The soft glow of the bedside lamp painted the room in a gentle amber hue. It was warm despite the chill of winter outside, the serenity perfectly capping the long day both Nanami and Hairi had endured. They laid beside each other, holding a hand and enjoying the quiet comfort. In the sanctuary of their own home and their shared bed, the difficult world outside seemed to fade away and with it the stress of their duty as sorcerers. Leaving only the two of them in their peaceful cocoon.
Hairi's cheek rested on Nanami's chest, her phone propped up on him to watch videos until she was ready to pass out. Nanami was reading by the lamp light, though his attention was beginning to drift and it wasn't from exhaustion. His gaze very slowly traveled across the pages of the book to the calm face of his partner. Her dark pink hair strewn haphazardly over her face, mint eyes half lidded and lazily watching whatever was on her phone. Nanami closed his book and set it aside, putting his fingers through her hair instead.
"Hairi," he began, his voice soft and contemplative, "have you ever thought about having... a child together?"
Hairi blinked, a faint blush coloring her cheeks as she processed his question. The emotions flickering in her eyes were conflicting. This wasn't something he had ever needed to think about. But in all his time with Hairi, every night they laid together enjoying the warmth and comfort of their embrace, he could think of no one else he'd want to take this step with. Nanami awaited her answer patiently, petting her hair.
"I've thought about it," Hairi admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. "The idea of creating a family with you... it's something I've imagined." She laughed faintly, turning her phone off and tossing it by their feet. "But I mostly thought about it in high school. Y'know... the way a love struck teenager does with everyone until they realize kids don't have to be the end goal."
Coming from a lineage of sorcerers, contractual children was likely a common thing Hairi had experienced. Talk of genes and compatibility like there was nothing else to the equation. Nanami frowned, slightly squeezing her hand as the thought passed.
"Not really. I'm happy as we are," she said, nuzzling his chest and wrapping her arms around him.
"It's been on my mind lately," he confessed, bringing her knuckles to his lips and gently kissing them.
"Do you want children?"
"Maybe. All I've really decided is," he pulled her up in the bed, her hands on his chest and their eyes level. A pink dust coated her cheeks and she instinctively gripped his shirt. Her hair draped past his head, resting on the pillow beneath them. "If I were to have kids at all, I would want to have them with you."
Nanami's lips curved into a tender smile, his thumb brushing softly against the back of her hand.
"W-well... I'll need some time to think about it, if that's alright," Hairi murmured, her gaze dropping as she hid her face against his neck. A soft chuckle escaped Nanami's lips as he gently stroked her back, pressing a tender kiss to the top of her head.
"Of course, Ri. Take all the time you need."
Slowly, Hairi loosened her grip on his shirt, her fingers dancing lightly across his chest as she processed her thoughts. The rhythmic motion was familiar to Nanami, a comforting pattern that he had come to recognize as her way of stimming.
Perhaps he had been too forward, broaching the topic of children before they had even discussed marriage or their shared future in the world of sorcery. It wasn't like him to skip so many essential steps, but the concept of marriage had never held much significance for him. He cherished their partnership above all else, preferring to live life on their terms without the constraints of labels.
After all, he still referred to her as his partner, a title that meant more to him than any other.
Nanami's steady heartbeat drummed beneath her fingertips, a rhythm that always seemed to comfort her. Especially when she lost herself in thought. She took a deep breath, letting the warmth of the moment envelop her as she continued to trace patterns on his chest.
Nanami sensed her contemplation, waiting patiently for her to gather her thoughts. His fingers continued their soothing motion on her back, grounding her with each gentle touch.
As the minutes ticked by, the weight of their conversation lingered in the air. And the prickles of doubt and worry began to poke at Nanami.
Finally, Hairi lifted her head, her eyes meeting his with newfound clarity. "Nanami," she began, her voice soft yet determined, "I think... I think I'd like that future with you. But let's take it one step at a time, okay?"
A smile spread across Nanami's face, his eyes shining with affection and understanding. "One step at a time sounds perfect," he murmured, drawing her closer. Gently lifting her chin, he met her lips with a soft, tender kiss.
"What do you think the first step would be?" Hairi asked.
Nanami's gaze softened, his thumb caressing her cheek as he considered her question. "The first step," he mused, his voice thoughtful, "might be talking more about our future, understanding what we both want and how we see ourselves moving forward together."
"Right. Okay... then we should talk about that," Hairi said, nodding. Nanami pressed another gentle kiss to her forehead, shaking his head at her.
"We'll figure it out, Ri," he assured her, "it's late. For now, why don't we sleep on it?"
Nodding in agreement, Hairi nestled closer to Nanami, finding comfort in his embrace. He turned the light off and adjusted so Hairi was resting comfortable over him. Using him like a pillow. The weight of their conversation slowly lifted, replaced by the soothing rhythm of their breathing as they settled into the stillness of the night.
Hairi drifted off first.
Nanami held her, softly stroking her hair and back, staring at the moon out the window as the snow drifted past. His sleep came upon him slowly, allowing him several moments more to enjoy holding Hairi.
Wrapped in each other's arms, they drifted off to sleep, the prospects of their future playing in their dreams.