Set Me Free

Walking down a dirt path together, Free and Eruka mingled, talking with each other animatedly, deep in conversation. Today was one of those rare days that they had to themselves, and they wouldn't waste it.

Somewhere along the road, they encountered a small little dove, stuck in a cage, it's battered wings fluttering madly as it tried to escape. Eruka noticed this, and quickly left Free's side to aid the small bird.

Blinking, Free followed Eruka. After noting the bird, he grimaced.

As Eruka kneeled down to the cage, Free sighed. "I am just like that bird," he spoke quietly.

Smiling, Eruka shook her head, light blue locks flaying about. "You're not," She countered. "You're Free. And in more ways than one," She pointed out, her smile growing wider at that seemingly un-intended pun.

This time, it was his turn to shake his head. "No, I'm not," He replied grimly. "There's still something bounding me. Keeping me back from all freedom." Staring at the sky, he watched as the tree branches swayed, and the clouds moved slowly across the sky.

"What is it?" Eruka asked earnestly, having her attention caught. He spared a quick glance at her, before resuming his watch to the pale blue sky. "Do you really want to know?" He asked her, and at the edge of his vision he saw her nod.

'Very well, then,' He thought. No point in keeping this from her, now. Besides, it'd only keep him more firmly bound as the days passed by.

"You."

As those words slipped from his mouth, Eruka's heart stopped and her breath caught in her throat. A few seconds passed before she remembered how to breath, and she took a deep breathe, her heart thumping in her chest rapidly. As color rushed to her cheeks, she did not have to wonder whether he meant it. Free one of the, if not, the most straight-forward person she has met.

"Me?" She repeated, still not quite believing it despite her thoughts.

"You." He confirmed. Taking a breath, he switched his gaze to Eruka, meeting her eyes directly, fondness and want lingering in them. "Will you set me free, Eruka?" He asked quietly, his words barely above a whisper.

For a few moments, all was silent, save for the fluttering of the bird's wings against the rusty cage.

Smiling, Eruka's eyes glowed. "Yes," Her smile was dazzling. "Of course I will."

As Free leaned closer to Eruka, she closed her eyes. "Let me set you free, Free," she murmered as their lips touched in a sweet, innocent kiss.

At that moment, the bird soared out of its cage, soaring across the sky as the cage no longer bound it back.

He was free.