Work Text:
"Deep breaths. Everything is going to be just fine."
"Deep breaths. You're just overthinking things."
"Deep breaths..." Azure reminded himself, staring into his mirror with a look of both determination and worry. Azure had been busy planning this day for weeks, doing everything he could to make things as perfect as they possibly could be. Today was the day… They were going to propose to Two Time. It was a risky move, considering they hadn’t been together for all that long and Amarah might not approve. But Azure was certain Two Time was the person he wanted to settle down with for forever.. This was a risk he was more than willing to take for them.
As sad as it was to admit, Azure knew that Two Time had been avoidant the past few days; and as much as it pained Azure to be apart from his love for so long, it was a sacrifice he was willing to make. What mattered most was that Azure had the time to sneak away from the church long enough to earn a bit of money from side-hustles without having to worry about Two Time getting wind of his plan. A plan that was working out beautifully so far, too. Just a few days ago, Azure had finally bought the ring that he planned to use...
The box that contained the ring wasn't anything pretty. It was an old worn-down black leather case that was stuffed with wrapping paper to ensure the ring wouldn't scratch or break. The ring Azure had chosen was a simple silver band that he was fairly certain would rust after a few years of exposure, but in the end, it was still a ring. Azure's heart raced whenever he held it in his hands, so much so to the point his hands trembled with nerves after a few minutes of merely looking at it. Azure had never felt this way about anyone before, and at first, these emotions had weighed him down... Now, the one thing eating away at him was a simple yet heavy question that no amount of praying could help ease the burden of having. Would Two Time say yes...?
It was a normal thing to worry about, sure. Marriage— even just the suggestion of it— could easily ruin a relationship if someone wasn't ready. And that was the last thing Azure wanted for him and Two Time. If they couldn't be together, even as mere friends, Azure wouldn't know what to do with himself. Two Time was his entire world, and no amount of words could describe how boundless Azure's love was for them. Azure had to take another deep breath to calm his nerves, running a hand through his hair and staring at his reflection in the mirror.
Azure had been practicing for what felt like forever. Ever since the thought of proposing came to mind, they had started planning how they would want to do it. They knew exactly what they wanted to say, where they would confess, and the exact time it would happen. They would take Two Time on a surprise date to their special nightshade field, where the two of them had spent nearly all their days together. They planned to do it at night, when the fireflies were most active and the stars shimmered the brightest, where any concept of time was lost once you arrived. Azure would slowly get down on one knee, gently holding the ring in hand while they confessed their undying love, and they would wait. From then on. it would be up to Two Time to determine what would happen between them. It was a little naive to think that things would all go according to plan, but Azure had faith in both themself and Two Time's love for them. Tonight was going to be perfect.
...
They hoped.
Azure felt the air leave his chest when he saw Two Time approaching the nightshade field. He swallowed thickly, his throat and lips suddenly far too dry, and he did his best to mask his nerves. Everything was going to be just fine. Two Time looked nervous as well, though, and before they could even say hello, Azure rushed in to reassure them.
"My Nightshade!" Azure greeted, reaching out for Two Time's hands and pulling them in close, leaning in close and planting a gentle kiss to Two Time's cheek like he always did. But today, Two Time didn't lean into it. They didn't react at all, actually... Azure pulled away slightly, gently rubbing his thumbs over Two Time's knuckles.
"Nightshade..?" Azure murmured, raising a hand to try and cup Two Time's cheek before they thought better of it and pulled away, their hand lingering just shy of Two Time's face. "Is something the matter? You know you can talk to me about whatever-"
"I'm alright, Azure." Two Time insisted, seemingly to instantly regret how unnecessarily harsh they sounded. Azure could tell they were on edge, so they didn't hold it over their head. Two Time looked away, sighing a bit before confessing. "Okay, I guess I'm not fine . Something's been weighing down in me for a while, and... I was hoping we could talk about it tonight."
Azure smiled, allowing their hand to rest against Two Time's cheek and feeling their heart swell with love as Two Time (reluctantly) leaned into it. Azure leaned in to kiss their forehead, but their hat got in the way, causing both of them to giggle softly. By the Spawn, if Azure could make Two Time laugh like this for the rest of eternity... Well, the Spawn couldn't bless them with anything of more value or importance.
"Of course we can talk about it, my Nightshade." Azure said softly, almost scared to break the fragility of the calm dusk. A gentle breeze caressed the both of them, and Azure made quick work of wrapping their scarf around Two Time's shoulders; not missing how Two Time seemed to linger to Azure's lingering scent. With a smile, Azure gestured towards the setting sun, holding Two Time' hand a bit more securely as they initiated a walk. These were always Azure's favorite moments to share with Two Time; their quiet walks where they could just take in the beauty of life.
Two Time subconsciously let their shoulder brush against Azure's, but they were mostly focused on the flowers, the purple nightshades contrasting beautifully with the orange of the setting sun. Two Time smiled a little, giving thanks to the Slawn for such a beautiful sight. Azure focused on Two Time's face, taking in the tranquility and the genuine beauty of the person before them. "I find myself inclined to agree. What a beautiful sight indeed..." Azure replied, and Two Time turned their head only to end up catching Azure's gaze, realising he was talking about them. Two Time scoffed, but their eyes shone with nothing but love and affection for Azure.
"You flirt."
"I merely speak the truth, my Nightshade. Your beauty is like none other... even my flowers pale in comparison to you." Azure spoke, the words falling from their mouth as easy as their breaths were. Two Time didn't say anything, but their smile and the way they tightened their grip was enough of a cue to Azure that they liked his compliments. But as to why Two Time suddenly tightened it even more a few seconds after? Azure hadn't the least idea.
"... Hey, Azu. Is that a white nightshade?" Two Time suddenly asked, pausing in their tracks and staring down at the beautiful white flower that was nestled between the other purple plants. Azure practically beamed with excitement and admiration when they saw it, slowly letting go of Two Time's hand and walking towards the flowers, bending down to get a closer look. Their hand slowly reached out to brush against the petals, admiring such an uncommon find with gentle caution.
"By the Spawn... What a beautiful flower..." Azure praised quietly, his voice gentle as if he were talking to a small animal. Two Time shifted behind him, not making too much noise but now noticeably behind him. Two Time took a sharp breath, and when Azure looked back, a tight smile was on their face, their eyes full of an emotion Azure couldn't quite identify.
"Beautiful indeed. The Spawn never disappoints when making their creations!" Two Time praised, taking their hands out of their pocket and lowering themselves onto the ground, clinging to Azure's arm and peering over to get a better look at the flower. Azure tensed up a bit, but not because they didn't want Two Time leaning against them. It was mostly because Two Time usually didn't lean against them. Azure was normally the one to initiate any kind of contact between them, so this was quite a surprise.
Azure and Two Time stayed like that for a long while before the mage decided to reach out and pluck the flower, making sure the roots were still in-tact so it would grow again. Two Time watched as he did this, looking confused before Azure gently held their face. Azure absentmindedly tucked the flower into Two Time's hair, adjusting the stem a bit so it would be secure and not fall out if Two Time were to move around too much. It took a while to get it just right, but when he did, it looked perfect. Azure paused for a moment, taking in this new look on Two Time with eyes full of nothing but love.
"Wow... You're beautiful-"
"Beautiful?" Two Time guessed, ending up speaking in sync with Azure and rendering them both speechless for a few moments before they started laughing at how synchronized they were with each other. Once they calmed down from laughing so much, Azure leaned it and gently kissed Two Time's temple, brushing a few stray locks of hair aside and taking time to admire their partner.
"Yes, my Nightshade. Beautiful, in every sense of the word..." Azure assured, gently grabbing Two Time's fingers and raising them to his lips, planting a gentle kiss to them while maintaining eye-contact. A genuine smile found its way onto Azure's lips, and he couldn't help the blush that had undoubtedly crept up onto his cheeks. "My beautiful flower..."
Two Time smiled thoughtfully, reaching out to adjust Azure's hat so they could see his face better. Two Time's hand lingered by Azure's cheek, and when they spoke, their words were laced with admiration and a gentle lilt of teasing. "You're the beautiful one between the two of us, Azure.. I'm thankful the Spawn's blessed me with someone as extraordinary as you."
Azure blinked a bit, stunned at how easily Two Time had just said that, before smiling, their heart swelling with love and appreciation. Azure gradually got them both back on their feet, holding onto Two Time's hand and giving it a gentle squeeze. "Thank you, Two Time... Your kind words mean everything to me." Azure said softly, guiding them back on their walk as the sky bled purple, orange, and red. It was a beautiful sunset tonight, just as Azure had hoped and planned for. A beautiful night to pose such a beautiful question...
Azure and Two Time sat silently in the field of nightshades, Two Time leaning against a tree while Azure plucked a few flowers, skillfully weaving the flowers into a beautiful crown for Two Time to wear as he talked about all different types of ways to make said crowns. The crown was far from done, but it gave Azure enough time to build up the courage to finally ask the question. He wanted things to be perfect, and he was hoping that Two Time hadn't picked up on anything. He wanted this to be a surprise, after all.
Azure paused in making the crown, setting it aside and enjoying the nighttime air, reaching into his pocket slowly and with trembling hands. He was really doing this, wasn't he? Azure knew the Spawn didn't mind same-sex marriages, and even Amarah had taught them that it was alright. Frowned upon by others, but alright. Azure looked down at the ring, his heart racing and his body alive with excitement. With a subtle "ahem", Azure cleared his throat, holding onto the ring tightly while staring at the field, not able to look at Two Time yet.
"... Actually, Timey. I... I have something I've been meaning to tell you. No- I... I need to tell you." Azure corrected themself, slowly rising to their feet and feeling the cold night air blow against their back, their scarf flowing in the air. Two Time's breath hitched, and Asure hid the ring instinctively, hoping they didn't see it.
"I... I do as well." Two Time replied, and from the sounds of it, Two Time was making their way towards Azure, slowly and calculating, almost as if they were nervous or on guard. "There's been something weighing on me a lot lately, and... I thought tonight would help."
"Did it?"
"... No. I don't think it did..." Two Time confessed, stopping abruptly a bit behind Azure. Azure could feel his heart racing more and more, and so with a deep breath, he tried to recite the words he had been practicing all week. Hours dedicated to talking to his mirror had helped him get an idea as to what he should say while proposing.
"... Two Time-"
"... Fuck, I can't do this." Two Time snapped, causing Azure to actually turn around and to face his partner. And that's when Azure saw it. Two Time's blade, trembling in their hands, and Two Time raising the blade to Azure. Or so they were, but their arm lowered, the knife falling to the ground as Two Time staggered backwards, clutching at their shirt where the Spawn's image was. Azure felt his heart drop faster than the knife had, his breaths now short and heavy. What...?
"I'm sorry... I'm so sorry..." Two Time apologized frantically, but Azure couldn't tell if they were apologizing to the Spawn or to them. ".. Amarah told me- he told me you— I had to kill you. For my second life..! It was all going to be for the Spawn- I.. The Spawn would be happy. My duties would be fulfilled. But..." Two Time fell to their knees while monologing, staring up at Azure with a trembling lip and fearful dark blue eyes. "I can't... I can't kill you... But now I've turned on the Spawn, and- and Amarah and- and the church! Oh, what they'll think of me.. Blasphemy... Blasphmer... Oh, great Spawn, what have I done...?"
Azure didn't dare breathe for a while while Two Time ranted, too stunned by the sudden confession and the crushing reality of why tonight actually happened. Two Time was told to kill them...? Was that why they had been so avoidant, so they wouldn't feel as bad about it? As insane, upsetting, and unbelievable as it all was, it made perfect sense. Azure swallowed heavily, their chest suddenly too tight and the air suddenly too thick. Slowly, as not to draw attention to it, Azure slipped the ring back into their pocket, taking a big deep breath and slowly bending down besides Two Time, wanting to comfort them but not knowing how.
Because to be honest...? Azure would have let them do it. He knew he could fight back, but he also knew he wouldn't. Two Time was his world, his life's purpose, his light in the dark, his Nightshade... Azure knew it was bad that he was so willing to do this for Two Time, but it was the truth. He would let Two Time kill him, had they ever found a means too. And from the sounds of it, Amarah had given them exactly that.
"... Two Time–"
"I'm sorry, Azure." Two Time interrupted, clenching at their clothes and gasping for breath, the weight of everything seemingly to suddenly crash down on them as their shoulders shook. "I was just trying to follow the Spawn's good word. Their word is everything- and, and... oh, but the thought of losing you is just– just too much. I can't... I can't kill you..." Two Time whispered, and Azure decided to reach for their hand, taking it in his own and giving it a gentle squeeze. Azure quietly shushed Two Time, lifting their hand to his lips and giving it a tender kiss.
"... Two Time. Please. Enough with the apologies." Azure asked, their tone quiet yet full of love and support. Azure brushed their thumbs over Two Time's knuckles, trying to offer whatever support they could for their beloved partner. Azure didn't know what to say or do from here, but their instincts were screaming to reach out and hold Two Time close, to be there for them. So, that's exactly what they did.
"It's all okay, Timey... It's okay. I understand..." Azure murmured, planting a loving kiss to Two Time head. Because they did understand, at least from Two Time's perspective. They understood that Two Time's devotion to the Spawn was unhealthily large and unwavering. Amarah could tell Two Time to toss aside all their moral beliefs for the sake of the Spawn, and they would. That was just who Two Time was. Azure couldn't and wouldn't hold out against his beloved partner for simply doing what they believed was right. Two Time looked ready to protest, but the words died on their lips as they finally crumpled into Azure's arms.
"It's okay..." Azure said once more, his voice soft as he held Two Time against his chest, taking deep breaths and letting Two Time cry. The ring suddenly felt heavy in his pocket, but not as heavy as his heart. Not as heavy as his regret...
'I'll propose one day...' Azure promised silently, his grip tightening just a bit more while Two Time came apart, dampening Azure's shirt with tears. Azure didn't mind, though. If he could comfort Two Time, that was enough. As much as Azure desperately wanted to propose, right now... it simply wasn't the right time. Not anymore.
"... you're too good to me, Azu..." Two Time whispered, causing Azure to focus on the present again. He smiled, planting a gentle kiss to Two Time's head. Two Time held him a bit tighter before whispering, "I love you..."
"And I love you, my Nightshade..." Azure repeated softly, their words dying in the nighttime air. Perhaps knowing that Two Time loved him would be enough...