#speaktothevoid

"Well, I..." he trailed off, focus dropping to the multitude of half empty boxes circling him, the contents strewn across the floor. Brightly colored ornaments were clumped together while sparkling tinsel winked up at him as a few voidlings cavorted with the crinkly strands.

"Um..." he tried again, looking back up then following his lover's gaze to the admittedly pathetic looking tree perched in the middle of the room. With a frown, he realized it was leaning again. It had taken him the better half of twenty minutes to straighten it before and at the sight at it once again drooping, he could feel his own shoulders mirroring the action. His original plan had been to have it all finished before Malzahar returned, but nothing seemed to be going smoothly, from voidlings trying to eat tinsel to almost stepping on a bunch of glass ornaments. A sudden thought burst into his mind and he spun around, giving the prophet a suspicious look.

"Wait, why are you back so soon? I thought you said you wouldn't be home until later tonight?" He questioned, now scowling at the other man. Malzahar merely shrugged, making his way over towards him, delicately picking his way through the boxes. Finally reaching him, he drew close, leaning down to kiss him. Undaunted, Spook pushed forward himself, eager to greet his bloodmate. Closing his eyes, he greedily accepted the forthcoming wave of affection and comfort Malzahar never failed to send across their bond. Stepping back a few seconds later, he smiled up at the taller seer.

"Even if you are or were lying about the time, welcome home."

"Now why would I lie about something like that, little Saif?" Malzahar answered with a question, his own smile curving his mouth. "However, my real question is what exactly were you hoping to accomplish with a dying tree and mismatched decorations?"

Shoulders hunching, he turned a mutinous look at the aforementioned tree and half dozen boxes at their feet. Giving them a cursory glance, he scowled again as he turned back to Malzahar.

"They aren't mismatched," he muttered, shuffling back towards the tree with a sigh. Time to attempt to refluff the tree into a less than paltry existence. "And it wasn't drooping...before at least. I just wanted to surprise you but-"

"I came home early and ruined it," Malzahar stated, reaching out to brush his fingers against Spook's cheek.

"No, it's not ruined, just unfinished."

"Would I be allowed to help or do I need to disappear then come back and pretend to be surprised?" Spook snorted, giving him a shove.

"You couldn't pretend even if your life depended on it. But I suppose you could help. You'd be a lot better than those useless lumps," He scoffed, pointing at the trio of voidlings who were now taking turns diving into a pile of tinsel. Shaking his head at the antics of his pets, Malzahar picked his way over to the tree. Reaching past the prickly branches, he grabbed the trunk, making it glow blue for a few seconds. As his head retreated, the tree slowly straightened up, it's limbs strengthening also. Turning back, he was met with a grumpy thief.

"Show off," he accused before tossing a wad of gold tinsel at his head. "First this, then ornaments, then the candles."

The afternoon passed comfortably, laughter and bickering interspersed throughout the hours. As the sun made its descent towards the horizon, the tree slowly because more magnificent. Decked in gold and silver strands, tiny crimson and emerald glass ornaments winked from beneath the fragrant branches as the two added the final touch - miniature cream colored candles. Setting the last in place, Malzahar stepped back to admire the final result before laughing and tugging Spook back from fretting over a few other candles.

"Stop worrying so much, little Saif. Our tree is perfect," he stated, pulling him down next to him on the huge mound of pillows he had brought in earlier. Situated directly in front of a stone fireplace, the pillow nest had been kept heated as the two had decorated. Leaning over his lover, Malzahar dropped a few kisses along the line of his jaw. "You're perfect," he mumbled against his warm skin. Spook hummed contentedly, wrapping his arms around the seer.

"I am far from perfect," he answered, tilting his head back to give Malzahar better access. His eyes fluttered shut before flashing back open and staring at the tree. "Malzahar?" Feeling the thief tense beneath him, he lifted his head to give a curious look.

"What is it?"

"What is that?"

"What is what?" With an irritated huff, Spook shoved him back a bit before pointing at a tastefully wrapped box nestled under the tree. Chuckling, Malzahar turned back to his lover, burying his face against his neck.

“Don’t tell me that’s what I think it is,” he threatened, shoving the seer off and crossing his arms. Rolling onto his side, the taller man fixed Spook with a questioning look.

“And what if it is? Am I not allowed to spoil you? Show you how much I care for you?”

“You can but, I don’t know. I just...presents?” He winced slightly, eyes flickering back over to the innocuous box.

“Just accept it, Saif. I promise it’ll be worth it.” Standing back up, he padded over, stooping down to pick it up. Pivoting, he made his way back over, dropping to his mate’s side once more. Kneeling, he unhesitatingly held out the silver foil covered box.

“I know it’s early, but you should open it now.” Giving him a hesitant look, Spook took the small box. Gently, he pulled on one of the ribbons, ignoring it as it fell into his lap. Malzahar remained silent as he tore the paper from the box. Popping open the box, he sucked in a breath.

“What is it?” Lifting the silver band from its resting place, faint violet and indigo etchings flickered in the firelight.

“It will keep you safe. Not that I feel your skills are insufficient, but you did return with a stab wound the first time. I do not want to see that again. You are mine, my bloodmate and I will protect you, regardless of your protestations.”

“You worry too much, Malzahar.”

“Perhaps, but it would make me feel better. Do you like it?” Slipping it on, he shook his arm, watching it slip only an inch or so down his wrist.

“It fits perfectly.”

“Thank you,” Malzahar replied with a smug grin. With a scoff, Spook shoved him hard enough so he fell down onto his side. Laughing, he pulled the thief down with him. Snuggling up against him, Spook held his arm up, admiring his new bracelet in the flickering light from the fireplace. Cocking his head, his brows furrowed as he tried to make out the symbols.

“What does this say?”

“It’s mostly just protection spells, woven into the base level of the components of the gold.”

“Mostly?” Turning to face his lover, he gave him a curious look. He was immensely surprised when faint coloring rose against Malzahar’s cheeks.

“There’s one extra on there” the seer admitted, not meeting his eyes. Reaching over, Spook curled his fingers around his cheek, drawing close to rest their foreheads together.

“Tell me?” Finally meeting his eyes, Malzahar’s lips curved up at the corners. Shifting forward, he placed his mouth against Spook’s ear.

“It says I love you.” Jerking back, he stared at the prophet, eyes wide. The two continued to stare at each other, Malzahar’s smile slowly fading into a blank expression as the silence stretched between them.

“I apol-” Lunging forward, Spook slammed their mouths together, his tongue snaking in to play with Malzahar’s. Clambering on top of his mate, he continued his assault before finally pulling back.

“What was th-”

“Don’t you dare apologize because...Iloveyoutoo,” Spook blurt out the last few words, feeling his own face heat up. Malzahar’s confusion abruptly melted into a soft smile. Gently pulling Spook back down, he gave him a light kiss.

“Good.” Still grumbling in embarrassment, the thief ducked his head as he curled up against the prophet.

“If you tell anyone about this, I won’t hesitate to stab you,” he hissed, giving Malzahar a light punch in the ribs when he laughed.

“Are you sure? You do remember what happens when I get close enough to touch your shadows, right?”