*Throws Sunlow and leaves*
The sun was dipping silently over the horizon, casting a warm glow across the bustling overgrowth of the LeafSilk Kingdom. Warm rain was still sliding off the leaves from the morning showers. Clouds overhead cast a natural summery shade over clearings of heather, and although the chirping of crickets was rarely far away, and the air was positively swarming with bugs, Sundew wouldn't have it any other way.
A cool breeze was tickling Sundew's wing as she and Willow walked side by side, their tails entwined; wings brushing comfortably every so often against the soft grass. Willow was smiling as Sundew had never seen her before.
She reckoned she was smiling as Willow had never seen, too. She certainly felt like it.
To her, it was like someone had plucked her greatest dream out of her mind, drifting like a cloud, and flung her onto it as soon as the Othermind was stopped. It was hard getting flung into to this new world, but Sundew knew she wouldn't be crushed, as long as Willow was there.
She snuck a glance at Willow's placid, chocolate eyes, and was elated to catch her looking back, a tentative smile on her face.
"Come on, my love. I promised you the best tangerine wine in the kingdom, didn't I?" She said soothingly.
Was it weird to feel so tingly and warm inside after one sentence, that meant practically nothing of significance?
Was it weird to look at a dragon and feel like your entire world was reflected inside her eyes, and that you could go anywhere as long as she was there?
Was that love, or just delusion?
"Yes, you did," Sundew conceded, her tone laced with a tinge of reluctance. "But you know I'm not a fan of crowded places. And loud, raucous dragons that totally want to crush two little LeafWings on a date."
Willow playfully nudged her, a mischievous glint in her gaze. "I promise you, it'll be fine. Lady Scarab's holding a party up in Jewel Hive, all of the HiveWings are out having fun. Besides, it's going to be our little celebration. Just you and me."
Sundew's cheeks flushed ever so slightly as she shifted her gaze away. The intensity of Willow's softness almost hurt as she thought of how she'd cope when this dragon wasn't with her.
"I suppose one drink won't hurt," she murmured, her voice barely audible.
"That's my girl." Willow agreed.
"I'm only going because it's you, though, mark my words." Sundew retorted, flicking her tail in mock arrogance.
Willow giggled in response, and repeated Sundew's action in such a merciless imitation that the two of them stopped just to laugh.
Where had these days been when they were young?
How had Sundew survived with only stealing moments of this, like living a half life in the shadows among her tribe.
Sundew thought it was love.
Or, you know, could still be delusion. Jury's still out, she told herself with a final giggle.
They reached the colorful restaurant at about noon, its vibrant lights illuminating the entrance with a warm glow. The familiar scent of freshly baked cookies and vanilla wafted through the air, making their mouths water in anticipation.
As they entered, Willow held the door open for Sundew, a playful grin gracing her face. "After you, milady," she said, mimicking a bow.
Sundew rolled her eyes, but the corners of her lips curled into a tiny smirk. "Thank you, kind miss," she replied, stepping inside with a hint of grace.
