Work Text:
Marek is wandering the dull shore alone, his breathing unsteady as he trudges through shallow water. His face is wet with tears, and his hands clutch at his sides as he waits for his Awij. His lips are trembling with the name on his tongue, but he can’t say it. Though he doesn’t want to admit it, he worries about Awij, where he is, what could be happening to him. The tall bird figure appears behind him silently, almost as if trying to startle the man.
“Marek.” Awij’s voice was only a whisper. Marek visibly flinched, and tried to keep a stern expression, but failed. His words refused to come out, and he didn’t know what to say besides the truth.
“Awij,” Marek started, “I’ve missed you.” He could feel his heart fluttering already, but he didn’t want to soften up ever . He knew Awij didn’t care. In fact, he was sure that he would never care. The creature showed no sign of love, no empathy, how could he love at all? Marek’s mind was reeling, fresh tears spilling down his face. Awij leaned down to nudge Marek’s cheek with his beak.
“This is what humans do, right?” Awij was still pushing his beak into the man’s cheek. Marek chuckled a bit and pulled away, though he secretly longed for more.
“Are you trying to kiss me?” Marek muttered uncomfortably, his cheeks tinted pink with embarrassment. Awij seemed to nod at the question.
“Yes… Humans do this to please each other, don’t they? I am trying to please you. You are crying.” He reached out a wing to wipe the tears gently from Marek’s face. Marek didn’t try to move this time. He wanted Awij to do this forever. He wrapped his arms nervously around the bird.
“Do you love me?” Marek seemed to be pushing the boundary with that question, but he needed an answer.
The bird tilted his head. “Is this love? Kissing?”
Marek sighed. “Yes.”
“Then… I do love you.”