Why did Atem want to come here, of all places? Somewhere romantic. It's your birthday, you pick. People everywhere, loud and obnoxious and not paying attention. Nauseating whiffs of fried food, deafening rattles and whistles and infants' screams. This would've been last on my list.
"I want to ride something," he says.
I say, "I'll pass. We just ate." And drank, too. "I'd throw up all over you."
"Then I'll pass, too! No sense in riding alone."
Laughter and light radiate off him. The crowds, the noise, my sore feet and churning stomach—they all grow dim.
"Which is your favorite?" he asks. He ambles in a slow circle, taking everything in, lingering on me.
I gesture ahead of us. "It's obvious."
He laughs. "Of course! The Blue Eyes."
But for him to understand, he has to see.
"Come this way." I take his hand, drag him through the throng, hear him trotting to keep up.
Here it is—the perfect spot. I guide Atem's line of sight with an outstretched arm.
"Watch," I breathe, riveted, like I haven't seen this a hundred thousand times. Like it's the first time.
Blue Eyes shoots into the air, aloft on the joyful cries of the children she bears. She soars, up, up and over the trees and out of sight.
You see! I try to say, but instead I will Atem to understand it. You see—it looks like she breaks free, and never comes back.
He turns to me and begins to speak, but a firework explodes behind him. Then another; another. People elbow past us, clambering for the best view.
I've got the best view.
Atem stands on tip-toe to kiss me, long and gentle.
You see? I feel him say. This place houses the dream of your heart—the heart I love most of all. Of course it's romantic.
"Godspeed, white dragon," he says to the sky, taking my hand, turning us toward the fireworks. They burst, breathtakingly, overhead.
END
Doctor's Note: This was written as a lighter companion piece for my first, more melancholy entry ("Then I Awoke") to the 2021 Atem Birthday Drabble/Artwork Event on the Dark Pride of Dimensions Discord server.
It takes place one year later. ❤️
Length: Kuriboh (300-500 words)
Prompt: ...well, I forgot to incorporate one of those...
Please let me know what you think, and thank you for reading! - Dr. MP