A returning Echo

Chapter Twenty Nine

When you woke up, the bed was empty beside you. It took you a minute to realize Echo's arms weren't around you, and you were confused when you opened your eyes and were greeted by empty space.

You sat up slowly, stretching before you felt a chilly morning breeze. Turning to look towards your balcony, you saw Echo leaning against the railing. You could see his mouth turned up in a peaceful smile as he gazed out at the horizon. Groggily, you slipped from under the covers to join him.

You were silent as you approached, so when you wrapped your arms around him, he gave a slight startle before turning slightly to get a glimpse of you. His smile widened before he turned more, enveloping you in his arms.

"Good morning, darling fiancé," he said softly, and you nuzzled your face against him.

"Good morning. Why are you out of bed already?"

"I wanted to see the sunrise," he said, his expression going slightly shy. "It's beautiful."

"I've seen plenty of Dohbar's sunrises," you giggled, "but this one is definitely prettier with you."

"Everything here is so pretty," he commented, looking back into the palace grounds. "Just like you."

"Hmm, not as pretty as you," you responded, earning an amused huff from him.

"I'm not pretty. I'm handsome."

"Pretty handsome," you said in a teasing tone. He just rolled his eyes with another chuckle, enjoying the feeling of the sun slowly warming the day. A slight breeze chilled you, and Echo's arms wrapped tighter around your form. You closed your eyes and sighed in contentment, enjoying the peaceful morning.

Neither of you seemed to keep track of time as you stood there. Echo kept watching the world around him as you watched his reactions. They were minute, but every so often a different emotion would flicker in his eyes. Every creature he saw caught his attention, whether it was walking down in the palace gardens or flying above the distant trees. Even the shapeless clouds seemed to be interesting to him, and it warmed you to know how curious he was. You couldn't wait to show him the rest of your home world.

Shifting out of his hold, you smiled as he looked at you. You intertwined your fingers and started to move towards the door, heading back inside. He silently followed, his full attention now given to you.

"For breakfast," you began as you moved to grab some fresh clothes for the day, "would you like to stay here or go into the city? If we stay here, I'm sure Ahni has already planned something to make, but if we go into the city, I can take you to my favorite morning café." Echo hummed in thought as he laid back and considered his options, looking at the ceiling to give you a bit of privacy as you changed.

"Would Ahni let me help cook?"

"This is a vacation for you," you teased. "You're supposed to be relaxing, not doing work."

"But cooking is relaxing to me," he countered, sitting up and smiling at you as you stood in front of him now. "And besides, I'd rather be here in case you get sick again." His hands rested on your hips, gently rubbing unidentifiable shapes with his thumbs.

"Well, in that case, I'm sure she'd love your help," you said, returning the smile. His grin widened as he stood and gave you a quick peck on the lips before going to change his own clothes. Once he was ready, you headed out together to look for Ahni. As you had expected, she was in the kitchen, already preparing to make a meal.

"Good morning!" she said, smiling briefly at you and Echo. "I hope you slept well and are nice and hungry for today's breakfast!"

"I did and I am," Echo responded with a smile. "Your home is very cozy and I'm very much looking forward to your cooking, although y/n hasn't told me much about it."