With a unhurried pace they both came across a tiny island surrounded by a mote of water so still it reflected like a mirror, an Ember willow tree as its centerpiece. Jane, still holding onto Red, felt the warmth and rejuvenation crawling up her chest.
After looking at the tree for what felt like an hour she looked at Red. Not really able to tell if the warmth she felt was from the Ember tree or from Red. He looked into her eyes, her heart skip a beat.
'How…in all this light are his eyes still so captivating?' The contrast from the variety of colors to his dark eyes only made them more striking. It was to the point that it seemed light couldn't escape from their depths.
The warm orange light from the Ember tree penetrating the environment like a miniature sun, along with the atmosphere gave Jane a perfect idea. 'This is the perfect opportunity.'
With the gentleness of a flower she removed herself from Red's arms.
"Hey Red, stand right here for a second."
Before a reply would be uttered Jane briskly walked to the Ember tree. A tapestry of colors canvassing the area, playing with her silky silver hair that matched her chromatic eyes that were currently adopting the myriad of colors. Only to be further enhanced by a warm gold light tracing her slender form.
'She looks like a goddess' Redgwrick thought.
With a gentle clearing of her throat as if getting ready to make a declaration to the entire world she looked into Red's eyes and confidently says.
"I love you."
Red's POV
Walking with Jane Redgwrick had a moment of reflection.
'You know, I'd describe myself in many ways using a colorful array of words but lucky would never have been one of them. However this moment right now would make anyone think the universe is on their side.'
With a heavy breath, walking beside Jane he looks at her. 'It's almost too much to be honest. Someone like me blessed to have someone like her at my side.'
looking into her eyes he felt she wanted to say something.
"Hey Red, stay here for a second" he heard her say. 'mmh? What is she planning?'
Not one to argue he obeyed. Seeing her encapsulated by warm light his heart sped up. 'I'm scared, scared that I'm falling in love with her. I have a vulnerability now… if something were to happen to her. I'd probably…'
His thoughts drifted to her. 'She looks like a goddess.'
Waiting to hear what she has to say he savored the sight of her.
"I love you." A pause occurred "huh?"
Red wasn't sure if he heard correctly "say that again!?" he said in a staggering voice.
Jane with a triumphant smile and said it again, louder. "I love you!"
Red's eyes glossed over 'I've heard of bonded partners before, where one can share each other's emotions…is this what it feels like?' In this moment the declaration of her love sparked a bond between them. He could feel her love for him. 'This isn't so bad.'
Quick in step that was inhuman he reached Jane and embraced her with a hug of love and desperation. 'Who am I to be scared? So what if we are both Cursed.'
Jane returning the hug could feel his fear and what forms it took. 'Even someone so powerful could be scared of love huh.' Tightening her arms around him, "it's ok, I'm scared too. But hey at least we'll face everything together." looking up at him "besides, you can just obliterate anyone who gets in our way."
Redgwrick placed his hands on her small shoulders making her look at him. Tentatively moving his thumb down her pink cheek he whispered the words never thought possible.
"I love you too."
Knowing each other's feelings are genuine due to the Bond created a cascading effect of happiness and love culminating in both having a small bout of tears roll down their cheeks. Simultaneously wiping each other's tears away Red placed his hand on Jane's waist and pulled her closer. A shared look of longing in their eyes both knew each other's desire.
Jane wrapped her arms around his neck, a move of need and something more. Their lips met in a kiss that was gentle yet desperate. A kiss that sealed a Bond between two souls. The kiss lasted a long time but still not long enough.
Jane gazed into his onyx eyes mesmerized 'how am i so lucky to find my one.'
Realizing that through the whole exchange they were sharing their emotions meant she found her Bonded partner and a smile came to her face, a pure smile. Holding Red's hand in a moment of reminiscing. "Do you remember when we first met?"
Red playing with Jane's index finger. "Yes, it's been about 4 years since then…when I joined the council you were so inexperienced, Trying to keep your head above the water haha."
Jane pouted a little, pinching Red's cheek "what do you expect, me the youngest member in history just thrown into a sea full of sharks."
Red held her hand, "yes you did well, it's kind of funny. We have had a work relationship for 4 years only for this all to happen in a couple months."
Jane giggled "maybe for you but I have been interested for a while I think."
"Hahaha was I that striking?" Red said with a hearty laugh.
Jane blushed "...yes."
With that confession Red led Jane hand in hand through the rest of the garden. As today's light vanished Red decided it was time to take Jane home.
"Aww ok." Jane was reluctant to end one of the best days of her life.
Red softy "don't be sad my dear, we'll have many days together in the future." Jane, happy with his words felt a pang of worry.
"What's wrong Jane?" Red asked while cupping the side of her cheek.
"Ah…just, I don't want to hide us anymore but I know that's not possible." Given her family's heavy handed nature in her romantic life and their tradition, it's understandable one would worry. Red feeling her worry tightened his hand around her "I think in the future we will have an opportunity."
"...The future, what will happen if my family picks a man for me!? What if they want me to marry?" she said, biting her thumb nail. Red amused by her expressible nature. "Then I guess whoever that man is and whoever follows will unexpectedly go missing."
Jane, picking up his intent, and feeling his protectiveness blushed deeply. "Oh, well…I guess I have no worries then." Enjoying the walk they look up to the sky watching the stars. "It's beautiful isn't it?" Red said.
Not speaking right away "it is...it reminds me of your eyes." That put a smile on his heart. With a fulfilled heart and soul he continued walking his beloved home.