Some time had passed since Hika’s fever had broken. Together, the boy had worked on getting him back to his strength. Regular meals and exercises saw a return to Hika’s vitality - much to Mort's relief. Now that the other wolf had some strength back, Mortis wanted to take him on a smaller adventure. Something closer to home.

He packed a bag, rolling up a comfy blanket and grabbing some food and bits and pieces. He also stuffed the scarf he had been working on for Hika at the bottom. That done, he trotted to the training ground in search of his… boyfriend.
“Hika?” he called out softly.


"Speech"

Hikaru finally reached a point that could be described as healthy and recovered. He could breathe freely, his muscle tone had returned, and life was getting on as normal. Those days didn’t change much, waking next to Mortis, performing pack duties, training at sunrise.

The koi was back out in the training field, the sun only just beginning to reach up over the horizon and bathe the world in its light. Hika took in a deep breath, settling into his stretches when he heard his name from familiar lips. The last time Mortis came up to him, pack ready, and conniving look on his face, they had started their trip towards Auster. Hika had mixed feelings about what his silvery eyes beheld.

”Mortis,” he greeted warmly and wasted no time closing the distance between them. He peeked around for any prying eyes before reaching up to put a kiss on Mort’s cheek. ”You like like a man with a plan.” He chuckled, pausing for a moment as he caught himself in Mort’s deep sea gaze.

"Hikaru"

Mortis was definitely aware of the return of muscle tone across Hika’s body. The white wolf was looking sleek and strong again. Elegant in the training field, flowing like snow off a mountain as he moved through a series of training exercises.

Hikas warm greeting went along way to soothe everything inside of Mortis as the boy paused his exercise and trotted forward to see him. Giving a glance about them before kissing Mort on the cheek. The winged hair closed his eyes, leaning into the kiss. Knowing that he needed to broach the subject of what all this meant with his dad. And soon.

“I have a plan. Sort of.” He agreed shyly. “How would you feel about an adventure? Just a little one this time, to dagger isle?”

"Speech"

Really it was just amazing what a clear set of lungs could do for a guy. Coughing up the mushrooms and spores had been a harrowing task, but he’d been on the mend for so long now he could start forgetting the journey to this point. He was glad he returned to health swiftly. So was Mortis it seemed. Hika didn’t miss the man’s blue eyes assessing his form.

Mort leaned into his innocent kiss after he decided the coast was clear. Mort deserved to speak with Sirius on his own terms, not because Hiakru had been careless with his affection. He knew how hesitant Mort was, and he didn’t blame him. He’d keep what was between them, between them, as long as Mortis needed him to.

Hika was right in believing Mort had something up his sleeve. Sort of in his own words. An adventure, though much closer than their previous attempt. "I’d feel quite enthusiastic.” He chuckled with a wag from his ivory tail. "Just the two of us?” Everything had been a little crazy with Briar and Lia and the Hallows, having time where it was just the two of them was rare. Even more so having the privacy of an island to themselves.

His stomach was sent fluttering at the thought. Mortis meant the world to him, he’d given him his heart and his life, but there was still so much more to offer the man that he loved. He grinned a bit wider as nerves surged through his form. "Lets go!” There was no hesitation.


"Hikaru"

“Just the two of us” Mortis agreed, hiding a blush in his dark cheeks. Their relationship was still something new and strange and precious. Mortis was keen to explore the full scope of it, and develop whatever was between them. Hika was his, and it was clear the beautiful snowy wolf wasn’t going to leave any time soon. It was safe. Safe, to give his heart to this man.

He chuckled softly at the enthusiasm. “Alright, I’ve got everything we need, let's head out” he said, gesturing with a paw along the beach, and towards the path that would lead them closer to Daager isle. He could only hope this adventure worked out more smoothly then the last one…


"Speech"

Mortis wouldn’t have been able to get away from Hikaru if he tried, the young koi devoted himself to the the Fatalis man. First and foremost to be his friend, someone always there when he needed. Because of that devotion was how they were able to enter this stage of their relationship, something much deeper than the easy friendship they began with. He agreed with a sweet blush, only just able to see behind his white eye marking. Hika’s was much more visible behind pale fur. And for a moment he just enjoyed the bubbly feeling he got when his gaze locked with Mort’s.

He already had everything they needed for the comparatively short trip. There was no hesitation in Hikaru’s pale paws, despite the disaster that was their last trip he wouldn’t have changed it. Because they had such harrowing travels they were where they were now. The beginning stages of gifting each other their hearts. Revealing their innermost selves and giving of each other.

The trip was pleasant, Hikaru made Mort blush at every opportunity. He was nervous and sweet as they explored the unknown together. Hika was able to reveal a bit more affection the further they got from the Armada. Gentle bumps of his shoulder, innocent stolen kisses. After the long swim they were finally completely alone. They spent the day picking out a place to camp, and after a while had everything to their liking. A heavy bear hide laid out as their bed beneath a beautiful tree looking out over the water. They were facing the West, positioned perfectly to watch the sunset together.

After a day of traveling and exploring together Hikaru sprawled onto the bear fur eagerly. A relaxed groan left his lips as he rolled his eyes and stretched over the plush bed. He took in a soothing breath before blinking open his silver gaze to find Mortis. He grinned up at the winged man and invited him beside him. The only thing he was missing were Mort’s arms around him.


"Hikaru"

Mortis had a feeling Hika was teasing him. He blushed more then once on the journey to the island. Returning Hikas gentle affection, and following the lead of the bolder wolf beside him. The swim was refreshing, and they worked well together picking and sorting their camp. Knowing they would likely stay here for the duration of their vacation. At last, they were seated on the bear rug sitting shoulder to shoulder, and watching the place the sun would sink upon the horizon.

Hika groaned beside him, lying down in the plush coat, his grin an invitation. The Winged wolf shuffled down beside him, rolling Hika gently until he was lying on the feathers of one wing, and the nock of it against Morts side. Lying beside his boyfriend, the chill of the evening air was lost to him. He propped his head on one paw, and looked at his koi boy. "I brought some wine" he whispered conspiratorially to Hika, through he wasn't sure he wanted to get up and grab the bottle now. Not with how comfortable he was at Hikas side.

He enjoyed the teasing he got in while they enjoyed the day together. Blissful moments of silly amusement and exploration made the perfect day spent with Mortis. They finished setting up the camp and settled in together just in time to watch the sun begin to set. Bright colors began to light up the sky, and reflected warmly in Mort’s stunning gaze. Like a sunset was happening within his eyes.

As he relaxed into their bearskin bed Mortis was shifting his smaller form. Rolling him over one dark wing so he could fully surround him. He snuggled into soft black feathers as Mort snuggled in close, his nose very nearly touching his own as golden sunlight illuminated them softly. The Fatalis prince whispered conivingly, confessing that he had brought wine along with him.

Hikaru’s pale brows lifted in surprise as he looked up into Mort’s gaze but neither of them made any move to reach for the bottle. A nervous flutter rose in Hikaru’s belly at the mention of the inebriating liquid. "Planning to liquor me up?” He returned jokingly, enjoying the closeness and necessity of whispering together. It made him feel that much more special.

"Hikaru"

He looked at the small white wolf in the crook of his arm. Felt the softness of the coat beneath them, and the tones of the burnt evening sky above them. No responsibilities, no fears and worries. No sickness. Just him, and Hika, together. With the sound of their breathing, and the gentle crashing of the waves.

The truth was, Mortis did not want to go home. He didn’t want to go anywhere that wasn’t Hika’s arms. “Maybe it's for me, it might make this easier” He joked softly. “Hika…” he paused, shuffling slightly so his head rested on Hika’s arm. “I want you, and only you. Would you… marry me?” He would either get his fathers permission, or leave. This was what he wanted. His mind was made up.

"Speech"

He never really realized someone could make him feel like Mprtis did. Like he belonged, like he was special, like they were always meant to be together. Right here there was no pressure from the outside, neither of them were sick, there wasn’t a blizzard about to tear down their door. This moment was theirs and theirs alone.

Mort replied softly and sweetly to Hikaru’s amusement and accusation of getting him drunk. The retort made Hika giggle, but also tilt his head curiously. This was for him? Silvery eyes lifted to Mortis’ bright blue gaze as he went on. His name on the winged heir’s lips was followed by a small pause as he steeled himself before dropping the question he had planned.

His jaw dropped as Mortis continued, stating that Hika was the only one he ever wanted, and then he asked him to marry him. A rosy blush overtook his features and a grin replaced his look of stunned surprise as he renewed his embrace and felt tears prick at his eyes. ”Yes, yes I would.” He returned with love, adoration, and excitement.

"Hikaru"

Hikaru embraced him, a rosy blush on the white wolf's cheek was faintly echoed in the darker fur of the winged boy. He wrapped both his forepaws and his winged around Hikaru, holding the smaller boy tightly to him. He kissed the cute little smudge or red on Hika’s muzzle before turning his embrace into a grip. Picking him up and lowering him gently to the ground under him, so that Hika lay beneath him and Mortis over him. His weight propped up cautiously with paws to the ground.

He paused then, taking Hika in. looking for any sign this sudden movement worried him. Looking for encouragement to continue. “I love you, Hika.” he whispered softly. “Be with me”


"Speech"