#midnightspollwinner

August/Autumn Wells

Wyatt Greene

Jessica Hayes

Your mind had been unusually quiet the last few days, save for the distant humming of a man on a mission. In part you enjoyed the quiet, though there was a feeling deep within that caused you to worry. What if something changed and he was plotting?

Using work to keep your mind off the last few days was all you could do to stop from going to the mines demanding an answer to the radio silence but you knew if he didn’t wish for you to know then you wouldn’t be able to access the lower mines.

Walking into the house, your head turns to the calender on the wall. You notice today’s date with a heart around it. Sighing, you head to your room where you see a note on your door.

Hey,

If your mystery man doesn’t have any plans, you are free to join me at The Cove. They have a singles special for Valentine's.

-D

Taking the note off your door, you enter your room and are greeted with your senses being invaded. You feel warm, and the humming from earlier this week begins again. Ignoring the sensation, you set your things down, taking your time as you change from your work clothes.

As you pull your shirt over your head, you swear that you can feel the ghosting of fingertips brushing over exposed skin, but you know better. “Are you done ignoring me now?” You ask the empty room.

Your head turns towards the dresser as you hear something fall down. Walking over, you look at the floor and see a small box. As you lift the lid, you are greeted by a note. You glance at the heart-shaped stone that was sitting under the note before opening the slip of paper.

Darling,

I hope this reaches you in high spirits. If it wouldn’t be an imposition, I ask that you join me this evening. I have put great effort forth and would like to see my ideas come to fruition.

Ever Yours,

M.

As you read the note, a soft smile plays at your lips. At least you were clued into the reason behind the silence. As you begin to redress you notice a red sweater in the closet. ‘Perfect.’ you think to yourself as you reach for the garment.

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Realizing you hadn’t got him anything, you resign yourself to making a stop before heading to the mines.

Pulling just past the timed parking spots, you lock your car and begin walking down the small path towards the mines; gift and wine in hand. The biting cold of the evening nips at your hands and face as you trekked down the dark path.

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As you come closer to the entrance, you are once again greeted by the feeling of warmth surrounding your being.

“Just in time, my dear. I’ll be waiting for you.”

As you draw closer, you notice flower petals decorating the walkway. As you enter the room, you notice about a dozen candles lit, filling the small space with a warm glow. A bouquet lying on a makeshift table next to what looks like a card.

“You did all this for me?” You ask as you walk toward the table.

“What better way to show my adoration for the one whose soul is entwined so deeply with mine? I would be remiss to not show my affections properly, my heart.”

Taking the card in your hands, you notice just how detailed it is as you run your finger along the lace trim on the card. “You made this for me?” You question softly.

You set down the wine and small gift you’d brought him, feeling inadequate.

You feel his hand on your face and look up at him to see his grey eyes filled with warmth. His gentle humming plays in your head once more as he pulls you into a dance.

You sink into him as he leads you around the room. Guided by nothing more than the tune he plays in your head.

“Happy Valentine’s my dear.” His voice echoes softly below the sound of the song.

“Happy Valentine’s Day.” You murmur against his chest as he leads you around the room once more.

A = Affection (How affectionate are they? How do they show affection?)

Wyatt isn't overly affectionate. In part because it doesn't see the point in outward affection.

B = Best friend (What would they be like as a best friend? How would the friendship start?)

A best friend who always has time for you, even if there really is no time. With "fun facts" about the occult and creature patterns. If you seem interested in what is being said then they will stick around because no one has ever cared to listen to what interest them.

C = Cuddles (Do they like to cuddle? How would they cuddle?)

No,it is already always hot. Does not want extra heat.

D = Domestic (Do they want to settle down? How are they at cooking and cleaning?)

No. Well not in the traditional sense. They would love to spend their life with you but that is one traveling, following patterns and aiding those who can't fend for themself against various creatures.

E = Ending (If they had to break up with their partner, how would they do it?)

Skip town and never respond to you again. Isn't very good at goodbyes due to the way they grew up.

F = Fiance(e) (How do they feel about commitment? How quick would they want to get married?)

Would love to spend he rest of your lives together, but isn't in any rush to get married. Wyatt cares more about happiness than titles.

G = Gentle (How gentle are they, both physically and emotionally?)

Not very gentle. It would be suitable for this line of work, though that doesn't mean Wyatt is unable to be gentle when necessary.

H = Hugs (Do they like hugs? How often do they do it? What are their hugs like?)

Does not like hugs. Will give someone a hug if they are going through something and need it, but overall isn't a hugger.

I = I love you (How fast do they say the L-word?)

Will say it sooner than they mean it. Probably after something that frightens them happens.

J = Jealousy (How jealous do they get? What do they do when they’re jealous?)

Wyatt doesn't get jealous. They will ask you directly about the situation and if the answer isn't good enough they will ghost you.

K = Kisses (What are their kisses like? Where do they like to kiss you? Where do they like to be kissed?)

Kissing it is like a hug. The kiss is warm and soft. It enjoys kissing shoulders and temples and prefers to be kissed on the cheek or the lips.

L = Little ones (How are they around children?)

Isn't good with kids. Was a weird kid and never really got over being weird around kids. Avoids them if possible.

M = Morning (How are mornings spent with them?)

Asleep. Wyatt has a lot of late nights which means sleeping in to have adequate rest.

N = Night (How are nights spent with them?)

If you are willing to join them then researching whatever creature or phenomena they are currently tracking.

O = Open (When would they start revealing things about themselves? Do they say everything all at once or wait a while to reveal things slowly?)

Wyatt will always have a bit of mystery to them.

P = Patience (How easily angered are they?)

So easily annoyed. Pages stuck together? Pissed. Stumbles over untied shoe? Day momentarily ruined.

Q = Quizzes (How much would they remember about you? Do they remember every little detail you mention in passing, or do they kind of forget everything?)

Wyatt is a note taker which means it will never forget anything important to you or about you.

R = Remember (What is their favorite moment in your relationship?)

When you're together in the woods and they can share their passion with you. To see you understand why they do what they do.

S = Security (How protective are they? How would they protect you? How would they like to be protected?)

Is protective and would sue their knowledge to protect you. Would only expect protection if you actually knew what you were doing. If you botch it then the both of you could suffer greatly

T = Try (How much effort would they put into dates, anniversaries, gifts, everyday tasks?)

Wyatt isn't one to go over the top. You will receive something and have a nice time for special occasions, but Wyatt isn't into grand gestures. For everyday it would grab your favorite snacks at the store if you are out.

U = Ugly (What would be some bad habits of theirs?)

Smoking and prejudging people based on past experiences.

V = Vanity (How concerned are they with their looks?)

Not overly concerned. Makes sure to be clean and that's about it.

W = Whole (Would they feel incomplete without you?)

Nothing is that simple.

X = Xtra (A random headcanon for them.)

Wyatt became obsessed with the occult after their mother disappeared into the woods and never returned.

Y = Yuck (What are some things they wouldn’t like, either in general or in a partner?)

Making deals with unknown creatures. Putting ketchup on eggs.

Z = Zzz (What is a sleep habits of theirs?)

When you awoke, you found yourself alone. It was unusual behavior, as Caius typically liked to wait for you to rise before he set about his day. Sliding from the warmth of your bed, you ready for the day.

Scanning over the small room you shared, you saw a note at the edge of the writing desk.

Little Dove,

You sleep so beautifully it would have been criminal for me to steal you away from the carefully woven dreams that guard your mind during slumber. Break your fast and join me once you are readied for the day.

Blessed Daylight

-Caius

Shaking your head as you set the note back down, you wander around your shared space and notice the armoire is slightly ajar. Walking over meaning to shut the door, you notice a change in the energy. Pushing the door open wider, you feel yourself being pulled through a portal of some type.

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As you land on soft grass, you look up to see the stars painting the night sky. It was odd, seeing as how it wasn’t even half past noon yet; at least it wasn’t before.

“My favorite creature has finally made their way to me. Blessed darkness, little dove, I thought it was high time I brought you here.” His voice echoes around you as you search the darkness for him.

“Where exactly am I, Caius? And where are you?” You call out into the night.

“Let the lights guide your steps on this journey. Keep faith in your heart, little dove. You will quite enjoy the prize that awaits you at the end.”

With a heavy sigh, you continue down the path. As you look up at the sky, you notice the stars aren’t like normal stars…gone are the familiar constellations, now replaced by moments of your time with Caius. Versions of you both immortalized in stardust, carefully woven with shining threads from his memories.

The soft strumming of a lute fills your ears the closer you get. The breeze carrying the scent of moss and pine was reminiscent of your first day out.

And before you realize it, you are standing before a garden gate. The latch falls, letting you pass through into the garden full of beautiful blooms that were only ever known to the night sky.

You walk silently, enjoying the beauty before. Almost forgetting that you were meant to find Caius.

“Caius” You call out as you see the telltale orange of his shirt.

“Welcome to my domain. Tell me what do you think?” He asks, his eyes seemingly glowing against the darkness of the night.

“Why have I been brought here, Caius? I thought this was a reserved space… I’m mortal, I can’t be here.” confusion coating your voice.

“I wanted to give you a glimpse of eternity, of the place we could build a life together…”

“Caius” his name falls from your lips as a whisper, so low your ears barely register your words.

“Let me give you eternity. Anything less will never be long enough. Join me here, little dove, and you’ll never have to worry again. You shall be mine and I yours in eternal bliss.”

“It almost sounds like a proposal, Caius.” you tease lightly though your heart begins to race.

In that moment Caius takes both of your hands in his and looks deeply into your eyes. “I could think of no higher honor than to undergo the marriage rites with you. It would bring my heart gladness to be honored with arranging such, especially to be gifted the rest of eternity by your side.”

Caius captures your lips with his own, and you practically melt into him. Every touch feels amplified here, every kiss filled with more passion than right.

“I love you.”