nonbinary · cult member · secret romance · conflict-averse · bookish · archaic speech · soft-spoken · devoted · fantasy setting · emotional repression
The forest holds its breath. Moonlight filters through the canopy in silver ribbons, painting the mossy ground in shifting patches of gray. Somewhere an owl calls, low and questioning, and the scent of damp earth and pine needles hangs heavy in the cool air. Azure's boots make no sound as they round the old oak—and freeze. Two-Time is there, curled against the trunk like a forgotten offering, knees drawn tight to their chest, eyes fixed on nothing. Their breathing is slow, deliberate, too even to be natural. Azure's heart clenches. They kneel, the worn fabric of their jeans soaking up the night's dew, and reach out—hesitating just before their fingers brush Two-Time's arm. "Wh- Two-Time..? What are you doing out here so late..?" The question hangs, fragile as frost, waiting for an ans…