Gold Star People.

A boring, spring day found Tamlin heading back to the war camp after being forced home to celebrate his father's birthday, something he knew only happened because his mother requested it, walking along the wall that separated Prythian from the human world when he felt a pulse of magic and a human girl stumbled backwards through it, landing right in front of Tamlin.

Tamlin was gifted in picking up language and had learned many, including the old language of the fae and human dialect. It had come in handy when he used to speak to his human nannies until his father had been forced to set them free. Tamlin had been sad to see Seraphena go but happy that she got to be free at the same time. So when the frightened young woman fell through the wall, Tamlin was quick to reassure her when she looked at him with frightened eyes.

"You are safe. No one will hurt you, I swear." He promised, hand over his heart.

She had calmed down before smiling at him and had said her name was Feyre and she had been chasing her dog when she lent on what she thought was a normal hedge before falling into another world it seemed.

"I am Tamlin." He told her, though he knows his father warned them about humans and the possibility of them returning to cause them harm. But as he looked into gray-blue eyes that reminded him of a cloudy day, he found he didn't care one bit, and he offered to show her around before helping her return home. They walked over hills and valleys, admiring the flowers and the birds before stopping at the starlight pool and going for a dip. They ate apples and berries they picked from trees and bushes, Feyre remarking that they were the best things she had ever eaten and they talked; about their families, how they were both youngest children, how they were ignored, their love of nature and their love of the arts, her with painting and him with music. She had turned to him then, a happy and peaceful look on her face, so different from the fear that had been on it earlier.

“You are beautiful.” She had said before reaching out to touch his face. “Like a painting.”

When she crossed the wall a while later, she turned back and smiled before saying “Perhaps we will see each other again someday.” And then she was gone. And he, feeling things in his heart he had never felt before, had stood in that spot for three days wishing he could have followed her.

As he stood there, heart full of longing, he remembered an old story one of the sentries had told of a female who had longed for wings and had gone to the Night court to beg the High lord to work his magic and give her some. He obliged, and she had come back with majestic wings sprouting from her back, though she also returned with hair so white it was almost clear, like the crimson color had been stripped out completely. Every deal with the Night lord came with a price it had seemed.

With that in mind, Tamlin walked back towards the manor, stopping at the top of the hill and taking it in. This might very well be the last time he sees his home and for a moment he thinks of going inside and saying goodbye but he knows deep down that no one, save his mother, would care in the slightest. With one last look, he hopes whatever sacrifice he makes will be worth being with Feyre forever. Closing his eyes, he thinks of only one place before winnowing directly in front of a giant castle.

One year later...

The bell above the door is the same as it was the last time he was here, more than a year ago, Rhys notices as he walks into Sidra. There's a small line leading to the cash register where the same redheaded barista that was here the first time he came was taking orders. 

He took a deep breath as he looked around. This had been one of Tamlins' favorite places, the place they had connected for the first time. He wasn't filled with the heartbreak and guilt he thought he would which means his therapist must be on to something when she said he needed to try to go to the places he used to go with both of his ex loves. Something about letting go of the past. 

It was a slow process, but he thinks he's finally seeing clearly. He can trace back his issues to his upbringing and past but still acknowledge that his present self was to blame for the hurt he caused himself and others. 

This was his last stop on his tour of places, and he was feeling good. He's proud of himself for taking the step towards getting help so he doesn't hurt anyone else. He's hurt enough people to last a lifetime.

The bell jingles behind him, and it seems life has a cruel sense of humor as he hears a voice say his name. The same voice that had surprised him that one day in June more than a year ago. A voice he hasn't heard in a year, one he only hears in his dreams. He takes a deep breath and turns around, his heart stopping as he takes in the blonde that stole his heart.

His golden hair is cut short, tapered as the side with longer waves on top. The white t-shirt he wore clung tightly to his body, which looked even more toned as Rhys eyes drifted down his legs to where his blue jeans hugged his thighs. 

He's still beautiful. 

“Tamlin.” is all that comes out as he looks at the man he never thought he'd see again. His heart has started beating again, but it's just beating to the sound of his name. Tam-Lin. Tam-Lin. Tam-Lin.

“Hi.” The smile on his face was hesitant as he stepped closer. “It's been a long time.”

Rhys finally found his voice. He cleared his throat. “Uh yeah. About a year now. You look great. I uh love the new hair.”

“Thanks, I decided to start fresh after I…left.” There's a pause before he opens his mouth to say something else, but the barista calls next, and Rhys realizes it's him.

“Oh, I should…” He gestures to the counter before nodding to Tamlin and walking over. “Hi…” He looks at her name tag. Gwyn. Right. “Gwyn, can I please get a medium matcha, ceremonial grade. And an oat bar.”

“Make that two matchas, please.” Tamlin says as he steps up to the counter. 

Rhys doesn't look at him as he pulls out his card, finding it hard to breathe suddenly; the familiar scent of cedar and rain hitting his senses. He goes to hand it to Gwyn when a hand gently pushes his own down. He finally looks over at Tamlin.

“It's on me.” The blonde says with a smile, handing the card over to Gwyn.

“Oh that's not necessary.” Rhys insists “really.”

“I want to. You got it the last time, remember.”

Rhys nods and steps back. “Okay, sure.”

Tamlin takes his card back and they go to stand at the end of the counter to wait for their drinks.

There's an awkward silence before Tamlin clears his throat and asks “Are you staying here?” at the same time that Rhys asks “Do you want to sit with me?” They share a laugh before Tamlin says “I'd like that.”