The Dove and the Crow

III

Fae looks at Seth with love only for him. She knew they probably could never be together in that way, but it didn't hurt to hope. The dark, mysterious boy shared all his secrets with her, as though she was the only person he could trust. Seth was working on building a greenhouse, his muscles rippling beneath his olive skin as he melded large glass panes to the wood skeleton that was already built. He had been working on the greenhouse for days.

"Fae, come see how your greenhouse is doing!" he called, glancing over his shoulder and beckoning to Fae.

The agile, gentle girl flexes her feathery wings before hurrying over. Seth, his own black wings ruffling with pride, smiles and presents the greenhouse proudly. He had made it for Fae, knowing she had dreamed of having one for years.

"It's yours," Seth said, grinning.

"Oh, thank you, Seth! I really appreciate it," Fae gave Seth a kiss on the cheek as a thank-you, which sent him blushing bright red. Fae wished more people could see this side of him, the kind, loving, fun side, instead of the scary, harsh, villainous side of him he had to present to the public.

"You're welcome, Fae. Anything for you," he mumbled. He rested his arm across Fae's shoulders, gazing at the greenhouse, light sparkling through the large windows.

"Now all I have to do is gets my plants set up. Would you help, please?" Fae asked. Seth nodded and they hurried into the cave to grab the many fruit- and flower seeds, and trowels.

•••

Fae looked up from the maple tree she was planting and wiped the back of her hand across her forehead, smearing a smudge of dirt above her eyebrow. She gazed at Seth, carefully and gently planting a sunflower seed. As she watched him work, she appreciated how good of a friend he was.

Suddenly, Seth looked up, most likely sensing Fae's cease in work, and turned his head to find her staring at him.

"What, you like my amazing muscles?" he questioned, flexing his arms.

Fae, flustered at being caught staring, made out, "I- No, I was just..." before catching a teasing glint in Seth's eyes. "Why you little-"

She strode over to him and gave him a playful shove, knocking over the sunflower pot.

Seth glanced down, saying, "Look what you did!"

Fae grinned, sarcastically saying "Oops," before getting down on her knees to help Seth clean up the mess.