The evening sun was beginning to dip behind the horizon, painting the sky in shades of orange and purple. Arthur stood in the garden, his hands clasped behind his back as he gazed at the flowers gently swaying in the breeze. He was dressed casually, in a simple shirt and trousers, but there was something about tonight that made him feel a bit out of place. The feeling of anticipation lingered in his chest, unfamiliar but not entirely unwelcome.
It wasn't often that he spent time outside of his duties, let alone with Tista. Yet, after everything they had been through—facing battles, surviving challenges, and building their connection—he knew tonight would be different. It would be a quiet break from all the chaos, a chance to be with her without the weight of responsibility looming over them.
A soft rustling sound broke his thoughts, and he turned to see Tista approaching, her figure framed by the last rays of sunlight. Her long, dark hair cascaded down her back, and her eyes—those warm amber eyes—met his with a gentle smile. She wore a simple dress of deep blue, the fabric flowing gracefully around her as she walked. It was a stark contrast to her usual battle-ready attire, but it suited her just as much, if not more.
"Arthur," she greeted, her voice light and calm, as if the world had slowed for just this moment. "I didn't keep you waiting, did I?"
He smiled, feeling his tension ease the moment she spoke. "Not at all," he replied, stepping toward her. "In fact, I was just admiring the view. The garden looks nice in the evening light."
Tista raised an eyebrow, glancing around with a soft chuckle. "You're not usually one for such quiet contemplation."
Arthur shrugged, a faint blush coloring his cheeks. "I suppose there's something about tonight that makes it feel... right. I wanted to make sure we had a moment to ourselves."
Tista's expression softened, and she reached out, brushing her fingers lightly against his arm. "I'm glad. It's been a while since we've had time like this."
With a gentle pull, she led him further into the garden, the path winding through clusters of blooming flowers and tall, leafy trees. The scent of jasmine and roses filled the air, and the only sound was the soft rustling of leaves in the wind.
They reached a secluded spot in the garden, a small wooden bench under a blooming tree. Arthur and Tista sat down, side by side, their shoulders brushing as they looked up at the sky. The first few stars were beginning to appear, twinkling faintly against the darkening canvas above.
"Do you ever wonder about what comes next?" Tista asked softly, her voice barely above a whisper.
Arthur took a moment before answering, his gaze fixed on the stars. "All the time," he said quietly. "I think about it more than I'd like to admit. But with everything that's happened, I've learned that sometimes you can't always control what comes next. You just have to take things one step at a time."
Tista nodded, her fingers brushing lightly against his hand. "That's true. But it doesn't stop me from wondering, especially when we get moments like this. When everything is quiet, and there's no fighting, no pressure..."
Arthur turned to her, their eyes meeting in the dim light. He could see the vulnerability in her gaze, the way she let her guard down in these rare, peaceful moments.
"I think that's why tonight matters," he said, his voice low. "It's not about what's coming next or what we've left behind. It's about right now—being here, with you."
Her breath caught slightly at his words, and a soft smile tugged at her lips. "Arthur…"
Before she could say anything more, Arthur leaned slightly closer, his hand finding hers, fingers intertwining. The touch was simple but filled with unspoken meaning. He wasn't sure what the future held, but in that moment, nothing else mattered. There was no need for grand gestures or promises. Just the quiet presence of each other was enough.
"I've always wondered what it would be like," Tista murmured, her eyes softening as she looked at him, "to have a moment like this. Not surrounded by battle or missions, just... us."
Arthur's smile deepened, his heart warming at her words. "I think I've wondered the same thing. And now, here we are."
They sat there together for a while, watching the stars grow brighter as the world around them quieted further. The garden felt like their own secret place, a small sanctuary from the storms of life. There was no pressure, no expectation—just the comfort of one another's company.
Eventually, Arthur broke the silence, his voice quieter than usual. "Tista... I'm glad you're here. I don't know if I ever say it enough, but you mean more to me than you probably realize."
Tista squeezed his hand gently, her smile warm and sincere. "I feel the same way, Arthur."
The air between them was thick with unspoken words, yet it didn't feel uncomfortable. In fact, it felt perfect. They didn't need to say anything more. Tonight, they simply needed to be here, with each other, enjoying the calm before whatever storm came next.
As the evening stretched on, the two of them remained by the tree, the night deepening around them. The stars shone brightly overhead, and for once, the world felt simple—like everything was exactly as it should be.