The Lovers

"Stars above, Tear....I don't know what to say."
 
We had been sitting here for the better part of the night. I chose the location: somewhere solitary, dark, far away from the city and people and noise, where one can see the night sky. We both prefer it that way. He was in charge of treats, considering his interest in the culinary arts. He went above and beyond -- in typical Tear fashion -- and the spread surrounding us is nothing short of luxurious. The air is thick with smells of honey and warm green tea that I just know is expensive (Tear will *always* splurge on good tea), shortbread tarts filled with varying types of sweet berry jam, fresh baked cookies and handmade mochi, fresh fruits, rice balls full of savory things, and slices of smoked meats.
 
He takes another sip of his tea, and I hear the rare smile in his voice as his words slide through my mind. "Nothing. You know I'm not one for words anyway," he jests, earning him a laugh from me.
 
"Such is truth," I sigh, dipping my finger in my own teacup to test depth before drinking. "Still, I cannot help but want to thank you profusely for all of this. You strike me as the type of person who would not go out of his way for just anyone. It feels as though I've won something."
 
I feel him take my hand and lift it gently, just barely brushing my knuckles with his lips before placing the most tender, featherlight kiss there. "Perhaps you have."
 
In that moment, I imagine that this must be what cardiac arrest feels like.
 
"I know that over the course of our travels, we aren't always presented with the luxury of stopping to relax. How many weeks has it been since you've properly seen the stars? How many months? They are....important to you." He makes a sound of exaggerated exasperation. "That, and you are always chiding me to rest and take breaks. So here we are, taking a break, as ordered."
 
"So you mean you can't say no to me?" I tease.
 
"It has....proven difficult."
 
I laugh again. My heart is full to burst and I am convinced that the smile undoubtedly plastered on my face has got to make for the most goofy contortion of facial features this man has ever seen, but I lean forward anyway, reaching to feel for his face so I may return a kiss to his cheek. His skin flares with warmth beneath my touch at that, and I beam inwardly in silent victory. "Well, whether it was simply doing as asked or something made intentionally special, I thank you all the same. I hope....I hope that we can have more nights like this."
 
"Perhaps that can be arranged," he says thoughtfully.
 
"You've set the bar pretty high, you know."
 
"Ah yes, well, such is my wont in life."
 
And as the stars glitter brightly overhead and we carry conversation late into the night, I begin to realize that this is it. This is what we live for. This time, this moment, it is perfect.
 
And there is nowhere else I'd rather be.