Seed Crystal

Exhausted

Foreword: This two-shot is part of a larger story I'm still trying to get out of my head and into words. The main story will revolve around other main characters but this hopeless pair has asked for their spotlight and I think I want to give them this.

Set in a fantasy world where people's affinity to the natural elements grants them magical abilities and other boons. 

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Part 1

Daniel takes a deep breath as he pats his front pocket for the engagement ring he had made for Galad. He had one of his family's heirlooms resized and the gems flushed into the metal to ensure that it doesn't impede Galad's use of his hands or get lost.

Close friends of theirs surround him, trying to blend in the background of the pub as they get ready for the cue to start celebrating. And if you know where to look, even the empress herself sits among the usual crowd, her signature red hair barely visible under her hat.

Upon noticing his blank stare, Rei gives him a thumbs up and a supportive smile.

Rei is the closest his beloved has to a family. And even though the records, and Galad himself, will only state that he is only the empress' friend and bodyguard, Galad is pretty much Rei's older brother in every way except by blood. Hence, Daniel's gratefulness at having received her blessing to propose to her childhood friend.

Rei even nudged him to propose after he confided in her his misgivings about the first proposal that Galad rejected. At the time, Rei was still getting a hang of her duties as the empress and Galad had been given the title of Prime Minister. The main reason Galad rejected his first proposal.

Back then, Daniel just blurted out the proposal during a night of drinking and watched as Galad immediately turned sober.

But now is different, Rei is performing her duties swimmingly and Galad has stepped down and is not planning to take any major positions. And while Daniel's usually not at home as the Aeonian ambassador to Solan, he is willing to go along with any living arrangement he and his future husband will decide. He has prepared plans for when they decide to stay in Aeonia or move to Solan.

Both of them are not getting any younger and he is excited to take their relationship to the next step.

Ferrine enters the room and gives them all the signal that Galad is on his way. The lady general is the only person Daniel knows who can sneak around Galad.

Daniel nods to acknowledge her signal and rakes a hand through his hair, giving another pat at his pocket to ensure the ring is still where he left it.

Not five minutes later, Galad enters the pub. He surveys the place once before finding him sitting at the bar.

Daniel tries to keep his cool, he really does.

Oh benevolent dragon, he hasn't even decided if he should do this kneeling down. Maybe not, the man is not one from public displays of affection.

But touch is Galad's love language. Daniel feels it in the way he pulls up the nearest chair so that their arms are brushing. And despite the racing of his heart and Daniel's anxiousness, the three taps on the back of his hand calm him.

The warmer hue of the lamps gives his blonde hair an orange tint and softens the edges of his features. But the thing the warm lighting didn't do is muddy the clear green of his eyes.

"So what's the occasion?" Galad asks in that disinterested tone of his.

Daniel smiles, straight to the point as ever. He interlaces their fingers together and kisses Galad's ring finger. Hoping to all the deities listening that come the end of this night, the ring in his pocket will be there instead.