The late afternoon sun cast long, lazy shadows across the manicured lawns of the city park. Kazien sat on a weathered stone bench, the familiar weight of Alvin resting snugly in his arms, the high elf hugging him with an endearing, almost desperate closeness. The scent of blooming roses and freshly cut grass mingled in the air, a peaceful backdrop to the life-altering conversation they were having.
"In three weeks, we will finally leave for the capital," Kazien began, his voice a low, steady rumble, his fingers gently tracing the delicate curve of Alvin's ear. "Are you ready to enter the academy, my dear?"
Alvin lifted his head, his wide, luminous gold eyes meeting Kazien's. A faint flicker of anxiety crossed his features, quickly masked by his usual spirited demeanor. "What about a place for us to live? And more importantly," he paused, his voice dropping to a near-whisper, "is there enough money? The capital is incredibly expensive."
The question was practical, yet laced with the underlying worry of a young man anticipating a monumental change. Kazien offered a reassuring smile and reached into his spatial storage dimension—a pocket of non-existence only accessible to powerful beings like them—and pulled out a small, heavy leather pouch. He emptied the contents onto the bench beside them, the glint of precious metals flashing in the fading sunlight. Gold, silver, and copper pieces piled up, a surprisingly large sum.
"Let's count it out." Kazien said, his brow furrowed in concentration. "I have exactly 298 gold pieces, 829 silver pieces, and 810 copper pieces remaining from my last ventures and savings."
Alvin watched him, his lips pressed into a thin line. Then, with a sigh that held both pride and a touch of nervousness, he pulled out his own pouch. It was significantly smaller, yet heavier than its size suggested. He poured his own hoard onto the bench, where the second pile of coins added to the burgeoning wealth.
"I only have 187 gold pieces." Alvin stated, his voice barely audible.
Kazien's head snapped up. His surprise was genuine, his eyes widening as he stared first at the considerable pile of gold Alvin had produced, and then at Alvin's face.
"Wait... you have that much? 187 gold pieces is a fortune, my cute prince." Kazien said, his voice laced with confusion. He counted his own gold and Alvin's, the total staggering. "That's nearly 500 gold pieces combined. But... how?" His expression shifted to one of sudden realization. "Have you... have you been accepting missions from the Adventurer's Guild while I was unconscious?"
Alvin slowly nodded, his luminous eyes dropping to the ground, a wave of apprehension washing over him. He had acted unilaterally, a small transgression in his mind, and feared Kazien's reaction. He anticipated a stern lecture, perhaps even anger, for taking unnecessary risks without the knowledge or permission of his future husband.
But Kazien's reaction was not one of anger. It was one of profound relief and concern. He reached out, cupping Alvin's cheek tenderly.
"Thank the Goddess you're okay." Kazien whispered, pulling Alvin into a tight, protective embrace. "I was so afraid that your cute face would get scratched in some skirmish or ill-fated mission."
Alvin pulled back just enough to pout, his high-elf features twisting into an expression of playful indignation. "YOU OVERLY OVERPROTECTIVE HUSBAND! Honestly! How could my face possibly get scratched or marred? All scratches, cuts, and even mortal wounds will immediately regenerate! Remember the immortality contract, you silly Immortal!"
Kazien let out a soft chuckle, a warm, rich sound that always managed to soothe Alvin's nerves. He had completely forgotten. In the throes of their shared, newfound power and immortality, Alvin was just as untouchable, just as resilient as he was. They were both now beings of immense power, their existence bound together by fate and an unbreakable covenant.
His fingers returned to Alvin's smooth, flawless skin, gently stroking the high elf's cute, delicate face. Alvin closed his eyes, leaning into the gentle caress, allowing the feeling of pure, uncomplicated love to wash over him. He was so cute! Kazien mused silently, a feeling of intoxicating happiness bubbling up inside him. No one could ever match his cute face and charm! Looking at his cute face alone brings me endless joy.
"Alvin, have you fully mastered your eye perception yet?" Kazien asked, pulling him back to the present.
Alvin's eyes snapped open, blazing with enthusiasm. "I have! I've been practicing non-stop in the mansion's training area! And now I have no trouble whatsoever detecting the slightest movements of all my opponents, no matter how fast they are!"
"Really? That's incredible, my cute prince! You're truly magnificent!" Kazien praised, his admiration genuine. "But, don't forget to keep practicing and perfecting it. Even a mastered skill needs maintenance, so you won't be easily outmaneuvered or attacked by unexpected enemies."
Alvin nodded, his golden-yellow hair bouncing slightly. "I won't forget, I promise!"
He then tilted his head, his expression softening into a hopeful, loving look. "My dear, do you have any other plans after this? Any training schedules or mundane chores?"
Kazien shrugged, a relaxed smile on his face. "I'm completely free today. My schedule is wide open. Why do you ask, my cute price?"
"How about we go on a date today?" Alvin asked, his voice filled with a hopeful anticipation that was endearing. "Just the two of us? A proper, leisurely date?"
"A date?" Kazien echoed, surprised by the sudden, lovely idea. "With... with you?"
Alvin nodded again, his hope now clearly visible in his eyes.
Kazien felt a warmth spread through his chest. "Why would I refuse such a wonderful invitation? Of course! Let's go on a date!"
Alvin practically glowed, a dazzling smile illuminating his face as he accepted the unexpected agreement.
An hour later, having both returned to their shared, expansive suite in the estate, they emerged from their respective preparations. Kazien, showered and dressed in his best dark-blue tunic and tailored trousers, stood by the door, completely mesmerized.
Alvin, the high elf, stood before him, looking utterly breathtaking. He had chosen a sleek, silver-embroidered doublet that complimented his pale complexion and long, pale hair, paired with finely fitted cream-colored breeches. The look was elegant, subtly luxurious, and undeniably charming.
Alvin noticed the slack-jawed, worshipping expression on Kazien's face and felt a deep blush creep up his neck, staining his cheeks a delicate rose.
"D-Does this suit me?" Alvin asked shyly, fidgeting with the cuff of his doublet.
Kazien shook his head, a mixture of awe and adoration in his eyes. "That suit doesn't just 'suit' you. It suits you so profoundly well! You are the most beautiful, most captivating creature I have ever laid eyes on! You're so incredibly cute! I like it! I really, really like it, my cute prince!"
The sincere, effusive compliment was too much for Alvin's high-elf sensibilities. Overwhelmed with embarrassment, he immediately moved forward and hugged Kazien tightly, burying his face against his future husband's broad chest. He wanted to hide his violently blushing face after such potent praise.
Kazien chuckled, running his hands through Alvin's soft, white hair. "You must be hiding that beautiful, blushing face, right?" he teased gently. "Even though seeing you blush like that only makes me even crazier about you."
Hearing his words, Alvin immediately pulled back, determined to face Kazien bravely, despite the heat still radiating from his cheeks. Kazien looked into his eyes, his smile wide and loving, and reached out to stroke that cute, smooth face once more.
Ba-dump! Ba-dump! Ba-dump! Ba-dump!
Kazien's heart hammered against his ribs like a war drum. He was immortal, a being beyond the trivialities of the mortal body, yet seeing Alvin like this made his immortal heart beat with an almost painful fervor.
"We have lived together for what feels like a lifetime and sharing everything." Kazien murmured, his voice husky. "But for some reason, my heart is beating incredibly fast right now, just seeing your blushing face like this."
Alvin smiled, a confident, utterly adorable smile. "My dear," he said, taking Kazien's hand and pressing a light kiss to his palm. "this face of mine is for you to enjoy and obsess over! But for now, let's stop standing here—let's go on our date!"