I Love Lumine With All My Heart But I Want To Change To Aether Because It Just Fits With What I Am Seeing.

✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ┄•͙✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙

✦❘༻𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍 𝙼𝚢 𝙷𝚎𝚊𝚛𝚝༺❘✦

Ch. 4 - Here Comes the Red Prince

Malleus Draconia x fem! reader

Chapter list + Summary [Previous] [Next]

Do not steal/copy + paste my works and upload it anywhere else.

⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱⊰♤⊱⊰◇⊱⊰♡⊱⊰☆⊱⊰♧⊱

“Wife, do you want the garnet or sapphire?” It was a peaceful afternoon where you indulge yourself in embroidery moments before Malleus had decided to join you in the drawing room. After the birthday banquet of Marquis Hagen’s wife, Malleus could be found everywhere you looked. He had even started to join you for dinner. It was as if he’d been glued to your side and could not separate from you. It was honestly terrifying to have the fae’s looming build stare at you all day every day, watching every step you took and every air you breathe in. ‘His eyes are terrifying..’

You have also come to learn that he has indeed found a.. Nickname, you guess. It is just a title but it’s a bit better than the last.   

He wanted to do some bonding time with you, you assume, but when you try to initiate conversation at times to keep him entertained, the words would die on your tongue as soon as you make eye contact with him. 

He inspects the gems that are lined up neatly in rows on the table with the jeweller having stood at the side for some time and turned his head slightly to look at you. So far, you haven't shown any reactions to any, probably because you’re mainly caught up in the swirl of anxiety simply being near Malleus, too scared to move your arms that are laid stiffly on your lap. But you had to say something, otherwise nobody could leave this room. “Hm.. Oh!” A particular gem’s gleam caught the attention of your eyes amongst many of the other shiny accessories. Your hand reaches out for the small box containing the jewellery which was a necklace made of gold with two small ruby gems and a single, slightly larger one in the middle all carved to look like roses. If you had to choose a necklace, you guessed that this one would be most fitting. 

“Ah, Princess! You have quite the discerning eyes for true beauty!” The jeweller’s eyes lit up and began rubbing his hands together. “The gem has been the highest rarity ever seen of its own kind; it has been recently mined and brought to our craftsman!” 

Malleus, seeing the satisfied look you had on your face whilst staring at the necklace, nodded towards the jeweller. No words weren’t needed to be exchanged and the jeweller started packing the rest of the jewellery, readying himself to leave soon afterwards. “Are you sure that that is the only one you want, chil— ahem— wife?” He asks, taking a sip of his drink and looking at your form from the corner of his eyes to which you hummed in reassurance that you were indeed satisfied with just having one necklace at the moment. He had assumed that all ladies liked jewellery so he had made sure to have the fae bring in all of their best stocks, no matter the price. “Thank you, Your Highness.” Still, you had agreed to his idea to have the jeweller come in. Surely, he thinks, that this will satisfy the old fae who he knows isn’t too far that had been pestering him to not leave a “weeping princess alone,” or so he said. 

Just outside the door, hurried footsteps could be heard coming towards the room before stopping short right outside and then knocking on the door with composure so as to not offend the person on the other side. Once Malleus beckons them in, an air of urgency filled the room that both of you could sense. “Speak.” Malleus crosses both his legs and his arms and looks on with a serious look— and possibly with a pout, if your eyes aren’t deceiving you. “Your Highness, a human whom calls himself the prince of the Rose Kingdom is asking for your attendance..” Your two eyebrows shot up at the mention of the prince. A hand makes a loose fist on your chest as your heartbeat increases slightly. There was a moment of pause as Malleus stood up, readying to see the prince, and the messenger quickly took a glance past his shoulders and made direct eye contact at you. “Err, and the princess as well.” Both of your curiosity were piqued now. Hearing that the prince of your homeland was here is surprising enough, but to want to see you..? You were curious to why a royal would come all this way unannounced and to see you who has no power in this kingdom but title. If he’s here for something, then surely it is something that you cannot grant.

Nevertheless, you both went to the entrance of the castle. There, a boy with hair red as roses stood, tapping his foot impatiently and idly, careful eyes inspecting what he could and the servant faes who stood quietly on both sides. There was an air of distrust and it laid thickly in the air. “Rosehearts,” Malleus speaks as the both of you entered the scene. You walked behind him but the moment you entered, the red-head had averted his full attention to you. He was silent for a while, grey eyes just staring intently into your own.

Malleus noticed how his eyes weren’t focused on him and looked to where the prince was looking. His eyes narrow for a brief moment and this is not taken to notice by the fellow royal blood. “Tell me, Crown Prince of the Rose Kingdom, what reason did you come here rather unannounced?” Malleus got straight to the point, snapping the prince out of his daze and diverting his attention away. “I heard that you came alone on horseback.” 

The red-head covers his mouth with a fist and clears his throat before facing the fae who stood at a stark difference in height compared to himself. “If I were to bring them along, they’d only slow me down. Besides, it’s nearly impossible for magicless carriages to traverse these lands.” He puts into careful words to which you could agree. When you came here, it took the entire day on normal carriages that took the long— yet safe— route to get to the castle. “Hm. Then I apologize for the arduous journey,” Malleus says with a rather bored tone and crosses his arm. “I would have offered you tea by now and a rest, but I presume that you did not come here for idle chat.” For an unknown reason, he was becoming more restless, his foot tapping just how the rose prince in front of him once did before they entered. There was a tone in his voice that was rather telling; telling the short male to spit it out already and get out of here. 

“.. I will be in charge of the peace treaty from henceforth and wish to discuss certain agreements listed that could be misunderstood.. ” He explains. His eyes wander to you for a brief moment before returning them to stare at Malleus with a certain look as if asking him to a challenge. “Afterwards, I would like to have a conversation with [Name].. Alone.” At his words, Malleus’ pupils retracted into two, thin slits, though this went unnoticed by the both of you. The draconic fae glances at you, wondering how exactly close you were to him. To know of the prince is nothing to boast about since you were once a citizen of the kingdom but the look either of you gave and how you reacted earlier to when that servant said that the prince wanted to see you too suggests that you knew each other on a more intimate level. 

“I’m afraid I can’t allow that.” Malleus does not have any personal grudges against him, don’t get it wrong. In fact, he venerated the prince; he is a human with great prowess and strong affinity towards magic and whilst he has all this, he shows all the best qualities found in man. He is a perfect example of a leader— a future king. However, he will not allow another man to have a conversation with you in private. Who knows what could happen without his supervision? You were naive compared to anybody in the room, this he believes, so there is no doubt in his mind that you do not know the consequences.. A consequence from the rumours that’ll spread. An unmarried man and a married woman, alone in a room. No husband, no servants.. 

“I believe I have the right to see how my people are faring in an unfamiliar place,” Riddle shoots back. Malleus’ jaws tighten and you are sweating buckets at the stiff air that continues to build up. “I sincerely apologize for my rather.. Blunt correction, but she isn’t a person belonging to the Rose Kingdom anymore; she is now the princess of the Valley of Thorns and the creatures here are her future subjects,” Malleus corrected facts in an eerily calm paced tone, his right palm raised in the air while doing so in an open gesture saying to understand where he is coming from. Riddle’s hands turned into fists and his face warped into an ugly look, his eyebrows furrowing as low as it could. 

You have heard of this infamous look the red prince would have whenever something does not go his way and it greatly upsets him. When you look around, the faes in the vicinity— that included the servants as well— could sense hostility and were ready to attack should anything happen to their prince. If this continues, another long war might break out and you definitely do not want that.. “A-ah.. Your Highness..” You look towards the dark prince with a nervous gaze. Malleus turns his head at your call. “It would really make me happy to talk to somebody from my homeland..

“If we can’t have a private conversation, then would one at the garden be alright with you?” You spill out each word rather slowly and softly in hopes he’d relax a bit. You have secretly wanted to also have a chat with the prince so maybe if you persist, he’ll relent. 

His eyes look thoughtful and take your words into careful suggestions. “I’ll allow it..” He sighs and you couldn’t help but smile excitedly. He raises an eyebrow, his silent question is now bubbling up into many more unanswered questions. The look you have really does suggest that there is something more than meets the eye with the two. “But on one condition.” Ah. You should have seen it coming. But surely, it can’t be that bad so you nodded. “One of the guards will be on standby..

“Is that alright with you, Rosehearts?” He looks again towards the short male. “You must understand, it is not that I do not trust you; in the case something happens to my wife, another century of discord might ignite, and let’s not even begin to think of a future between the kingdoms should anything happen to the Rose Kingdom’s only prince..” 

Silver eyes bore deeply into luminescent green ones. He was thinking, but not about his words; rather, he was seeing if he could form more words that would allow the situation to go his way. The prince sighs, knowing that this may be the better condition and probably the only chance to speak with you. 

—

You have always felt that time was a lot slower in the Valley. Even back home, if you just stare outside the window of any of the higher floors, you’d see many citizens walking about and soldiers under the command of the resident baron doing their best to ensure the safety of the people whilst on the land he governs. In the Valley, the faes had all the time a human could ever want and more than not everything needs to be done by a certain date. It makes you feel as if you were the only one in a state of frantic of the little time you have left.

“Are you alright, [Name]?” A voice softly brings you back from your thoughts; you had been staring at your tea this whole time. “Oh, yes! Sorry, I was just thinking of some stuff..” You raise your chin up to meet grey orbs staring into your own. They weren’t any sort of warm colour such as brown, but you nevertheless found tranquillity when staring into them. As of this moment, you feel as if the time you chase so much while being in this place isn’t so important; that you did not mind how faes had time begging for them and were just happy to be there especially now that a familiar face has come to join you. 

“Um, you didn’t say anything important just now, did you, Riddle?” You felt a cold sweat run down the back of your neck and an awkward, lopsided smile was aimed towards him. “Hm..” He narrows his eyes just a bit, carefully taking note of the weird look on your face, an eyebrow raised higher than the other. 

Seeing as he just continues to stare at you in silence, you begin to get nervous and look everywhere else but his eyes and squirm in your seat. It wasn’t long until you heard the soft exhale of a breath and you lifted your head back up carefully. He is leaning back on his seat and crosses his legs over the other. You watch as his complexion relaxes. He closed his eyes and kept quiet for a bit. 

You sat there with a tight-lipped smile, clearly it was forced. “Did.. Did you say something important..?” You say softly and carefully. It really only takes one wrong step before you’d be ensuring his wrath.  His eyelashes flutter slowly like a feather when he opens his eyes to reveal those grey orbs once more. 

“Riddle?” He repeats, crossing his arm and looks at you judgmentally. It took you a while until it clicked. “Ah.. S-sorry! I meant Your Highness!” Your eyes become wide as you correct yourself quickly; your hands flail in front of you. You had started to miss the life you had before deeply. So, when you saw a familiar face from that not-so distant past, it made you think that even for a brief second, you could return to that dream where you’ll be allowed to let down formalities. But, you did not take into account that Riddle would always be someone of higher status than you and that even then, you addressed him with respect.

 He shakes his head, a small smile on his lips that you could not catch. Despite being in a foreign country, Riddle sees that you do not seem to be stricken with the look of fatigue and longing for home and that alone makes him feel much more at ease, knowing that you are okay. “Please, continue to call me Riddle,” his eyes speak of words, but unfortunately, it could not be read. “We have been intimate friends since our youth so I believe it is only right that you address me intimately, [Name].” He had always said your name without adding any title while you couldn’t, so having the opportunity to.. You feel your heart squeeze and a smile of your own comes to form and open your mouth to speak, “I.. Oh, but..” There then comes a realization that another, different rule now stops you. “I can’t..

“I am now a princess of another kingdom.. They will find it suspicious if I address you too casually and rumours might start..” You look over your shoulder to the guard stationed nearby, just as agreed with between him and Malleus.  

Riddle’s eyes directs to the same direction you were looking at. And, with a stern look on his face when your eyes meet, he speaks, “Isn’t the purpose to unite the two kingdoms is for the people to become friends? As friends, I don’t believe formalities are needed.” He made a really good point and you found no fault in that. You nod and smile again. “You’re right, Riddle.” 

His eyes widened. Even though this was something he asked for, he did not quite think of the consequences it would have on him. “Oh..! Did I make you angry?” You panicked, seeing his face turn the colour of red (the same colour when he gets angry). 

No, he isn’t angry. Quite the opposite, but he couldn’t say. The prince was never one to hide his wrath so it is no surprise to see his face also reflecting his flustered mind; a hand flies to his face as if it could hide the ever deepening red colour. 

Seeing you panicking and regretting ever being born, he quickly calms his raising heart. “No..” He coughs into his fist. “Sorry, I was just.. Nevermind.” He dissuades from continuing the topic. His posture corrected itself once more, but his face was still hiding behind his hand and his eyes looked off to the side.

“Anyway, I’m sorry if I have made you wait long.. I’ve been meaning to end the talks with Malleus quickly.” He explains. “No, it’s alright. I hope the meeting went well,” you shook your head, holding your cup between your hands. 

“Oh, right, what did you want to talk to me about?” You asked. He did say that he wanted to speak to you alone. He hums and looks at you dumbfounded briefly but caught up with you in the end. “Ah, I.. When I got back from the academy, I was told that the peace talks were over and then came the agreement, but it wasn’t until later in the castle that I was informed that a baron’s daughter was to be married to..” His eyes tried hard to continue staring at you, but failed; there felt a suffocating feeling in his chest which dried his throat. The thought that he couldn’t be there to stop you from going to the Valley of Thorns was unbearable for him. “That you were the one who..”

The air suddenly became too thick for him and although it did not feel like that for you, the pitiful look on his face made you feel regretful that you did not tell him. You were about to comfort him when a hand slams down on the table along the screeching sound of a chair being pulled back. “Tell me!” Riddle looks at you with eyes that could only say so much about how hurt he is. “You.. Why did you accept? Why didn’t you reject the Queen? Why did you get married to him!?” At every word he says out loud, the louder his voice becomes and all you could do was stare in trepidation. 

However, you know you could not allow this to escalate. You look at the guard stationed nearby and see he was ready to subdue Riddle the moment he crosses that invisible line between you two. 

“Riddle, please calm down..!” You raise your own voice (something that you believe you have never done before) and look crossed at him. He has to calm down otherwise, at this rate, you might never be allowed to talk to him like this again. Luckily, he was quick to see his wrongdoings and the colour on his face returned to normal. He sits down yet does not look at you; he looks at his hands that are laid on his lap. “I’m.. I’m sorry, [Name].” 

You huff a breath. “It’s oka—“ “No, it’s not okay!” His head shots up to look at you and realize once again that he is acting out again. “Please.. Let me apologize sincerely before you say anything.

“I’m sorry for raising my voice at you. It wasn’t right and I take full responsibility for my actions,” he words out carefully. 

The wind was slightly cooler than what it was this morning. You look up to stare at the clouds. Now that you think about it, the skies are a lot darker than it was before Riddle came. It looked like the sky itself was having internal conflict. It appears that it was battling itself to not have a downpour right at this moment. It’s funny, you think, the clouds at that moment seem alive and having split thoughts about what weather they’ll cast. It made you almost chuckle at a made-up thought that a sorcerer could be doing this because they were in a similar state as well.. Maybe it was Riddles’ doing, but he does not have the ability to freely change the weather and you knew that well. 

Tearing your eyes away from the sky, you return to reality at hand and speak with a gentle voice like a mother speaking to her child, “Riddle, look at me.” You would not continue speaking until he looks at you. There was a brief look of hesitation that you could see under the darkness of his bangs. He gulps down a growing lump in his throat before looking at you properly. “There was no other choice; I had to get married—“ “No choice?” He sounded broken when he repeated your words. You bit the bottom of your lips. It’s a long story and you are honestly too tired to tell it.. That fae.. The Queen.. What happened in that throne room finalized your fate. 

You nod your head and outstretch your hand to hold his. You had never held his hands before until today and to no one’s surprise, they were warm. “I had no choice but listen, if it’s to make two kingdoms stop fighting a pointless battle, then I’m happy being the beginning of that newly established peace.”

Riddle looks long at both of your hands. With a look of resolve, he squeezes your hands and meets your eyes with seriousness. “I’ll find a way..” He says and you thought he’d continue on from there but he didn’t. Instead, he lets go of your hands and starts looking for something inside his welted chest pockets. “I have a letter from my mother meant for you; it’s an invitation.” 

Invitation? That’s surely a surprise, you think, taking the closed envelope into your hands and looking at the fancy markings alongside the single red seal of a rose. You open in and read its contents carefully. “Is there anything else mentioned in there..?” Riddle asks curiously. You shook your head. “She just wants to invite me back to join her for tea someday.” 

He hums agreeingly with the letter. “I think you should accept. Think of it as a meeting between a queen and a future queen; I believe it’ll benefit you.” 

Seeing it that way, you nod agreeingly and look at the letter, finding no faults inside it. “Then, I’ll ask His Highness..” You say almost subconsciously. Riddle raises his eyebrows. “His Highness? Is that how you address him?” He crosses his arms over his chest. You nod, “Mhm.. I mean, I don’t think it’d be appropriate to address him as anything but.” 

Unbeknownst to you, a smile was threatening to let slip but he fought it back. “I see.. Then I’ll definitely come for you..” He mutters cryptically. Before you could ask since he had said something similar twice now, he stood up from his seat. “I’m sorry, but I should leave now. I promised my mother I will be back in the castle before the moon rises,” he said. You smiled understandingly and entered back inside the castle to see him off.

“Thank you for allowing me to speak with you, [Name].” He puts a hand over his heart, his back facing the door to the castle. You shook your head and said, “No, I should be thanking you.. It was so good to see you again. I really missed talking to you, Riddle.” 

During you twos parting chatter while waiting for Malleus to see him off, the draconic-fae enters the room. His first sight was you hardly trying to cover a wide smile. He had thought you weren’t capable of a radiant smile like that and a look of perplexity crossed his face as he approached you two. There was no point in trying to be sneaky when his shoes sounded with every step he took. 

“Rosehearts.” You two stopped talking and looked behind you. He was still upset from earlier but he does not show it on his stoic face. You scooted away from Riddle and took your place beside Malleus. “I hope your stay here was alright,” he continues speaking. 

Riddle hums. “It was. [Name] here has been a wonderful host.” He looks at you and you couldn’t help but smile, albeit a small one from trying to hide it. Malleus gives a low, prolonged hum; eyes darting to and fro between you two. “I see.. Then, I'm at ease.” 

The words exchanged between the two were very short and before you knew it, Riddle had gone home. It was thought that it would be that and Malleus was already on his heels to leave the hall. You look off to the direction Riddle took off on his horse just for a second and leave as well. You thought it best to bring up the invitation to Malleus later over dinner.

In the meantime, as you let out a soft sigh, you let your muscle relax. Most of the mornings and part of the afternoon were spent entertaining Malleus and Riddle for the rest; you are determined to have some time for yourself just until dinner. 

Still.. It was the most wonderful visit that you’ve ever received. Seeing Riddle again made you feel as if you’ve gained the strength to continue on with this duty of being wedded to the Valley’s prince.

✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙✧⃝•͙͙✩ͯ┄•͙✩̣̣̣̣̣ͯ┄•͙✧⃝•͙┄✩ͯ•͙͙

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Those who are highlighted green, please check if I spelt your name right and/or your settings since I can't tag you.

THIS. ^

Sorry, I'm just baffled at the same thought of this anonymous person and it kinda hurts me.. Since.. Well.. I'm 4'9-- mind you I am a young adult-- and don't seem to be growing anymore (I've been 4'9 since 5th grade tough). :')

Am I going to be deemed as a child for the rest of my life because of my height?

Do people on twitter don't realize short adults exist👁👁

LITERALLY LIKE I HAVENT GROWN AT ALL SINCE 8TH GRADE AND IM GONNA BE IN MY 2ND YEAR OF COLLEGE SOON 😭😭

AHHHHHH!!! MY LILIA COSPLAY ARRIVED!!! 😭❤️❤️👌🙏

I wasn't expecting it until the said date which is April 29 or later so I was surprised and so happy when I got home from tutor and see a package with my name on it since it was the only thing I ordered online. It literally just took 11 days to get to me. 😭🙏

THE QUALITY!! IT'S SO GOOD! I thought it would feel like the Kazuha cosplay I bought (which was okay but not as good). I love how they even got the littlest of details into the cosplay with much care.

It is so worth the money. 🤧💖

║Xiao║Come Back

This is requested by me as a gift to you. From Wattpad.

Xiao's perspective.

Gender-neutral.

Angst.

Word count: 200+

---

Everyday.. From the moment you broke down my walls and I opened my heart to you.. I was scared of letting you go. Afraid that I won't ever get to see that smile I hold close to me and the warmth you embraced me with.

But..

Time has changed and you are no longer with me, my dear (Y/N).

Why did you have to show me your warm light and disappear soon after as if I was nothing to you at all? It's really ridiculous and I should be mad at you for this.. But, I love you.

I know that deep in your heart, you knew that I loved you so dearly that I'd sacrifice my eternal life for you. I wished I had said it before you left.

Why hadn't I said it? If I knew you were going to leave me, I should have said it.. Now, I will forever carry these silent words along with my guilt for the rest of my life.

I thought that you would at least grow old. I forgot how fragile mortals are when I saw you. I forgot because I wanted to spend the rest of eternity with you.

(Y/N), if you were still here with me and grew old, I would have loved you endlessly no matter how much your appearance had changed.

Honestly, I pictured us having a family at some point. But, I guess that will forever be a hopeless dream that will chase me like a nightmare as I stare at your stone along with your haunting smile engraved in my memory.

".. Hey, idiot.. Please, come back soon."

---

I am the anon of Yan Diasomnia's last request (Tumblr does not allow me to put URL). I'm sorry if I confused it with my request, I promise to be more specific and pay more attention next time. It's fine if you want it to be a one-shot, whichever is more comfortable for you^^ I have a favoritism toward Lilia, so it's fine if you just want to write about him

Lilia Vanrouge x reader

Reader: Female pronounce/titles used.

Warning(s): Yandere themes. Overuse of words.

Word count: 3.9k

Additional Note: This is before current-day Lilia and thus, will have no resemblance to the Lilia we know today.

All rights reserved. Do not steal/copy and paste and upload it anywhere.

—

Message to requester: Hello! Oh, no, you're good! In fact, I am feeling ashamed that I lack the brain to do your headcanon as well as future ones.. If you want the other Diasomnia members as well, you can go ahead and request them. I don’t mind!

Edit: Sorry that this took too long! I really wanted to give it my all on this one. ^^

—

║Lilia Vanrouge║ Sweet and Naive

It was no question that faes were powerful, dominant beings. No matter what size, shape, or form they take, they're terrifying creatures of the dark that one could even call a monster.. Though I suppose that name is reserved for faes in the Valley of Thorns.

There are indeed faes- though few and far between- that lay low outside the ever-dark kingdom. Weaker creatures, they were, compared to those inside the kingdom, but nevertheless, were faes in the end. Much were these creatures pure and rid of sins of war and bloodshed, though this meant they did nothing but cower in hiding of their own little world built just for faes like them.

But that just meant they were much naive to just how terrifying the monsters that lurked outside their abode. Pure.. Naive.. And vulnerable. You were all that and much more.

Though you know how to fear those of a higher standing than you– those of stronger power than you– you couldn’t help but want to explore the surrounding areas of your little village that you were all so familiar with by now. The areas where the stronger faes run amok. But you were sure that you wouldn’t be encountering any faes from the Valley of Thorns and it held true for a while until one fateful encounter when you did your daily exploration.

You went a little further this time and stopped short, out of breath from a moment of awestruck as you stared upon the crystal waters of a lake. Your voice was stuck in your throat when you walked around the lake, looking at it at every angle so that you could preserve such a sight in your memories and confirm your doubts of it not actually looking so magical.

“Oh!” You were stopped when you felt your foot hit something which also made you tear your eyes away from the lake. You look down and gasp at the sight of a man with long black hair with pink streaks, covered in blood.

Panic kicked in and you looked at your surroundings frantically. What were you supposed to do? Was this man dead? If he’s not, you should bring him back to the village and get him treated! But wait, how did he end up here? Was there someone looking for him, worried about his safety? Or worse, was there someone out to finish him? Then, you can’t just leave him here where he’d be found soon enough!

Hurriedly, you got the man’s arm around your shoulder and dragged him, though it wasn’t an easy task since he was much heavier than you had originally thought and that you had to take a longer route home to avoid the people and children. You didn’t want to be seen carrying a bloodied man.

When you finally closed the door behind you, you slumped the man on your couch. You stared long and hard at his unconscious state. What to do now? “Oh! Right..” You crouched down by the couch and extended your hands out, a faint glow followed by warmth emitted from your hands. Though your kind was that of a weaker fae, you were still a fae nonetheless and strong power was something that courses through you naturally (although you did have to learn the fundamentals of using magic).

While you sat there in silence, the sun’s light cascaded upon him, and if there wasn’t any blood on him, it would make him look like a beauty simply in deep slumber. He’s pretty, you thought, and your heart raced at the sight of his face. Where did he come from anyway?

Your eyes then caught something glinting and averted your attention to his collar area. There was a beautiful red broach with silver linings around it with bat wings at the side. That was when it hit you; your eyes widened at the realization that this man probably wasn’t someone from the village based on his attire. It looked a little luxurious despite it being covered in dried blood. Your village didn’t tailor clothing like that. But if they did, it would be for those of important status. And his face! You were sure to recognize such a well-kept, porcelain-like face that was free of blemishes in your village. His face practically glowed and anyone passing by would have him etched into their minds.

Your heart now raced for another reason. You were in fear. Was he a fae from the Valley of Thorns? Your hands began to shake. What was he doing near your village? You gulped. Was he sent here to wipe the village out?

As you began to ask questions in your head, you didn’t realize that the man had woken up. Normally, he would have grabbed the person in question and break their arms immediately, but the warmth– from what he knew was magic– gave him a sense of comfort and it was as if it was telling him that whomever was beside him meant no harm.. That was until he noticed that the magic was wavering a little.

He grabbed your hand. A little bit on the harsher side, but he couldn’t help it as it was nature to him. You jolted a bit, snapping back to reality and looked at the man. He was awake. He sat up and and scanned your home until they returned back to you. His crimson eyes were unreadable to you but it felt as if he was piercing right through your very skull.

“A, ah..!” You felt your throat run dry. What should you do? Should you knock him out and drag him back to where you found him? No. That probably wouldn’t be possible and even if you did manage to knock him out and return him to where you found him, he’s sure to find this village. It wasn’t that hidden away after all.

You two were basked in silence as one– him– stared at the other with a terrifying look while the other– you– looked back in fear.

He let’s go of your wrist.“Have I scared you, my lady? My apologies.” When he spoke, it sounded as if it was laced with velvet. He is not sure where he is, but he should act in accordance of noble etiquette, and as politely as he can so that he doesn’t terrify you to the point you can’t answer his questions.

“O, oh! No, not at all! I was just surprised you had woken up so quickly!” You stammered, going quiet right after. There was another silence. You looked down at your hands that lie on top of your lap. As beautiful as his eyes were– like gems– it was a bit terrifying. Was he not a fan of talking? Well, you weren’t the best at coming up with things to talk about.. But what if he is expecting something from you? You’ve heard how scary faes from the Valley are. “Um, I’m sure you must be exhausted.. Is there something you’d like to drink or perhaps eat? I’ll prepare you a bath too!” You looked back at him. If he is being waited upon for long, you feared that he’ll have your head.

“I neither need any of those.. Though could you answer my question instead?” he asks patiently. His face showed no change from the moment he woke up; it was void of any expression. “Of course!” You nod your head readily. “Is this the Valley of Thorns?”

Last he remembered, he was in the middle of a battlefield. He was sent out alone to clear a small camp of enemies– presumably an ambush team. It was nothing he couldn’t handle by himself, but they certainly fought back till their last breath. He closed his eyes and recalled the men’s faces that he’s sure to forget soon enough. They managed to put a scratch on him but it wasn’t enough to make him kneel. At the end of it, he stood victor, the blood on his clothes weren’t his and it proof that he had finished his task.

Shortly afterwards, he stumbled upon a lake a few metres away from the camp. It drew his attention and that was where he decided to rest, closing his eyes.

You shook your head. “I see.. Then I assume that this is that village of faes..” He said, mumbling the last part to himself, though you could hear it clearly enough. This confirmed that he was a fae from the Valley.

While he was thinking to himself, you scanned him with your eyes. Though you knew he was a fae of the Valley and that he was much more stronger than you and have been taught to fear them, you couldn’t help but be a bit curious of him and the world outside the village.

You were ever the curious one who always got scolded for going even a metre away from the village as a child. “Um, if I could ask you a question as well..” You weakly speak, almost in a whisper. He looks at you side-eyed. Though he said nothing, you knew he was waiting. You looked at your hands briefly. They were beginning to become clammy. You took a deep breath. “What.. What is it like outside?” When your eyes returned to look at him, he momentarily forgot how to breathe. Your eyes swirled of stars who yearned to step outside their galaxy that they’ve known all through their life. It was a look that newborn children would have. So curious and hopeful of the world before them, not knowing the dark reality of it.

He can’t help but be a bit bitter. O’ how wonderful it is to remain oblivious. It makes him recall his childhood days. The days where there was never a day where he truly felt like he had the childish curiosity. He was a child who knew too much for his age. A child born in a household trained to be at the right-hand side of the throne.

You saw the conflicting look on his face that finally morphed from something from being blanked and panicked. “Oh! Y, you don’t have to tell me!” you quickly said, flailing your hand in front of your face. He nodded and remained quiet. You were a bit disappointed that you couldn’t get an answer, but it seemed that he didn’t have an answer to your question anyway.

“Anyway, why don’t you rest here for today? You look a little pale and unwell..” You suggest with careful words and changing the topic. “I’ll make you dinner since it’s about that time already.”

The rest of that day blurred past. You cooked him a meal and prepared him a bath, which during that time, you washed his clothes and offered clothes from your late father which barely fitted his muscular build.

–

“Thank you for allowing me to have stayed the night, my lady,” he said, now standing in front of the lake where you had found him unconscious the day before. “It’s no problem!” You smiled, though both of you knew it was forced. Not because you feared him, but because there was a tad bit of emptiness. You stayed up late into the night, wondering what is out there that the world had to offer. You knew of the monsters that lurked out there but you were a fae! Faes are strong beings and you are confident in your abilities. Though you were a weaker fae, you were a fae in the end.

He noticed the longing in your eyes. He felt a little pitiful, but he knew that it was best for you to remain where you are. Though your village might not know of it, faes of the Valley of Thorns know of your village and have protected it along with theirs. A bit laughable seeing as they’ve allowed you to live free of sins and carry the burden of war, yet you were taught to fear them.

He was about to turn and leave without a word but was stopped short when he heard you whisper out to him. He looks at you and you said it louder this time. “[Name]..” You said. He was confused so you speak again. “My name.. It’s [Name].” You said it with a bit more confidence as you stared right into his eyes.

His eyes widened momentarily and then narrowed. “My lady, don’t you know not to give a monster your name?” he asked. “But you aren’t a monster. You’re like me– a fae,” you said which caught him by surprise.

He stood there for a moment. Your heart raced, feeling a bit anxious. But then you see the corner of his lips curl upwards. “Lilia Vanrouge. It has been a pleasure meeting you, my lady.” He turned on his heels and walked away, leaving you no time to say anything else.

You knew what it meant by giving your name away and it was precisely what you wanted.

Or what you wanted at that time.

–

"A much curious little fairy, you are.” A deep voice makes its way to your ears. You couldn’t see where the owner of the voice was, but you knew he was behind you not too far away. Lilia Vanrouge. That name used to make your heart flutter and take you to the skies, but now your heart beats rapidly out of fear.

Before he came, you were quietly sobbing, locked away in some dark room. You couldn’t see anything but darkness. You were scared of the dark just as you have been taught to be afraid of the dark that the monsters outside your village lurk. You didn’t hear him come in so you stiffened when you realized that you were no longer alone.

“Do you regret it now, my little fairy?” He said, staring at your back, your ankles and wrists were chained to the cold stone floor. You remained silent and prayed that you didn’t make a peep. “Fufufu, always the shy one..” He sounded much more childish than what you remembered all those years ago and more carefree. However, he hadn’t changed his mind one bit with you after locking you up somewhere in the Valley of Thorns.

You said nothing and closed your eyes and tried to tune out his voice. “Come now, there is no need to be so shy, little fairy. We’ve known each other for a good hundred years now after all.” A hundred years? You doubt that it had been that short, but your judgement was clouded as you haven’t seen light for so long. You didn’t know how long the sun had risen and set to know.

Lilia went silent and his smile dropped. The next thing you knew, his breath was right against your ears, his chest pressing against your back. “Little fairy, why don’t you talk, hm?” When you persist in staying mute, he roughly grabs your cheeks and turns it towards him. He audibly clicked his tongue. “I’ve been gone for so long and you have nothing to say to me? I can’t say that I am not a bit hurt by that.”

He wants you to say something? Fine then. “I hate you.” You muttered under your breath angrily. You can’t see him, but you did your best to show a look of disgust for the fae. “Oh? You hate me? How curious..” He blinked owlishly. “You were the one that threw themselves at a stranger shamelessly for hope to see the outside world. You were the one that gave their name out so willingly.”

You bit the bottom of your lips. If you knew what he would have become, you wouldn’t have given out your name. “Weren’t you taught to fear the monsters that lurked in the darkness? And didn’t I say that I was a monster? Do you regret it now?”

You forcefully pried your face from his grasp and remained silent once more. He was annoyed, you were sure of it but you couldn’t care less. But he was right with what he said and you were very much regretful. “Insisting on playing mute with me, I see. Hmph. Very well then.. But,” he sighs as if he was disappointed. You knew he wasn’t really. “I was going to give you your sight back.. But that was only if you cooperated with me.”

“I also wanted to reverse the paralysis spell on your legs so that I could stroll with you in the garden.. You do need to work your legs once in a while..” He mumbled. “Oh, but I suppose that is not needed since I am sure to put the spell back on you. I can’t fully trust you yet to use your legs without me around.”

“A shame, truly,” he said and sighs deeply once more. “Oh! Before I could forget, I was maybe also thinking of reversing the paralysis spell on your hands. Sweet little Silver has never been once carried by his mother.. Oh, but don’t get me twisted. I don’t plan to return your magic to you. After all, you haven’t apologized for burning my hair.”

“Hm~ That reminds me, the young prince did the same thing to me when he was young. To do such a thing at a young age? Ah, I do still feel proud.” He waits with you in silence for a while before giving up. “Very well then. I suppose that you need some more time.”

As soon as he leaves the room, you begin to sob. Where did everything go wrong? You recalled the days of you waiting eagerly for him to return after parting with him that fateful day and when he did, you gained a bit of confidence to start a conversation with him. He soon opened up and told you stories that you’ve never heard before.

He took you to visit his home, Valley of Thorns. You remembered being fearful of the other faes but wasn’t as terrified knowing that you had Lilia with you. All was well so where did things go wrong? Your sobs broke out into loud cries. Your broken cries that were laced with sadness. Where was the man you later fell in love with secretly?

–

“Lilia, I want to go outside..” you said one normal day. The fae with crimson eyes looked up from his book and looked at you questioningly. Aren’t you already outside, he silently asked himself. Your eyes were glued to something outside, your chin resting on top of your palm. Well, perhaps it wasn’t something outside the window that you were looking at, rather, looking past the Valley and at the vast land outside of it.

He had taken you out of the village after the war and promised to protect you during those times. You must have gotten too relaxed since he was protecting you and have forgotten this world was not welcoming to children like you. “I’ve already seen enough of your home and I want to know what else is out there.” Your eyes tear away from the window and face him with a hopeful gleam in your eyes. “It’s too dangerous for you.” O’ how he hates the stars that danced in your eyes. Haven’t you learned enough? “Haven’t you seen me covered in blood? Do you think you can face what is out there?” He was starting to become forceful with his tone.

“W, well I am still a fae–” “[Name].” Though he did not yell, his eyes stared at you with a terrifying, glow of red. He was angry. You noticed that he never liked it when you brought up about travelling to other places but never knew why. “T, then why don’t you come with me? That way, I’ll be safe!” He sighs at your persistence. It was starting to get annoying, frankly. “You know that I can’t do that. The queen and king need me and so will the newborn prince.”

You huffed and crossed your arms. You went silent and he assumed that you were finally done so he returned to reading his book. “This is not fair, Lilia! You promised me that you’d take me to see outside!” You said after a while, your brows knitting together in anger. “Not fair?” He stops at a word and looks at you. “Didn’t I already give you your wish?”

“But I want to see what outside is like!” His eyes narrow. “Didn’t you say the same thing back when you were in your village? So what, you will go to another place and demand to see ‘outside’ as well?” He stands up and walks over to you with a hint of anger in his face. He places his hands on both sides of the chair’s armrest, trapping you like a caged bird. “Do you wish to see ‘outside’? Then, I’ll give you a taste of what ‘outside’ is like.”

After he said those words, he teleports the both of you to a place unknown. You two were surrounded by trees from all sides and up ahead was what you assumed to be the remains of a village. “If you can last here until dinner then I’ll allow you to travel.” You were about to ask what he meant but when you turned to look behind you, he was gone.

It was like it was a perfect timing for him since not a moment too soon, you heard uncontrolled growls. When you look back, you see many eyes staring at you just beyond the entrance of the rundown village.

“Li, Lilia..!” You called out his name but there was no response. Had he truly left you there and returned home? You couldn’t face these monsters– there were too many of them!

You quickly found yourself stumbling as you ran from the beasts that chased you. You were overexerting your body’s limit from both stamina and magic power. You collapsed, your legs giving out. You were sure he left you to die because you angered him. You cried out for his name once more, ugly tears flowing down your muddied cheeks.

“You couldn’t manage to last 15 minutes by yourself. My, and to think you wanted to travel.” You looked up and see the fae look down at you with a feigned pitiful look. He kneels down and grabs your chin. “Do you see now, little fairy? You are no match for this twisted world.”

The next thing you knew, you were chained in the very room that you were in now with your vision gone and having both hands and legs paralyzed. But before it all happened, you did try to run back home. It was a fight you never had a chance of winning really. “This is for your safety.” He once said to you when you woke up one day in sheer panic and fear when you couldn’t see or move.

–

On the other side of the door, stood Lilia. He hadn’t simply walked away after closing the door, no. It truly aches his heart to see you broken like that. But now you know that the world wasn’t so nice, especially to those who don’t know a thing about the real truth of it.

“There are monsters who can disguise themselves, little fairy, and giving out your name is equivalent to selling your soul to them.. I’m sure you were taught that back home, no? Fufufu. Ever the naive one, I see.”

~♡~

Pspspsp. I don't really like the ending, but it was getting a bit too long.

Can we talk about Grim's two-year anniversary card? 🥺 I honestly love Grim as a family, as annoying he can be at times. But I mean, I've had worst annoying sibling moments but in the end, we laugh it off. Man,, and the groovy?? It's so fricking cute. 😭

Man,, I wanted Malleus or Lilia (or both) in the artwork but it's okay.. 💔 We got sweet Silver bby representing Diasomnia (who's dorm leader and vice leader are Malleus and Lilia).

║Scaramouche║Cold Heart

Requested from Wattpad.

Gender-neutral.

Warning: Used foul language (b*st*rd is considered foul, right?)

Angst.

Word count: 600+

---

You should have known. The moment he came into your life with a suspiciously bright attitude with all sunshine and rainbows despite how he looks-- it should have been obvious that he wanted something from you.

"Why are you doing this?" you ask, looking up at him as tears drip onto the wooden floor. Where did the man you loved go? The one who stood before you was nobody you know. He was different; cold.

Scaramouche looks down at your body that sat on the floor, one side of your cheek red from the slap you received from him. "Why?" he repeats, kneeling on one knee to be on your eye level. "Because I came to collect your parents' debt."

Your eyes widen in disbelief, realization sticking down upon you. "Yeah, that's right, (Y/N)." A sadistic smile adorns his crazed eyes as he cups your chin. "It's been years since they paid-- even going to another nation to hide. But now matter, we Fatui will always find our debtors."

Your eyes follow as he stands up, looking down on you as if you were some pest. "But I must praise them." He gestures behind him-- to the two lump of bodies on the floor. "They actually got away from us for a long time."

"Anyway, I guess I'll take them being dead as their payment," he said, making his way to the front door, fixing his hat.

Just before he could step outside, you had to ask, "Then, why did you pretend that you loved me?" Your voice croaked, filled with betrayal and sadness. Scaramouche turns his head to look at you, eyes holding no affection towards you. A smile crept on his face, quite amused by your question. "Why? I thought that I'd toy with you for a little while," he answers. "I not only get to kill your parents, but break their precious child as well. I'd say that's double the entertainment."

It was unbelievable and sickening to think. You gave him your love and even showed yourself in your most vulnerable state in an enclosed space, but he only gotten entertainment from all that?

"You bastard." You grit your teeth. "I'll kill you!" Scaramouche laughs at your words, finding it hard to believe that you could even stand a chance against him. His body now somewhat facing you, he stares at you side eye with wicked eyes as a hand covers part of his face. "I'd like to see you try."

With that, he leaves you in the dark house with only the sun that shone through the open door as your light.

Now far from your sight, Scaramouche was left to his own thoughts. Admittedly, he did love you. When he first saw you out on the streets? That's when he fell for you. He really did enjoy the time he spent with you, already missing your warmth and smile that was his world.

He didn't know his debtors had a child, so when he knew, he was torn. He wanted to leave the Fatui then and there, but there would be nothing for him after and he knew that he would be killed by the other Harbingers for betraying the Tsaritsa.

However, he didn't need to kill you so he left you alive, although knowing how much hate you now had for the little Skirmisher. He knows that there was nothing he could do to amend the relationship and he accepts that, waiting for the day when you come to hunt him down.

"Then kill me, (Y/N), because I am a wicked man."

---

After my requests are caught up with, I have a one shot (?) that I wanna write.. But I don't know which character to write for.

Anyone wanna guess what the title "Sweet Sugar" implies?

I have been tagged by Elli!! Thank you, Elli!! <3

I can explain why I have this-- No, I cannot.

Tagging: @lightblueexorcist @kazuhasfootrest @/anyone who wants to join. I need to find more friends. •~• Anyone wanna be friends with me?

Thank you for the tag tobi @fashionablyfailing12 💕

You moved out of your house and the seventh character/person in your camera roll is your new roommate. Tag 6 people.

Gladly hehe they're precious <3 (and there, another favorite who wants to die 😭😭)

Tagging @fyodcrs @quanxui @nightrayv @gojosattoru @nya-vivi @agathokakological-writer and anyone who'd like to join!

║Lilia Vanrouge║ I Can’t Love You for an Eternity

Reader: No pronouns or description used. Gender neutral. 

Warning(s): None

—

Who would believe that this short fae with a frail-looking body and a doll-like face is the terrifying general that history books speaks of? It was hard to imagine just by that alone, but seeing him become putty in your hands? No one would have even brush the surface of that topic.

So here he was, the Lilia Vanrouge whose name alone would have made history quiver in fear, submitting himself to your love, answering to your beck and call whenever. 

“My dear, would you care to accompany this old fae for a stroll in the botanical garden?” He looks on in expectancy with that smile you love so much. That smile that would make you go against the heavens should they take it away. So with that said, you nod without needing a moment to think. 

The school’s garden was really breathtaking and the flora grown in them were nothing like what you’ve seen back home. You enjoy these walks with Lilia because you’d have the opportunity to take a break from your work and simply relax with him and admire the flowers. 

“My dear, I don’t suppose you know what this flower is?” Lilia points to a flower that has a deep shade of red whose petals look like it is made out of crystals. The light was bouncing off of it and revealed beautiful rainbow colours hidden within them. 

To no one’s surprise, you shook your head. “Kufufu, then it would be my pleasure to tell you that it is poisonous for humans,” he muses and takes a mischievous glance at you. You sweatdrop. Who knew that a pretty flower could be so dangerous? “But do not worry, it is only if you hold it for long periods of time and handle it without care.

“I do believe that the students of Pomfiore quite prefer using this since its petals offer both medicinal properties from the stems and poisonous traits from its petals that becomes more potent when its crushed,” he says with the knowledge of an ancient. “It’s quite the deadly flower for they are a backstabbing bunch. They prefer to watch the slow process of death and for a long time, households could not find an answer as to why their family is dying one by one, kufufu.” A closed fist covers his smile as he laughs. Without even knowing it yourself, you couldn’t contain a smile of your own. Yes, with him, it was like a never ending dream. Everything he told you would make you smile, even the weird things he would say. It could just be because spending time with him was everything you could ever ask for. 

You hope that it will be like this for eternity.

— 

“Let’s breakup.”

You could hear a pen drop somewhere further down the halls in one of the classrooms as you felt your heart drop. That was how silent it was in the room. 

When the words finally finish processing inside your head, your eyes became frantic as it enlarges. So many questions pops up into your head but you couldn’t even find it in you to voice them orderly when all you want right now is him, “.. Why?” Your mouth hunts ajar when a single tear slips down your cheek. 

Lilia bit the inside of his cheek yet his face remain unreadable to you, a shadow casting over his eyes that made him look heartless and cold. In fact he turns his face to the side so you couldn’t read his face at all. He was not the Lilia you were so familiar with. “Why, why, why?” You sobbed, “I-is it something about me that you don’t like? Am I too loud? Too quiet?

“Is it because I don’t know many things about this world? I-I’ll study hard so I can k-keep up a conversation with you..! I’ll change, please!” You push yourself to his chest and curled your fists into his uniform, crumpling it and ruining his prestige image of an NRC student. “Please, I’ll do anything you ask! Ju-just don’t leave me..” 

You stare pleadingly at him. One tear turned to two and two to three and so on. His jaws tightened and he couldn’t help but turn slightly to look at you. However, this only made him flinch and turn away. He couldn’t stand tears. His nose crinkles and his brows furrowed all the while he keeps his mouth shut. 

For just a moment, you saw how much he was in pain so why was he doing this to himself? To you? “Please, you have to talk to me..” Your head hangs low, still gripping onto his shirt tightly, afraid that he will walk away and leave you if you let go or relax just a bit. 

You hear him let out a shaky breath and hold onto both of your wrist, but just for a short second until he forces you to detach yourself from him so seamlessly. Your eyes widened but now, you could properly see his eyes. It was dull and looked like it belonged to a heartless murderer out on the field. What scared you most about it was that it was a fitting look on him. It was as if he had this on for a long time that it became natural. Moreover, it hides so many thoughts and mixed feelings from you such as the pain he feels just by doing this. You were unable to decipher any of it. 

“There is nothing wrong with you so please do not degrade yourself..” He says coldly and smoothies out his uniform. “So why..?” Your voice croaks. He goes back to staring at the ground beside you but still answers, “I simply cannot love you for an eternity.”

—

So that was that, one supposes. It took some time for you to get out of bed each day and talk to your friends as if nothing was wrong, but humans are fickle creatures whose hearts can easily be molded and find it in them to open them to others once more. Over time, you healed. To be more accurate, you put your heart together again, but once broken will always be broken. There were cracks that would obviously never heal. 

This was good. After all, he hated the way you look during those days where you looked hopeless, when the eyes the held a promise to the world looked so lifeless. 

Two orbs with deep shades of red- that one can say to be crimson- watches a certain someone from the shadows. It watches as they approach a taller male. 

There was some inaudible chatter as words were being passed along. Then there it was, a laugh. It was a laughter that it was most familiar with. The sound of a past history that it wishes to relive again but knows that it shouldn’t dream of such a thing. The laughter from someone who it cannot hold in its arms any longer. 

“[Name], do you want to walk in the garden with me?” Ah. Just the mention of your name already has this old fae’s heart beating rapidly, but it was a name he can no longer say so lovingly. The male with you has a deep and velvety tone that could just possibly woo anyone. His smile can be considered charming in its own way. 

He wears the uniform of Octavinelle, the fae ponders from behind a tree. “I believe that this is the twin named Jade..” He mumbles, cross examining the description that matches the correct Leech twin. 

He sees your head slightly nods. Could it be that you are hesitant to go into the garden? He found it hard to go in there himself as well. It does bring melancholic memories.

Jade offers a hand to which you take and allow yourself to be swept away. 

This is fine, Lilia thinks. Jade, he knows- despite the rumours about the eels- is dependable and honest. He is protective when it comes to his loved ones, especially his brother whom he does his best to make sure he doesn’t get into too much trouble. He is organized and a good influence. What’s more, he has a lifespan similar to that of a human.

“Do you know what this flower is, [Name]?” Jade points towards a flower whose colour was a deep blue; a royal blue. “It has a pleasant smell that is used in perfumes or tea to have a fragrant smell.

“More importantly..” Jade plucks the flower from its soil carefully and faces you properly. “It symbolizes deep admiration.”

This is fine.. This is good. 

You can finally have that wish you’ve had where you can grow old with somebody you love fulfilled. A wish that is shared by many humans. 

—

A nightmare.

In the midst of the ever peaceful night, the old fae was rudely awoken by a nightmare. Even as he gulped down a hefty amount of water in the Diasomnia kitchen to calm his nerves, he couldn’t stop the shaky breath that his lips slips out as he recalls that dream. 

This dream, that dream.. He’s been having the same nightmare. Death. Death. Death. Death.

It’s inevitable, he knows that. He should know that very well. But when it’s about you.. 

“Father?” 

A familiar voice that was evident that it is still going through adolescence drew his attention behind him. The light of the moon could faintly trace the outline of his son standing by the entryway to the kitchen. “Silver..” He takes a deep breath in and straightens his posture to properly greet him. 

“What are you doing up so late?” He lets out a quivering breath. “You do know that it’s wrong to stay up late since it will take a toll on your body. 

“This can’t do since you need an able body to protect Malleus.” His eyes pierces through the dim room and takes in the worried face that was on his son’s face.

“I woke up when I heard your door open and close,” Silver answers honestly. “Ah, then my apologies.. You must be tired so why don’t you go to back to bed?” 

“I’m worried about you, father..” He confesses and walks closer so he could take a proper look at the way his face contorts in pain, totally disregarding the words his father said. 

Lilia stares back at him with owlish eyes, the expressions he had earlier was nowhere to be seen. It was as if it wasn’t there at all. This should be something to be praised— how easy he can change his expressions to one that enemies would have a hard time reading— but it wasn’t. Not to the worries of Silver especially who awoke each night at the sound of a door open and closed, knowing that it was Lilia who came out. 

“I think you should talk to [Name] about this..” He voices once he finds the right words and way to put his thoughts to light. “I do not know the suffering’s extent from this nightmare is, but talking it out might help.” 

“Silver.” Lilia’s voice was stern as he looked at him with a serious look. Seriousness was hard to tie in with the current Lilia but Silver knows full well that he had reverted back to his general days at this moment. 

The silver-haired boy gulps the lump in his throat and knows it was time to stop the chatter. “I’ll go to bed now.. Have a good rest, father,” with that, the young boy returns to his room with a faint click on his door, confirming that he has gone inside. 

Death was not merely an acquaintance with the fae. He has seen lives taken away from the innocent and he took some himself. Even now, he is expecting that another life will slip through his fingers, knowing that Silver is human. However, when it came to you, it was hard. 

In his long years, he had never had someone give him this fluttering feeling inside his chest. It was as if a thirsty flower being watered for the first time in so long suddenly blossom in glee. You make him feel like that. 

However, a flower can’t have the same gardener for so long as they will perish while it is at a standstill and the only thing it could do is watch the world around them change. 

I’m sorry I can’t grow old with you, my dear.. 

It is the first time he is feeling like this and so he’s confused— afraid. He is afraid. He is scared that if he loves you too much, he’ll be the one to turn the heavens upside down— tear it apart— should it be your time to part from the realm of the living. 

But.. Maybe that was too late.  

—

Watching over your sleeping figure, Lilia couldn’t help but think all these sorry thoughts. Thoughts of how he is a coward and a bad fae who could not grant you one, beautiful wish of wanting to grow old with him. 

“I have failed you, my dear,” he whispers and caresses your face softly and carefully as if you were made of crystals. “I am the one to hurt you and make you shed tears, yet it is I who feels regret for allowing it to end the way it did..” 

A tear. A single tear escapes through your shut lids, but you had this bittersweet smile. Could you have been dreaming of him? Are you dreaming— replaying— the sweet times that you two once shared? 

Even now, when he is no longer a general, it was hard for Lilia to cry. But this heart of his cries. Cries out for your love that it knows is forbidden to it. 

“Oh look, I seem to have made you cry even in the land of dreams where it should be happy..” He smiles bitterly. His hand halts its actions and then a faint glow emits from his palms. 

“I, Lilia Vanrouge, present you the gift of love.. May you find it in your heart to love as big as you once did and hopefully find that very same love in whom you wish to spend the rest of eternity with..” After he said those words, the light gradually dims until it was dark in the room once more, save for the light of the moon. 

It is only after seeing your face relax, did he part ways with you. “May you also never shed tears again and have beautiful dreams.” 

He turns on his heels so that his back faces you. It was close to morning dawn and he had to retire back to his dorm to freshen up. This would be the last time he visits, he says a silent promise to himself, though it was half convincing. After all, you had found that someone and thus have no need for him anymore. 

Before he leaves your room, he takes one more look at you and under his breath, he speaks with an aching heart, “Please forget how this unworthy old fae has taken your love for granted..” 

~♡~