Work Text:
Folkwin holds his hand out to the younger boy, a smile on his face. “Come on. It’s getting dark. Don’t want you getting lost.”
Ari stares at the offered hand. He sticks out his bottom lip and frowns. But he takes Folkwin’s hand anyways and follows him. He always holds Folkwin’s hand. He likes holding Folkwin’s hand. He likes being around the older boy. But Thusnelda’s words are in his head and he wonders now.
“What’s the look for?” Folkwin asks. “What’s wrong?”
Ari looks up at him. “Are we getting married now?”
Folkwin stumbles. He stops and blinks and Ari steps closer to him, holding tighter. Folkwin pauses and opens his mouth slowly. “Uh… no…” He says. “We uh… we’re too young.”
Ari nods his head. “Okay. When we are old enough then?”
Folkwin shrugs. “I dunno. Maybe.” He mumbles and looks away. “Why… why are you asking?”
Ari pulls on him and starts walking again. “Cuz we’re gonna have a baby.”
Folkwin plants his feet on the ground and yanks Ari back. “What?”
Ari turns and looks up at him. “Thusnelda said so.”
Folkwin rubs his free hand over his face. “Ari… what did Thusnelda say?”
Ari squeezes Folkwin’s hand. “She said you get pregnant by holding hands.”
Folkwin pulls his hand away from Ari without thinking. Ari looks upset and Folkwin sighs. He takes Ari’s hand and they start walking again. “Ari, that’s not how it works. You don’t get pregnant by holding hands. And we’re boys. We don’t get pregnant.”
“Oh.” Ari breathes out and nods. “Okay. Can we still get married?”
Folkwin smiles and rolls his eyes. “I don’t know. Ask me again when we’re older. Come on, I’ll race you.” He said, letting go of Ari and running off. Ari smiles and races off after him.