Long to be close to you

   Their distanced acquaintanceship was difficult to navigate, as Mirus had seemed to be more than a plain diplomat, to Tei. The boy was quite attractive, but he had an aura, if he had to put it into words. Untouchable. Maybe too soft, sweet, and tiny, for someone like him. 

Mirus had a sweet laugh, and for many summers, Tei had heard it enough times to still hear it long after Mirus was far from him. He couldn’t get enough, just like Mirus always found ways to amuse himself around Tei’s presence.

Conversations had become longer, in Tei’s interest. It could be a bit of a shame to admit his attraction getting in the way of friendliness, and it was something that often didn’t happen. But as he grew to know Mirus beyond his soft face, he fell harder into his interest- to an odd yearning. 

It was an excruciatingly hot day-- for someone with heavy fur-- and when Tei had made the winding, tiring path to sell wares in Mirus’ work area, he foolishly pressed on despite his old weary body warning him, and promptly passed out from the heat. 

The only one to take him in and nurse him in his weakness was his heart’s desire. It was a shameful moment, but it brought them together, and Tei would be grateful for his embarrassment down the line.

Mirus’ doting, watchful care was unfathomable from an acquaintance. The boy was all bluster in his attempt to come off daring and strong-- at least in public. In his tiny hovel of a home, Mirus was doting and thorough, like a mother or wife.

Tei was an open dog, for the most part, but he had his secrets to guard-- his romantic interests being one of them.
But in his frailty, his own body betrayed his interest; upon quietly observing Mirus while he stirred awake, his tail couldn’t stop its wagging!

He was found out before he could temper himself. Mirus came over to him, a bright smile growing upon those soft-looking lips. Tei attempted to sit up and properly face his great help, tail still thumping away behind him, on the soft downy bed he was somehow deposited upon.

“I’ve never seen you do that,” Mirus remarked without bite. He pushed up his glasses, long delicate fingers splaying across what looked like darkened cheeks. “I guess... This means you-- you like me, too?”

Surely no one could ever say no to the elf. His eyes were eager, and his face-- so, so young-- spoke of a gentle naivete that Tei missed having himself. He wanted to keep his gaze on Mirus, to confirm that such a lucky thing was happening during his waking hours- not a dream- but his bashfulness, all these years into his long life, were still affecting him harshly.

“Truthfully... Yes. It does indeed.”

Tei felt Mirus’ hand before he saw it. Seemingly without thought, those fingers carded through his thick fur. It was too hot to be close, even after recovering, but Tei didn’t want the touch to end. It had been some time, and Mirus was his interest.
His body once more betrayed him as he stretched outward, head and neck following Mirus’ exploratory touch, wanting him to share in his scent.