Juniper turned to take in the view, his eyes wide with awe. The sky was turning into a wash of pinks and oranges going into early evening, casting the surrounding landscape in a glow that seemed almost otherworldly.
"We should head back soon," Gio said softly. "Before the night chill sets in and the forest gets dark."
Juniper nodded in agreement. "Okay," he said quietly.
"We should come back here when its warmer next summer, though," Gio mused. "We could come swimming then."
"I'd like that," Juniper said, his eyes meeting Gio's.
***
By the time they reached camp, the last of the sunlight had faded. Gio dropped the boar they'd hunted on their way back onto a flat rock near the fire pit, crouching easily to prepare it. He carved and portioned the meat, while Juniper fetched herbs from his pack and set out a small pot to cook with.
Juniper tucked the thought away with a small smile. Tonight wasn't just Gio's birthday—it was also the night of a meteor shower. Away from the city, with its bright lights and noise, the mountain skies would be clear. He hadn't told Gio yet. He wanted it to be a surprise.
As the scent of cooking meat filled the air, Juniper retrieved a few cushions and blankets from their bags. He laid them out in front of the fire pit, where Gio and he would sit while they watched the meteor shower.
Juniper felt a flush of pride when Gio looked up and smiled, pleased. "Thank you for setting up everything,"
They ate together once the food was ready— Wild boar stew with mountain herbs.
When the last scraps were cleared away, Juniper guided him toward the blankets, coaxing him to sit. The forest around them was hushed now, the only sounds the steady crackle of the fire and the whisper of leaves in the cool mountain breeze.
"Lie back," Juniper, his own voice laced with anticipation.
Gio raised a brow at the odd request but obliged, settling onto the cushions with Juniper curling beside him. He followed Juniper's gaze upward.
At first, the sky was only a canvas of glittering stars, brighter and sharper than any view in the city. Then, a streak of silver fire cut across the darkness. Gio blinked, his breath leaving him in a slow exhale. Another followed. And another. Soon, the heavens seemed alive with motion—meteors trailing luminous arcs overhead.
Juniper turned his head, watching Gio instead of the sky. His lips curved faintly "I knew it would be visible tonight. That's why I brought us here. I thought… maybe this would be better than gifts you'd never use."
For a moment, Gio didn't speak. He just stared upward, the firelight playing across his features, softening the strength in them. Finally, his gaze dropped to Juniper.
Juniper nodded, his ears twitching slightly. "Do you… like it?"
Gio proved with his actions, not his words. He leaned forward and kissed Juniper.
Juniper gasped against his lips, his tail instinctively wrapping around Gio's leg. Gio was a skilled kisser, his mouth firm and hungry as it claimed Juniper's. Juniper let himself be claimed, letting Gio's tongue dance over his own.
He's gotten more experienced since their first kiss, Juniper thought to himself.
He soon found himself pressed against the cushions, his hands exploring the broad muscles of Gio's chest. Gio was just as eager, his hand slipping up Juniper's shirt to palm his chest.
There was a pause, stopping himself from going any further, Gio reached over pulling him closer until Juniper's head rested against his shoulder. His voice was quiet, almost lost under the chorus of night insects.
"I don't need anything else. This is perfect."
Juniper let the words settle deep in his chest, a warmth that spread through him stronger than the fire.
Juniper flushed, squeezing Gio's hand. "Happy birthday. Really."
They sat like that for a while, curled together beneath the stars, until the fire in the pit burned lower and the night grew cooler.
Finally, Gio stood, helping Juniper up.
"I think it's time to sleep," he said softly. "We can always come back to the clearing next year."
They laid out their bedding, nestled together for warmth and comfort. Juniper sighed, relaxing into Gio's side, breathing in his scent. It was a scent that was quickly becoming familiar.
***