Chapter 5

JOURNEY

Leo was on more than edge during their return to the pond. He thought they'd been in a good place. It was clear things were very different for him than they were for Amir. Maybe he would leave him for some alone time, while he sought his own council from his friend Ian.

Placing him on the nicest lily pad he spotted and making sure the view of the cottage was unobstructed Leo got no response to his goodbye or wishes for Amir to have a good day. Walking away was harder than anticipated. It didn't feel right leaving him, but he had no choice.

For Amir, the pond had become a place of reflection and longing. Usually, his reflections were on the past, what he lost and what he missed. After waking up with so much clarity where Leo was concerned, he thought about the future more. He daydreamed of being in Leo's arms, dancing in a grand ballroom or clinging to each other, spent after hours of passionate lovemaking.

Leo did return to retrieve him that night, but Amir wasn't ready and refused to leave. He spent multiple moody nights alone out of sheer stubbornness and fear. One night, after an especially vivid dream, Amir knew he could delay no longer. As far as he was concerned, they needn't look much further. Amir knew Leo was destined to claim his heart for good.

The next morning, Amir was less talkative than usual. Beyond a few initial pleasantries, he found himself watching the handsome man work. Leo's hands were mesmerizing as Amir watched him turn soil and plant seeds. Even the dirt under his fingernails was appealing.

Finally, Amir spoke. "Dadd… Leo," he began, his voice trembling with hesitation and resolve, "there is something I must confess."

"This is the second time you've attempted to call me that—Daddy. Any chance it's going to be the reason why you've been so distant the past few days? Or maybe you want to confess why you refuse to return to the cottage."

That was not the response Amir was expecting to hear. Perhaps his little fit of wills had gone too far. Thinking quickly, he altered his confession on the spot, and ignored the question about the Daddy thing. He really hadn't meant to say that, but Leo awakened something in him he'd always tried to keep hidden. "I'm ready to hear your plan. I need to break this curse and get back to my life. This… this rhythm we've created here is built on quicksand. It isn't real. The longer we pretend it is, the harder it will be for both of us to let it go. I need to let it go." What he left unsaid was that what he really needed to let of go of was the fantasy of building a future with Leo.

Leo had no idea Amir could throw up an emotional wall so quickly. The mask of indifference he plastered on his face never wavered. "If you are ready to move on, I will keep my word and help you in any way I am able."

Amir's heart, long shrouded in doubt, felt a spark of hope. "And I, in turn, will aid you. For your kindness has been a light in my darkness, and it is only right that I help you seek the happiness you deserve. This is a good plan, and it shall bear fruit for the both of us. I will meet my potential great love and break this curse and you will broaden your options, in turn lessening your parents worry about your future."

They decided right there in an afternoon filled with sunshine and hope that they would embark on this quest. The plan was to visit as many balls as were held this season. Leo knew his parents would be overjoyed—in the past it had been his nature to ignore or decline any and all of those very same invitations. He and Amir would mix with villagers, and something good would come from it, it had to. Amir was counting on him.

As they plotted their course, neither man nor frog could see the irony in their pact. They professed a desire to seek love throughout the kingdom and surrounding areas not realizing it might be found in the bond that had already begun to form between them.

The garden became a place of strategy and camaraderie, where plans were laid, and laughter once again rang out. Amir, with his princely insight, and Leo, with his botanical knowledge, made a formidable team. Yet, as the days passed, Leo's gaze lingered on Amir, and Amir's croaks softened when addressing Leo, hinting at a truth yet to be verbally acknowledged.

Finally, they set off, Leo having invitations to numerous balls in his pocket. However, their journey was not without trials. They encountered skeptics who mocked their quest and hopefuls whose kisses did not change Amir's form.

Even though knowing Leo and being on their quest had brought adventure and lightness to his barren days, Amir couldn't let go of the negative thoughts that always crept in. That little voice reminding him that he deserved this punishment and not love or a happily ever after. He was extremely unworthy of a love grand enough to remove the curse.

As they settled, Amir began with a tone of resignation. "Love? It's a fairytale, a fleeting dream that turns to dust upon waking. I've seen its illusions, its cruel twists. I no longer believe that it will free me from this curse."

"Wow, that's quite a bit of negativity. I've told you before that when we verbalize doubt, the energy taints everything we do. Besides Amir, isn't there a part of you that longs to believe? To hope?"

"Perhaps." Amir paused in contemplation before continuing. "There is a flicker, a tiny flame that you, Leo, have rekindled. It's not much, but it's there—a willingness to believe, maybe even to hope again."

"Then, Amir, lean into that. Losing hope cannot be an option. Love isn't just a spell or a curse. It's the very essence that binds us, that gives meaning to our existence."

Listening to him, Amir realized there wasn't anything to lose by putting his faith in this big, strong, confident man. Leo looked so gorgeous in formal wear, all the balls were worth it for that alone. Normally, he dressed casually, and still, he cut more than a dashing figure. He was taller than Amir's human form, his shoulders broader by a mile. His muscular physique was built from years of daily planting, lifting, and plowing. His perfectly round spectacles elevated his studious look. It made Amir want to play professor and the naughty student more than he ever admitted, even to himself. He didn't know if he was confusing lust and love or desperation and desire, but whatever it was, he wanted to bend to Leo's will and give this ‘true love' thing a real try. Only he was desperate to try it with Leo, not just be inspired by him.

When Amir next spoke, it was with faith and commitment to the process—a process he still doubted. "You know, I'm beginning to see things differently. Well, at least a little bit. Love is not a chain, but a root. It anchors us and nourishes us. And perhaps, it's not something to be found, but something that grows."

"Exactly, Amir. Love is like this garden you so admire. It requires patience, care, and the right conditions to flourish."

As the sun set on their night of sojourning through the woods of the enchanted forest, Amir had so much to think about: ruminating on this man, the possibility of love, and the hope of returning to the life he once knew.

"I've been a fool, Leo. Love isn't a prize to be won or a quest to be completed. And it's not just about breaking a curse—it's about breaking down the walls around one's heart." As he spoke Amir knew his words were for them both.

Their journey and conversations helped Amir understand that love was not a transaction or a magical solution but a transformative force that shapes and defines two people, offering connection, growth, and the courage to face the unknown.

It wasn't just a matter of facing the unknown for Amir. Leo had been keeping things from his parents, too. How could he explain meeting a talking frog who was also a prince for whom he was developing feelings? Hell, he was certain that if his father pushed to have him committed, his mother would go along. Even with all those thoughts consuming him, Leo focused on the one most important thing: this was what Amir wanted. It was all for Amir.

The village of Thornwood was abuzz with excitement. Their annual Harvest Festival was upon them, a time of merriment and matchmaking. Lanterns hung like stars fallen to earth, casting a warm, golden glow over the town square. With Amir perched upon his shoulder, Leo joined the throng of villagers heading toward the heart of the festivities.

The festival was a cacophony of colors, laughter, and music. Stalls lined the square, offering treats and trinkets, while couples danced to the tunes of fiddles and flutes.

"Look at this place," Leo marveled, taking in the scene. "It's like a dream come to life. My mother loves coming to this. She has described it to me so many times. No wonder she was so happy I chose to attend this year."

Amir, his small eyes wide with wonder, croaked in agreement. "Indeed. Leo, it's magical."

As they navigated through the crowd, Amir's unique perspective as a frog proved invaluable. From his vantage point, he could spot the lonely hearts, guiding Leo toward potential matches. Their attempts at courtship were met with varying degrees of success and, often, amusement.

"There's the baker's son," Amir pointed out with a nod of his tiny head. "His laugh is as sweet as the pastries he sells."

Leo approached the young man, who was busy selling his wares. "Good evening! Your pastries look delicious."

The baker's son grinned. "Thank you! Would you like to try one?"

As Leo reached for a pastry, the baker's eyes wandered over his shoulder to where the craft maker's apprentice was speaking to a potential customer. Leo followed his gaze and smiled knowingly. "It seems your heart might be elsewhere."

The baker's son blushed, confirming Leo's suspicions. Amir chuckled softly. "Well, that was a short-lived pursuit."

Next, they encountered the village librarian, whose love for books rivaled Leo's love for plants. "Good evening," Leo greeted.

He looked up, adjusting his glasses. "Good evening. Are you a fan of literature?"

Leo nodded enthusiastically. "Absolutely. There's nothing like the smell of old books and the stories they tell."

Despite their shared passion for books, the librarian's conversation constantly drifting back to literary references was boring and exhausting. Amir sighed, "Not even the charm of a talking frog can sway his focus."

With each encounter, Leo and Amir shared knowing glances and stifled chuckles. They were an odd pair, a man and his amphibian companion, seeking what seemed to elude them amidst a sea of hopeful hearts.

As the night wore on, the festival's jovial mask began to slip, revealing the bittersweet truth that not all quests end in triumph. Leo felt the weight of his loneliness more acutely than ever, and Amir, sensing his friend's disheartenment, offered words of comfort.

"Leo," Amir said softly, "perhaps our search tonight has not yielded the love we seek, but it has given us something just as precious, memories to cherish and the knowledge that we are not alone in our quest."

Leo smiled at the wisdom of his friend, realizing that the bond they shared was a rare find. They had set out to find love, but in doing so, they had discovered the value of companionship and the joy of shared laughter.

As the festival ended, and the villagers began to drift away, Leo and Amir remained. They sat side by side, watching the embers of the bonfire glow in the darkness.

"Look at them, Amir," Leo said, his voice tinged with longing. "So carefree, so entwined in each other's worlds. Do you think we'll ever find what they have?"

"I do not know, Leo," Amir replied, his tone reflective.

Leo turned to Amir, his expression serious. "And if we were to find it, what then? Would you be ready to embrace it, to surrender to the pull of your heart?"

Amir responded hesitantly, "I... I would like to believe so. Yet, fear clutches at me. Fear of the unknown, of a love that could either free me or bind me further."

Leo reached out to a flickering lantern and said, "Love is much like this flame, Amir. It can be a beacon in the night, guiding us home, or it can consume us, leaving nothing but ashes."

"Then let us be moths, Leo," Amir said. There was a lilt to his voice, but his eyes were watching the flame dance with an unmatched intensity. "Drawn to the light, even if it means getting burned. For a life without love's fire is no life at all."

Leo stared at the little guy. He couldn't believe he was speaking with such encouragement. It was just a short while ago that he was the one filled with doubt, spewing gloom and doom. But that was the magic of their entanglement. It was a balanced—each taking a turn at encouragement and doubt—albeit unusual, connection.

Leo softly chuckled. "Spoken like a true romantic. Come, let us join the search once more—for love, for laughter, for life."

As the Harvest Festival reached its crescendo, the music slowed to a tender melody that seemed to resonate with the rhythm of the night. Leo and Amir found themselves drawn to the makeshift dance floor, surrounded by flickering lanterns and the soft murmur of the village.

Leo, offering his hand, said, "Amir, would you honor me with a dance?"

"I'm not sure how well I can dance in this form, but I would be delighted," Amir replied with a touch of humor.

The villagers parted, forming a circle around them as Leo took gentle steps, cradling Amir in his hands. The music weaved through the air, a sweet lullaby that seemed to wrap around the pair.

Leo whispered, "Just follow my lead."

Amir gazed up at Leo. "With you, I feel as though I could dance on water."

They moved together, a dance of two souls intertwined. Leo's steps were careful and reverent, as if every movement were a silent vow of protection and tenderness. Though limited by his form, Amir was swayed with a grace that belied his amphibian body.

Leo whispered softly, "In this moment, with you, I feel a peace I've never known."

Amir's voice was so thick with emotion that he feared the sound would be more croak than speech. "And I, a joy that I thought was lost to me."

The dance continued as a silent conversation between hearts. The villagers watched, some with smiles, others with tears, as the man and the frog shared an intimacy that transcended words, a dance that spoke of love in its purest form.

As the song ended, Leo and Amir remained still, the echoes of the melody lingering in the air. It was a moment of vulnerability and connection, a dance that neither would ever forget.

The intimate dance between Leo and Amir captured the essence of their growing affection and was a poignant symbol of the love slowly unfolding between them.

Cradled in Leo's hands instead of his arms, Amir was only mildly disappointed that reality did not match his dream. Although part of his dream was simply to experience this level of intimacy once again. A lantern hanging just to their left rattled and started to fall. Amir noticed it with his widened amphibious gaze. The words were nearly out of his mouth when Leo clutched him in a single palm and reached for the lantern.

"Oh, let me get that."

Amir craned his neck and offered a pathetic, "Allow me—" He knew he couldn't offer any true assistance, but he wanted to let Leo know he wanted to help. He wanted to serve as a real partner in things big and small. The problem was that everything about him was small. Well, everything except his desires.

Leo placed his free hand atop Amir's head and created a frog sandwich. He wished he knew what his fair prince—his Amir—looked like in human form. Their eyes met, and time seemed to stand still for a moment. The contact was brief, but it carried the weight of all their unspoken feelings, a simple touch charged with the promise of something more.

Leo's voice was soft, his eyes locked with Amir's. "I'm sorry, I didn't mean to?—"

Amir, with a warmth in his voice, said, "No, please. It's... it was unexpected but not unwelcome. You make me feel safe, warm, and untouchable around this maddening crowd. I would give anything to have your hands all over me for real."

The air around them hummed with a new energy, as if the touch had unlocked a door to possibilities they had yet to explore. It was an innocent accident, yet it held the power of a profound revelation.

Leo had a hint of color on his cheeks. "Your touch, it's... there's a warmth there that I've never felt before."

Amir gazed into Leo's eyes as he spoke. "Your hand, it's as if it carries the life of the garden within it, a life that beckons me closer."

In that accidental embrace, a spark was ignited, threatening to grow into a flame that could light the path to a future neither dared to imagine.

Leo's mind was in overdrive. He was silently self-talking and attempting to make sense of something completely defying logic. ‘What was that? It was a simple touch, yet it felt like a jolt of lightning. We've touched plenty. I carry him often. Why was this different? My hand enclosing his body was just for a second, but it felt like an eternity. There's a warmth there, a connection I can't quite understand. It's as if that brief contact opened a floodgate of emotions, I've worked hard to suppress. Though different in this form, Amir's skin held a familiarity that resonated deep within me. It's strange, this feeling. It's not just affection or fondness—it's something more, something deeper. I am done with doubt and fear. Amir is the one.'