Dragon Feathers

Epilogue

Artemisia left again the day after having helped Mira find his family.

- We don't know how to thank you - said the boy's parents. The Dragontamer smiled.

- Take care of your son like you have taken care of me. There's no other thank you I want - she answered.

She also let Mira keep on using her room and promised to come back soon, for Rorik and Lynae's wedding.

She kept her promise, and so did Elin. It was a beautiful ceremony.

***

Every morning, when he woke up, Mira ran to his window. The window was in front of another window, his boyfriend's, Leif, who lived in the house next to his.

The fire Dragontamer, who had the senses of a dragon, would get up immediately and hurry to say good morning.

Then, usually, they'd be lovey dovey for a while and have breakfast with their families.

Every morning Mira pressed a kiss to his mother's cheek and let his father ruffle his hair, then, once that ritual was over and his meal finished, he ran to Leif to go to work with him.

But there were days in which, instead of doing all of that, he would get up and go directly to him, slipping into his bed and waking him up, inevitably. Leif, though, would pretend to be still asleep just to enjoy the morning cuddles.

And there were days in which Mira wouldn't even come home and sleep directly with his boyfriend, like when he used to live with him. His parents never worried about that, because if they had a doubt they could go to their neighbours and ask.

That morning Mira was woken up by a ray of sunshine that hit him directly on his face.

He got up, yawning and running his fingers through his hair.

Leif was at the window, watching him with a tender look. The Dragontamer leaned out of his window.

- Good morning! - he exclaimed, smiling. The fresh morning breeze caressed his face.

- Good morning, my love - replied Leif, smiling back. For a moment they looked at each other, madly in love with each other. - I like your hair, this morning. So original.

Mira snorted and laughed.

- It's not for everyone to be as perfect as you after rolling out of bed - he retorted, showing him his tongue.

His boyfriend bit his own lower lip.

Can't you see that to me you're always beautiful...

- There's no one more perfect than you, Mira - he shut him up, making him blush.

Mira ruffled his hair even more, giggling, embarassed.

- See you later - he said, escaping from his gaze to go get changed.

His room was quite big, airy, bright, and it was similar to his room in his house on the previous island, with the only difference that on the walls there were hung some drawings and on the table there were, other than some books, some little statues.

Mira caressed with his gaze every drawing: Ruby and Cloud, him and Cloud, Cocco, Novae and Diamond... precious gifts from Leif.

He tidied the books on the table, books about dragons, put in a safe place the flute he was carving (Cloud had broken the previous one, thinking it was a stick to play with) and straightened the statues; they were of his parents, his sister, Cocco, Cloud and Leif.

Then he got in front of the mirror on the closet, and laughed at his reflex. Leif was right, he thought, my hair is a mess.

He brushed his hair, then took off his clothes and went to the closet to take the clothes he was going to put on. And what clothes! His first outfit for the competition, chosen together with his boyfriend.

It was a hoodie and tight pants; it was entirely light grey, almost white, with a light purple lace as belt.

He smoothed out the folds, smiling with satisfaction. For once he felt good enough for what was awaiting him.

He went downstairs to have breakfast. Even his parents were well dressed for the occasion, because for nothing in the world they were going to miss their son's first competition.

- Good morning - said Mira, smiling even more, with affection. He had missed so much seeing them every morning, everyday.

- Good morning, honey - replied together his parents.

- You're beautiful - muttered his mother, as he kissed her cheek as usual.

- You've grown so much - commented his dad, giving him a look full of pride, and without ruffling his hair like he used to do.

- Did you sleep well?

Mira nodded, helping his mom to serve the breakfast.

- Are you nervous for today?

- No.

They sat down to eat. It was almost like every other morning. Mira wished to feel always that peaceful.

- We're so proud of you, Mira.

After breakfast the young Dragontamer went to his dragon. Cloud wagged her tail like a dog when she saw her tamer.

- Hi, baby. Have you already gone hunting? Are you alright?

The dragon headbutted his hand, needy for cuddles as always. And Mira never had a problem with giving them.

- See you later, Cloud - he said eventually. - Or you'll ruin my new clothes.

And he went to Leif, who was going out in that exact moment. For a moment the two Dragontamers exchanged a delighted look.

- It suits you - was able to comment Leif, devouring him with his eyes.

He was a triumph of black, gold and red, and he was super elegant and beautiful.

- I could say the same about you - blabbered Mira, blushing. Because when Leif was that beautiful, he fell in love with him a bit more, though it seemed impossible. But it happened: more love for the blonde tamer found space in his heart.

Leif smiled and got a bit closer, before grabbing him by the waist and pulling him close.

Their noses brushed against each others and their eyes met. In his, green, so sharp but so sincere, Mira read how much he adored him.

I adore you too. I hope you know it.

He smiled shyly, putting his arms around his neck. Leif kissed him softly.

- Are you ready for your first competition?

THE END