nothing fades like the light

[aegean]

Aegean

I should have loved a thunderbird instead
at least when spring comes they roar back again

Aegean delights in Elio’s joy. The sea melts away to be replaced by the sky, and he turns his antlered head to the side to watch the clouds grow. He maintains enough control to help guide the illusion. He brings in more clouds to gather at their feet. Sends a breeze through them, tangling their manes and wrapping around their bones. Brings a flock of birds that fly around and through him, disappearing at the touch.

He turns his purple eyes to the other man and just smiles.

It is a smile that fades as the illusion takes a darker turn.

His velvet lips pull into a frown at the violence that simmers to the surface, at the horror flashing across Elio’s face. It takes him a second—too long, he will think later—but he wrestles for control of the gift again. Wrests it free and then takes command once more. He fades away the clouds and then pulls in a comforting light around them. It casts away the shadows and yet obscures the land around them.

Leaving nothing but just the two of them in this makeshift shelter of light.

Nothing but the sound of their breathing.

Concerned, Aegean takes a step forward, closing the distance between them. He reaches forward and brushes Elio’s forelock away from his eyes. “Are you okay?” his voice quiet, a whisper between them.

I shut my eyes and all the world drops dead
(I think I made you up inside my head.)