Oh, eyes like wildflowers.

They spent the night together, the first since their reunion, and by morning Quicksilver felt as though he'd been made new. He curled himself close to @Reiko while they slept, waking multiple times to groggily check that she was more than just a dream.

By morning, he woke to Springtime sun rays. Eyelids fluttering, Quicksilver inhaled deep the soothing aroma of warm lavender beneath his chin. Without a moment's hesitation he shifted to bury his snout between the alabaster furs of his dove's nape, wishing he could prolong the cuddle session before duty willed them to surface.


the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

She roused, shifted, and Quicksilver's lashes fluttered. He peeked by them and withdrew his snout from among her alabaster ruff to part his jaws in a yawn, then blinked the sleepiness from his eyes. “Mmm,” he mumbled in tired agreement, and set about preening the silken furs at the base of Reiko's velvet lobe.

He let silence linger between them for a little while as he groomed her cheek and side of the dove's neck. “Soooo,” the druid planted a kiss between Reiko's ears, “should we start making arrangements soon?”


the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

She was startled by his suggestion, and Quicksilver's expression wavered. Her concern was understandable, considering their arguments - but would there ever be a right time? He'd spent recent days thinking about it, wondering and fretting over wether their union would come at all, and he'd come to realise that he was done putting barriers between them.

He wanted to be her husband, more than anything - even if it terrified him.

“Honestly,” he said, managing a small smile in a soft effort to encourage her, “I don't think we'll ever be ready.” He pricked a sterling lobe, hopeful as he sought to hold her gaze with his. He'd lingered for so long, waiting for some magical moment when he'd know, but it'd never come. How many more months or years would he need to spend hoping for happily ever after, when he could make an attempt at steering himself toward it? “This might just be the most important decision we'll ever make together. I want it to happen, but I understand if you have doubts, and... and that's okay. I'll wait for you.”

He paused. His pale eyes glistened.

“For as long as I have to.”


the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

His instinct was to reassure her, to say that all would be well - but Quicksilver had learned how quickly change could be upon him. His own insecurity bubbled to life and he began to doubt himself. He straightened himself at Reiko's side, tongue snaking between lips nervously as she made mention of the man who'd sired her children.

He had wondered of him on more than one occasion: had he been strong but kind, handsome in ways Quicksilver could never compare, held her in the manner she deserved? His thoughts of the snowflower's mystery man were innocent enough, though the perfect image he'd conjured of him sparked jealousy and concern that she might yearn for him instead.

“I...” he hesitated, both wanting to ask her for details but afraid to know the truth, “I won't pressure you to tell. If you want to share, I'll... I'll listen.”

He wanted her to be safe with him. He wanted her to know she could be.


the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

She slipped her muzzle beneath his throat in a gesture of comfort, but it brought him little. It should've been him reaching to assure her, the druid recognised guiltily, but he did not withdraw. Quicksilver accepted Reiko's touch and lifted his gaze to seek her face when she withdrew to begin sharing her secrets.

He felt his pulse thrum strong in his ears, heart wild against his ribs; there was no way to prepare himself for the wave of emotion that began to rise over him, threatening to crash. Reiko had loved someone, once - but had been betrothed to another against her will. It roused a discomfort in him, for Quicksilver struggled to understand how she could've even considered offering her own child in such a manner after the trauma her in experience had brought her.

He reminded himself to let the thought go as quickly as it invaded his mind.

“He... he did not deserve you. Any of you,” the healer frowned deeply, averting his stare to glance out with a brow furrowed in frustration for what Reiko and her children had been through - especially Hotaru. “I understand,” he answered, “I-I hope I can earn her trust.”


the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

Reiko leaned in against him, and Quicksilver pressed his shoulder firmly to her own. He collected himself to turn focus entirely on her, on being who she needed him to be, and sought only to support. Her past was her past, not something for him to judge.

“I love you,” he reminded the dove softly, tracing the feathery edge of her cheek with the bridge of his nose, “and I'm sure of that.”

Quicksilver was in no great rush to wed, but after everything that'd happened between them he wanted to at least set plans in motion - show that he wasn't dragging his heels.

“Reiko?” Quicksilver had one question, though, for he feared the possibility of paranoia creeping into his being if it was left unanswered: “what... what happened to them? Your...?”

Will they ever come looking for you?


the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

They were gone, and the reasons why disturbed him. The first, he who Reiko preferred, had chosen her friend - then objected to her union with another. The discomfort was clear in Quicksilver's faltering expression and he glanced off to the side, ashamed.

He had very nearly courted her companion, following the rejection that nearly brought him to ruin.

“I'm so sorry, Reiko,” he said, sincerity in his voice, and he exhaled a sigh.

She'd been through hell and made it out the other side, only for him to wreak havoc on her peace.


the staff team luvs u

This content is not visible to non-members.

the staff team luvs u

The past. Quicksilver, comforted by the snowflower's reassurance, glanced her way again - shy, almost. He mustered a watery smile for her and leaned into her gesture of affection.

She was right: the future was brighter. They'd have each other. They were each owed some stability in their lives, and the druid was ready to embrace it.

Draping a slender forelimb over Reiko's slim shoulders, he reached to pull her close into his embrace once more. Without words, he set about kissing the base of an ear and nibbling fondly at the fine furs of her throat.

Let the world wait for them to rise - just a little longer.


the staff team luvs u