Errich stood with his family, attempting to make sure his sibling had everything they needed. Yoris swatted at his hands, insisting they had packed everything, but a smile was on their face, and Errich knew his own face mirrored the same expression. Verelle was next to them, scanning the crowd and making sure everyone was present.
“Everyone accounted for?” Errich asked, letting his hands fall from Yoris to rest on the hilt of his sword.
“Everyone but Khens. Could you go find him and let him know we’re ready to leave?” Verelle asked, either not noticing or ignoring the way Errich’s face flushed at the very mention of Khens’ name. He sputtered out a few words of- protest? Acceptance? Even he did not know, but Verelle just turned and walked to a group of elder halflings, helping them load their supplies onto the magic carpet that was to accompany them.
Errich took a deep breath and walked away from the group, headed towards the forest edge on the north side of the village. Khens was there, just as he predicted, counting the arrows in his quiver. He looked up as Errich approached, stopping him dead in his tracks. His iris were laced with purple, stunning against his pale skin, and his near white hair tied up, draping over his shoulder. He took Errich’s breath away just as easily now as he did the first time he laid eyes on him.
You’re staring. The words echoed in his head, humor laced in Khens voice. Errich shook his head and looked down, trying to will his face to return to its normal color.
“Verelle sent me to get you because everyone is good to go okay nice seeing you bye.” Errich let all that out in one breath before turning on his heel and attempting to speed walk his way back to his party. A hand on his shoulder stopped him from getting farther than one step. He was spun around and saw Khens standing above him, leaning slightly over him. The sun was behind him, spotty through the trees and casting his hair with a golden halo.
“Can we talk?” The words hung in the air between them, and Errich nodded his head. Khens wasn’t meeting his eyes, shifting his gaze from their feet to the side. Errich nodded, not trusting his voice to remain steady if he spoke. What was he going to say? Good job beating Urzul?
Khens nodded back, dropping to one knee in front of Errich. Even still, he was taller than the halfling, just by a few inches. He looked up from the ground and met Errich’s eyes.
“I’m sorry.” The words took a minute to process in Errich’s brain. When he didn’t respond, Khens pushed on. “I thought you were just being cowardly when you wouldn’t come back here. I hadn’t realized,” he paused in his words, unsure of what he was saying. Errich had never heard him so nervous. “You proved me wrong, and I’m sorry I ever doubted you. I will never again make that mistake.” Khens maintained the eye contact,though Errich could see his eyes start to dart away for a moment. He was so vulnerable, so open. Errich had never seen him like this.
Khens continued to speak. “I know that you have every reason to not want to see me again, but I’m with you, for better or for worse. If you’ll have me.”
Errich’s body moved without him thinking, and suddenly his lips were on Khens’, a familiar and missed feeling of electricity running through his veins. He pulled back and saw the smile begin to grow on Khens lips.
“It’ll probably be for worse,” was all Errich could think to say, which drew a laugh out of his love.
“I know.”