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The war in Elyos had ended. Everyone he had fought alongside had returned to their homes with the promise to meet again once restoration efforts were in affect. Alear had wished he could have seen everyone for longer, but they all needed to return home. However, they had all returned to Lythos Castle to watch him be crowned the Divine Dragon Monarch. They had a celebration, but Alear knew that once it was over everyone would leave. He watches the clock, willing time to slow.
'Just give me a few moments more please.'
"Alear? Are you alright?" A gentle voice reaches his ears.
Alear turns with a bright smile on his face. "Hello Alcryst. Were you looking for me?"
"You were staring off at nothing, I thought something was wrong." Alcryst says anxiously.
"I'm alright. You really do not need to worry." Alear chuckles. He glances around quickly before grabbing Alcryst's hand and leading him away.
"Alear?! Where are we going?" Alcryst asks.
"Somewhere more private." Alear answers. "I want to spend some time with you alone."
"With just me? But everyone came here to see you!" Alcryst exclaims.
"I know that, but it has been awhile since I have last seen you." Alear says.
"But..." Alcryst frowns.
Alear runs his fingers over the pact ring Alcryst wears on his hand. "I can see them all again later. I want spend more time with you before you need to return to Brodia. Please?"
Alcryst remains silent for a long moment before he nods. "Okay. Let's do that then."
"Thank you." Alear squeezes Alcryst's hand as he begins to run.
He had no plan in mind. All he needed to do, wanted to do was find somewhere he could spend time with just Alcryst. He finds the portal to the Somniel and leads Alcryst through. Hopefully, no one would find them there. Alear looks around and relaxes when he sees that there is no one else around. The one signs of life he hears are the small rapid footsteps of Sommie running to greet him.
Alcryst kneels down and picks up the little creature, petting him. Sommie happily hops around, pushing the prince over. The little creature licks Alcryst's face, only for hands to grab him and hold him away. With a disappointed whine, Sommie wiggles free before running off to play somewhere else on the Somniel.
"Sommie seems happier than normal. I wonder why that is..." Alcryst says, wiping his face off.
"I think he is happy to see you again." Alear chuckles, extending a hand out.
Alcryst takes the hand, allowing Alear to pull him up. "Thank you."
"I'd always be willing to help you." Alear smiles.
"You're being too nice now." Alcryst sighs, shaking his head.
Alear didn't think he was being too nice. He was just doing what was natural to him. It was normal to treat the person he loved kindly. Alear did not see any reason for why he wouldn't be nice. Not only that, but Alcryst would treat him kindly. It just made him want to give Alcryst all the love that he could because he knew the prince needed the reminders that he was loved every so often, and he would keep reminding him.
Alear watches as Alcryst walks on the path ahead of him. He couldn't help but admire him as the moonlight illuminated him. Alear thought Alcryst was beautiful. No matter how many times he told the prince, Alcryst wouldn't believe him. He would just have to keep trying until his words got through to him. He would be as patient as he could be.
'I'm sure he will believe me one day.'
"It is quiet here without everyone around." Alcryst's voice breaks him out of his thoughts.
"It is, isn't it? It is usually so lively with everyone around. When you all went back home, it was just me here." Alear says, catching up to Alcryst.
"That must have been lonely for you..." Alcryst frowns. "But wasn't Sommie here with you?"
"Sommie was, but he doesn't answer me when I speak to him. All he does is stare at me." Alear sighs.
"At least he is still here for you." Alcryst says.
"You're right. He is always happy to see me and doesn't nag me for sleeping in." Alear huffs, crossing his arms.
Alcryst laughs, a beautiful sound to Alear's ears. It almost makes him forget that Alcryst was likely laughing at him. He just felt enchanted to be able to hear Alcryst laugh, for it was a rare occasion, just as rare as his smiles.
"Why are you laughing?" Alear huffs.
Alcryst laughs, patting Alear on the shoulder. "Oh Alear. You really love to sleep, don't you? Does Vander still scold you for oversleeping?"
"It's not my fault the bed is comfortable..." Alear pouts. "And there isn't a war anymore, so I should be allowed to sleep more!"
"But you're the Divine Dragon. People expect you to be ready to help them." Alcryst pokes Alear's cheek.
Alear grabs Alcryst's hand. "But it is a lot of work that I have to do by myself. Why can't you stay here and help me with it?"
"Huh?!" Alcryst squeaks. "W-What do you mean?"
"Can't you stay in Lythos and help me?" Alear says with pleading eyes.
"I... I don't know Alear." Alcryst sighs. "I don't have any power in Lythos. I am just a Brodian prince."
Alear hangs his head with a sigh. "You're right..."
"Ah! I'm sorry! I didn't mean to make you upset!" Alcryst quickly bows. "Please forgive me!"
And it was back to the apologizes. He should have known Alcryst would start apologizing again. While the prince had said he would work on being more confident and apologize less, Alear supposed some habits were hard to break out of. It didn't matter to him because that showed him Alcryst was still the person he had grown to love.
"It's okay, Alcryst. You don't need to apologize." Alear smiles.
"Are you sure?" Alcryst frowns.
"I'm sure. You haven't done anything to upset me." Alear reassures.
Alcryst's expression is unreadable. He seems to think over the words for awhile before nodding. "I believe you. I shouldn't doubt you."
"Come on. Let's walk around the Somniel then." Alear says, taking Alcryst's hand and leading him away.
As they walked, Alear would point out the things that had changed since Alcryst had last been there. Alcryst seemed interested in everything Alear would show him.
Eventually, they sat down together on Lookout Ridge. Alcryst leaned against Alear's shoulder and he felt his heart race. As the moon continued to shine, Alear prayed that this moment would last longer.
But time continued to trickle by.
Soon the voices of their companions echoed through the Somniel and it was time to part ways.
"When will I see you again?" Alear keeps a grip on Alcryst's hand.
"I'm not sure... I will try to come sooner if I can." Alcryst squeezes Alear's hand in reassurance.
"Do you promise?" Alear says.
"I promise. I swear on this ring that I will see you again no matter what." Alcryst smiles.
"And I promise that I will see you once more." Alear presses his forehead against Alcryst's. "Until then, wait for me."
Alcryst hums and nods. "I will. I hope we can see each other again soon."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Alcryst was exhausted. He knew he had agree to help Diamant with this gathering, but it was tiring to talk to all the nobles. Diamant had become the new king of Brodia, so he was busy speaking to some other nobles about something. As for Alcryst, he was stuck with some nobles who kept asking questions about the war with the Fell Dragon that had ended years ago, but he could hardly remember what had happened during the war. He remembers helping during it, but he did not remember the exact details at least not after recent events.
Diamant had said it was because of an accident, but the memory wasn't too clear to Alcryst. He remembers helping some soldiers training. They had been on the Grand Crossing when a soldier had misfired his magic, sending Alcryst over the side of the bridge. He doesn't know how long he had fallen, but he had passed out at some point. Then the next time he was conscious, he was waking up in the castle's medical ward to the worried faces of his family and retainers. There were also some faces he did not recognize, yet it felt like he knew them. While some of them looked upset, they had all said that it was alright and that they hoped he would feel better soon.
But the face that stuck in his mind the most was that of the man with red and blue hair with matching eyes. He looked distraught and Alcryst wished he could say something to comfort him. He had tried to apologize, but the man had only said that it was okay and "I'll keep coming back to see you no matter how long it takes."
'What did he mean by that?'
"Prince Alcryst I would like to discuss something with you." A large noble says, handing him a glass of wine.
"Discuss something? About what? I thought that we already discussed every political issue..." Alcryst frowns.
"That is not what I am talking about." The noble waves his hand dismissively.
"Then what is it?" Alcryst asks, hesitantly.
"It is about your marriage plans." The noble says.
"M-My marriage plans?!" Alcryst squeaks. He waves his hand frantically. "N-No! That isn't ne-"
The noble sighs and shakes his head. "Prince Alcryst, you are old enough to be considering marriage now. I am aware that you have been helping King Diamant around the castle, but it is about time you considered marriage for yourself."
"A-Ah..." Alcryst turns away and takes a sip from the glass.
"I am being serious, Prince Alcryst. You should consider marriage." The noble continues.
"I... I am aware of that. You are not the first to approach me about this." Alcryst mutters. "I just-"
"Then you are making the considerations, correct?" The noble smiles.
"I... yes... maybe a little..." Alcryst sighs. He takes another sip of wine.
"Then why are you hesitating?" The noble asks.
Was he hesitating? Alcryst hadn't considered that, but it seemed to be the closest thing to the truth right now. There was something holding him back, and he doesn't know why. Why were his feelings so confusing now? "I don't know..."
"You are looking pale. Why don't you go to bed?" The noble pats him on the shoulder. "I am sure your brother would understand. The gathering is ending, so no one will notice if you slip away."
"I... I should still let him know." Alcryst mutters.
"You do not need to worry about that. I will let him know." The noble shakes his head.
"If... If you are so sure..." Alcryst says quietly.
He starts heading out of the ballroom, but he stops at the door and glances back. Since when were the nobles so nice to him? As far as he could remember, they would do nothing but taunt and look down on him. So why was this noble being kind to him now? It just didn't make any sense. He couldn't help but feel like something was wrong, so he decides to go find Diamant on his own.
But where would he find Diamant?
Alcryst glances around the ballroom, searching for signs of his older brother. There were too many people around, but Diamant was likely where the biggest crowd was. After all, he was the King of Brodia now. There would be plenty of people who wanted to speak to him. As Alcryst pushes through the crowd, he sees some of the faces of those people he had woken up to when he was in the medical ward. Some of them waved to him, so he politely waved back. Some of them beckoned him closer, but he shook his head and kept walking. He was searching for his brother after all, so he did not have time to stop.
He stumbles after bumping into someone. Before he falls, a pair of strong arms wraps around him.
"Are you alright?" A gentle voice reaches his ears.
"Y-Yes! I am alright!" Alcryst squeaks. He looks up to be met with red and blue eyes. "O-Oh! It's you!"
The stranger chuckles. "So you recognize me?"
"Um... yes. You were there when I woke up." Alcryst says as he stands up straight.
"Hmm... Is that all you remember?" The stranger asks, keeping an arm around his waist.
"Yes... I am sorry if you are expecting something else... um..." Alcryst frowns. "Who are you again?"
"I'm the Divine Dragon, Alear." The stranger answers.
"Divine Dragon?!" Alcryst squeaks. "I am so so sorry! I did not mean to be disrespectful!"
"It's alright. I really don't mind." Alear laughs.
"But... I should be more respectful! You're the Divine Dragon! And-" Alcryst panics.
"Relax. I don't mind at all. Are you sure you don't remember anything?" Alear places a hand over his mouth. He reaches out and pats Alcryst on the head. His fingers linger in the long strands of hair, gently stroking them before releasing.
'Why is he doing that?'
Alcryst does not linger long on the odd gesture and focuses on the question. After thinking over it, he nods.
"Hmmm..." Alear grasps Alcryst's hand and gently rubs his fingers over the back of the prince's hand. Then his fingers stop over a ring. "I think a part of you still remembers. If you didn't, you wouldn't be wearing this ring."
Ring? Alcryst looks at his hand and sees a ring with a beautiful blue gem on his fingers. "Huh? I don't remember where I got that from. I just feel like it is from someone important."
"I know." Alear smiles. It was a gentle, loving smile that made Alcryst's heart skip a beat. He doesn't know why he feels this way.
"I wish I could remember how I got it..." Alcryst says quietly.
"I'm sure you will. Come on." Alear holds out a hand.
"Huh? Where are we going?" Alcryst asks.
"I would like to have a dance with you." Alear says.
"With me? But you should dance with my older brother! He is the king of Brodia!" Alcryst argues.
Alear takes Alcryst's hand. "I already had a dance with him. Now I want a dance with you. Will you honor me with this request?"
Alcryst hesitates before nodding.
"Perfect. Let's begin then." Alear leads Alcryst out onto the dance floor.
Alcryst feels his breath catch. "What if I mess up?"
"I'll help you then. You don't need to worry." Alear smiles. "Just relax. It will be alright."
Alcryst nods, holding onto Alear's words. Why was he listening so quickly? Perhaps it was because Alear's presence just seemed so comforting. It made him feel safe, like he was being protected. Alear was someone he could trust.
"Are you enjoying yourself?" Alear asks as he guides Alcryst through the dance.
"Ah... yes. I am." Alcryst answers. He keeps his gaze on Alear's face.
Alear smiles and laughs. "Good. I was worried I was overstepping by asking you to dance with me. It looked like you wanted time to yourself."
"No! You aren't! The one who is overstepping is me! You're the Divine Dragon, and I am taking up your time!" Alcryst quickly argues.
"You aren't taking up my time. I was the one to ask you, remember?" Alear laughs. He keeps his grip on Alcryst gentle as he moves to avoid bumping into some people.
"O-Oh. Right... You did... ask me..." Why me? He wants to ask, but he is afraid the question would offend Alear. Alcryst sighs. He glances around nervously. He knew Alear said he already had a dance with Diamant, yet he had some doubts. But wouldn't asking about that just offend the Divine dragon? He did not want to do that, so he asks something else. "Are you having fun, Divine One?"
"Me?" Alear asks.
"Yes. Are you having fun?" Alcryst nods.
Alear has a thoughtful look on his face before he smiles. "Of course. After all, I get to spend time with my favorite person!"
"H-Huh?" Alcryst stumbles. Did he hear that right? How could he be the Divine Dragon's favorite person if he doesn't remember meeting? What kind of magic was this for Alear to like him already? It wasn't like Alcryst had done anything besides accept this dance!
'Maybe he is just trying to be nice... That has to be it.'
"Are you alright?" Alear asks, concern laces his voice.
"I'm alright, maybe I am just a little tired... Please don't worry yourself!" Alcryst shakes his head.
"Oh! Then why don't I walk you to your room?" Alear says politely.
"No! That isn't necessary! You should stay here and enjoy the party. Everyone would wonder where you went." Alcryst quickly says. He could feel his heart pounding in his chest, yet he did not hate the feeling. "And I should let Diamant know I am going to bed early! I don't want him to worry!"
"That is a good idea." Alear hums. He grabs Alcryst's hand and walks through the crowd. "I will help you find him!"
'Why is the Divine Dragon being so nice to me?! I don't deserve his kindness, but it makes me feel so happy... I don't understand why I am feeling like this.'
Alcryst feels his heart flutters as he watches the back of Alear's head. Alear was a dazzling sight, a truly ethereal being. How could he have been so lucky to have the Divine Dragon grace him with his presence?
'I want to talk to him more.'
"Um... Divine One." Alcryst says hesitantly.
Alear glances back at him. "What is it?"
"Is there someone you love?" Alcryst asks.
Alear stops walking, and Alcryst almost crashes into him. He hoped he hadn't overstepped by asking that question.
"Divine One? Did I say something to upset you?" Alcryst asks nervously.
"No. You just... surprised me." Alear says. He sighs. "But to answer your question, there is someone I love."
"Then why aren't you with that person right now?" Alcryst frowns.
Alear has a sad look in his eyes as he smiles. "He is somewhere far away right now."
------------------
Somewhere far away. Alcryst wondered what Alear meant by that. Was the person he loved gone? Why were they gone? Did they leave him? Did they go somewhere farther away?
He sighs, lifting his arm above his head. The light catches on the ring he wears.
"I think a part of you still remembers. If you didn't, you wouldn't be wearing this ring."
The words Alear said echoed through his head. Alcryst slips the ring off and rolls it between his fingers. He doesn't remember how he had gotten it. No matter how hard he tried, he just couldn't not remember.
But the look on Alear's face said that he had seen it before. Was he familiar with it?
'Maybe Alear knows how I got this. I should ask him the next time I see him.'
Alcryst holds a hand over his face and groans.
'Why am I thinking about him so informally?! He is the Divine Dragon! I need to show him more respect!'
Alcryst slips the ring back on, turning his hand over to stare at the ring more. It felt like it was special. How did someone like him get something so special? There must have been someone outside of Diamant and Citrinne who would have given it to him.
'I will try and find out more.'
He yawns and turns over onto his side. He had been feeling tired since returning to his bedroom. After finding Diamant and letting him know, Alear had followed him to make sure he would make it back safely. Alcryst was thankful, but he had told the Divine Dragon that it wasn't necessary. After all, he wasn't in any danger in Brodia Castle.
Alear had answered with a smile and said "I just want to spend a little longer with you. Every moment by your side makes me happy."
'Being with me makes him happy?'
Alcryst feels his face heat up as he thinks over it. It made his heart race thinking about how someone enjoyed his presence. He knows that he shouldn't let it get to him. After all, Alear was the Divine Dragon. The Divine Dragon was supposed to be nice to everyone.
'But I want his attention too.'
Maybe, just maybe he would get the chance to have Alear's attention once more.
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
"There you are!" Alear's voice reaches his ears.
Alcryst looks up from the ant trail and smiles when he sees who it was. "Hello Alear."
"I was looking for you. I wanted to talk to you about something." Alear says, offering his hand.
"You wanted to talk to me about something?" Alcryst reaches out and takes the extended hand.
"I wanted to see you again." Alear nods and pulls him up.
"We saw each other not too long ago..." Alcryst frowns.
Alear laughs. "I know that. I just meant outside of the battlefield!"
"O-Oh... I... well..." Alcryst says. He stops himself from bowing in apology.
"You managed to stop yourself from bowing. That's great!" Alear smiles.
"Yes. That's because I should stand tall. I want to be someone you can rely on." Alcryst reaches into his pocket.
Alear smiles fondly. "You already are someone I can rely on."
"I know that! I just... I mean..." Alcryst takes out a blue and red stone. "I wanted to show you this."
"Oh wow!" Alear gasps. "What a beautiful gemstone! It has such a mysterious color."
"It's a stone of Brodian origin. The coloring is quite rare, with red and blue mixed together..." Alcryst nods. He frowns as he continues. " My father gave it to me when I was born. He liked how it matched my features."
Alear looks up from the stone, staring at Alcryst for awhile. He could feel his heart race. "Ah, I see! This is a match for your blue hair and red eyes, isn't it? This gem suits you perfectly."
Alcryst wanted to argue otherwise. The stone couldn't possibly be a match for him. He shakes his head. "B-but...your features are even more of a match, Alear!"
"Huh? What do you mean by that?" Alear tilts his head.
"The color distribution differs, but..." Alcryst gulps. He takes a deep breath before continuing. "It reminds me of you. I see someone I treasure who encouraged me to do thing my own way."
"Someone you treasure, huh?" Alear taps his chin. "I never knew you thought of me that way."
"My father told me to choose an important person to giv ethis to someday. So... Alear..." Alcryst feels his face heat up as he holds the stone out to Alear. "Please accept this as a token of... well, a token of my feelings toward you."
Alear smiles warmly, taking the stone in his hands. "Thank you, Alcryst. I gladly accept your token."
"I am so glad..." Alcryst sighs with relief.
"Now it's my turn. I'd like to give you this ring." Alear fishes a silver ring with a blue gem out of his pocket.
Alcryst gasps when he realizes what it was. "This is the Pact Ring... Are you sure you want to give it to me?"
"It is." Alear nods. "And now it's yours. Prince Alcryst... I, the Divine Dragon, grant you this, a symbol of our special bond. Let's share our lives as fellow soldiers...and partners in peace."
~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~*~
Alcryst's eyes snap open as he sits up in bed. That dream felt so real. Maybe it was just his imagination, but something deep down told him it was real. It had to be. It would explain why he felt so familiar with Alear.
But didn't that mean he was the special person Alear was in love with then?
'That would just be crazy!'
Alcryst holds his face in his hands as he hears a knock on the door. He takes a deep breath and calms his rapidly beating heart. "Who is it?"
"Alcryst, are you up?" Diamant calls out.
"I am." Alcryst answers.
"That's good. Someone is here to see you." Diamant says.
Someone was here? Who could it be? Alcryst falls silent.
"Alcryst? Is everything alright?" Diamant asks.
"Who is here? Why would they be here to see me?" Alcryst asks.
Diamant doesn't answer for a few moments. "It's for your birthday. The Divine One came to see you. I thought you may not want a big party this time, so it will be just our family."
"Um... but the Divine One..." Alcryst frowns.
"He wanted to see you, so I made an exception." Diamant laughs. "Don't take too long now."
He hears footsteps leaving and he falls back onto his bed.
The Divine Dragon was here.
For him.
It was like a dream. He didn't want to wake up from it. Alcryst stares up at the ceiling for awhile before jumping out of bed. He needed to hurry and get ready. It wouldn't be right of him to keep Alear waiting.
------------------
Alcryst walks down the hall and waves when a few soldiers greet him. He had asked Diamant where to find Alear and had been directed to the ballroom. Slowly peeking in through the doors, he spots the Divine Dragon staring out one of the windows.
Alear turns around with a sigh, looking upset about something. Then their eyes, and Alear's face immediately lights up. "Alcryst! You're here!"
"Um... yes. Diamant said you were looking for me, Divine One." Alcryst says, slowly walking closer.
"Happy Birthday!" Alear meets him halfway, throwing his arms around him. "I brought gifts for you! It took me a long time to prepare it all!"
"You brought gifts?! But-" Alcryst lets out a surprised squeak when Alear tugs him forward.
"Here! I got all of this for you!" Alear points to a pile of things in the corner of the room. "I didn't know what to get you, so I got you everything I could think of! I didn't think just one thing was enough!"
Alcryst kneels down by the pile and begins looking through them. He found some pebbles, various books, packets of tea, and many more things within the pile. It was as if Alear had just grabbed everything he could and threw it all together. Alcryst smiles as he picks up a photo album. "Did you make this yourself?"
"Vander offered to help me, but I wanted to do it myself." Alear nods enthusiastically.
"He is always nagging you, isn't he?" Alcryst chuckles. He stops. How did he know that?
"He does." Alear says, as if he didn't notice. "But that's because he cares."
'How did I know Vander nags Alear? I barely spent time with him. I shouldn't know this, but somehow I do...'
Thinking about this made his head hurt. Alcryst drops the photo album and holds his head with a whine.
"Alcryst?!" Alear kneels by his side, sounding alarmed. "Are you alright?! What's wrong?!"
"I'm sorry! I'm not trying to worry you!" Alcryst says.
"It's okay! You don't need to apologize!" Alear says quickly. He gently rubs Alcryst's back. "It is alright. Just relax. Take a deep breath."
Alcryst nods, squeezing his eyes shut. He takes a deep breath. His head still throbbed. Why? Why did this happen? He tries to think about it. It started when Alear mentioned Vander. Vander... Who was he again? Vander was Alear's steward, and he fought alongside him during the war against the Fell Dragon. Alear always complained about how Vander would nag him for oversleeping, and Alcryst would always reassure him that Vander was only trying to look out for him.
'That's right...'
"I... I helped you during the war against Sombron." Alcryst meets Alear's eyes.
"You did." Alear says, wrapping an arm around his shoulder.
"And..." Alcryst breaks his gaze. He remembered more now. "We defeated him with the help of all our friends. We all went to your coronation."
"That's right." Alear nods.
"You... You gave me the pact ring. I am the person you loved." Alcryst feels tears running down his cheeks. "How did I forget?"
Alear pulls him close, placing a kiss to his forehead. "You got hurt. The doctor said you hit your head, and that it could affect your memory. He wasn't wrong about that. When you woke up, you didn't recognize any of us. It hurt to hear you ask me who I was."
"I'm sorry!" Alcryst sobs into Alear's shoulder. "I am so so sorry!"
"It is okay." Alear rubs his back and pulls away. He gently wipes away his tears. "Don't cry now. It's okay. Today is supposed to be a happy day. Let's try and keep it that way, okay?"
Alcryst sniffles and nods. "I am still sorry..."
"It is alright. I would have waited for you no matter how long it took." Alear says.
"Really?" Alcryst sniffles.
"Do you remember the promise you made me when I gave you the pact ring?" Alear asks.
"Yes. I remember." Alcryst nods.
"What was it?" Alear gently encourages.
"I said..." Alcryst takes a deep breath. "I'll do my best to stand tall for you, and for myself. Or, uh...taller than before, at least."
"That's right." Alear smiles.
"A-And I will get stronger! Despite how I seem, I am a prince of Brodia." Alcryst frowns. "As a son of the kingdom of warriors, I will become someone you can rely on... And I pledge to always protect you, Alear."
Alear laughs and wraps his arms around him again. "I know. I am sure you will. And I promise to protect you as well."
"Thank you, Alear." Alcryst leans against Alear's shoulder. "I will stand beside you proudly and be the best prince I can be, to the very end. I promise. I want to stay with you forever."
"And I want to stay with you forever." Alear whispers. He runs his fingers through Alcryst's silky soft hair. "I love you."
"I love you too, Alear." Alcryst smiles, staring up at Alear.
Alear leans down and kisses him on the lips. "I love you, Alcryst, and I always will."