In the bustling market of Asterdelle, Tixo and Wei strolled side by side, navigating through the lively crowd. Tixo, the charming Tabaxi, had made it his mission to fluster Wei, the mute Avian Siren, with his witty remarks and playful touches.
They stopped at a flower stall, and Tixo leaned in close, his whiskers twitching with amusement. “You know, Wei, if beauty were a crime, you’d be serving a life sentence.”
Wei’s response was a shy smile, his feathers ruffling slightly as he averted his gaze. Tixo’s heart raced with satisfaction at the sight of Wei’s bashful reaction.
Moving along, they reached a fruit stand. Tixo picked up a ripe apple and handed it to Wei. “An apple a day keeps the doctor away, but I’d rather see you every day.”
Wei accepted the apple, his cheeks faintly pink as he nodded appreciatively. His silence and timid demeanor only encouraged Tixo further. They wandered to a quieter corner of the market, where Tixo saw an opportunity for another bold move.
He leaned against a wooden post, his eyes locked onto Wei’s. “If I were to rearrange the alphabet, I’d put U and I together.”
Wei’s face turned a deeper shade of red. He glanced down, his wings folding slightly around him as if seeking comfort. Tixo grinned, feeling triumphant in his efforts.
But then, Tixo decided to push a little further. “Wei, you’re so enchanting that even the stars seem dim in your presence.”
Wei’s eyes widened slightly, his bashfulness momentarily replaced by something else. He took a deep breath, then slowly raised his gaze to meet Tixo’s. There was a newfound determination in his eyes.
Without warning, Wei stepped closer, his presence suddenly commanding. He reached out and gently cupped Tixo’s cheek, his touch firm yet tender. With a confident smile, Wei signed, “Then let me show you how the stars truly shine.”
Tixo’s ears twitched, and his tail puffed out in surprise. He opened his mouth to respond, but no words came out. For a moment, he stood there, completely still, eyes wide and fur bristling.
Wei's smile widened as he leaned in, his lips just a breath away from Tixo’s. Tixo could feel Wei’s warm breath against his skin, sending a shiver down his spine. He closed his eyes, anticipating the kiss, his mind reeling with excitement.
But Wei stopped just short of actually kissing him. Instead, he pulled back slightly, his eyes filled with mischief. He signed, “Cat got your tongue?”
Tixo blinked rapidly, trying to shake himself out of his stupor. He cleared his throat, attempting to regain his composure. “I—uh, well played, Wei. I didn’t see that coming.”
Wei’s eyes softened with a hint of affection. He reached out and gently brushed a piece of imaginary dust off Tixo’s shoulder, his touch warm and reassuring. “You’re cute when you’re flustered,” he signed, before turning to continue their walk through the market.
Tixo watched Wei for a moment, a mix of admiration and frustration bubbling within him. It was rare for anyone to turn the tables on him so effortlessly. He hurried to catch up, his mind already racing with new ways to try and fluster Wei. But as they walked side by side, he couldn’t help but feel a growing respect and affection for the Avian Siren who had managed to turn his world upside down with just a few words and a touch.
The rest of the day was a blur of playful banter and shared smiles. Tixo continued his attempts to fluster Wei, but each time, Wei met him with unexpected grace and charm, leaving Tixo floundering and blushing. By the time they returned to their friends, it was clear that their dynamic had shifted. Tixo had found someone who could match his wit and challenge him in ways he hadn’t anticipated, and he couldn’t be more delighted.
Their friends, watching from a distance, shared knowing looks and smiles. It seemed that Tixo had finally met his match, and the blossoming connection between him and Wei was a joy to behold.
