♣ Equinox Encounter ♣

The autumn sun shone down on the vast array of booths, games, and activities spread on the outskirts of Rose Garden. It was the autumn equinox, a time for celebrating the season and the bountiful harvests collected by farmers around Fiore. Colorful leaves scattered around the area, formed into piles that would only be destroyed by the running leaps children took into them. Delighted voices filled the air as people partook in the delicious food and entertaining festivities. The smell of meat and vegetables came from some booths, while from others the incredibly sweet smell of pies, cakes, and other desserts drifted. Food seemed to be the focus of this event, and nobody seemed to be complaining.

The autumn air had a briskness to it that signified the approach of winter. Everyone wore at least a jacket to ward off the cold. Beaux had gone the extra mile, decking himself out in the most stylish autumn apparel he owned. This season was a fantastic opportunity to indulge in meticulous outfit creation, seeking the comfy and casual look while remaining fashionable. The angel wore a soft black scarf and a brown jacket over a red sweater and a white shirt. The scarf was one of his favorites, and he often reached up just to run his fingers over the material.

Beaux had decided to attend another seasonal festival due to his experience at the summer solstice. Random encounter had lead him to make friends with which he had many a misadventure on that day. Wren, the little witch, had even decided to join the Rune Knights after they met! Every time they hung out he was warmly reminded of that day. As the angel strolled through the booths, excitement filled him. He was hoping to meet new people at this celebration as well.

Silver hair was moved out of Beaux’s face by a gentle hand. This was one of the first days he had been out of Era since his encounter with Sanguine. The infirmary held him for a long time due to the severity of his injuries, but it had taken even longer for his courage to return. The mental scars left would be far more devastating than the physical ones. A whole week was what it took to psych himself up for this trip. He almost didn’t make it out of the Rune Knight headquarters. Beaux had been incredibly nervous at the train station, tapping his feet and fiddling with his clothing and iLac. Being out in the world again was a huge undertaking, and his anxiety had made itself quite known.

One wouldn’t even know that he had been so worried upon seeing him now. His classic joyful grin had made a continuous appearance, accompanied by cheerful greetings to those who passed by. Such a positive and exciting environment had calmed his nerves. Beaux was feeling on top of the world!

That is, until he found himself lost in the middle of a maze. A chipper young woman had herded him to the corn maze entrance not fifteen minutes earlier. “It’ll be lots of fun!” she had spouted enthusiastically. “Fiore’s hardest corn maze challenges you! I believe in you! Head right in here!” Beaux didn’t have much of a choice in the matter as he could barely get a word in. So there he stood among the stalks, utterly bamboozled. All his attempts at solving the maze and finding his way out had been thwarted. Trying to mark his route had proven unsuccessful. Whenever he tried to retrace his steps, he could never find the path previously taken. Standing on his tippy-toes to see across the maze had been a simplistic idea that made him feel foolish afterwards. “As if the maze makers hadn’t thought of preventing that, débile,” he scolded himself quietly. The third attempt to make some sense of his location had been to fly up a little. Upon spreading his large white wings and attempting to take flight, Beaux found himself limited to a foot above the ground by some unseen force. The maze makers had been diligent with preventing any sorts of bypassing the labyrinth with intricate spells.

“Merde!” The angel pouted upon the realization that there was magic in place to make the mazer harder. He had really wanted to go try some pumpkin pie before being so rudely forced into this task. The thought of the dessert made his mouth water. Upon hearing about the festivals going on around Fiore, he knew he had to attend just for that one thing at the least. Beaux decided that if he were to get some pie today, he might need to find another maze-goer and work with them to escape.

“Helloooooo?” he called out into the maze. “Is anyone nearby?~” Hopefully he would be able to charm them into teamwork if they didn't agree right away. Beaux put on his most endearing smile and waited for any potential responses or people showing up.

As a figure turned the corner, Beaux was delightfully surprised to see a man around his age. He was shorter than the angel by a bit, and fiery amber hair spiked out from his head. Baby blue eyes met violet ones, and Beaux couldn’t help the smile that crossed his face. This guy was adorable. The kind of adorable that made one want to give them the world just for a smile. It had been a while since Beaux had flirted with anyone, so he decided to proceed cautiously and politely. His focus had been on recovering from his injuries, so anything social had been put on the back burner. The Rune Knight had desperately missed interacting with new people, as one can only bond with a doctor so much.

The man held out his hand as he greeted Beaux, obviously intended for a handshake. The angel, however, taken over by his relief and joyous mood, grabbed his hand. Turning it, he leaned gently down and kissed the knuckles in greeting. Without thinking twice about the gesture, he stood up once more with a cheerful grin. Beaux straightened out his clothes from the motion.

“It definitely seems like a labyrinth, no matter what it actually is!” Beaux said in agreement. That sheepish expression was incredibly endearing. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Monsieur Isaak,” he continued with a slight bow. “I am Beaux! I’m glad we came across one another, I seem to be struggling with this maze as well,” he admitted, running a hand through his luscious silver hair. An awkward laugh left his mouth. The angel wasn’t one to let his pride rule him, but it was certainly embarrassing to admit his failings to a stranger. “But I haven’t given up yet! We can work together to make it through,” Beaux cheered, then stopped himself. “Well, if you’d like to,” he added, remembering his manners. It was his nature to be polite, but often excitement could make him jump the gun.

If Isaak agreed, the angel would beckon his acquaintance down the path they were on. Beaux was notorious for sparking conversation and not allowing awkward silence. He was eager to talk to this handsome stranger as it was his goal to meet new people at this festival like he had at the last. “I’m looking forward to trying all the pumpkin desserts,” he hummed, “Especially the pumpkin pie!” Beaux had a serious sweet tooth and often spent more than anticipated on delicious foods, pastries making up the majority. In his home country, some of the best pastries in Earthland were created and passed down over the generations. From light and flaky to rich, Napedian desserts were unlike any other. The angel wasn’t much of a chef himself, but he could always remember the few recipes his mother taught him before her death. He made a mental note to make some for Wren when he got back to the Rune Knight headquarters.

Bringing his mind back to the present, Beaux tucked his chin into the folds of his scarf. The soft material was a comfort against the cold. “May I ask where you’re from?” he inquired cheerfully, glancing at Isaak from the corners of his eyes. Another corner was turned, but Beaux was starting to lose focus on the maze. His feet carried him subconsciously on. He didn’t mind getting lost as long as he had company.

The Rune Knight afforded himself another look at Isaak and quickly turned back to face the path ahead. While he waited for a response, he wondered if it was too early for a compliment. Merde, Beaux! You’ve become a novice again, he scolded himself mentally. “Er… I like your eyes,” he stammered, facepalming mentally as soon as the words left his mouth. What a juvenile compliment! I should have gone for something more simple, Beaux thought to himself. “S-sorry, I didn’t mean to be too forward,” he apologized, shoving his face deeper into the scarf to hide the blush that was furiously blazing at his embarassment.

Beaux’s smile only grew more affectionate as Isaak stumbled over his words. The little ginger seemed to speak his train of thought exactly as it happened. “That’s the definition I’ve always been told!” he replied as they walked. “I’m surprised you knew.”

At Isaak’s comment about squash, Beaux’s eyebrows furrowed as he contemplated the idea. “That’s certainly odd, now that you mention it…” he admitted. “But pumpkin desserts are delicious, I promise! Even if they come from a vegetable.” The angel could smell the cider that was raised up and hoped he could grab some if they ever got out of the maze. Maybe he could even buy Isaak some of the apple confections! That was, if the man hadn’t bought enough already.

“That sounds like a lovely place,” Beaux hummed after Isaak explained about his homeland. “I’ve never been, but I’ll think about visiting sometime. Perhaps during the cherry blossom bloom…” he mused, trailing off. The mental image of sweet pink flowers lining beautiful streets was pleasant. His vision showed groves of trees, celebrations, and Isaak there as well. The thought warmed his heart. Even though they had just met, Beaux had a good feeling about him.

“Oh dear, pardon me,” he hurriedly said, apologizing for his zoning out. “I’m from Napedia! It’s a small nation far north of Fiore. It’s very high class, a lot of important people live there and the culture revolves around being proper and having manners.” The last words were followed by a chuckle as Beaux thought of how disappointed his peers would be by his current speech and mannerisms. To the normal Fiorean, he was extremely polite, sometimes over the top. However, back in Napedia, he would have been constantly criticized for the littlest things - from how much his body was facing towards with whom he was speaking to the speed at which he spoke. Not to mention the swearing. It was a bad habit he had picked up on, one that would certainly make his Tante faint if she heard it.

Isaak’s reaction to his compliment was more than enough to bring Beaux’s flirting confidence back. The risk of being forward rewarded itself, and the cycle began. Reciprocation only assured his actions and inspired him to do more. The angel’s heartbeat fluttered as the amber-haired man called him breathtaking. It had been a while since he’d heard such sweet words spoken to him, let alone from a handsome man. “That was smooth,” he agreed teasingly.

With a final turn, they had somehow made it out of the maze. Beaux’s eyes widened in surprise. The maze had been difficult, yet without any real effort the two had completed it! He turned to Isaak, who began spouting off a goodbye. Beaux nearly pouted. Such exciting interaction with another man had been wonderful. It was the refresher he needed after being cooped up in the infirmary for so long. Isaak was lovely, cheerful, and adorable - he didn’t want to leave just yet!

“I had a wonderful time too, Isaak,” Beaux began, dropping his usual formalities. “Either option sounds great to me, but I think I’d like to spend some more time with you right now! If you have nowhere to be, that is,” he added. Inching closer, he spoke again. “We should go try some pumpkin desserts! I promise they’ll be delicious. Oh, and also,” Beaux leaned in closer, placing a hand gently on Isaak’s lower back, “You can finish telling me what you think I am, mon petit chou.” The angel winked teasingly and straightened up, eagerly awaiting the effect his flirting would have. “Now, I wonder which way it is to the food?”