It started with an innocent observation. Tixo had been lounging in a sunbeam near Wei’s spot at the inn when he noticed the titles of the books Wei was reading. They weren’t just any romance novels; they were dark romance novels—ones with brooding, intense, possessive characters and dangerous, passionate love stories.
Tixo’s curiosity was piqued.
He loved to flirt with Wei, but he’d never taken it seriously. Their dynamic was playful, fun. But seeing the type of romance that captivated Wei made Tixo wonder. *Is that what he’s into?*
An idea formed, ridiculous and impulsive, like most of Tixo’s ideas. If Wei liked dark, mysterious romance heroes, maybe Tixo could become one. How hard could it be?
The next day, Tixo strolled into their usual meeting spot at the tavern with a different energy. Gone was his usual playful swagger, replaced by something more… brooding. His eyes were half-lidded, and he leaned against the doorframe dramatically, casting a long, moody shadow.
Wei was sitting at the bar, flipping through another one of his dark romance novels. He glanced up as Tixo entered, his expression curious.
“Tixo?” Wei signed, tilting his head.
Tixo didn’t answer right away. Instead, he walked—no, stalked—over to Wei, his steps slow and deliberate. He sat down next to Wei without a word, his gaze intense and smoldering as he stared directly into Wei’s eyes.
Wei raised an eyebrow, clearly puzzled.
Tixo, with an exaggerated sigh, reached across the table and picked up Wei’s book, glancing at the cover as if he could somehow absorb the character’s personality by osmosis. “These stories…” he began, his voice deep and raspy, as if he’d been brooding in the rain for hours. “They’re full of passion, danger… longing.”
Wei blinked, his talons tapping softly on the wooden surface of the table. Are you okay? he signed, his expression more amused than concerned.
Tixo smirked, his voice dropping even lower. “I’m not like the others, Wei. I’ve seen darkness… lived it.” He paused, leaning in closer as if to reveal a deep, tortured secret. “You should stay away from me. I’m dangerous.”
Wei stared at him, trying to keep a straight face but failing. Dangerous? he signed, his movements slow and deliberate.
Tixo leaned back, draping his arm across the back of Wei’s chair in what he imagined was a dark, possessive gesture. “Yes. You don’t know what I’m capable of.”
Wei, now fully intrigued by Tixo’s sudden change in personality, sat back in his chair, folding his wings neatly behind him. His lips twitched with suppressed laughter as he watched Tixo’s every move. This was going to be very entertaining.
Capable of what? Wei signed, raising an eyebrow.
Tixo narrowed his eyes, glancing off into the distance like a tortured soul haunted by his past. “You wouldn’t understand. You’re… pure. Innocent.” He let out another exaggerated sigh, running a hand through his hair. “But being near me? It could destroy you, Wei.”
Wei covered his mouth, trying to hide the grin spreading across his face. He wasn’t sure what Tixo was trying to do, but whatever it was, it was very out of character—and kind of adorable.
Destroy me? Wei signed again, his movements slower this time, drawing out the words as if to humor Tixo.
Tixo leaned forward, his gaze burning into Wei’s. “Yes. I’m the darkness you shouldn’t crave, the danger you should avoid… but you can’t, can you?” He reached out, brushing a finger along Wei’s arm, as if sealing some forbidden pact. “You want me, Wei.”
That was it. Wei couldn’t hold it in anymore. He let out a silent laugh, his wings fluttering as his shoulders shook with amusement. Tixo blinked, momentarily dropping the act, looking at him in confusion.
What are you doing? Wei signed between silent chuckles.
Tixo frowned, trying to salvage his brooding facade. “What do you mean?” he asked, voice still deep and mysterious, though he was clearly starting to lose his grip on the act.
Are you trying to be one of those dark romance heroes? Wei signed, his smile wide now. Like in my books?
Tixo opened his mouth, then closed it, his ears flicking in embarrassment as he realized Wei had figured him out. He scratched the back of his neck awkwardly, his usual playful demeanor creeping back in. “Uh… maybe?” he admitted sheepishly.
Wei leaned back further in his chair, folding his arms. You’re not exactly pulling it off, he teased, his golden eyes sparkling with laughter.
Tixo groaned, slumping forward dramatically. “Damn it! I thought I had it down! All the smoldering looks and brooding stares…”
Wei shook his head, signing, *I appreciate the effort, but you don’t need to be like the characters in my books.* He paused, a small smile tugging at his lips. You’re more than enough just being you.
Tixo blinked, his tail swishing behind him as he processed Wei’s words. A wide grin spread across his face, his earlier embarrassment fading. “Really?” he asked, the mischief returning to his eyes. “So I don’t need to stalk around pretending I have a dark, tortured past?”
Wei nodded, laughing silently again as he signed, No need. I like the Tixo who flirts too much and then gets flustered when I flirt back.
Tixo laughed, leaning back in his chair, completely dropping the brooding act. “Alright, alright. I’ll leave the dark romance stuff to your books.”
Wei smiled, his eyes soft as he watched Tixo return to his usual self. Good, he signed, his wings shifting slightly as he relaxed. Though, I have to admit, it was pretty entertaining watching you try.
Tixo grinned, flicking his tail playfully. “Hey, I aim to please. Maybe next time, I’ll try being the mysterious bad boy who rescues you from danger.”
Wei raised an eyebrow, signing with a teasing smile, Just don’t forget who the real dangerous one is between us.
Tixo froze, then burst out laughing, shaking his head. “Point taken!”
