Page 96 of A Soul to Steal

“Oh,” Gideon sighed out, lifting a hand to rub at his cheek before digging his fingers into his closed eyes in annoyance. “I see. Because of what Weldir said, I thought you didn’t feel anything genuine towards me.”

“I’m realising I may have added confusion to this situation,” Weldir chimed in, causing Gideon to remember his existence.

Pulling his hand an inch from his face, he cast Weldir a dull look. “You think?”

“I was not to know,” he answered with a shrug. “Although I am not pleased to have another soul stolen from me when it is unnecessary, as I am still rather weakened after everyone’s battle with Jabez. But if this is something you both choose, it can be done.”

Gideon already figured as much, considering he’d helped reunite Emerie and Ingram.

He sneered at the chalky, ribbony bastard. Mainly because his chest still ached with residual hurt, and because Aleron was crying. The ache fully dissipated when he took in Aleron’s ethereal tears once more, as everything he’d said finally settled in.

Instead, his cheeks and ears warmed, not expecting such a strong proclamation of affection. It somehow made Gideon remarkably bashful after the horrible feelings that had just bombarded him.

Did he love Aleron? He wasn’t actually quite sure, since he’d never really given it much thought. Was he falling in love with him? It was impossible to deny that his infatuation wasn’t steeped in something more.

His body had responded to Aleron quite enthusiastically. Gideon imagined these tender feelings would only grow stronger and stronger by the day. Especially in the real, living world, where life wasn’t meaningless and there was potential for more.

Sometimes a relationship took work. It wasn’t always instant, but that was what the point of dating was for – to see if they were compatible.

After everything, Gideon knew they were compatible.

He hoped they weren’t perfect for each other, otherwise it’d be boring. Sometimes things needed to be messy to make the good times feel all the better, so long as they comforted and supported each other through those times.

After going to the Elven world, and all the mistakes Gideon had made along the way, he knew Aleron had a wonderful heart. His soul, all this time, had been pure.

Hard not to fall for that.

“Is that how you really feel, Aleron?” Gideon asked, cupping the side of his skull so he could direct it back to him. “Do you really love me and want me to be your bride?”

That would be forever, right? He kind of liked the idea of spending forever with Aleron. It’d be even better with Ingram and Emerie around.

“Yes,”Aleron whined out, until his voice strengthened, and he tried to pull away from Gideon’s touch. “But I do not want to force you if you do not want this. I did not realise love does not have to be shared, and it is rather hurtful like this.”

Ha! Now their situations had been reversed. At least Gideon had the insight to, hopefully, fix it rather quickly and clearly.

“Come here, darling,” Gideon cooed as he crawled to his knees and put his arms around Aleron’s neck to hug him. “You wouldn’t be forcing me at all. If you want me to go with you, then I would like that more than anything.”

I didn’t really want him to leave. I wanted him to stay here with me.The only reason he hadn’t interfered is because he hadn’t wanted to be... selfish – even when his whole being had been screaming at him.

Gideon squeezed him tightly and buried his face in his fur. “I’ve been falling in love with you, too, Aleron.”

He glimpsed Aleron’s wings lifting through his long fur, regaining their strength at his words. Then, he lightly dug his claws into Gideon’s back and shoulder as though Aleron wanted to clutch at him, keep him trapped.

“Really? I am not alone in this feeling?” The sincere hope in his tone pulled on Gideon’s heartstrings.

“No, but for a moment there, I thought I was the only one who cared. You can blame Weldir for that.”

He received a chomping growl from the dusty bastard.

“No wonder you were upset. It was rather painful to feel alone in this.”

“Yeah. I’ve been pretty fond of you for a while now. I didn’t know you wanted more, since you never said so. You should have told me sooner.”

“But I did tell you. You said you did not like the termbride.”

Gideon winced before he laughed brightly against him. “It’s a very feminine term, Aleron. You can’t blame me for that. But, if that’s what you want to call it, then sure. I’ll be your bride.” Gideon pulled back, only to find that Aleron’s orbs and floating tears had turned bright fucking pink, like a beautiful sunset. “You can stop crying now.”

“I cannot help it,” Aleron muttered. His feathers lifted and puffed, in what Gideon thought may be joy. “I am relieved. I considered staying here to convince you otherwise.”

---