Austeled one-shots

I did it for you.

Context: it's a hero x villain AU.
They're dating.

3rd person

Eteled stood atop the tall building which was planted at the edge of the city, warm wind caressing his tear-stained skin.

The glistening of fire reflected off of his glossy eyes, reflecting the town in front of him, ablaze.

His home was gone. Everyone he'd met there was most likely dead. And it was his fault.

He'd done it, willingly at that. He'd set them all alight. And now here he was, listening to the crackles and explosions from below.

He was too focused on the fire to notice the footsteps tracing up behind him. That is until he feels two metallic hands cover his eyes.

"Guess who~!" There's a small giggle. Eteled doesn't respond, he was still in a state of shock.

Austin takes his hands away, feeling the slick tears that cover them before he wraps his arms around Eteleds waist.

"Don't cry baby, you did so good for me.." He places a soft kiss on the back of Eteleds head. "I'm so proud of you, my dear.."

They both watch the fire for a little while, hearing the screams of those below die out as everything and everyone burns.
"It's beautiful, isn't it?"
"I..." Eteled grimaces. "I'm not sure that's the right word..."
"You'll learn to love it, doll.." Austin whispers softly against Eteleds ear. He lets out a discontented noise.

"You really don't like it that much?" Austin sighs. Eteled lets out another uncomfortable and saddened noise. "Would you like me to take you elsewhere?"

"Please.." Eteled grumbles, eyes unable to look away from the fire.
"Brace yourself..." Austin whispers again as Eteled tenses up, squeezing his eyes shut as he physically prepares himself.

Austin suddenly teleports, and the air grows cold. There's a soft breeze, and the sound of leaves rustling can be heard.

Eteled opens his eyes, and looks around to see an open field with trees sparsely planted around.

Austin takes Eteleds hand, guiding him to under a tree into the shade. They both sit down together in the cool, keeping their hands locked together.

Eteled let's put a breath he didn't realise he was holding, before essentially collapsing onto Austin. His eyes glaze over the leaves, unable to get the burning memory out of his head.

A cold metal hand comes up to pet his hairless head.
"It's okay.. You'll be okay..." He hums.
"Those people won't." Eteled mumbles.
"Who cares about them? Neither of us have friends or family anyways." Austin scoffs.

"I know.. but that doesn't mean they deserve to die..." His voice goes quiet again, like he was going to start crying again.

"Baby, look at me." He cups his cheek, turning his head to face him. "A good amount of those people most likely did deserve it. But either way, they don't matter. You matter. We matter. So much more."

Austin's eyes are half lidded, and there's a soft blush on his face. He looks deep into Eteleds black eyes.
"So, forget all of them... focus on me. Focus on us. Our love. Okay?"

Eteled lets out a small sigh, before smiling.
"Okay, love."
"That's the spirit baby.." He pulls Eteled in closer, eyes glossing over his lips. "Just.. focus on us..."

He pulls him into a deep kiss, keeping it gentle yet passionate. It doesn't last all that long, but it certainly helped lift Eteleds spirits.

They sit together for a while, feeling the grass brush against them, the cold wind prick their skin, and the comfort of each others presence.

(How do y'all feel abt e writing in present tense rather than past? Do y'all prefer past or present, or do you not care?)