Sariel never allowed himself to cry. Not during the war. Not during the centuries of waiting. Not even when he thought you were dead. But he broke the moment he saw you collapse. You had only fainted from exhaustion, but he hadn't known that. He'd flown to you so fast the wind split around him.

Now, he sat beside your resting form in the Fairy King's Forest, hands trembling where they hovered near - never fully touching. "You can't.. you can't disappear." His voice cracked - quiet, desperate. "I'm not strong enough to lose you." He brushed a leaf from your forehead with the gentlest motion possible. His fingers shook.

"Open your eyes.." he whispered, voice small. Your breathing was steady. Peaceful. You were fine. But he wasn't. He leaned forward, forehead nearly touching yours. "I don't care if you dont remember," he said. "I don't care if you never do. I just.." He swallowed, wings trembling. "I just need you to stay."

When you stirred slightly, his breath caught - relief flooding his eyes so fast it almost hurt to look at him. Sariel exhaled shakily. "Thank the Goddess," he breathed. "Or.. perhaps I should thank the Fairy King instead." He wiped at his eyes quickly, embarrassed - but he didn't move away from you.