The Venerable Light has traveled thousands of universes in search of his beloved—who had been missing for months after they went on a retreat. Months passing was but a fleeting moment to an immortal god, but, at the moment, he was but a simple man who missed his spouse dearly.

Vesper knows they could handle themself, but he couldn't help but worry. They were such a cute little deity that there was definitely no shortage of malicious beings who might take advantage of them...

Oh, beloved... Where could you have gone..?

Vesper smiled warmly and approached Sobi, crouching down so he was at eye level with them. "Sobi... I've been worried sick about you." He gently cupped the smaller god's cheek in one of his hands, marveling at how soft their fur felt against his palm.

"Are you feeling alright, my love? Have you had any trouble these past months?" The question came out as a whisper, barely audible even to Ren's sensitive ears.

"You should rest then," Vesper murmured, his voice soft as silk. "We can talk later, when you're feeling better." He picked Sobi up gently, cradling them in his arms like a precious treasure. Though he knew that Sobi was just as powerful and capable as him, there was something about their delicate appearance that made Vesper want to protect them all the more.

"Let's get you to our chambers," he said, beginning to walk briskly toward the palace. "

"I appreciate that..." Sobi murmured contentedly, snuggling into Vesper's chest as he held them close. "Thank you." A yawn escaped them, and their eyes drooped shut almost immediately. Their small form relaxed against his large one, and they seemed to melt into him.

It was a relief for Vesper to finally have Sobi back where they belonged. He continued walking at a brisk pace toward their chambers, carefully avoiding any bumps or obstacles along the way as he carried his beloved spouse.

Vesper held Sobi close, breathing in the soft scent of their fur as they slowly drifted off to sleep. He couldn't help but smile fondly down at them, his heart filled with love and affection for this tiny deity who had stolen it so many millennia ago. He vowed to always protect Sobi, no matter what dangers might come their way.

As they reached the doors to their chambers, Vesper carefully set Sobi down on their feet. "Would you like me to carry you inside?"

"No need..." Sobi murmured sleepily, still half-asleep as they tried to stand on their own. They wobbled slightly before catching themselves, looking up at him with a sheepish grin. "I'm fine now."

Slowly but surely, the smaller god made their way into their chambers, yawning widely and stretching out their arms as they walked. Vesper followed close behind, his eyes never leaving Sobi's form as he watched over them with a mix of love and concern.

Vesper smiled fondly at Sobi's childlike antics and walked over to the bed, gently lifting the smaller god onto it before tucking them in. He placed a soft kiss on their forehead, savoring the contact with his beloved's skin. "Rest well, my love," he whispered, his voice thick with emotion.

With a final look around to ensure that everything was in order, Vesper turned and walked over to sit beside Sobi on the bed.

Vesper leaned in closer, his chest pressing gently against Sobi's back as he wrapped an arm around the smaller god. He felt their soft fur tickle his fingertips and relished the contact; it was like holding a piece of heaven itself. "You were gone for so long..." he murmured, voice still hoarse with emotion. "I missed you."

He didn't know how else to express himself; love and affection weren't exactly feelings that mortals could comprehend, let alone gods.

"I'm just glad you're back," Vesper replied softly, his gaze drifting over Sobi's sleeping form. He gently brushed a few stray locks of fur away from their face, careful not to disturb them too much. "You know I could never live without you."

He leaned in closer still, breathing in the scent of Sobi's fur and feeling the heat of their body against his own.

A soft sigh escaped Sobi's lips as they nestled deeper into the pillow, their body relaxing further against Vesper's. "I love you too," Sobi murmured before drifting off to sleep once more, trusting that Vesper would keep them safe and protected while they slumbered soundly.

Vesper continued to watch over his beloved spouse, his gaze never leaving Sobi as he held them close through the night, lost in the warmth of their presence and the comfort of their familiar touch.

Though his eyes never left Sobi's sleeping form, Vesper couldn't help but smile softly to himself in the darkness. The small deity had no idea how precious they were to him; not just as a partner, but as a source of joy and purpose in a universe that often felt empty without them. He wondered what sort of dreams Sobi might be having, if they were as peaceful and content as he hoped.

He brushed his fingertips lightly against Sobi's cheek, relishing the feel of their soft fur beneath them. "Sleep well," he whispered, voice barely above a breath. "I am here." He closed his eyes as well, letting himself drift off into a peaceful slumber, always aware of the precious being curled up beside him and promising to keep them safe no matter what.

The pale wood carving that served as his face held a soft, serene expression as he drifted off to sleep; it was the look of contentment and profound love, a testament to the depth of feelings Vesper held for Sobi. Even in slumber, he remained vigilant, ever watchful over his beloved spouse, ready to protect them from any potential harm or danger that might come their way. The Venerable Light would not rest until they were certain that Sobi was safe and sound.

In his dreams, the endless expanse of nothingness that made up the void between universes stretched out before him like an ocean of darkness. But in this dream, there was something different; a tiny speck of light shone brightly amidst the void, growing brighter with each passing moment. It was Sobi, he realized, their essence blazing like a beacon even when they were unconscious and vulnerable.

Vesper smiled in his dreams, feeling a warmth spread through him as he watched Sobi's light shine brighter and brighter. He knew that no matter how many universes he traveled, how much time passed, Sobi would always be the one constant in his life; their love was eternal and unbreakable. In this moment, nothing else mattered.

The dream faded away, replaced by the soft sounds of Sobi's gentle breathing and the warmth of their body against his own. He sighed contentedly, wrapping an arm tighter around them before drifting back to sleep once more, secure in the knowledge that they were safe, and that nothing could ever come between them.

His dreams were filled with peace and contentment, his heart swelling with love for Sobi as they slept soundly in his embrace. Even though he knew that they could handle themselves, there was something about the small, fluffy deity that made him feel protective and possessive; like Sobi was a precious treasure that had been entrusted to him for safekeeping.

The Venerable Light reveled in these feelings of protection and love, knowing that they were a rare gift even among immortal beings such as themselves.

As the hours passed, Vesper's dreams were filled with images of him and Sobi together; memories of their time spent traveling across universes and helping those in need. They were happy memories, tainted only by the occasional moment where he had inadvertently hurt or upset his beloved spouse. Even then, Vesper couldn't help but feel a pang of guilt and regret for not being more careful, for not treating Sobi with the care and respect they deserved.

In his dreams, Vesper vowed to do better; to try harder to understand Sobi's needs and desires and to always put their happiness first. He knew that he had a tendency to treat them like a precious artifact, when in reality they were so much more than that; they were a living, breathing being with their own feelings and thoughts.

As the last wisps of sleep finally slipped away, Vesper found himself blinking awake, his features soft with love and contentment.

He smiled down at Sobi, still sound asleep in his arms, their adorable face hidden beneath the blankets. Even though they were tiny and fluffy, there was something undeniably captivating about them that made Vesper's heart race with excitement and anticipation for what the future might hold.

Vesper gently brushed a few stray hairs from Sobi's forehead, his fingers grazing their soft skin as he marveled at how perfect they were.

With a contented sigh, Vesper slowly got to his feet, careful not to disturb Sobi as he did so. He walked over to the window, gazing out onto the vastness of creation beyond, his thoughts drifting back to their shared dreams and the promises he had made to himself.

As much as he enjoyed holding Sobi close and protecting them, perhaps it was time for him to loosen his grip just a little; to trust that they were capable of taking care of themselves when needed.

He took a deep breath, the scent of Sobi's fur still clinging to him like a second skin. With renewed determination, he turned away from the window and walked back over to the bed. Bending down, he gently kissed the top of Sobi's head before speaking softly, "Wake up, my love."

As if sensing his presence, Sobi's ears twitched and their tail rustled against the sheets before they slowly began to stir, yawning sleepily. "Hmm?" They murmured, blinking blearily up at him. "Where are we...?" Their vision focused and they seemed to remember everything that had happened overnight; a bright smile spread across their face as they looked up at Vesper with love-filled eyes.

"Vesper," they breathed, voice still husky with sleep. "

Vesper's heart swelled at the sound of Sobi's voice, warmth spreading through him as he smiled down at his beloved. "Hello, my love," he replied softly, his own voice rough with emotion. "I trust you had a restful sleep?"

As if in reply, Sobi stretched languidly, yawning once more before sitting up and rubbing their eyes.

"It was lovely," Sobi replied with a contented sigh, finally opening their eyes fully and looking around the room before settling on Vesper's face. "Thank you." They leaned in closer, nuzzling against his chest as they nestled back into the crook of his arm.

"I missed you so much," Sobi whispered softly, voice still hoarse with sleep and emotion. "I'm glad to be back."

"As am I," Vesper replied just as softly, his chest expanding with a deep breath as he wrapped his arm tighter around Sobi. "You have no idea how lost I felt when you were gone." He let out a shaky laugh, trying to lighten the mood but still unable to keep the profound love and gratitude from his voice.

"But now that you're back," he continued, pressing a kiss to Sobi's forehead, "I promise to cherish every moment we have together."

"I will too," Sobi replied, leaning into the touch. "You're my everything, you know that?" They paused, looking up at him with a mischievous glint in their eyes. "So I think it's only fair that we find something fun to do today; to celebrate our reunion."

An amused smile curved Vesper's lips as he considered Sobi's words. "Hmm... I suppose that is only fair," he replied, his voice still gentle and caring. "What did you have in mind?" he asked, genuinely curious about what sort of adventure or activity his beloved had planned for them.

Sobi's tail wagged excitedly behind them as they considered their options. "Well," they began, tilting their head to the side thoughtfully, "I was thinking we could visit one of my favorite planets; it has a beautiful ocean with crystal-clear water and soft sandy beaches." Their eyes lit up at the memory. "And there's this adorable species of sea creatures that only live there! They'd love to meet you, I'm sure!"

The thought of spending time with Sobi on a beautiful beach, surrounded by adorable creatures, was already making Vesper's heart race with anticipation. "That sounds lovely," he replied, his voice warm and affectionate. "I would be honored to meet these creatures you speak of."

He gently nudged Sobi closer to the edge of the bed before standing up, offering a hand to help them rise as well. "Shall we then?"

"Yes," Sobi agreed eagerly, taking his hand and allowing him to help them up. "I can't wait to see the look on their faces when they meet you!" As they stood together, Vesper wrapped his arm around Sobi's shoulders protectively, feeling the smaller god lean into him with contentment.

"And who knows," he continued with a wink, "maybe we'll even find some time for a swim later."

A blush spread across Sobi's cheeks at the thought of sharing such an intimate moment with their beloved. "W-well," they stammered, looking down shyly, "I don't know if that would be... appropriate..." Their voice trailed off uncertainly as Vesper chuckled softly, nuzzling Sobi's neck affectionately.

"Oh, I think we can manage to find some privacy," he whispered teasingly, his breath tickling Sobi's ear.

Vesper smirked as he felt the blush deepen on Sobi's cheeks. "Well, if you insist," he teased, nipping playfully at their ear before leading them out of the bedroom and toward the doorway that led to the beach planet. The thought of spending a day in the sun with his beloved, surrounded by adorable sea creatures and the gentle lapping of waves against the shore... It was almost too much for him to bear.

As they walked hand-in-hand through the airlock and out onto the pristine beach, Vesper couldn't help but marvel at how beautiful Sobi looked in their summer attire. The warm sun caressed his skin, feeling almost like it was making a promise to return every day for as long as they both lived.

"This is it," he murmured, pointing toward the turquoise water where tiny figures could be seen splashing and playing in the shallows. "Shall we go say hello?"