Von and Josephine
It seemed far too long since Josephine had last gotten a break from her love duties, and Von, perceptive sweetheart that he was, had guessed that some time alone together on this peaceful summer evening, in the mortal world of all places, was just what she needed. But then again, there were some things that one could only experience here. Like Summer, for instance, in all it's intense glory, a time when nature was at it's peak and Mistral worked her magic to bring soft rains upon the land and break up the monotony of hot, simmering days. Or like the taste of a rich chocolate cake, which of course had been made lovingly by Von.
Josephine looked up from her slice of cake, fork in hand. The sun had dipped low enough so that it's rays caught Von's wings, the iridescence of his feathers now radiating all around. He was sitting opposite of her in the gazebo, and his mind seemed elsewhere at that moment as he stared outside at the many flowers that surrounded them, not yet ready to close up for the night, their delicate scents mingling in the warm evening air. Butterflies fluttered amongst the flora, dusting the petals with shimmering scales whilst they sipped nectar. While Von was preoccupied, Josephine took the opportunity to bask in the beauty before her. Von caught her gaze out of the corner of his eye, and cocked his head, a slow smile spreading across his face. "You've got some frosting on your nose."
This caught Josephine completely off-guard, and she hurriedly brought a silk handkerchief to her snout. She hid a scowl behind the fabric; why did she always feel the need to be perfect? Von loved her in spite of all her flaws, and yet it was still so hard not to feel embarrassed when things like this happened. Most of the other gods weren't as forgiving as Von, after all. She huffed, blushing a rosy pink. "I got distracted... I didn't notice... that's all."
"That's ok. Just makes it all the sweeter to kiss." Von moved forward, pressing his lips against Josephine's nose, their horns clinking together as he did so. Josephine couldn't help but giggle. She felt her embarrassment slowly ebb away, though her fluffy cheeks now burned more than ever.
"So..." Von was now speaking. "I hear you've been pretty busy lately. How are things going with your love duties?"
"Oh, don't get me started!" Josephine snorted. "You know what Von, I'm starting to get sick of them. Far too often I have to deal with people who want each other so badly, who seem so perfect for one another, who promise never to let any harm come to the other, only for one of them to then go and break the other's heart and ruin everything after you've spent months trying to get them together. People like that don't deserve a happily-ever-after, and yet I'm still expected to uphold my duties as a love goddess, even to them. I'm just so sick of it. But what can one expect from mortals, I suppose."
Von visibly stiffened, and Josephine bit her lip. She thought she had been getting better about this. Shame washed over her once more, and she blinked her lashes in a flutter of blue, now staring down at her half eaten dessert. Who was she to gossip and complain about the faults of mortals when she had just proven herself capable of hurting the one she loved?
"Oh, Von... I'm so sorry."
The two sat in silence for a brief moment, until Von shrugged, a small chuckle escaping his lips. "Hey, to err is human."
Josephine folded her arms in irritation. She wanted to contest that remark, mildly offended by the implication, but thought better of this. Von had so readily forgiven her, and to upset him again was unthinkable. She would never have thought that she could fall for a mortal, even one that had become a god. Josephine had thought the fact alone that mortals could barely love and function romantically without her told her everything she needed to know about them, and yet getting to know Von had taught her more about love and acceptance than she could ever have imagined. She looked up, Von smiling patiently back at her. He really was gorgeous, even in the fleeting light, and yet she knew there was so much more to Von than just outward beauty. And somehow she just knew that he had always been this way, even as a mortal, and this mortified and humbled her all the more.
Unsure what to say now, Josephine changed the subject. "Shall we light the candles?"
"Perhaps in a bit. It's not very dark yet."
Von looked towards the sky. The fire of sunset had by now faded, leaving behind a dull, ashen grey. "Could use a splash of color though, don't you think? I'd love to form a rainbow or two. Care to go for a soar?"
Josephine clasped her paws in anticipation. "Please, lets!"
Von stood, unfolding his wings and extending a paw to his sweetheart across the table, who took it eagerly. He led her out of the gazebo onto the soft earth, night dew already gathering on the grass like small sparkling jewels. With a deft motion Von swooped Josephine up into his arms. When Josephine regained her breath she laughed melodiously, a sound Von adored. Josephine flashed Von a smile, and nuzzled her face into his fur. "Thank you, Von... For allowing me to feel human."
Von just gazed lovingly back at her, close enough to scent the flowers gently ruffling in her hair, and with that he spread his wings, Josephine still in his arms, and took to the skies in a vibrant blur.