Leaning against the fence the setting sun tickled my face with a wayward breeze. I was grateful for the wood under my arms keeping me steady. The specialty braces I had been fitted with worked like a dream come true but I was still a little shaky. It had been years since I'd been able to stand on my feet and to be honest I missed the comfort of my chair. Strange how my prison now felt like home. In the field I watched a young foal frolic in the swaying grasses. His thin legs wobbled just like mine though he was learning to strengthen them in his play. I was too scared to do the same.

Someone moved behind me. Probably Nepeta, this was her family's ranch. She had invited me to see the newest addition to their stable. She'd even offered to let me name him. Tinkerbull slowed to a trot before collapsing on a hillside. I wished I was as carefree as the young creature.

"Not very graceful."

The low rumbling voice was not the one I had expected. I turned to face the tall boy at my side. His expression was unreadable, hidden behind dark lenses he was never without. My face flushed. It was thanks to him that I could walk again, something I had only dreamed of. I turned my gaze from him, my floppy mohawk flipping down into my eyes.

"They uh, never are this young. But he'll uh, grow up to be strong."

"So will you."

My face was on fire by this point. Equius was never one to be sentimental and yet he had just touched upon my greatest fear and calmed it. I straightened myself, trying hard not to stumble as I adjusted my weight. Learning to walk all over again was the hardest thing I'd ever done. A warmth upon my arm startled me. His strong hand held me steady and I could feel the unseen gaze intent upon my face. This was the first time he had touched me since he'd done the fittings for my legs. There was such kindness in the words he didn't say.

"I… I don't think so. I'm um, pretty weak."

There was frustration in the unexpected sigh. I watched his jawline clench and shift as if fighting with something internally. I wished I had the courage to reach up and shift the glasses just long enough for me to see his eyes. To see what he was hiding in the depths of them. His hand dropped from my arm, resting at his side for only a moment before he pulled me into his embrace. His arms around me I was acutely aware of how tender his touch was, with so much strength behind it.

"Tavros." His words are murmured into my ear. "You are one of the strongest people I know."

His arms loosen and I feel his body slipping away from mine. Without permission my own arms reach out to anchor him in place, in the hopes of feeling this just a little longer. His arms dropped away entirely, his torso stiff. I glanced up at a face that looked pained and wished there was something, anything I could do to ease it. One deep breath, that's all it took and I gathered all the courage I had ever hand to stretch myself up so that my lips could graze his. I wasn't tall enough, they brushed against his chin.

That was all that was needed to break his spell. Once more he drew me in, locking me in place as his mouth met mine. There was more uncertainty behind it than I would have ever thought possible. He was so confident. My lips parted, breath mingling with his as I returned the affection. At some point we sunk to our knees, the only thing that mattered was the warmth that spread from our connection to fill every part of us. Kisses deep and long expressed the words I could never say all those afternoons with him as he worked his magic. This was a long burning desire that was fulfilled at last. When our faces finally drifted apart I tenderly lifted the dark glass he used as a shield to stare into his ocean blue eyes.

"Tavros." The whispered name set my skin alit once more, my lips swollen from his aching to return. "You've made me weak."

"You made me strong."

Nothing else was said as the sun set, our lingering kisses keeping us warm.