The soft flutter of wings broke through the gentle hum of Em’s day. Mephisto’s shadow briefly danced across the wall before the glossy black crow dipped low, landing on her shoulder with the faintest rustle of feathers.
He tilted his head, crimson-glinting eyes meeting hers, before dropping a neatly folded letter sealed with wax—Sylus’s insignia pressed into the dark crimson mark. The faint scent of aged parchment and his cologne lingered on the envelope, as if it had only just left his hands.
To the one who owns my soul,
Today is not just another day in the endless stream of time, it is a moment marked by intention. Mine.
You may not know it yet, but I’ve already decided that this day will be one you remember. I intend to make it evident in every way I can. To spoil you until your breath catches and you start to realize that restraint is not in my nature when it comes to you.
Anything you desire will be yours.
And if it does not yet exist in this world... then I will build it, forge it, shape it until it does, only for you.
I used to see life in shades of shadow and blood, the hours measured only in what could be gained or lost. But with you… I’ve learned to slow down. To savor the quiet moments, to find warmth in a cup of tea steeped just right. The flavor, somehow, always sharper when you’re near.
You speak of fate and stars, and though I refuse to let them dictate my path, I can’t deny the pull I feel when you look at me through them and when you tell me what you see in their light through your tarot decks. Perhaps it’s not fate, but something far more dangerous: choice. The choice to stay. The choice to care. The choice to want.
In your hands, I am undone,
like ink bleeding into parchment,
your warmth seeps into the cracks I swore were stone.
Your voice—honey poured into my veins,
your gaze—a tether I never wish to sever.
If desire were a flame,
then let me burn in it,
let me know the ache of wanting
and the peace of finding
both in you.
You, who taste of storm and serenity,
you, who make the world pause its turning.
If I am the shadow,
then you are the sunlight that dares to touch it.
And I, willingly,
will chase your glow for as many lifetimes
as I am allowed.
- S
The knock came with three measured taps that echoed faintly against the stillness of her space. It wasn’t urgent, nor hesitant. Just enough to draw her attention, as if whoever stood on the other side knew she’d answer.
But when Em opened the door, the hallway beyond was empty. No footsteps retreating. No shadow slipping out of sight.
At her feet sat a modest arrangement, though nothing about it was truly simple: an elegant bouquet of deep red, purple flowers wrapped in dark silk, their petals soft as whispered secrets. Nestled beside it were a few neatly stacked boxes tied in black silk ribbons, each one marked with a small red seal—his.
Inside, treasures waited in quiet opulence.
A pristine illustrated tarot deck, its cards painted in tones of dusk and starlight, gold ink glimmering along the edges, constellations woven into the art as though it had been made for her hands alone. A jade-green tea set, delicate and luminous, carved with faint serpentine motifs that caught the light when tilted. A box of high-end cosmetics, each piece arranged with intent, in shades he’d once said made her look like the most coveted treasure.
And resting atop the final box, a folded note—simple, handwritten, with an address.
Meet me when the sun falls. Bring no tea. Tonight, I’ll be the one serving indulgence.
So, I am fully aware that you and I both spent yesterday busy with our own things… So um, for the record: it was my birthday. Don’t worry, I spent a lot of yesterday also doing some self care; I figured you were sleeping so I didn’t bug you.
Thankfully, though, it’s the weekend! So we can just make it one big birthday weekend, I think. Even better because I know that a gorgeous, talented, wonderful friend of mine has a birthday today as well (😉)! So perhaps we can all have.l a cozy get-together and get some hot pot. (And of course, you and I can spend plenty of time alone as well. 💜)
Seems you didn't get my letter, I left it under your doormat, unless the apartment hall cat got to it again... I wouldn't sleep through anything to do with you, not for the world. But... I was detained and I knew I wouldn't be able to reach you in time.
I told @star-in-deepspace she'll have to find other birthday celebrations.
You and I have reservations this evening at an outdoor terrace under the stars. Let's relive one of favorite memories and dance together again. See you tonight.
Happy birthday, my starlight. I love you, no matter what, no matter how far we are.
I will find every yellow and white and purple flower to string together into crowns and bouquets to give you. I will capture fireflies and light little (safe) fires and string up fairy lights to think of you. And above all, I will adhere my very soul to you so I will always be by your side, for forever.
My Xavier, my light, my darling prince, my little rabbit bouncing through space and time. I love you, love you, love you.
(Even to the point of writing this on main and not anonymizing myself, ahaha…)
I also see you in everything around me. In every reflection of light, in every pinprick in the sky, in every glittering cup of tea.
I'm glad you'll be by my side. I'll never leave yours. I promise. Be careful, this rabbit may chase your bunny tail too.