He floated through the sky, concealed by the surrounding darkness as he purposefully dimmed his own vibrant light. The stars that gave off light around him, he believed, better deserved the admiration and attention that was given to the sky. His duty was instead to aid them, to make sure they always shone as brightly as they could. He didn't mind, truly. As long as he didn't think about it for too long, he really didn't mind; the stars were very kind to him, some of the best friends he had ever known. Was it really so terrible to help them, even if he may neglect himself in the process?
"~■□■□■□■□~…"
A voice, clear as glass, echoed in the open air, calling out his name. He opened his eyes, looking around--though, he didn't have to look for long.
She glided, purposefully, from tiny star to tiny star, until she faced him. Her expression was so soft, as was the hand she reached out to his face. Her fingertips brushed at his cheek, wiping something away--a tear? No, he couldn't have been crying.
He lowered his gaze--her shine was brighter than any of the stars, and the light that surrounded her was filled with nearly every color of the rainbow, swirling and fading in and out in a gentle rhythm. He could only look for so long before turning away from her.
She was the one he wanted to shine the most. He was frightened that, by being near her, her glow would weaken. If she were to suffer, he didn't know how he could forgive himself. And yet, continually, she stayed. Just like the stars, she was kinder than he ever thought he deserved from her. He shrouded himself so much, hiding the parts of him he thought would cause her pain, and yet even when such a glimmer would peek through, she stayed.
The questions poured themselves out of him before he could stop them.
“Why are you here? Why do you stay? After I've told you to stay away...you keep coming to see me. Aren't you afraid of losing your glow?"
"How can you not see?" She took his hands in hers, "I am only able to glow this way because you are here beside me."