for @dadrunkwriting and @seigephoenix
Tobias Mercar x Emmrich Volkarin (SFW, Established relationship, CW: discussions of death), 452 words
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"You know I never really thought about it before," Tobias says softly with a small smile, staring out over the courtyard of the Lighthouse as a gentle breeze rustles through the trees, shaking loose a few more red and orange leaves from a nearby tree.
"What's that, Little Bird," Emmrich asks curiously as he sidles up beside them on the balcony, carefully balancing two cups of tea for them, and handing the elf thiers.
"How it's all about death. Autumn, the fall... All these leaves changing color, we're admiring their death," Tobias muses, turning sideways to meet Emmrich's eyes as the necromancer watches them closely. "Once upon a time I would have thought that was morbid," the elf chuckles softly.
"And now," Emmrich asks.
"Well... now," Tobias hesitates a moment, looking down out on the courtyard, not so much uncertain as considering how best to say what it is they hope to express. "I think about the new seeds they're going to keep warm through the winter, new shoots in spring, the shade we'll have from the new leaves come summer, how beautiful all the trees will be again next fall. Everything changes. Nothing lasts. Not forever. But maybe things are more beautiful, more precious, because they don't," the elf assesses, smiling softy, carefully setting the cup aside to take Emmrich's ringed hand in his, smoothing his thumb over the back of it trailing along his warm skin and the small golden chain.
"I don't know what will happen tomorrow," Tobias continues softly, lifting his eyes once more to meet Emmrich's. "But that doesn't scare me anymore. Not like it used to," the elf smiles fondly, lacing their fingers and offering Emmrich's a gentle squeeze. "Whatever happens, there is no God, no force- in this world, or any other, that can stop me from fighting my way back to you," Tobias promises. "And if either of us falls- it won't be the end, just the next stage. And we will find each other again there too."
Emmrich smiles softly, gently reaching over to cup Tobias's cheek, drawing him into a slow and tender kiss, huffing a soft, breathless laugh when they break apart. "Maker have mercy on whoever doesn't lay our bones to rest beside each other, because I surely won't," he laughs, shaking his head as he stares into the beautiful blue-green eyes he's come to love so dearly. "I will haunt them without end until it is made right."
"I love you," Tobias laughs softly, nuzzling their nose against his, relishing the now familiar tickle of his mustache as they hold him close.
"And I, you, my dear," Emmrich smiles, kissing him once more. "More than you can possibly know."
