the rain caught you off guard — thin, silvery, like loose threads of someone’s memory. the two of you were far from shelter, among trees and wet grass, with nothing around but the wind.

he was silent, as usual. his presence had always been like that – calm, like an ancient forest, and enveloping, like evening mist. you knew that Elder Faerie Cookie rarely allowed himself to open up, in both the literal and figurative sense. his wings were nearly taboo: sacred, not to be seen, not to be touched, not to show weakness… but that day, he didn’t hesitate.

"come, hide under my wing.."

he said softly, his voice blending with the rain.

his wings unfurled with the rustle of silk and the force of the wind. they were massive, wet from the rain, but still — warm, alive, like a heart beneath the skin. you tucked yourself beneath them, pressing close to his side.

he didn’t pull away. he only lowered his gaze, and in his eyes, there was too much feeling for someone who had kept them locked away for centuries.

"this... is only for you."

he murmured, almost in a whisper.