Of Love and Death.

The Present Chapter 12: The Battle of Flames and Thoughts Pt. 4

     This is actually happening.

     That was perhaps the only coherent thought inside of Shu's head. Because this was actually happening. This was actually happening! He had just, he had just, whatever. Words weren't important right now. Valt liked him. Valt actually fudging liked him. And he liked Valt. Oh my word, oh my word, oh my word.

     It would appear that Time was having a bit of an existential crisis. She didn't know what to do with herself. Everything seemed to be happening incredibly slowly and incredibly quickly. The wind kicked up again, sending his hair gently flowing out before him. "Valt..." He trailed off. But not in a sad way. It was like he had far too many emotions and didn't know how to express them.

     Shu gazed at his crush's eyes. Gently, ever so gently he took one step closer, towards his best friend. The golden sand reflected the sun, and it shimmered below him. The two stood only a breath apart. Maybe it had been a second since Shu had said Valt's name. Maybe it had been ten minutes. It didn't matter. Every moment of this conversation would be ingrained in Shu's brain forever.

     The way Shu's heart was beating fast in his chest, like a pulsating star, showing its light to the world in rhythmic patterns. How Valt's eyes were locked on Shu's and vice versa. Just like in their battle earlier, the rest of the world did not exist. It was just the two of them. They were here, they were with each other. It was almost like a song was playing in the background echoing this moment with the beat of their hearts.

    Calm and collected, heart achingly beautiful. But also nervous and anxious. That was how Shu felt, in time and in tune with this song. He was ecstatic, but oh so calm. Although his thoughts were off the rails, there was another part of him that was aware enough to be able to savor this moment. To register it all to permanent memory, so that he could recall it in his dreams for all eternity.

     For thirteen years Shu had liked Valt. Over half of his life he. Every day, even when his consciousness had been buried at the bottom of his head while he was Red Eye, he'd been in love with the blue haired, bumbling, blader. Many nights he'd fallen asleep thinking about Valt. Whether it was reliving a battle, or thinking about a treasured memory. Maybe it was even how this scene, this moment, right here would play out.

     A soft and happy smile was shining on Valt's face. Shu knew that his own would be brighter red than the most crimson flame. He was hopeless at not blushing. The waves splashed against the shore, sending just enough spray to wet Shu's ankles. Not that he noticed. Even if he wasn't consciously aware of it, thousands and thousands and thousands of years had led up to this. Uncountable moments of loving Valt, many more than the thirteen years he could remember could encompass.

     Slowly, as to not spook away this moment like a nervous bird, Shu raised his hand up to Valt's cheek. The great blader's skin was cool to the touch. Chilled from the cold of the winter air, but also glowing with this eternal spirit that was kind and beautiful. Just like Valt himself.

    There was an excited nervous look on Valt's face. Like right before a party. How you desperately wanted it to happen, but were paralyzed with nerves because you had a physical need to make it go well. Shu knew that the same expression was reflected on his own pale face.

     Maybe Shu was the nervous bird. Unsure as to whether this was actually happening. He knew it was, but it was so surreal. If this turned out to be a dream it would crush him. Crush him into a thousand pieces like an ornament falling from a tree, in a desperate downward spiral, swirling around, trying to catch on a branch to save itself from its fate.

     There was a moment where nothing happened. Where everyone and everything was still.ng was still. Where Valt and Shu stood right there, on that shoreline, the sun framing them from the side. Where every soul could feel the love in the air. Where every memory that Shu had of being with his best friend seemed to roll through his mind, all within the span of a single instant.