#setacus

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It was hot. It was really, really hot. The dark haired man was young, pale, and panting. Even for a Garde, this was a hard climb. His companion, the one leading them on this stupid trek, was a little bit ahead, his blonde hair reflecting the noon sun.

The dark haired one, Setrakus, wasn’t too out of breath to speak.

“Exactly where are you leading me Pittacus? To my death?”

They both chuckled, still carefree, still young and happy. Pittacus, the blonde one, shook his head. He sat on a rock and waited for Setrakus to catch up. Pittacus turned to his friend once he sat down on the rock opposite him, his smile soft and eyes crinkled at the corners.

Setrakus frowned and reached for Pittacus, thumbing at the fresh wrinkles. These were new, so new even he hadn’t noticed them yet. It must be the stress getting to him, the weight of all the new responsibility finally coming down onto his shoulders. Today was a welcome respite from their new life.

Pittacus’ eyebrows drew together, and his smile widened. He reached up and rubbed his own thumb across his companion’s knuckles, leaning into his hand. Pittacus moved his grip from Setrakus’ wrist to his fingers, gently pulling his friend’s hand away from his face and holding it in his own lap. Setrakus smiled at their joined hands, interlocking their fingers. Pittacus turned his smile back to him. He leaned forward and pecked Setrakus’ lips, both of them smiling into the kiss.

“That’s it, wipe that frown off your face. Today is a good day!”

The blonde one lifted up their hands and shook them for emphasis.

“We’re together,” Pittacus leaned over and kissed his forehead, “we’re safe,” a kiss on the cheek, “there’s nobody to bother us,” a kiss on the other cheek, “and it’s not even raining!” a final peck on the chin. Setrakus creased his face and crinkled his nose, giggling.

“Now,” Pittacus stood up and offered his companion his hand, “Shall we go? I haven’t shown you the falls yet.”

Setrakus took his hand and stood, smiling. “Lead the way my love, I’ll always follow.” 

He was ready to eat those words by the time they made it. His calfs were screaming and even Pittacus had broken into a sweat. Pittacus dropping his smug butt onto the grass overlooking the cliff while Setrakus wheezed and caught up to him. He sat down next to him and they slipped their arms around each others waists.

Setrakus had his hair on Pittacus’ should, a serene look on their faces and they held each other and watched the sun set. Pittacus squeezed their linked hands to get his lover’s attention. Setrakus turned to face him. 

Pittacus had a pleading look on his faceas he met his eyes. He licked his lips and was silent for a while, and just as Setrakus was starting to get worried he spoke with measured words. His voice was so soft that Setrakus almost didn’t hear him. 

“Promise me that it will always be like this.”