Asher sighed and darted to the bouquet. "Rose, tulip, lily, peony, and sunflower."

Tristan's eyes dilated. "Wow, you're good."

Asher smugged. "I know."

There was a short pause, Tristan spoke. "What's your best flower?"

"Hmm... best flower," Asher looked at the ceiling. "Daisy, it symbolises true love, because it's a blend of two flowers. I like daisies."

Tristan darted to his shoes as guilt tugged his heartstrings. "Y-You know a lot about flowers, it's impressive."
…

Scarlet noticed a small smile at the corner of his lips, she stopped Asher on his way to the throne room. "This is the second time you're smiling out of the blue this week, what's going on?" she squinted.

"Me? Smile? I don't know what you're talking about." Asher said with indifference.

"C'mon! Spill some tea, who is it? King Ace?" she grinned.

"No!"

"Oh, a new lover then?"

"No, Scarlet, it's nothing," he said walking away.

But you applied more foundation today.

Scarlet observed him from afar, then rubbed her chin. "Hmm... suspicious."
…

Asher double-checked the environment before locking the door. Tristan arrived in a second with two packages. "Hungry? I made lunch."

Asher sat down and Tristan followed, his hand stretched. "Take, this is yours."

"Thanks, but I'm not hungry," Asher looked the other way.

"Can you just take a spoon? Please," Tristan said.

"Just a spoon," he opened the lid. A sweet aroma washed Asher's face, he was tempted to taste it when he paused with widened eyes. 

"Don't worry, it's not poisoned," Tristan scooped from his plate and chewed. "See?"

Asher's eyes sparkled as he took a spoon. "This is good!" he rushed the food.

Tristan smiled at his reaction. "Thank you, I'm glad you like it." 
I miss this cute face.
…

Asher washed the dye off his hair, he gradually went back to his bright colour aesthetics, after four years.

Tristan's eyes dilated as he walked in that afternoon.

Asher looked away.
Why is he staring... I should say something.

His heart thumped in his chest, Asher pulled on his clear polished nails and drew circles with his foot. "I-I changed my wardrobe, again."

Tristan gently took his hands."You look gorgeous." He glimpsed at Asher with a smile, "I miss this look."

Asher's heart fluttered, his cheeks turned pink. "Thanks."
…

It came as a shock to the people of Ashernia when he abolished bizarre laws, and brought back the ones he made at his coronation. Asher apologised and promised to compensate everyone he hurt during his healing process. 

The streets rejoiced with drums and musical instruments, traders gave out free food and drinks, the place was flooded with tears of joy, and for the first time, his name was chanted by both nobles and commoners.

Asher's eyes dilated, he turned to Scarlet, like his ears were hearing things. She nudged his shoulders and glanced at the dancing populace. "Your people are proud of you, I'm proud of your growth," Scarlet smiled.

"Thanks for always being there, you're my best friend, forever," Asher hugged her.

"Yeah, besties for life," she hugged him tight. 

Asher hurried to his room.

He grinned then jumped into Tristan's hands. "It worked! They love me!"

"Honesty and apologies go a long way."

Asher's feet touched the ground again as Tristan dropped him. 

"Thanks for the advice," Asher said.

"You're welcome," he said.

Tristan blushed as Asher gazed at his lips with a sly smirk. "Speaking of honesty," he stood on his toes, scrunched Tristan's shirt, and pulled him into a kiss.

Tristan's eyes broadened, his brain processed what happened seconds ago.
Asher is kissing me...

Tristan grabbed the back of his waist and kissed him passionately.
…

Asher told his parents and Scarlet about his reunion with Tristan, after six months of debate, they respected his decision.

Tristan took Asher to visit his mother's grave one day. They knelt before her tombstone and dropped their flowers.

"Hi, Mom. It's been a while," Tristan darted to him. "This is my husband, king Asher."

"Hello, Veronica, I can call you mom too, right? Thank you. I promise to take good care of Tristan, you don't have to worry about anything," he said.

Tristan intertwined their fingers, Asher giggled as Tristan nudged his nose. "She likes you already."
…

Asher woke up the next morning, without Tristan beside him. He froze with eyes dilated, Asher hyperventilated, his thoughts, disorganised.
Tristan is gone... Tristan is gone...

"Where are you?" Asher dug into the sheets, crying.

Tristan was about to get a glass of water, he paused when someone's sobs drew his attention. 
Isn't that Asher?

Tristan’s eyes opened, he dashed back to the king’s chamber. "Asher!" he pushed the door.

"I'm here, Tristan's here," he climbed the bed and hugged Asher.

"Tristan?" Asher’s eyes went back to normal, his heart rate and breathing slowed down.

"Yes, baby, it's me," Tristan kissed his cheek and hugged him tight. He rubbed Asher's back and reassured. "Tristan will never run away again, Tristan is here to stay, Tristan will love you forever." 

Asher smiled and hugged him back. "I know, I love you too."
…

On their reunion anniversary, they baked a cake together and made their favourite meals. They left to prepare their presents then met, with their hands behind their back. 

Tristan smiled. "I'll go first," he handed Asher a daisy bouquet. "Happy anniversary!"

Asher gasped, his hands over his mouth. "Oh my... they're pretty." 

He took it with his other hand and stared at Tristan with a grin. "My turn," Asher revealed a black opal pendant. "It's the most expensive black jewel in the world," Asher smugged.

Tristan's eyes widened. "Wow," he gazed at it. "It's beautiful, thank you."

"Let me help you put it on," Asher tiptoed while Tristan bent his neck as he hooked it.

He stepped back to admire him. "Damn! You are hot," Asher smirked, flicking his tongue.

Tristan's face reddened like a tomato. "Thanks," he said with a shy smile.
…

They banged the door, battling with an intense tongue kiss, then separated to catch their breath.

Tristan darted to his fingers. "Baby, where's your ring?"

"I can't find it."

"You lost your wedding ring!" Tristan gasped.

Asher forced a laugh. "That happened years ago," he raised Tristan's chin. "Honey, look at me, let's leave in the moment."

He sighed with a smile. "I can never be mad at you."

Asher pouted. "I know you can't."

They stumbled on the bed, clothes flew across the moonlight. Obscene sounds of pleasure and pain blended in racy discordance.

THE END