forget-me-not.

    They jump back in surprise, hands instinctively covering their face briefly before they lower them, looking at Phos in bewilderment, before the other speaks, and Antarc gives a tiny scoff.

----- why don’t we rewrite the stars?

     They’re in shock. Like, actually shocked for a few seconds, simply sitting there and clutching the box like a lifeline, before they regain their composure and wipe a gathering tear from their eye. They have their own present for Phos, of course-- but they weren’t expecting Phos to literally leave it under the tree overnight, like Santa had come or something. It’s... nice.

     They’re on the floor for only a moment, before popping to their feet and whirling around to see whoever threw that at them.

  A soft giggle leaves Phos then, more than glad about the kiss being returned and being pulled closer. And in their gleeful joy, Phos gives Antarc another kiss before wrapping their arms around their neck in attempt of a hug - a big smile and a warm blush on their face.

       “I love you too, Antarc, very much!” Oh, how right everything felt right then and there. Blessing the difference in height between them, Phos gave a gleeful giggle when they hid their face in the crook of Antarc’s neck - obviously in a very good and happy mood. And in fact, Phos had forgotten about the tea completely until they heard the light clink of the infuser being set on the table. Ah, how embarrassing.

         When they spoke again, it was muffled by Antarc’s shirt, but was still fairly comprehensible. “We better go drink that tea before it gets cold, no? Don’t wanna let all that effort go to waste.”

      they barely know how to respond, just wrapping their arms around phos and hugging them tightly. they’re not sure of what to say. they don’t even really want to speak, they hope that just holding them is enough. they’re content, for once. the moment breaks when phos brings up the tea, but it’s not an irritating interruption, per se.

       “Say what..? I didn’t say anything..?” But slowly coming out of their weirdly relaxed state of mind, realization soon enough dawned on Phos - an obvious blush of green slowly making its way onto their face in embarrassment.

     “Ah..! I–! N-No! I mean, yes! I meant what I said but I didn’t mean to say it out loud I’m so so sorry..!” Well, they certainly were as flustered as Antarc was, the flush of green now matching the deep azure. In fact, Phos was even shaking and trembling enough to let them crack just the tiniest bit right on their face.

  In fact, they looked much like they wanted to hide because of the embarrassment, but they wouldn’t dare move in case it could hurt either of them. “S..Sorry- about..that.. My mouth outpaces…my th-thoughts..”

        if antarc was more emotive, they would burst into laughter right then and there, both out of the absurdity of the situation and confusion. instead, their mouth opens and closes without a sound, akin to that of a very surprised fish. how do they even respond to that...?

  There’s surprise in Phos’s eyes and expression, but also in their stance ( as a habit of self defense, free arm had been raised and one foot had taken a step back ). But, there was no fear. When they spoke, their voice was soft, meek. “A-Antarc..” Only to become flustered for a moment when they notice how physically close Antarc actually really is right now.

   They almost tear up at how much emotion those few words held, though. So, they sniffle a bit before clutching the hem of their sweater tightly - almost anxiously.

        “Sorry.. it’s an old habit..”

  Phos does, however, give a small but genuine smile and a soft snicker when they see the other looking sheepish. So, letting go of their shirt, they place their hands on the sides of Antarc’s face as gently as they could - their hands a comfortably warm. They stay that was for a moment, until they lean in just enough to give Antarc a kiss.

  When they spoke again, it was a soft breath and whisper against the other’s lips.

        “You know, I’ve heard that a lot of times.. But when I hear you say it, I can’t help but belief that. Thank you, truly.”

    if they knew how, they’d burst forth and say everything they wanted to say. god, they could write poems about phos if they just knew how to articulate their emotions-- they feel so much, but can barely express it. so when phos leans in, antarc feels thankful-- thankful that, for everything antarc cannot say, phos understands. it’s enough to make them almost tear up, but blinking a few times and swallowing any fears they might have is enough to keep them from crying. they lean forward as well, hands finding themselves on phos’s sides and pulling them closer.

   macbeth: the howl of wolves. moonless nights. dirt under fingernails. stained silk. chattering teeth. voices hoarse and cracked. rotting fruit. echoing drums. dry heaving. hanging cobwebs. stifling humidity. bloodshot eyes. the roughness of rusted steel. wild rosebushes. muscle cramps. the sound of splintering wood.

   a midsummer night’s dream: crackling fires. ivy crawling on stone. the faint music of running water. petrichor. dirty, bare feet. tattered clothing. thistledown. wilted wildflower crowns. late evening birdsong. curling leaves. a symphony of croaking frogs. drifting feathers. the eerie sound of wind chimes at night. humming bees. beds of clover.

    romeo and juliet: warm golden lamplight. worn shoes. crumbling brick walls. whispered poetry. embroidered satin. cool, hazy mornings. tousled hair. rosewater. flushed cheeks. distant orchestras. unfinished marble statues. cobblestone streets. loose threads. ink smudged on parchment. tapping fingers. dust illuminated by sunlight. poison vials.

    hamlet: shattered glass. cluster of fraying ribbons. unanswered knocks on doors. lingering dampness. white noise. inexplicable drafts. migraines. memories of dreams. tarnished silver. bleeding ears. the taste of metal. reflected mirrors. dry, cracked lips. the sound of tearing paper. fogged windows. protruding veins.

@cryptobiont | cont.

  There was a hint of nervousness in their eyes when Antarc made them look up at them - subtly invading personal space without it being too much. If the chimera gem could breathe, they would’ve held their breath right now in fear of ruining the moment. Yet, with the other gem looking relaxed, Phos was as well ( they trust no one else more ).

   The teasing and haughty drawl of Antarc’s voice, however, that got Phos more flustered than they’d dare admit - and they didn’t even know why.

         “Antarc..” Something felt..off, not right. Perhaps it was the clothes, the sudden straightforward behavior - Phos couldn’t place their finger on it. But after a moment with their hands finally moving instead of hanging limply at their sides, the mint green gem let out a soft nervous laugh. “I know I said you could do whatever, but… what do you plan on doing, exactly?”

   it’s at this particular moment when antarc realizes that, in fact, they have absolutely no idea what they plan on doing. they almost laugh, but instead they just end up looking sheepish. the nervousness in phos’s eyes is misconstrued for discomfort, and antarc lets go, nervously brushing a lock of white stony hair out of their eyes. “ i’m... sorry. i really don’t know what i was doing. i didn’t mean to make you uncomfortable, phos. ”

IT’S JUST A GAME YOU PLAY | @novocaid ( accepting! )

    there’s no smirk that spreads on antarc’s face, just that ever-serious flat expression, and they lean forward. gloved hand gingerly pushes phos’s face upwards, closer to antarc.