And yet… no! You got so happy you went into bird-mode! You were willing to be vulnerable around me… you showed that you view me as someone safe… that means a lot to me. More than I can say in just a little wake-up note. Sooo I'll tell you once I get up! Stay put! Accept your fate! ]
[ Love, Fire Spirit ]
There was so much to unpack in what was honestly such simple and blunt writing… but one thing stuck out to Wind Archer.
Love.
Somehow, so many things began to click with a single word. How Fire Spirit chose to leave his own turf in Pitaya Dragon's hold to help Wind Archer defend his own homes. How he went out of his way to greet and be kind towards both of the people Wind Archer sees as parental figures. How he gathered so many shiny trinkets ‘n comfy surfaces and built a nest, something that both of their kinds knew, loved, & understood the meanings of…
Love.
. . .
The first sign that something had changed that day should have been the behavior of the Fire Spirit, the second sign should've been how Wind Archer's own behavior changed to match.
The third; the realization that Fire Spirit loved him…
And the fourth?
…
That Wind Archer loved him too…
