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tacogawa · 23 days
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I am so extremely late to reblogging this, please know that I've thought of this piece every day and am still so inlove with it ❀ It is so stunning and bright, I couldn't have asked for better because THIS is how amazing it gets!! Thank you so SO much ❀ I hope you enjoyed the exchange as much as I did đŸ„°
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Give me the smile in your heart
💐Vlad and Mitsuki💐
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This is my first time joining in gift exchanging event My Ikemen Valentine Gift Exchange and this is my gift for @tacogawa.
It's hard to choose between Leon, Shingen, Vlad and Mitsuhide, they're so enjoyable to draw so I use a roulette and the roulette chooses Vlad hehe~đŸ€­ I hope you like my gift. đŸ„ș💖
And I thank @ikemenlibrary for hosting this event, helping me choosing outfit from your avatar closet and colors. â˜ș✚✚✚
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tacogawa · 1 month
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Thank you for organizing yet another amazing gift exchange @ikemenlibrary ❀
Under The Trees
Ikemen Prince - OC x Leon
For @queengiuliettafirstlady ❀
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tacogawa · 3 months
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THIS!!!
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DISNEY IS IN SUPPORT OF ISRA3L AND HAS FUNDED THEM!!!
Please DO NOT make any microtransactions for THEIR BITCH ASSES.
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tacogawa · 3 months
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Now announcing.... 'My Ikémen Valentine' Gift Exchange!
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A sweet and spicy holiday to celebrate with your true love
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The fifth installment in the IkĂ©men Gift Exchanges hosted by @ikemenlibrary. This one’s a bit different, as it’s not for a specific fandom, but instead, a romantic holiday! 
This is open to all of the current Ikémen games released in English servers!
Main Info:
Event: Gift Exchange
Fandom(s): Ikemen Vampire, Ikemen Sengoku, Ikemen Prince, Ikemen Revolution
Creation time: January 19 - February 16 Gift sharing: February 17-18
You can sign up for the exchange here
The deadline to submit your submission to join the exchange will be due on January 12.
You will have a month to create a Valentine’s gift for your recipient and an IkĂ©men character that they have given to you out of their list. 
If you're interested in joining, please make sure to get your answers completed and sent in before January 12. You can edit your sign up form after it’s been submitted, but please make sure to let me (the host)  know if you’ve done that, as I do not get notified when that happens and I want to make sure everyone’s happy with up to date information. Once the deadline passes, I will turn off the link to edit or submit so if you have any problems after then, please contact me directly.
Once I get everyone’s information organized and sorted, I will be reaching out to everyone individually on January 19 to let you know who you’ve been assigned to create for, as well as any extra information to share at that point in time.
When your application has been accepted for the gift exchange, I will reach out with a link to join the Discord server (if you aren’t already in it from previous exchanges).**
Please let me know if you have any questions! I can be reached via Tumblr DM or if you have my Discord from previous exchanges, you may find me there as well <3
Disclaimer: **Please note before signing up that I do have a Discord server that I encourage everyone to join. We’d love for all the participants (myself included!) to get to know one another, work together, and potentially help each other out within the event. We also have some fun bots to play with!
If using Discord is something you are absolutely not comfortable with, please message me before you send in an application so I am aware that you will not be joining and can mark it down on my end for organization purposes. (If I’ve spoken to you about this before, just specify in the sign up sheet, there’s no reason to need to reach out again!)
Below the cut, there is a new update to the rules I’ve previously had in place. This is also reflected in the sign up sheet. Please let me know if you have any questions!**
Can’t wait to see you all soon!
**I just wanted to give a quick update on the rules, as I have changed a few things slightly this time around.
The minimum word requirement for fanfiction updated from 800 to 850 words
The fan art requirement has been updated from being lined with a colored drawing, to also require a background as well (this can be a solid color, or scenery, or whatever you decide. The background just cannot be white (of course, special cases may occur and I will leave it up to the artists stylistic choice))
This time around, you cannot select specific characters from a list who you aren’t interested in creating for. That would be too messy with 4 fandoms. Instead, you will get more options of characters to create based on your choices you fill out on the sign up form
You must be ready to share progress during the halfway check in point via Google Drive/Docs if you are a fanfiction creator. If you do not have access to using one of these, please send me whatever you have during the check in, and I will copy it into my Google Drive. This is so if there becomes a time where you lose your progress on something other than Google, there will still be a copy existing, even if it doesn’t completely reflect your current progress. 
This will all be reiterated in the information key you will be given at the time assignments go out, so don’t worry about remembering this for the time being
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tacogawa · 4 months
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La Belle et la BĂȘte
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Pairing: MC x Leon
For the Ikemen Prince gift exchange, organized by the wonderful @sunnyikemen and @ikemenlibrary, my gift for @kokorokai ❀
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Thank you so much for organizing yet another exchange, and to @kokorokai, I hope you enjoy your gift, it has been an immense joy creating for you. I’m a huge fan of your work and this piece is especially close to my heart, as are the characters ♄
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tacogawa · 4 months
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Ikémen Prince Gift Exchange Masterlist
Thank you to everyone who chose to participate in this event and helped make it a success! Everyone is so talented, and I am in awe of all of you <3 Going through all your pieces have been truly enjoyable and I've loved every minute of it!
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Prove It To Me | Jin Grandet x Reader | by @nightghoul381 for xxsycamore
They Say Distance Makes The Heart Grow Fonder | Nokto Klein x Emma (MC) | by @xxsycamore for nightghoul381
Unaccepted Together | Clavis Lelouch x Reader | by nightghoul381 for scummy-writes
Autumn Daze | Gilbert Von Obsidian x MC | by @scummy-writes for daegupaksu
A Starry Tryst (Artwork) | Nokto Klein x Noele (OC) | by @daegupaksu for drachonia
Bookmarked Dialogue | Keith Howell x Julie (OC) | by @ikemenlibrary for queengiuliettafirstlady
The Gentle Stag Rewrites The Stars | Keith Howell x MC | by @queengiuliettafirstlady for ridiculouslly-ridiculous
Princess Picnic Pick Me Up | Rio Ortiz, Clavis Lelouch, Silvio Ricci, Gilbert Von Obsidian, MC | by @ridiculouslly-ridiculous for misty-moth
Peter Clavis and the Lost Boys (Artwork) | Clavis Lelouch, Nokto Klein, Luke Randolph | by @misty-moth for pondlilies00
Take a Rest (Artwork) | Sariel Noir x MC | by @pondlilies00 for alydra (bluejay-writes)
This is fine. | Chevalier Michel x MC | by @bluejay-writes for randonauticrap
Ember Glows the Heart | Leon Dompteur x MC/Reader | by @randonauticrap for myonlyjknight
A Clavish Day Off | Clavis Lelouch x MC | by @myonlyjknight for claviscollections
Petrichor | Yves Kloss x MC/Reader | by @claviscollections for pillowpillowillow
The Voyager Prince (Artwork) | Silvio Ricci | by @pillowpillowillo for aquilapolariz
In Business, In Life | Silvio Ricci x Hyacinth (OC) | by @aquilapolariz for tacogawa
La Belle et la BĂȘte (Artwork) | Leon Dompteur x MC | by @tacogawa for kokorokai
The Tyrant's New Wife (Artwork) | Silvio Ricci x Airin D'Avalos (OC) | by @kokorokai for airin-queenz
Chilly Morning's Date | Licht Klein x MC | by @airin-queenz for ikemenlibrary
Read to Me | Chevalier Michel x MC | by @ikeromantic for aquagirl1978
What Was I Made For | Gilbert Von Obsidian x Rosemary (OC) | by @aquagirl1978 for prisoniclover
Return | Leon Dompteur x Emma (MC) | by @prisoniclover for chirp-a-chirp
Cat-astrophe | Clavis Lelouch x MC | by @chirp-a-chirp (with art by @aide-falls) for katriniac (ohtomatotome)
Getting There is Half the Fun | Keith Howell x Emma (MC) | by @ohtomatotome for violettduchess
Practical Magic | Clavis Lelouch x Emma (MC) | by @violettduchess for ikeromantic
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tacogawa · 4 months
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[Do not use]
commission for @ florwork
thank you so muchh ⚘⚘⚘
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tacogawa · 4 months
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[Do not use]
commission for Akari
thank youu for your support âš˜ïžâš˜ïžđŸ§ĄđŸ§Ą
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tacogawa · 4 months
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Take Me After Twilight
i love the current ikevamp event đŸ„ș so i draw it aaa
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tacogawa · 5 months
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who up obliterating another white dude
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tacogawa · 5 months
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thimking about knight leon....
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tacogawa · 5 months
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The gentle stag Rewrites the stars  
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The gentle stag Rewrites the stars  
Fandom: Ikemen Prince
Pairing: Keith x MC
Part of : Ikemen Prince Gift Exchange hosted by @ikemen library and @sunnyikemen
Gift for @ridiculouslly-ridiculous, I really hope you may like it đŸ€—
Tag: Slow burn Mutual pining Party Stargazing Realization of feelings Confession of requited feelings First Kiss Fluff
Word Count : 3.962
Author’s Note: The so very friendly and not at all romantic relationship she has with Keith begin to get more intimate when he invites her over to a ball held to celebrate his birthday.
Pleasant occasion turn the ball into a stargazing date, where they realize the feeling they have for one another and couldn't hide any longer, for nothing resist to the almighty power of Love. đŸ„°
Side Note: All the images were found on Pinterest-Google and I was unable to find the source, please if any of you know the owner tell me and I will provide to give the artist the credit for the image.
Tag list
@kissmetwicekissmedeadly @aquagirl1978 @violettduchess @atelieredux @klutzyroses @randonauticrap @thewitchofbooks @princess-pray-a @judejazza @itsmyara
You can find me on AO3 as QueenJuliet 😊
Thank you for everyone who will like, reblog, or comment please be gentle with me english is not my first language so please do not leave rude comments I apologise for eventual errors I hope you will like it 😊
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“It isn’t a date.”
What I hoped to be a confident assertion of my plan for the night did nothing but elicit giggles and knowing smirks from all the princes, sat around the round table.
Leon was the first to break the ice, or as well melt it with the warmth of his smile.
“Alright then, if you say so we believe you, it's true guys ?” 
I hoped they would have listened to him 
 but in vain, as I noticed seeing Jin smirk as he spoke breezily.
“Of course darling, an invite to a party, in his country, really sounds like a casual stroll to me.” 
I sighed as much as I hated that impression he was right, and yes I may have been getting my hopes up a little bit, but he was such a wonderful gentleman, and it was impossible not to love him. 
“Be careful out there.” Licht hidden kindness melted my heart, I met his eyes melting at the sight of a soft light smile curling his lips, I didn’t shy away from requiting with one of my own
“I will, thanks for the advice.”
“Remember to pay attention to your outfit,  and don’t dare look sloppy on your date.” Yves' warning makes me smile with gratitude, of course I should avoid it or else the nobles will mock me, easily ignoring the fact he called it a date,
“Thank you I will, don’t worry.”
“As if.” his haughty attitude didn't change a bit but the slightly more relaxed smile curling his lips told me another story.
Truth to be told, Keith's wicked side intrigued me like his soft one, the fact I was the only one in Rhodolite to know of his birthday and of his sides maybe made me special to him somehow, or at least I hoped so.
I turned at the sound of a scoff, coming from the head of the table opposite to Leon, in time to see a little smile play on Chevalier’s lips before he resumed his usual stern expression. 
If even he didn’t  believe me then it was useless to hope someone else would, if even he saw our meetings as dates I can only imagine what kind of rumors had spread around the courts about us.
“Dearie me. Who could have imagined you would have been conquered by him of all people?”  I glared at Clavis, ignoring his amber eyes gleaming mischievously, immediately backed up by Nokto,
“He certainly played his card right little lady, you got to admit it.” the foxy grin on his smile tickling on my nerves, pushing me t to give him a piece of my mind
“He isn't my lover.” I declare in a futile attempt at dissuading them from a truth everyone saw but me.
“Not yet.” 
“As much as I am fascinated by Keith.” I do my best to ignore the accomplices smiles Julie and Luke kept giving one another as they look up at me, mentally slapping my face for pronouncing his name, like we were intimate, we are a bit, but still, I sigh heavily, great now everyone knows what I feel for him, confirming things they already thought on their own anyway. 
“Prince Keith is only a friend. I know my place.”
Or at least, I should have known my adoration with him would have done nothing but hurt us both. Everyone knew it but him, blissfully unaware and careless of the supposed forbiddance of that feeling while our meetings became more and more similar to romantic trysts than mere strolls.
“As you desire sweetie.” a playful smile curled Julie’s lips glimmering in her bright green eyes, knowing her fondness for matchmaking I am sure she saw straight through my lies, but it was the best I could offer to fool myself with a non-existent distance between us.
“Thank you for listening to me.” I took advantage of the courtesy to calm down my heart beating furiously in my chest, with measured steps I walked toward the door, my hand was on its knob 
 when a crystal clear voice reached my ear.
“Enjoy your rendez-vous alors.” a Cheshire cat grin danced on her lips, receiving only a hearty chuckle as answer to my glare.
Once out of the door I let out a sigh I didn't know I was holding in until now, affection swelling in my heart at the thoughtfulness they had for me, even though someone showed that better than others, and with a spring in my step I direct myself toward my room, basking in the excitement filling my heart at the prospect of that night party.
The afternoon flew by in an instant, my effort to study was useless, since the only thing in my mind was him. Love was forbidden between a commoner and a noble or, at least, was a lot more difficult than how I read it to be in countless fairytales 
 but how can you rule the unruly, govern the ungovernable, put rules to emotions, and oblige the heart to follow them?
Brief answer: you can’t. 
I sigh heavily, pushing aside the book I was reading, yet another way to cram my head with etiquette and rules that I should have followed to disguise myself as a noble, hoping for it to be enough to earn my place by his side  
  if only Keith, too,  would have been so crazy as to favor love over politics regarding marriage matters. 
Wondering if our love was starcrossed or written above the stars, I looked to them beginning to twinkle in the early evening sky, still colored with the warm hues of the setting sun in search of answers to questions that kept me thinking all through the day, especially after a totally casual and not at all romantic meeting of ours.
The ever present mantra of not getting too close to him flew out from the window the instant he appeared in my mind, making a jolt of blush spread across my cheeks as I adjusted the tiara on my curls in front of the mirror, mindful to adjust every detail to perfection, running my hands over the soft jade velvet of the gown, a color I chose thinking of him alike the nature themed accessory completing my outfit.
The carriage ride to Jade took longer than expected but I didn’t pay any attention to it, too lost in the admiration of the flourishing countryside scenery out of the window. 
The drumming of my heartbeat only got louder as I caught a glimpse of the Royal palace, dazzling bright like a gleaming Jade stone surrounded by a thick forest amidst the blue velvet of the night sky, embroidered with stars, that so many times Keith and I looked at  together.
I ran my fingers nervously over the richly decorated envelope, an official invite to his birthday party, sighing dreamily I caressed his signature, a flamboyant calligraphy I would have recognized amidst thousands.
A celebration he always felt no need for, but everyone insisted on celebrating as he confessed albeit shily to me only a few days prior as we were having tea together 
 and not that too was not a date 
 perhaps ? 
Nervously I stir my fingers on the gown adjusting invisible crinkles, before rushing to take a mirror pocket from my pochette to check out on my makeup and straight the tiara on my curls, to distraction myself I pick up the coins he gifted me rolling it between my thumb and forefingers, letting out a sigh to dispel my anxiety, smiling fondly at the memory of how he taught me how to make it dance in my palm, even though I was not even good enough as him I liked keep playing, reminiscing all the times we spent together, swelling my heart with all the love I and for him and was doing my best to forget but in vain.
The palace got bigger at each roll of the wheels on the cobblestone mixing with the horses’ hooves as the rhythmic undulation of the carriage slowed as we approached the gates, trailing off in a path surrounded by a rainbow of flowers and foliage billowing in the wind greeting the guests. 
My heart beat so loudly almost drowning the music coming from inside, I place and hand over it overwhelmed by a rush of anxiety mixed with excitement as the carriage came to a halt in front of his entrance.
I slide off as gracefully as possible letting the excitement for the night that awaited for me lead the way, pushing away all my nervousness as I smile, concentrating myself to not fall from my high heels keeping a straight composure as I approach the throne placed on a mezzanine floor, with the windows on their back.
I catch my breath at his sight I didn’t know it was possible but he looked even more gorgeous than ever in his formal clothes shining like a Jade under the light of the moon, shaking my head I focus on my courtesy, after the attendant presented me as the daughter of a Rhodolite noble, a surge of pride swelled in my chest at the small satisfied smile playing on his lips.
I let out a sigh of relief I didn't know I was holding in until now, meeting his amber gaze as I rose from my position, smiling at his thoughtfulness at the sight of him descending the stairs to come greet me.
“You looked really beautiful tonight, as ever.” His compliment makes a surge of pride swell in me, as I unconsciously bow to him, sliding my fingers over the front of my gown, letting the softness of the velvet under my fingers calm me down a little bit.
I lower my head bashfully to hide my blush behind the fan gazing at his heart melting expression, a tender smile curled on his lips, radiating acceptance and kindness glimmering in his golden eyes as he took my hand in his leaving a gentle kiss on my knuckles, enough to set my skin on fire, I tried to refresh fanning myself but in vain, for the warmth of his hands still lingered on mine even after he retracted it.
“Thank you so much for coming, it made me so happy to have you here today.”
My heart jumped in my chest at the honesty in his voice, so different from the shallow lies of the nobles I got used to during my time at the palace.
“It was my pleasure and honor to meet you, Prince Keith. May I wish you a pleasant and mirthful birthday.”
"It is now that you are here with me." the earnestness of his heartfelt confession bring a smile to my lips as he tucked a rebel curl behind my ear, ignoring the way my heart raced out of control at the warm contact of his fingers brushing on my cheeks, while an hint of sensuality flickered on his honeyed eyes for a brief second, enough to make me yearn for more.
There was a hint of shyness in his smile as he gazed back at me, while a soft rosy blush crept up on his cheeks making my heart swell with love I held for him, enhanced by the tenderness I saw reflected in his golden eyes as he leaned to me, his breath fanning on my cheeks distracting me from everything else, moment I savour to the fullest revelling in the little touch of his chest brushing against my breast, as my heart galloped wildly in a frenzy from his allure.
“I would like to show you something.” He bit his bottom lip, fidgeting with his own fingers before raising his wide doe-like eyes to look at me with such a heart melting gaze I couldn’t deny anything to 
“Do you want to come with me ?” his almost pleading tone pulled at my heartstring, I tenderly placed my gloved hand over his own.
“Of course, lead me.” The sun dawned once more on his features brightened by such a pure soft smile I stared in awe at, I would go with you anywhere if you asked me a secret wish I keep to myself.
I bask in his manly warm hands engulfing mine as he lead me to a secret passage directed to his personal astronomy tower that only he would grace his presence upon, since he kindly explained to me that the astronomer was too engrossed in a deep discussion with the librarian to ever notice or care about the falling stars scheduled for that night to happen.
“I see well it’s cute that is happening today. It's like a gift from the universe.”
I sense him smiling as he gently squeezing my hand in his,
“Moreover I hope you will like my present when you open it, I left it at the entrance with the others.” 
“Trust me, your presence here is the best gift I could ever receive from you.” 
his soft voice dripped with tenderness as he squeezed my hand, turning around to give me a heart melting smile, so bright to shine even through the darkness of the corridor.
Once arrived there I follow him out on the balcony, my breath catch in my throat, mesmerized by the view of the Kingdom stretching before my eyes, shrouded in darkness almost a continuation of the night sky, with the stars sliding down to play hide and seek from clouds to the towns’ houses, a sight so beautiful to entrance me completely, smiling at the pleasant contact of his masculine forms hovering over next to me while his pinky finger ever so shily crawl on the railing to overlap with mine. 
I looked up at him but he simply smiled, enraptured by his handsome features I smiled back at him, squeezing his hand as he engulfed mine in his once more.
“It is so 
 beautiful.” I manage to murmur as I stare in awe at the sight, sliding to look back at him, the light of the lanterns dancing on his alluring features
“I am so happy you like it.” 
“Look out there for the falling star, don’t forget to make a wish-” 
“-And it will be granted.” I continue smiling at him, revelling in our shared knowledge.
Curiosity and hope got the best of me and before I know it I had my eyes glued to the sky feeling his pinky finger ever so slowly crawl to entwine with mine as I look briefly at him, seeing a soft smile plastered on his lips as he feigned innocence staring at the stars, reflected in his golden eyes.
I bask in that intimate contact hoping from the bottom of my heart the darkness could conceal the red blush of my cheeks, the same shade of rose I saw dusting over his as I softly squeezed his fingers, he ever so softly entwined with mine.
A bit of time passed by and nothing was in sight, so much so that I was thinking that maybe the towns’ light overshine over the stars 
 when suddenly I saw it.
A comet rushing amidst them all, burning bright, like my love for him, piercing through the clouds near the moon.
Unable to stay still I beam brightly pointing out excitedly at the sky
“I saw one, there.” I smile at him, unable to look away from the galaxy reflected in his gaze as the lights of the lanterns and the moon danced in the golden pool of his eyes.
“You seem to be lucky tonight, I have yet to see any.”
“Don’t be upset. I am sure you will see one too soon.”
“Have you expressed your wish?”
“Yes.” I confess bashfully 
“But I don’t know if it became true.” I trail off, looking down at the towns’ below, wondering if maybe I could belong there too, a wishful dream I brush off shaking my head from the bittersweet thought of what could have been 
 if only I would have been a noble but I wasn’t and so I was forced to see my love off with another, I clutch my fingers on my heat to calm the painfully tug at the thought.
“Why not ?” His tone dripping with concern as he leaned next to me, brushing his thumb on the back of my hand, managing to calm be it for a while my racing heart, making my focus shift back to him
“It 
 too strange that is.” I looked briefly up at him, in time to see surprise in his widened eyes, while a sympathetic smile played on his lips.  
“I am sure it will.” 
His support warmed my heart as I squeeze his hand before going back to gaze at the sky, doing my best but failing at forgetting the love I felt for him, or else this would have led us to our downfall and the mere idea of hurting him was unbearable to me, desiring from the bottom of my heart for him to be happy.
A bit of time went by and I kept my eyes open for any sign of a falling star, ready to indicate that to him and gave him the chance to make a wish too, all that to earn that bright, tender smile of his that never failed to make my heart swell with love and affection for him.
I had just thought that when his gentle voice shook me from my reveries
“I saw one too.” 
“You made your wish Keith ?” I leaned over with curiosity, I know well it was forbidden to tell it but a part of me wondered what he used it for 
 but with great astonishment he shook his head, his tone unusually serious as he looked straight at me.
“Wishing upon a star? What for when I have everything I could have wished for and more right there, in my arms.” 
His masculine brawny body engulfing me in his hug, I looked up at him seeing affection glimmering in his amber gaze, glimmering like molten gold at the warm suffused light coming from the lanterns of the balcony.
It was too good to be true, he was a prince and I was 
 well I a commoner faking to be a noble even though he knew of it this didn’t changed the difference in our status
“Keith please.” I beg, half hoping he wasn’t joking for my heart would have not take too well the delusion of my feelings being teased so openly 
“It is not a lie” his words filled my heart with hope, as it began to race out of control in my chest so much I was sure he could hear it too. 
“But your duty 
”
“Is to follow my heart and that is what I am doing.This always has been the best thing to do for us in Jade and I am no exception.” This statement took me off guard, I always assumed Royalty everywhere married off just for duty and alliance but he proved me wrong and no one knows how much I was immensely grateful for it.
“But who can love someone like me.” My insecurities speaking up before I had a chance to shut them up, I bit my lip trailing my gaze on my fingers curled on his chest,
“I will.” his sturdy fingers cupped my face, raising me to meet his gaze, unwavering, loyal and honest like I came to know both his sides to be.
“I am not tricking you, please trust me.” a plea dripping over his tone pushing me to let down my guard, as I always did around him looking back into his gaze
“I love you.” the brightness of a thousand suns glimmering in his honey eyes, pouring over his tender smile.
“Oh Keith I love you too.” 
The sensation of his lips on mine was nothing like I expected it, it was far better, it really felt like we were melting into one another, it was shy and a bit clumsy I felt his hands curl on my hips to help me remain on my feet as I  get swept off by the soft movements of his lips savouring mine, while I grip my fingers on his shirt, afraid he may slip off if I loosened my clutch 
 but there was no need to, as he proved wrapping his arms around me holding me close to his chest.
Reluctantly he pulled away leaning his forehead to mine, brushing his thumb on my cheeks, before trailing it over my sensitive bottom lip, a dreamy sigh escaped my lips immediately robbed by his lips landing once more on mine,it was a brief kiss but enough to let me desiring for more, enhanced by his warm breath fanning over my swollen lips.
“Please grant me the honor of being my fiancĂ©.”
The honest affection filling his golden eyes mesmerize me, driving me in further into that golden pool I wished to swim in with him 
 and now finally could after week spent wishing and dreaming to become his lover,
“Oh Keith. Yes.” the diamond on the ring glimmered in the sheer light of the moon witness of that peculiar engagement as he ever so gently slide it on my ring finger, unknowingly setting my heart ablaze with indescribable happiness and swollen with love, racing in my chest with all the affection I held for him, I hoped to convey tip toeing to leave a tender kiss on his soft cheeks, revelling in his rosy blush.
Surely he would have had a lot of things to explain to the court sooner or later, like I should have to after all 
  but for now all that mattered was us, alone on his balcony sharing a promise with only the stars as guardians of our love.
I welcomed the softness of his lips melting once more on mine in a sweet, tender kiss, robbing me of any coherent thought as he embraced me ever so strongly swallowing the ever soft whimpers escaping from my lips as he deepened the kiss, while my fingers dived in his soft grey curls and his own tightened around my hips as he hold me close to him.
Reluctantly he pulled away brushing a gentle kiss on my forehead as he took my hands in  his, placing a gentle kiss on their knuckles looking straight at me 
“I love you my little bunny always and forever.” his heartfelt confession moved me to the core, I did my best to reciprocate.
“I love you too, my stag, all of you, so very much.” 
He placed his head on mine, pulling me in a slow improvised waltz on the balcony floor, I eagerly followed, leaning my head on his chest, hearing our hearts beating in sync like one, like the soulmates we were destined to be.
The princes of Rhodolite were right since the beginning this was a date, and no one knew how much happy it made me to have been able to finally confess that feeling I held secretly hidden in my heart until that moment 
Love was a gift, I always believe in that, but no one of all my books prepared me for this, to love and to be loved was pure bliss, it filled your heart with affection and happiness, a passion smoldering as the sun and ten fold as bright, inexplicable to describe and I was grateful to all the universe for making that possible, bringing us together as written above the stars since the beginning of the universe and for all eternity.
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tacogawa · 5 months
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What Was I Made For - Gilbert von Obsidian x Rosemary (OC) (Ikemen Prince)
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A/N: I had the pleasure of writing for @prisoniclover for the Ikemen Prince Gift Exchange hosted by @ikemenlibrary and @sunnyikemen. Thank you both for hosting another wonderful exchange. I truly enjoyed getting to know Choco's OC, Rosemary, and hope you enjoy this gift.
Pairing: Gilbert von Obsidian x Rosemary (OC)
Prompt: Gilbert, who wants to hear his partner say that she likes “it” because he notices she isn’t being completely honest, restraining sounds that he wants to hear but she still lets her insecurity triumph.
Word Count: 1474
Tags: NSFW; Minors - DNI; soft sex; biting/marking
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What was I made for?
It was a question that plagued her for so long, haunting her for years and years, as she struggled to find herself. 
What was she made for?
*****
“You know I don’t like liars.”
He ran a single finger across her cheek and down along the column of her neck, lingering on each of the marks he had left on her sweet, precious skin. Her body flinched as he pressed his thumb on the newest mark, still raw and red. 
“Why do you deny me?” he asked, his voice soft as silk, as his hips gently pressed against hers. “Why do you deny me the sounds you so desperately want to make?”
Her wide eyes met his – red like a poppy, red like blood. There was a sadness hidden behind those bloodied petals as he stared at her. 
“Why won’t you let yourself be free around me?”
She heaved a heavy sigh, a sigh she had been holding in for too long, way too long – why did he have to ask her that question? 
And why was it so hard for her to answer him?
*****
She couldn’t escape him. Or his question.
Even when reading alone in his room, his presence was everywhere, the weight of his words pressing on her – why won’t you let yourself be free around me? 
She closed the book in her hands, her eyelids tightly shut, Gilbert’s sad face burned into her brain. Thoughts swirled in her head, pieces of her past coming back to taunt her. The pain gripped her, coursing through her veins, her breathing quickening as her eyes flew open.
She ran a mindless hand through her hair, twirling a long, pink strand around her finger as she recalled past conversations she had with the Rhodolite princes during her time as Belle. 
“I don’t think I belong here,” she confided in Leon, her whisper weak as her eyes fought back tears. “And maybe you don’t,” he replied, his golden gaze warm and unwavering. “Some of us just don’t belong where we end up. And some of us keep looking until we find that one place that feels like home.”
“Don’t settle to be second best,” Clavis stated as he threw down his shovel. “Strive to find something you can be best at. And throw everything you have into that. Step away from the shadows and find that one thing that makes you thrive.”
“I see you
” Luke let out a sad sigh. “I see you looking at him. Looking for him.” She averted her gaze as her stomach twisted into knots – how did he know? Was she that obvious? She opened her mouth to speak, but Luke held up his large hand, stopping her in her tracks. “I just want to know why. Why him?”
She found herself dwelling on Luke’s question — why him? Why Gilbert? She didn’t have an answer for Luke that day, and maybe she would never have an answer she could fully express in words. But the heart wants what the heart wants. 
And her heart wanted Gilbert.
*****
"These are new." 
On Gilbert’s desk – a place normally reserved for paperwork and books – was a vase filled with black roses and greenery. She ran a finger along the blooms, tracing the velvet-soft petals of the roses and the needle-like leaves of the branches of rosemary, its fresh and green scent mixing with the sweet floral fragrance of the roses.
Certain the addition of rosemary – an herb believed to reveal a person's true love, an herb that she shared its name with – was no mere coincidence, she continued to admire the arrangement as Gilbert approached her, his body cool as he pressed against hers.
"I was out earlier, and they reminded me of you," he whispered in her ear, the breath of his words leaving a slight chill sting on her skin. His arms wrapped around her waist, his hands caressing her curves as he pulled her body tighter against his.
He rested his cheek on her shoulder, his face turned towards his, his mouth in the perfect position to take a bite from her neck. His jaw opened, his lips hovering, his teeth ready to plunge into her skin when she spoke.
"Gilbert." Her body trembled as she whispered his name. "I love you. I'm so in love with you." 
The words tumbled from her mouth; once she opened the floodgates, and exposed her heart, there was no stopping. 
As he held her gently in his arms, she confessed how deep her love for him was. In between sobs, she spoke of her fears – that she wasn't good enough for him, that she didn't love him enough. Or her worst fear, that he would end up alone again one day.
He turned her in his arms, his hand stroking her hair, reassuring and comforting. Placing a kiss atop her pink head, he whispered so quietly she almost didn't hear.
"I love you, too."
When her breathing steadied, he took her hand and guided her to his bed. With a soft smile, his eyes were fixed on her as they undressed one another. Each layer removed, exposing another expanse of bare skin, their hands and their mouths eagerly roaming over flesh as if this were their first time being intimate. 
And in a sense it was, as she had finally laid bare to him her heart. Her insecurities. Her love.
He pressed his palm against her chest, her heart beating rapidly under the soft curve of her breast, gently guiding her to lie down on the bed. He climbed atop her, his breathing labored; he knew his wish would be fulfilled tonight. 
Cupping her cheek in his hand, he tilted his face as he gazed at her reverently. He brought his mouth to hers in a kiss, sealing their love, igniting a small fire inside her body. 
She carded her fingers through his messy locks, a new confidence taking over as she gently pressed his face closer to hers, deepening their kiss. His tongue parted her lips; entering her mouth, their tongues twisted in a sensual dance with one another. 
Gilbert slid his hand down her side, across her torso, his fingers finding her core. When his thumb stroked her clit, she let out a gasp. 
“That was cute,” he teased, his fingers sliding along her slit, coaxing another sweet sound to escape her lips. “Do you like it when I touch you there?”
Her back arched as her body squirmed under her ministrations, a strained yes barely audible. His red eye glittered in the moonlight as he bowed his head to her chest, biting kisses left in a trail, dotting her delicate skin. 
When her cries got louder and more frequent, he removed his finger, fully coated with her arousal. He kissed her again, as he shifted his body, his hips slotting against hers. As she looked into his eye, her heart tugged, and she knew. 
She knew that this time it would be different.
Gilbert held her gaze, red staring into pink, as he rubbed his tip against her entrance. Her hips spread wide, held by Gilbert’s hands, as he began to push his cock inside.
She clung to him, her arms wrapping around his shoulders, slowly stretching her until his entire length was sheathed inside her. As he waited for her to adjust to his size, he pushed her hair to one side, exposing the smooth column of her neck. 
She cried out his name as his teeth sank into her sweet flesh, his tongue quickly laving the fresh mark. Rocking his hips, his thrusts started slow before increasing in pace. 
The faster his movements got, the more intense his bites were.
Stars danced before her eyes as the pleasure built; the heat flooding her core mixed with the sharp sting of his bites were overwhelming and sent her into a state of rapture.
What was I made for?
She had her answer, he was staring her in the face all this time.
She was made for Gilbert. To love him. To be with him. And to make sure he would never, ever be alone again. 
She cried out his name, over and over again, as she gave herself over to him. Not holding back, she unleashed every cry, every whimper, she had been hiding and holding back. 
Giving Gilbert every sound he could have ever wanted. 
In her state of bliss, she heard Gilbert call her name – her real name, not her alias – and experienced euphoria again, her sounds softer this time. Sweeter.
Hey body boneless and breathless, Gilbert gathered her in his arms as they prepared to sleep. One arm was wrapped just under her chest, holding her body close to his, his free hand stroking her hair, comforting her as she drifted to sleep.
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Tagging: @redheadkittys @alixennial @rhodolitesroseforclavis @kissmetwicekissmedeadly @chaosangel767 @queengiuliettafirstlady @queen-dahlia @ikehoe @ikemen-writer @talfollowingstuff @kpop-and-otome @kisara-16 @altairring @lucyw260 @lordsisterxotome @umi-adxhira @yarnnerdally @crypticbibliophile @tele86 @nightfoxqueen @melodiousramblings @wendolrea @aceuuuu @randonauticrap @aria-chikage @nightghoul381 @judejazza @maries-gallery @xbalayage @xenokiryu
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tacogawa · 5 months
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Clavis Lelouch ‱ Clavis x Emma ‱ Tags: Fluff; Crack; Pranks; Mischief; Cat-puns ‱ Word Count: ~1900 ‱ Triggers: None ‱ Brief appearances by Chevalier, Cyran, and Sariel
Title: Cat-astrophe
Description: It’s Clavis. Of course there’s chaos! This time, in feline form 😾
For @katriniac as a part of the Ikemen Prince Exchange hosted by @ikemenlibrary and @saeyoungs-sunflower 😊
Cat-inspired Clavis drawing (aka Catvis) done by @aide-falls


“This doesn’t look like a good idea.”
“You’re right, my dear. It’s a perfectly wicked one!” Clavis flicked a finger at the glass bottle he was holding. The bottle contained a light purple liquid that bubbled and fizzled like champagne. It appeared benign, even pleasant looking, until one looked directly above at the ceiling and the soot that covered it. Emma opened a window to let out the plumes of smoke that lingered.
“Most liquids don’t spontaneously burst into flames.” Emma coughed pointedly, moving her hands in a fanning motion to push the smoke outside.
“Unless Licht is cooking, haha!”
“Will you tell me what it is you’re trying to make at least?”
Clavis put down the bottle. “And where would the fun in that be?” He smirked, a look of utter delight on his face. “I DO have the antidote to this—well, most of it.” Clavis gestured to a second glass bottle with a light bluish tint to it. Emma’s eyes widened.
“Could it be that my lovely lover is worried for me?” Clavis tweaked Emma’s nose playfully. “It’s not as if this liquid will make me disappear or anything!” His eyes flashed, with a hint of challenge to them. “And even if it did, I’m sure you’d find me.”


The next day, Clavis was gone.
His disappearance had not been noticed until late morning, when a terrified palace butler was forced to wake up Chevalier instead of Clavis. No one at the palace seemed particularly bothered at this development. As Emma made inquiries with the other princes, their reactions were varied—relief from Yves (Licht and I can finally have a tea party uninterrupted!); mockery laced with pity from Nokto (you’re getting a day off from him; don’t you think that’s a good thing?); and the equivalent of a princely shrug from Leon (I haven’t seen smoke since yesterday, so I’m sure he’s fine.). But, they all agreed on one thing—they hadn’t seen Clavis.
Emma entered Chevalier’s private library hoping he’d know what was going on. She placed a rare romance book from Jade on a side table near where Chevalier sat reading. There was an approving nod from Chevalier as elegant fingers picked up the book. He offered a rather unusual hint.
“My fool of a brother lost one of his nine lives today.”
Emma tilted her head in confusion. “Can you elaborate on that?”
“Do you have the next installment of this book?”
“That installment won’t be published until next month!”
“Then our conversation ends now, Simpleton.” The corner of Chevalier’s mouth lifted as he placed the book in his lap. As Emma left the room, she heard Chevalier say one more thing.
“He’s not at all complicated. He needs something from you, but cannot bring himself to admit it.”
Chevalier’s words echoed in Emma’s head as she headed toward Clavis’ bedroom. She took out a key from her dress pocket, her heart lurching at the breach of privacy.
The room was virtually the same as it was when she was with Clavis yesterday. But, this was the first time she had had the time to look at it alone. Emma knew he saw this place as a shrine to his failures, a testament to mediocrity. But, she saw much more—it was a place of studiousness, ingenuity, and childish delight. Books on law, pharmacology, science, and philosophy were neatly arranged on his bookshelf. One of the middle shelves held a cup with the phrase #1 worst emblazoned on it—a gag gift Emma had bought Clavis when they first became a couple. She grabbed a book at random and noted with a smile that the book was highlighted in numerous colors, with notes in the margins about various herbs that could be used for different smoke traps.
Emma placed the book back on the shelf and glanced at various pieces of paper attached to the wall above his writing desk. The papers contained lists with the number of traps discovered by other people. Various palace staff and princes had tick marks next to their names, each tick mark indicating a trap they had fallen into. Yves encompassed one entire sheet of paper by himself, and to Emma’s surprise, Chevalier had one mark next to his name. She’d have to ask Clavis about THAT story.
But Emma had to find him first. She sat at his desk chair, feeling lonely. She looked down at her hands—Clavis had held her hand so often in their adventures; she now felt empty without it.
I know you feel like you’re not enough Clavis. But you are. Where are you?
“Meow?”
Emma turned her head at the sound. A beautiful long-haired cat emerged from behind Clavis’ couch. Its paws, the tip of its tail, and its chest were light grey while the rest of its body was purple. The cat’s eyes were golden and sparkling with mischief.
“Are you lost little one?” The cat jumped in Emma’s lap, nesting between her thighs as if it thought it belonged there. “You’re not the only one who likes that spot. Though your touch is gentler.” Emma chuckled, scratching the cat behind its ears. She then noticed the cat wore a dark purple necktie that looked remarkably familiar. Embedded in the center of the necktie was a tag containing a name—Catvis.
Catvis leaped onto the desk, its tail bristling (Emma corrected herself
the cat was decidedly male). He pushed a drawer open with a paw and fished out a gold-chained necklace with his teeth. The necklace held two golden medallions—one reading “Catvis” and the other “Accomplice”. Emma swore she saw the cat smirk as he dropped the necklace in her lap.
A notion so absurd it bordered on ludicrous flitted into Emma’s head. She reached out her hand and patted the cat on his head. “Clavis, is that you?”
The cat practically pranced with joy at the statement. He head butted Emma’s hand, leaning into her touch, before jumping deftly onto her lap again, exposing his belly.
Emma shook her head in disbelief. “The things you do for attention are absolutely ridiculous Clavis.” The cat nipped Emma’s finger, causing her to pull her hand away. “Oh, excuse me. Do you prefer to be called Catvis while in this form?” Emma’s words were dripping in sarcasm, but the cat purred contently and licked the finger he bit.
Emma recalled the pharmacology book she glanced at earlier. “You were working on a polymorph potion, weren’t you?” Catvis beamed and extended his body so that he was standing on Emma’s lap, his front paws on her shoulders. He rubbed both sides of her cheeks affectionately.
“You really are ridiculous. Ridiculously amazing.” Catvis blinked, not expecting to hear that. “A polymorph potion has never been successfully made until now. A mere Chevalier would not—could not—think to do this.” Emma blushed at her words—apparently, expressing her honest feelings was easier with him in this form.
Catvis nuzzled against Emma’s face. He craved this attention, this affirmation. Wanted it. Needed it. Emma’s heart trembled at the realization. She held him in that standing pose in her lap for a while, letting her guard down for once. After a while, her eyes drifted to the bottle of blue liquid Clavis mentioned yesterday on a table. “We have to change you back eventually, you know. What ingredient is missing from your antidote?”
Catvis jumped back on the desk, finding a pen and fitting it into his mouth. With his head at an incredibly awkward angle, he wrote out two words on a piece of paper: Black rawhide.
“Wow, I can actually READ this!” Apparently, Clavis’ eighth wonder was that his handwriting was more legible without the use opposable thumbs. “There’s no rawhide here, so we’ll have to look for it. Come here, let me carry you as we search for some.”
Catvis went back to Emma’s lap, his head pushing the necklace into her hand. “I am NOT wearing a cat collar.” Catvis pouted. Emma felt a pang of guilt at his expression. “Well, maybe just this ONCE.”
A few moments later, Emma came out of the bedroom, with Catvis perched on her shoulders. As Emma walked down the palace stairs, she spied a familiar plume of fiery red hair.
“My Lady!” Cyran ran to Emma. “What news of our missing charge?”
“You’re not going to believe this.”
“Try me. Nothing about him surprises me anyone.”
“You MAY want to reconsider that statement.” Emma turned her shoulder and gestured to Catvis.
“I didn’t know you owned a cat.” Cyran sniffed loudly.
“WE own a cat. A very naughty one at that.” Emma smirked and bopped Catvis on his nose.
AAAAAAA-CHO!
“I’m highly allergic to cats. Especially naughty ones.” Cyran’s eyes watered. “So, no, I do NOT own a cat.”
Emma gestured to the “Catvis” button on her feline companion. “Actually, we do. Clavis created a polymorph potion and here are the results of THAT.” Catvis grinned broadly—it was a grin Cyran knew all too well. Cyran stared dumbfounded at the cat.
Catvis’ ears suddenly twitched at a sound down a nearby hallway. He jumped off of Emma’s shoulders and sprinted away.
“Catvis, wait!” Emma began running after him, but Cyran erupted into a violent coughing fit, one so strong it made his cheeks blaze as red as his hair. A maid was tasked with fetching him a glass of water as Emma slapped his back.
“I-I’m fine!” Cyran collected his breath. “Were you serious when you said that cat was—“ A shriek from the maid carrying Cyran’s water interrupted the conversation. A furry purple and grey blur darted past her. Catvis ran up the stairs, carrying a black rawhide whip in his mouth. The whip crackled in the air as Catvis flew past Emma and Cyran. Sariel came bounding from the hallway, his violet eyes narrowed with rage. “It is enough to have one Hellcat among us. I did not think we had a second living in the palace.”
Emma looked apologetically at Cyran, her hand pointing at Sariel. “Cyran, can you handle this?”
“I
do not get paid enough for these shenanigans, My Lady.” AAAAAAA-CHO!
“At least you get paid.”


With a piece of Sariel’s whip, the antidote was now complete and consumed by Catvis (he lapped the potion from Emma’s #1 worst cup). The antidote would take a few hours to be effective, so Emma laid down on Clavis’ couch, a blanket covering her legs and Catvis perched in his proper spot—between Emma’s thighs.
Emma couldn’t remember falling asleep, but she must have done so, for she woke up to the pre-dawn hours to a heavier weight on her body and something touching her face. Emma’s eyes slowly opened as she felt an arm—a human arm!—encircle her waist, and roaming hands caressing over her clothes.
“Ah, you’re awake my lovely lover. How wonderful.” Alluring golden eyes shone brightly in the darkened room as Clavis’ lips traced a trail down Emma’s neck.
“Hmmm,” Emma’s fingers carded through Clavis’ hair.
“Are you so delighted you’re at a loss for words? Cat got your tongue?” There was a purr to his voice as Clavis leaned forward and presented a cheek to be kissed.
A cheek was not enough. Emma pulled Clavis down for a kiss, her lips capturing his. “You’re an absolute cat-astrophe, darling.” As she pulled away, Emma’s quiet laughter tickled Clavis’ ear.
“But you’re my cat-astrophe. And I wouldn’t have it any other way.”
87 notes · View notes
tacogawa · 5 months
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Words: 1848
Pairing: Yves x mc / reader
Author's note: This is my ikepri gift exchange for @pillowpillowillo I hope you like it! 💖 Qnd a huge thank you to @ikemenlibrary and @sunnyikemen for hosting the event and being so helpful! 💖
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It wasn’t for naught that Yves was known as one of the unluckiest princes of Rhodolite. Though much of his misfortune came at the hand of a certain older brother, the unfortunate circumstance of today was no one’s fault. Yves had spent the day surveying a village a couple of hours’ ride from the palace, and for the first time you joined him on his journey. All went well, and the trip was a success. That was until the time came to ride back home.
As today’s survey was only a small scale visit, it had seemed excessive to bring anyone else, so there was just the two of you, and Yves’ horse. The village had long since disappeared behind you, when the horse suddenly jolted, and started moving differently. Yves slowed her down to a walk, but she was still walking strangely, so he brought her to a halt. In one smooth move, graceful as a cat, he slipped off the horse before helping you dismount as well. “Don’t worry,” he assured you, “it’s probably just a rock in the shoe.”
He examined the mare’s front feet, picking up the right hoof on the first try. The sinner was indeed a rock lodged in the horseshoe. He took out a knife and gently wiggled the stone loose from the hoof. “Let’s see how she walks now.” He pulled the horse into a walk, but she was still limping, less now than before, but still enough to be obvious even to the untrained eye. He muttered something under his breath, before turning to you. “It seems we’re walking home.”
“Do you think we’ll make it home before dark?”
“If we’re lucky,” he smiled. Unfortunately, luck did not smile on Yves’ side today.
What had started off a normal overcast day, soon took a turn for the worse. The wind rose, and the sky darkened at an alarming rate. There was nothing to be done but following the road though, so you kept walking. Starting off, you chatted about all kinds of little things, trying to keep the mood up and entertain each other, but soon weariness stole the conversation away from you little by little, until you were mostly walking in silence. Even with no words, you still enjoyed Yves’ company.
Tap, tap. The first slow drops of rain started falling. Before you even had time to hope that it wouldn’t become a full shower, it started coming down in sheets. You could barely see the road in front of you.
The roar of the rain made it impossible to hear anything else, but you saw Yves pointing towards the woods, and you followed him in underneath some trees. The cluster of firs protected you from the worst of the rain, but you couldn’t stay where you were forever. Yves shrugged off his coat, and held it out towards you.
“Won’t you be cold?”
He sighed, “I wouldn’t be offering it to you if I didn’t want to.” He shook the coat closer to you in insistence, “take it.”
All protests died on your lips, and you let him wrap you in the coat. It smelled like him. The scent filled you with a sense of comfort and safety. A small sigh of contentment slipped from your lips.
Yves looked at you with a soft smile.
With the arrival of the storm, came the words you had been fearing. “I don’t think we’ll make it home today. We should look for somewhere to shelter for the night.”
You couldn’t do anything but nod in agreement. There was no sense in trying to press on home, when there might still be hours to walk, and you were getting more soaked by the minute.
Once the rain lightened up a little, you turned back onto the road. And for a while longer, you trudged on, before your luck turned. A small dilapidated hut poked its roof above the mossy ground in between the trees. There was a shed attached to the side of the building that if you were lucky, would be big enough to house the mare. The closer you got, the easier it was to see the severe state of disrepair the cabin was in, but it couldn’t be worse than being stuck outside in this weather.
“Go inside, and see what you can find for warmth, and I’ll sort out the horse,” Yves suggested, as you finally reached the small patch of land in front of the cabin.
Reluctant to leave his side, you hesitated for a moment. You had no light, and there was no way for you to know what, or even who could be hiding inside the cabin. You knew it would be good to get inside as soon as possible and try to make a fire for heat, but you just couldn’t get yourself to walk in there by yourself.
Yves must have noticed the conflicted look on your face, because he opened the door to the shed instead and waved you inside, “you can’t just stand here getting soaked.”
You already were soaked to the bone, but you didn’t comment, just ducked into the shed. It was dark in there too, but at least you were with Yves, so you felt safe.
Yves and the horse followed you through the door.
As your eyes adjusted to the dim light, you could see that the shed had, as hoped, once been home to animals. Probably nothing as large as a horsed before, but perhaps a few pigs or sheep. Though the shed was small, the mare settled down almost immediately, happy to be away from the storm. In the far corner, there were some remnants of hay left from the previous occupants, and she happily started munching on it as if she had never been anywhere else.
Yves headed back outside to find some water for the horse, and you stayed by her side. Her fur was short and soft. The warmth of her large body made the rain evaporate from her in a cloud. Sticking close to her side, you felt a little less cold yourself. Working quickly, you removed the saddle and bridle, so she would be more comfortable. You wished you had a blanket or something to put on her, but she would have to go without for tonight. At least she, unlike you, had her coat keeping her warm.
When Yves came inside, his blond hair lay plastered to his forehead, and raindrops were dripping from his nose. Only now did you notice that his shirt was so wet that it was completely sheer, and plastered to him . You tried your hardest not to stare at the defined planes of his body underneath. “Ready to head inside?”
“Yeah,” you smiled. The only sounds around you were the sounds of the wind and the rain. Now that you could see in the dark, the prospect of entering the cabin wasn’t as daunting as it had been just a little while ago.
Yves offered you his hand, which you took gratefully. His his warmth was enough to lift some of your weariness, and you were grateful that the events of the day had happened with him, and no one else.
The inside of the cabin was barely any less weather-beaten than the outside. There was a roof, yes but there were plenty of holes letting the rain in. some were even large enough to give you a glimpse of the sky outside. The place must have been abandoned a long time ago. You caught yourself wondering who it had belonged to once upon a time.
The dim light coming through the windows illuminated the room just enough that you could make out the general shapes of things. There was a bed, a couple of chests, some cupboards, and a fireplace. Gingerly, you started exploring the small room. The bed and its covers had long since been overtaken by mildew, but at the bottom of one of the chests, you found a large bedspread and a blanket that were still intact, though musty. You shook off the dust as well as you could, and headed back to the fireplace.
Yves found some old floorboards in the corner that had come loose with time, and set to breaking them up. From where you were, the muscles working in his back were much too visible, and your cheeks heated up at the thought of running your hands across his slender muscular shoulders. Before your thoughts could wander any further, you made yourself busy going through the cupboards to see if there was anything in there that could help you. To your dismay, they were all empty.
Yves got the fire going, then started stripping off his clothes, as if it was the most natural thing in the world.
“What are you--” the rest of the sentence trailed off.
He furrowed his eyebrows and his plush lips narrowed into a pout. “It’s for warmth, silly.” He looked away, a rosy tint glowing on his cheeks. “You’ll catch a cold in those wet clothes,” he gestured for you to undress like he had just done.
You tried to slip out of your drenched garments, but your hands were so cold that you struggled with the fastenings and lacing.
“Let me do it,” Yves came so close that you could feel his breath on your skin.
“Thank you,” you mumbled. Grateful that he was behind you, and unable to notice how hot your cheeks had just gotten.
Deft fingers undid the lacings and freed you from your confines. The gentle caress of his hands as he removed your clothes, would have made goose bumps rise on your skin, if they hadn’t already taken over your body because of the cold.
Fighting the urge to cover up, you helped him hang the clothes as best as you could. Then you melted into his waiting embrace. The bedspread and blanket, spread out on the floor as close to the fire as you could safely come became your bed for the night. At last, you snuggled up as close as you could get to Yves, trying not to let him feel you shivering in his arms. Starting off, his skin was as cool as yours, and his lips were tinged blue in the firelight, but not a word of complaint left his lips. His eyes twinkled like stars when he looked at you, and he didn’t need to say anything for you to know how much he loved you. Soft kisses warmed up frozen lips, and gentle caresses sent your heart aflutter.
Slowly, your bodies warmed, and the crackle of the fire, mixing with the wind rushing around the walls that surrounded you lulled you to sleep. Your last memory before the dawning of a new day was the steady rhythm of Yves’ heartbeat beneath your head and the feeling of his arms holding you tight. He may be the unluckiest prince, but having him by your side made you feel lucky enough for the both of you.
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tacogawa · 5 months
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Ember Glows the Heart
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Pairing ~ Leon Dompteur x MC/reader
Word Count ~ 1.5k
Author's Note ~ I was able to write some Leon fluff for the lovely @myonlyjknight during the Ikepri Gift Exchange hosted by @ikemenlibrary and @sunnyikemen !! Thank you so much Jane, for your note about not stressing and having fun, and thank you for giving me such freedom with this fic! I hope it meets your expectations and you enjoy it, because I had an absolute blast writing it. đŸ„°
Warnings ~ None, unless you count open flames near roses; just some fluff! Albeit, some sensual fluff 👀
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“Alright, let’s set ‘em down here!” Leon grunted happily as you both plopped your newly picked pumpkins down on the grass in front of the settee on the palace grounds. You settled in with your tools: two large serrated knives from the kitchen, two pencils, two large spoons for the seeds, and an entire ream of towels Leon snuck from a maid’s cart when they got home. However, dusk was swiftly approaching, and there was one thing you didn’t have. 
“Leon, how are we gonna see out here?” you asked, gesturing to the darkening sky. Leon’s smile lit up your heart as he looked down at you and winked. 
“I’ll go grab some candles from inside. Back soon!” and before you could open your mouth to answer, he had darted away, dashing back towards the castle. You let out the breath of air you had intended to use to respond and looked around, suddenly very aware of how alone you were
 and how dark it was. An owl began to hoot in the trees above you, the wind got chillier, and your decision was made.
“Hey, Leon!” you called, turning on your heels to run after him. “Wait up!”  
You and Leon collected as many of the beautiful white taper candles as you could, along with several large candle holders, and brought them back to your spot with you. “Here we go!” Leon said, lighting the first candle. Once you were both bathed in the soft, ethereal glow of the warm flames, you turned your attention to the task at hand. “So, what design will you be carving, Leon?” you asked, reaching for the closest knife. But your breath caught in your throat when Leon’s hand covered yours, his warmth radiating into you, hotter than a flame could ever be, and you looked up to meet his eyes. He was smiling at you, mischief and adoration in his steady golden eyes, and your heart nearly stopped. Awash in the rouge of the dancing fire around you, his beauty was immeasurable. In that moment, you were certain that you had never seen a man more handsome in all your days, and all light, casual conversation vanished from your mind as he held your gaze.
“If I was a more talented man, I’d carve your face in this moment, with those lovely eyes staring up at me, but I don’t think I’d have a chance in hell of capturing beauty like that.” Now your heart did stop, and your lips parted ever so slightly as a hot flush crept up your face.  
The owl hooted above you seconds later and the trance was broken. Leon let go of your hand and went to grab his own tools, and you cleared your throat, unsure if you could even speak after what he had said. “I think I’m gonna go classic, triangle eyes and nose and a big smiley mouth.” Leon chuckled, his body rumbling beside you. You were too aware of him now, how the muscles in his arms and back rippled every time he moved, and how warm his body was, pressed up against yours on the grass. 
“I’ll - ahem - I’ll do a scary face, I think.” you croaked, moving to grab your tools and draw a design on your pumpkin. 
“Oh, are you trying to scare me away?” Leon teased, nudging you.
“No!” you answered, apparently too quickly, because Leon’s smile grew even wider, and he leaned close to you, his lips so close to your ear you could feel the wind as he spoke.
“Don’t worry, it takes a lot more than that to scare me off.” 
A breathy giggle escaped your lips, bubbling up from the butterflies taking flight in your stomach as his warm breath tickled your neck. The realization of just how ridiculous you must have sounded hit you and you cleared your throat forcefully. “Ahem. Good, yeah. Good. Cause I can be pretty scary sometimes.” you tried your hand at humor and grimaced inwardly; your awkwardness was not improving. 
“Oh yeah, I can totally see that.” Leon chuckled, moving back over to his side of the blanket and picking up his tools to begin cutting his pumpkin open. 
“Wait, what?” you looked at him suddenly, surprised at his answer. But his barely concealed smirk gave him away, and you shook your head. “Quit it, Leon.” you muttered quietly, picking up your own tools. 
You both fell into a comfortable working silence after awhile, the only sounds in the night air the crickets and the distinct sounds of cutting, scraping, and shaping. A pleasant warmth had settled in your chest, and you found yourself content, if not a little giddy, to be so close to Leon for so long. The task was menial by nature, void of much complication or meaning, but with Leon's leg pressed up against your own, his even breathing matching yours, you found yourself thinking about how special it felt. You smiled to yourself as you shaped up your jack-o-lantern's right eye, soaking in the unmistakable feeling of safety and happiness that came with the 4th Prince's presence. 
'Almost there,' you thought to yourself, carving away at the mouth of your creation, so close to the end product, when Leon's voice brought you out of your focus. "Hey, Emma." He called out to you and you turned your head to find a silly jack-o-lantern face staring back at you from where Leon's head should be, and you burst out laughing. 
"How do I look?" The silly face Leon tilted "its" head to look at you inquisitively and you tried to bite back the rest of your laughter. 
"You look positively dashing, Leon." You answered with a teasing voice and patted the jack-o-lantern on the top of the head. The 4th prince laughed heartily from inside the gourd, the sound warming you from head to toe. 
He gestured to your jack-o-lantern. "Are you finished with yours?" 
"Yep, just about!" You hurried to smooth out the rest of the edges and then plopped it over your head like Leon had his and turned to look at him through the cuts you made. It was his turn to burst out laughing this time.  
"Wow!" He exclaimed, his voice still full of laughter, but now sounding like a faraway echo, only reaching your ears through the openings you'd carved; a sort of fishbowl effect, almost, and you laughed. "You really did make a scary face!" He reached forward and traced the lines of your jack-o-lantern in admiration, and you couldn't be more grateful that your face was hidden by a giant orange gourd, because the flush that had risen to your cheeks had undoubtedly colored your skin a deep red hue. "This is really good." He murmured, his hand still exploring each cut you made as if he was memorizing them to use later, and you giggled softly, the sound barely reaching his ears. 
But it had reached them, you decided, because he retracted his hand only to pull his jack-o-lantern off of his head, showing you his stunning smile, before reaching over to you. You felt your own jack-o-lantern being pulled upwards until you were able to see all around you again. Leon placed it down beside his and turned them both to face you. "They make quite a pair, don't they?" He chuckled, adjusting his posture to sit closer to you. 
You laughed, nodding. "They certainly do." You replied, gazing at them mirthfully. 
"Just like some other people I know." Leon murmured, his voice so much closer than before that you nearly jumped out of your skin. 
Turning your head, you saw how close he was, but you were tired of being the only one who was affected, so you continued to turn your head until your nose brushed his. Sparks erupted through your face, all of your dancing nerves on end as his breath tickled your nose. "And who would that be?" You murmured quietly into the prince's mouth, his golden eyes keeping you delightfully trapped in their deep gaze. 
Leon leaned forward ever so slightly and you found yourself closing your eyes, anticipating what was to come, but to your surprise, his lips didn't meet your own, but rather your neck near the base of your ear, and he sucked there gently before pulling back to whisper softly in your ear. "I wonder." 
Your entire body was on fire when he pulled away to cast that heated gaze on your face again, and you both stared, enraptured by the other so intensely that the night around you faded in color. His fingers found yours by feel alone and threaded through them, pulling your hand closer to his body as your heartbeat thrummed through the pulse point in your wrist when his own wrist met it. "Leon," you muttered breathily, hardly audible above the roaring in your ears. 'He's really going to kiss me this time.' The thought hit you with the force of a freight train and the rest of the thoughts in your brain scattered as he moved towards you again. 
Whoosh
The wind raked across the rose garden and snuffed the candelabras out, plunging you both into sudden darkness, and it would have frightened you, had the strong arms of your prince not been wrapped firmly around you, and had his soft plush lips not been pressed against yours in a heated, claiming kiss that could drive any darkness away.
~
Tags for the Lovelies: @rhodolitesroseforclavis @aquagirl1978 @ikehoe @queengiuliettafirstlady @maries-gallery @veervers @nightghoul381 @judejazza @xbalayage @kissmetwicekissmedeadly @alvieeru @aria-chikage @tele86 @leonscape
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tacogawa · 5 months
Text
Getting There is Half the Fun
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Word count: 6.8k 
Recipient: @violettduchess as part of the Ikemen Prince Gift Exchange hosted by @ikemenlibrary and @sunnyikemen
Characters: IkePri Keith Howell and MC (Emma), established relationship
Prompt: Something fluffy and lighthearted, maybe a trip together. It would be fun to see something not go according to plan and how they handle it. SFW, a little bit of spice.
Triggers: N/A
Content Warnings: Alter!Keith makes a couple of appearances, young children, kissing, depression, mention of sex (not depicted), mention of marriage. It is all fairly tame; just heaps of fluffiness.
Author's Notes are at the end of the story
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“Isn’t this the most whimsical thing you’ve ever seen? What a vivid imagination this artist has!” 
Emma’s delighted tone caught Keith’s attention immediately. He came over to see the painting she was admiring. The couple were browsing decor in a shop situated near the crossroads of Rhodolite and Benitoite, filled with fine exports from sea-faring merchants. The framed piece in front of Emma was done by an artist who hailed from the border between Obsidian and Achroite.
Keith came to stand beside her and pointed at the painter’s signature, explaining, “I’m a little familiar with this man’s works. He doesn’t depict make-believe or fantasy. All his paintings are based in nature, and he paints them on site. This 
 oh, this piece is certainly not imagined
” 
His voice trailed off in a wistful sigh. She gave him a questioning look. She had never seen him go all gooey over art before. Stars and herbology, yes. But a painting? There was something special here, she could tell she was about to uncover another secret treasure buried in Keith’s heart. Emma nodded, encouraging him to continue.
The glimmer in his golden eyes sparkled brighter as he explained the natural phenomenon known as the Aurora. Astronomers theorized the shimmering ripples of bright green are waves of light bouncing off the particles in the sky, or maybe they are chemical reactions happening at the cosmic scale. 
“How I wish I could glimpse it with my own eyes, even if just for a moment.” The enthusiasm that had fueled his explanation soon was replaced by a tone full of yearning, his dreamy gaze on the painting once more.
“But why can’t you?” 
“The lights are only visible near the north and south poles of the planet. I would have to go many days worth of travel just to see even a smidge of them. And even if I was in the right place, I’ve heard the conditions have to be just right: low humidity, no clouds whatsoever, no wind, a crescent moon is best
 in short, unless one lives in the perfect area and searches the sky every night of their life, seeing an Aurora in one’s lifetime is not likely. It’s like trying to hunt the rare and elusive white stag of Jadean legend.”
Emma waited until Keith was exiting the shop to secretly purchase the painting with her own money and arrange to have it shipped to the palace in Jade. Few things had ever made her lover’s eyes fill with the hungering ache she just witnessed. Even if he would never see the sight with his own eyes, this artwork would have to suffice.
Then she began to wonder: Why couldn’t he plan to see it in the future? What’s stopping him? What if she were to put the plan in motion herself, and surprise him?
—-------
An invitation arrived for the royal family of Jade, requesting a representative of the governing body to attend a special conference hosted by Achroite in the north.  As soon as Keith offered to go, Emma saw this as her opportunity to enact her plan. Skillfully, deceitfully, and delicately, she plied various tactics and reasoning for letting her accompany him. 
Keith didn't quite understand the motivation behind Emma's attempts at joining his journey north.  However, he wasn't going to deny her when there was such bold determination in her warm eyes. He was never any good at telling her 'no'.
Triumphant at her victory, Emma packed her trunk and bags with thoughts of dancing green lights in her head, only to be outshone by the spark in her prince's eyes when his wish was granted.
—-----
The fastest travel route was straight north through Obsidian. That also made it the most dangerous. Keith wasn't about to put Emma's life in danger to save a few days of travel time.  He planned a route northeast by carriage to the sea port in Benitoite, sailing north on a luxury cruiser, and then west by carriage through the mountain pass to Achroite.  
He looked over his map and itinerary one last time, a soft smile hiding the growing confidence he felt each time he examined his plans. It would be their first time traveling so far, and would be a test to how well they can bear the burdens of a long journey with limited resources. Keith had decided this trip would be the perfect opportunity to prove to Emma that he was capable, reliable, and could take care of everything.
His usual companions of gloom and self-doubt had been visiting more often during this year of peace. The period of calm also meant there was less necessity for Alter!Keith to make an appearance and save the day. However, that absence made it all the more poignant when Emma would cajole him out simply because she wanted to spend time with him. 
With lots of time on his hands, the anxious voices in Keith’s head ran rampant without an exterior distraction to keep them silent. But now? Traveling to the conference was just the thing to challenge himself and keep the depressing thoughts at bay.
He patted the side of the carriage before climbing aboard with a smile, "Easy travel, good roads, and plenty of time to relax along the way. Why, we could almost treat this like a vacation!"
—-------
Famous. Last. Words.
'Vacation' would have been the absolute last word to describe the comedy of errors hounding every leg of their journey. 
The first thing to go wrong was one of the carriage wheels broke as it hit a deep run left by the late summer rains. It happened right inside the Jadean border before stepping over to Benitoite. The only living souls around were all busy in the rye fields. After convincing one of them to put down his scythe long enough to talk, Keith discovered with dismay the small group of people he was looking at was the entire village. It was a very isolated place that relied on every able body to help with the harvest. That group included the wheelwright: Keith and Emma's only hope of getting back on the road before dark.
Keith offered to take the wheelwright's place in the field. The hardy villagers barely held their skepticism behind polite faces. 
"The wright can thresh twice as many sheaves of rye as anyone else.  You'd be taking one of our hardest workers. Besides, t’is no time to be gabbing about.  Lookit those rain clouds headin’ this way. Our work’ll have been wasted if we can’t get the rest in the barn before the drops fall. Beggin' yer pardon, but a prince ain’t no replacement for the wright."
Keith wasn’t about to take ‘no’ for an answer. Spurred on by necessity and the desire to impress Emma – and perhaps the bruised pride of being passed over without even a chance to prove his worth – he picked up a scythe and jogged to the row needing mowing. 
He shrugged off his coat and went right to work, speaking over his shoulder to the wheelwright, "I'll do your share here if you fix the wheel. And I'll pay you triple the usual amount. Do we have a deal?"
He never broke his rhythm as he talked, taking a broad arcing swing, smoothly slicing the stalks in front of him,  and moving forward with a quick grace rarely shown by the first prince of Jade. Muscles rippled across his back as each successive swing gave him more confidence. The villagers were shocked into silence.
"Y-Yes, your highness. Thank you!" The wheelwright touched the brim of his hat in courtesy, amazement on his face. Emma glanced sidelong as the villagers who now all raced to pick up their scythes and attempt to keep up with the prince. 
Tales of Keith's kindness and willingness to help commoners with even the most mundane tasks had spread across his kingdom long before this. However, the additional detail of how strong and muscular he was never accompanied the rumors. 'He sure showed them! Well, that ought to fuel their gossip through the winter," she thought giddily to herself as she headed towards the end of the field to help with tying the sheaves. Emma was pleased and vindicated on her prince's behalf, proud that his people had found new respect for him. 
—-------
After that encounter, it was supposed to be smooth sailing. Quite literally. Only 
 the mishap with the wheel and then the afternoon’s rain muddying up the roads put them far behind schedule. They missed the luxury cruiser. It disembarked from Benitoite the day before they reached the docks. 
With a sullen face, Keith booked their fare on a north-bound merchant ship. Emma knew that face too well: it meant he was disparaging and beating himself up inside. She knew it would do no good to convince him right this second that he couldn't control the weather.  She'd wait until they had a quiet moment together to soothe his nerves.
The trouble with that plan was that peace and quiet were impossible to find on that busy ship, not to mention privacy. They shared sleeping quarters with the crew’s family, swinging in hammocks at night and sitting elbow-to-elbow with eight noisy people below decks during the day. 
There was one moment of peace, though. It occurred above deck at night when the sea was glassy smooth and the crew wasn’t throwing mouthfuls of curses at one another. Keith hugged Emma from behind, whispering just a tad louder than the wind whistling past them, “I don’t know how I’d get through this ordeal without you. But at the same time I feel like the worst person alive for bringing you on such a doomed voyage. I'm sorry you’re with a jinx like me.”
She leaned into him, turning her head so the breeze wouldn’t snatch her words away, “Darling. There’s no such thing as bad luck. Where you go, I go.  And that’s that. I love being with you, no matter where it is or what is happening.”
—-------
Finally having landed just east of the mountains bordering Achroite, Emma thought they could relax at last. A coach was hired easily, and they were well on their way through the mountain pass. That's when they heard a series of muffled THUMPS behind them. 
Alarmed, Keith had the coachman stop the horses as he took a look at what made the noise. Almost every one of Emma's bags were on the dusty road, clothes strewn about.
"Wha
.what happened?? How
.?!" She felt like crumbling onto the rocks and crying.  How could this trip get any worse? She bit her lip to stop the wobbly tremble that threatened to bring tears to her eyes. 
The coachman came over and looked at the shredded leather casings of her bags, nodding, "Oh yah, this is old leather. It's no surprise that the salt air on your sea trip had weathered it and made it too brittle to withstand much more abuse. S'too bad, it is. But there's an expert leather worker just ahead."
They wearily gathered up her belongings and did their best to stuff it into Keith's luggage. His was supple, well-treated leather that showed no signs of damage from the sea voyage. Emma inner thoughts were cruel for the ride to the village, reminding of the gulf between their backgrounds, status, and financial situation. Feelings of inadequacy crawled angrily across her heart. 'Of course. Of course the poor little orphan girl has crap for baggage – why would someone like me ever need to travel? No one expects someone like me to ever go beyond her front door.’
Fortunately, the leatherworker was home. Unfortunately, he was forced to watch his young children because his wife was recuperating from a severe illness at her sister’s. He met them at the door bouncing a screaming baby in his arms while a toddler on unsteady feet clutched his pants leg. His face was apologetic, “I’m awful sorry, I am. But with the missus gone, I can’t leave the house. I tried keeping ‘em in the workshop with me one day to see if I could get any work done, and it was a disaster, heh.”
Clenching her fists in frustration, Emma took a deep breath while trying not to despair. “If you can’t repair my pieces, do you have any luggage completed that I can buy right now?”
He shook his head, “Nah, I don’t do my business like that, makin’ stuff that might sell ‘someday’, I only take on jobs that will pay me when the work is done.”
Both Keith’s and Emma’s faces were crestfallen. They knew they could buy luggage once they get to the capitol city, but it was still a long ways to go and her belongings were getting dustier and dirtier by the mile. They muttered their thanks, turning to go, when the leatherworker suddenly made a sound like he just remembered something. “By any chance is what yer needin’ is just the fastenings? Like the straps around the bags and such? Because I do have those ready-made.”
“Yes! Yes, that’s what broke. That’s all I need replacing!” Hope filled Emma’s voice and face and she stepped up the stairs again towards the little cottage. Emboldened by this promising possibility, she brushed up her prettiest smile and offered, “How’s this? I’ll watch your little ones while you repair my baggage, and we’ll pay you twice the going price.”
The man blinked, glanced past her to where Keith was still waiting by the coach, as if to silently ask ‘Are you okay with this arrangement, buddy?’ 
She turned around and gave him an optimistic ‘thumb’s up’ gesture with a big nod to encourage him t agree, “Right, my dear?”
Keith was gazing at his beloved with open admiration. He nodded, “Absolutely. That’s a wonderful idea.”
They sent the coachman off with enough gold to ensure he’d come back to get them later than evening. While the leatherworker took the ruined luggage into his workshop, Emma introduced herself to the children.  Besides the baby and the toddler she had seen at the door, there was also a 5 year old inside. Hours went by as the couple played games, told stories, and fed dinner to the kids. Both of them had wildly giddy sweet thoughts running through their heads of how capable and adorable the other one looked in this parenting mode.  It wouldn’t be an exaggeration to say ‘baby fever’ had taken root that very day. From this moment on, Keith in particular was prone to falling into daydreaming about their future family.
—------
At long last they reached the Achroite castle without further mishap. As they unpacked, weariness settled in. The long journey and many unforeseen hardships were at last taking a toll on the young couple. Keith took a seat on the bed, resting his back against the headboard. He patted the space on that mattress next to him, gently calling “Emma? Come take a rest.”
“But I’m only halfway done with putting away my things
” is what she said, but her heart wasn’t in it. She was in the middle of pulling out another sweater from her bag when she felt warm hands glide from the top of her arms, down to her hands, freeing the fabric from her grasp. Keith set the garment on top of the luggage just as Emma’s shoulders slumped. She turned to face him and sagged against him with a sigh, while he bent his head to place a kiss against her hair. She gave no resistance when he led her to the bed.
The sky darkened as they lay on top of the crisp sheets, snuggled together in a drowsy heap. “We can’t fall asleep
” her drowsy voice was muffled against his shirt, “...or be late to dinner.”
“...we won’t
but, hmmm
” Keith’s lethargic murmur turned almost sour, “what if ïżœïżœÂ  would it be the worst thing in the world 
 if we just stayed in bed?”
Emma squinted a bleary eye at his face, trying to discern if, in fact, Keith had already dozed off for a second and allowed Alter!Keith to slip into consciousness now. That reply sounded an awful lot like something the other one would say. Oh, what did it matter? She was too tired to really care which one was beside her at the moment; she loved them both equally. 
However 
 it would be rude of them to be absent at the first gathering of the conference. And then they’d have to make apologies to their host, which was not an attractive prospect. Prince Matthias didn’t seem the sort to forgive easily, no matter how small the slight. She didn’t want to be the cause of an international incident right at the beginning of their stay. 
“Nnghh
 no,” She struggled to rouse herself into a sitting position, and jostled his shoulder in an attempt to keep him awake. “We have to get ready.”
Moody citrine eyes opened to give her a scathing look. Well, that made it clear who was at the forefront now. “Don’t ya think he’s earned a rest?”
Emma expected any sort of objection from Alter!Keith, but not this tactic. His words gave her heart a warm squeeze, just as they did any time he showed consideration for his other side. She also realized he knew about this weakness of hers. Was he trying to exploit it for the sake of a nap? She rolled away off the bed and went to one of her open trunks for a fresh gown.
“Tch. That’s sweet of you to show concern. But it’ll mean more trouble for us later if we don’t get moving now. Decide which one of you is going to be on the surface for this meal. It will be lots of socializing and politics.”
Suddenly deja vu from mere moments ago danced over her memories as a warm presence moved behind her and hands slid down her arms. This time, however, they belonged to a very handsy prince. His words gusted hotly over her ear, “Mmm, I’ll stick around long enough to help you undress. He really oughtta be present for the boring – I mean, important stuff.”
—-------
As much as they yearned for one another’s intimacy through the week, the conference schedule kept Keith busy all day, and social obligations kept the pair busy in the evenings. By the time they were alone and could have enjoyed one another in private, exhaustion demanded it was time to sleep. 
A few times Keith had asked Emma how she had kept herself occupied during the day, and received very predictable answers such as; visiting the town market, strolling in the conservatory and greenhouse, socializing with the other noble ladies. And reading, of course. She never went into detail of any of the sights she had visited or conversations she had had. Usually Emma was full of chatter about the things that had filled her day. Keith decided not to pry and merely attributed her quietude to the demanding schedule rather than her being evasive on purpose.
What Emma was actually doing was reserving a cabin rental and preparing for the most romantic and memorable viewing of the Northern Lights ever! The cabin would have the groceries stocked and firewood ready by the time they arrived. All they needed to do is show up and enjoy a few days' rest away from the hustle and bustle of the conference. This was the real reason Emma had begged to come along on the journey in the first place. 
After that hellish trip north, they needed a relaxing break now more than ever. Her chest warmed at the thought of being able to give her beloved prince a special memory like this. If only nature and the heavens would cooperate to give them a once-in-a-lifetime show, that would make it truly perfect.
The night before the conference ended, Keith heaved a sigh as he began to fold clothes to go back into the bags. 
“Darling? That was a rather heavy sigh. Is anything the matter?” Emma’s sweet inquiry washed away the layer of fatigue that had covered his soul. He paused to look over at the bed where she was flipping through a cookbook of traditional Achroite foods. With a book; in her natural habitat. Keith’s soft smile was full of adoration at this comforting sight. He often wondered how it was possible for the simple act of looking upon her in repose was enough to give him his own sense of calm. 
—---------
It reminded him of the first time he had encountered the odd phenomenon, on her first visit to the kingdom of Jade:
As he showed her around the palace, she asked to see his personal chambers. Worried had plagued him, thinking it would be awkward beyond measure and she’d find fault with everything. However, when he watched her step among his belongings, inquisitive fingers trailing over the spines filling his many bookshelves, eyes lighting up at seeing the keepsakes decorating his bedside table, he realized with surprise that his anxiety had been utterly unfounded. In fact, the sight of her in his room, among his things, gave him a deep sense of peace. 
A warm blanket of contentment and resolve settled around him in that moment, as if he was being told ‘this is right, this is good’. It felt so very natural to have Emma there at all hours of the day and night. Having her near was a balm like no other. He had mused on the mystery of it: If he was struggling with a letter at his desk or fretting about an upcoming meeting with bureaucrats, all it took was to look up for the fraction it took to see her with a book perched at his window seat or sitting on the couch. His heart was eased instantly. Her presence was a wonder drug to his perpetual paranoia. Wherever Emma was, that was ‘home’ for him.
He floundered without her presence. His soul required her like a tree needed sunlight. 
Alter!Keith was in the same situation, though for different reasons. He needed Emma to stick around because her deciding to stay sent the message that he was worthy of notice, of love. That he deserved to exist.
Neither side of him could never admit this to her, though. His reliance on her would only highlight his ignomy and patheticness. How utterly weak would he appear to her if he confessed he needed her just to get through a day without a panic attack? 
—------------
Her miraculous effect was the reason he hadn’t required much persuading to allow her to join him on this trip. Prince Matthias was an imposing figure whose presence in a room was nearly as oppressive as Prince Chevalier’s. Keith was glad to have his own personal ball of sunshine to help him survive the stressful conference. Without her warm kisses in the morning and her sweet voice at night, he was sure his nerves would have been frayed beyond measure before he returned to Jade. 
He basked in her soothing oasis a moment before answering her question, “It feels as though there hasn’t been a moment of true rest during this excursion. I realize it wasn’t intended to be a relaxing getaway, but it would have been nice to just have a day to spend with you. To sleep in and enjoy breakfast in bed, or stay up late trying to glimpse the Aurora, or have the leisure to browse their castle’s extensive library. And now we have to be back on the road tomorrow. At the risk of sounding petulant 
 it isn’t fair. I’m bone-weary, Emma.”
By the time her name was on his lips, she had gotten up and moved to stand beside him, small arms around his thick torso, forehead pressed to his broad shoulder. He soaked in her serenity for a few heartbeats, nearly crumbling under the immense gratitude he felt for her love and support. 
She broke the harmonious silence first, “Isn’t it a good thing, then, that we don’t have to go home just yet? We can extend our trip a little longer.” There was a playful lilt to her words, obviously inviting him to inquire into her meaning. 
Keith turned within the circle of her embrace to face her with a quizzical lift of his thick eyebrows, “Did the royal family invite us to stay past tonight? I hadn’t heard of this.”
She shook her head and pressed her lips together in a smile that was eager to burst forth with the news. Emma was determined to keep the surprise until the last moment when they arrived at the cabin tomorrow. Then she realized his anxiety might burrow needlessly under whatever cute evasions she gave now with a smiley ‘Just you wait! You’re going to love it!’. Wouldn’t it be less cruel to tell him now instead of risking him worrying himself into a fit? Why not give him the choice: divulge the secret, or be left in the dark?
She grinned impishly up at him, “Oh, we are staying in Achroite for a little while longer, but not as Their Majesties’ guests. Would you like to be surprised? Or shall I tell you all about it now-o-OHH!”
Keith had picked her bodily off the floor in a bear hug, squeezing her last syllable into an excited squeak as her feet left the floor. He laughed heartily as he spun her around with ease. “Emma! Give me all the details. Packing can wait!” 
Energy recharged as he held his beloved ray of light within his arms. He could hardly believe his amazing luck. Had she really planned something to help him relax before they started the arduous trek back home? He lowered her to the bed, brawny arms pressing down the mattress on either side of her, face bearing down on her with a smile sanguine and imploring.
She giggled at his lack of princely composure and laced her hands around his neck, drawing him down for a quick kiss, “You know the days I've been going into the market and village? That was to prepare for three days of relaxing at a cozy little cabin just an hour’s ride north of the castle. It’s stocked with food and firewood and everything we need. And the best part?” She paused to land a little peck on the tip of his nose. “It’s the perfect place to watch the Aurora.”
Emma paused, holding her breath for his reaction.
She finally had to exhale because he was silent for so long. “Darling? Keith? Are you not excited for the trip?’ A moment ago she was ready to dissolve into happy giggles, but his reaction now had her nibbling her lip.
“...You planned all this? By yourself? For me?” His questions were hushed, awestruck. 
With a slow nod, Emma resumed her smile, “Not just for you. For us. I’m going to be there as well, silly!” 
She finally giggled as she watched his face change from surprise to delight. The grin on his handsome face was dazzling, but she only glimpsed it a moment before he leaned down for a kiss, which she gladly returned. He trailed little kisses down her jawline, and she continued answering his questions between happy sighs. “And 
 you know, it wasn’t too much trouble to prepare. After all, I should get some practice, don’t you think? I’ll need to know how to plan much greater events 
 at some point in the future
” 
Keith caught her hint squarely in the chest, and was glad to have his face hidden in her neck so the blaze upon his cheeks would be unseen. Inwardly he berated himself for the thousandth time for not having the guts to clear the way for Emma, a commoner from Rhodolite, to become his wife and Queen of Jade. He couldn’t propose until he knew the path would be easy for her. Yet he wasn’t going to start the official process until he was sure that was what she wanted – that he was what she wanted. It was a catch-22 that was a sure way to spiral into despair if he thought about it too long.
Of course the two of them were madly in love, and they spoke in terms of ‘always’ and ‘forever’ when expressing their feelings. 
But they hadn’t ever sat down and plainly discussed the future. 
What Emma just said now was the closest either of them had ever come to a proclamation of their intentions for marriage. He couldn’t swallow the fact that he had been too feckless to say something before Emma. Now that she had been brave enough to be the first one to break the ice, he couldn’t hesitate any longer. But oh, how he loathed for her to see his face like this: sweaty, nervous, pathetic!
He moved his lips to her ear, giving it a quick kiss before whispering with a tone that flowed with love and hope, “It’s my dearest wish to put you in that position, Emma my beloved. I didn’t want to come across as presumptuous. Or 
 maybe I simply lacked the courage to speak to you about it before. Or 
 or –”
He was interrupted by her hands dragging his face up and her lips seeking his. She kissed him long and hard, not letting go until several seconds had passed, then huffed out, “Keith. I’ve felt you wanted to marry me. I could tell in every action, every look, every touch. But hearing you say this? Hearing that you want it just as much as I do, just as much as I always thought you did? It puts my heart at ease to know, with certainty, that you feel the same as I do.” 
She held his cheeks firmly as he tried to look away, forcing him to return her gaze. He saw nothing but kindness swimming in her eyes. She waited a beat longer, holding his gaze before continuing, “And that’s enough for now. You don’t need to rush into 
 well, anything. The wheels of monarchy creak along slowly. You don’t need to do it alone, though. I’m here to help, to support, in whatever way you need. And that’s all there is to it. Alright?”
The corner of his mouth quirked up in chagrin, already finding another fault in himself no doubt. But he nodded regardless because he believed her. A feeling of triumph and pride soon overtook his usual shame. This conversation was a true breakthrough! She wanted to marry him! He wanted to marry her! With elation, he leaned in to kiss her deeply, eliciting a moan from Emma. As his lips left hers and he began to nibble down her neck, he asked, “This cabin, you said it quite a ways from here? Does that mean it’s isolated? Not in a village? No neighbors?”
Fingers roved through his sandy hair as she gasped at his adventurous kisses plunging down her collar. She endeavored to think and answer at the same time, “Mm-hmm. I think so. I didn’t – hmm ah! – didn’t see any other buildings around.” 
She was about to follow up by asking why he wanted to talk about this now, when there were obviously other things the two were thinking about. But suddenly she felt Keith smiling against her cleavage, and he glanced up at her with a devastatingly hungry look, saying, “Good, then there will be no one close enough to hear us. We can be as loud as we want.”
—----------------
Their first evening at the cabin was full of excitement. The snug little building was cute and clean, if a bit sparse. There was a distinct sensation of ‘playing house’ for the couple as they went about getting the bedroom ready, cooking dinner, and getting the hearthfire going. 
While they ate, they talked over all the misfortunes the trip had entailed: Broken wheel, missed ship, horrible sea voyage, ruined luggage, lost time, and extra expenses. Yet when they remunerated all the bad things, they were able to point out good things that came out of each predicament. The rye was harvested in record time, Keith’s good reputation was solidly implanted in that village, the wheelwright was able to afford much-needed upgrades due to Keith’s generous payment, Emma’s baggage was now better than ever, the leatherworker was able to afford the expensive medicine his wife needed. 
There wasn’t anything positive they could come up with to say about the merchant ship, until Emma suddenly remembered, “There was that night you held me from behind, keeping me warm and whispering the sweetest things in my ear. Remember? On the deck? The night sky was full of stars. The steady sound of the prow sloughing through the sea will stay in my head forever, just as that memory will. I remember thinking: ‘It doesn’t matter if I’m on a floating palace or a rickety fishing boat. As long as Keith is with me, I’m content and I’m where I need to. All I need to be happy is Keith.’ And I don’t think I would have encountered such strong, resolute determination if I hadn’t been in that situation. The foul odiousness of that ship contrasted so starkly against the purity and strength of having you next to me.”
Keith wanted to cover his face with his hands to hide his blush. He really couldn’t stand the way she heaped compliments upon him, and had the audacity to say it with such a sincere smile! He quickly turned the conversation back to reflect on her merits. “You were amazing with those children. I would never have thought to strike a bargain like that, nor could I have done that all by myself. You’re a natural. I loved watching you holding the baby
” he cleared his throat and barreled on, switching the subject, “That just goes to show that you are the one who cares about helping people, and are resourceful, and reliable, and kind, and capable. And everything I wish I was.” 
With a self-deprecating smile, he reached across the table to hold her hand. She squeezed his, ready with a rebuttal to help buoy his self-esteem, “Darling. You are all those things. Hasn’t this trip shown that? Together, we can overcome anything. I couldn’t have done any of this on my own.”
Keith had to admit that he was only able to jump into action when the wheel cracked because he was intent on keeping his Emma safe. In fact, the desire to prove himself capable in her eyes was the driving motivation for enduring all the mishaps on the trip. If he had been by himself, there’s no telling how well he would have fared. But with Emma there to support him and be the reason he needed to ‘man up’, he knew her words were true: together they could overcome anything.
They had decided to go to bed early and wake up a little after midnight because the locals had said that was the best time to view the Aurora.  Due to the odd hour, it was Alter!Keith who unexpectedly awoke in the middle of the night. He walked to the door that led to the balcony and looked through the window at the sky. Grumbling, he let the curtain fall closed again and climbed back into bed. Emma stirred awake at the movement, sleepily calling out, “Keith? Is it time to go outside?”
“It’s me, not him. And no, there’s nothin’ worth looking at. Whole damn sky is covered with clouds. If it had been the right conditions, I woulda let him switch over because I know he wouldn’t want to miss it. But ...” He moved closer and wrapped an arm around her hips to pull her flush against him as he continued in that gravely sleep-soaked voice, “I think I’ll let him sleep a little longer. You, though, aren’t gonna get much sleep tonight, sweet cheeks.”
—-----------------
Long after the sun had risen, the couple slept late to thoroughly enjoy the laid-back schedule. Keith was first to arise; he noticed the new pink marks the other man had left on her skin in last night’s pleasures. He sighed regretfully, more for having missed the chance to enjoy her himself than for missing the Aurora.
That night they resumed the same pattern as before, with going to bed early and planning to wake up after midnight in hopes of seeing the dancing lights. Luck was on their side that night! The humidity and wind were just right, the sky was clear of a single cloud, the moon was just a tiny sliver. Keith excitedly woke Emma, then wrapped themselves in thick boots, hooded cloaks and then in more blankets before settling on the bench outside on the balcony. The mountains were visible on either side, and the broad flat valley and its bubbling river spread out before them, creating the perfect stage for the heavens to put on an unforgettable performance. 
“Oh. My. Word. It shimmers like a magic trick!” Emma breathed the words, mesmerized.
The couple sat transfixed, silent for nearly twenty minutes as the bright green glow warped into misty shapes, faded, and lit up again as vertical shards of light wavered across the sky. 
She snuck a peak at Ketih’s face, which was awash in the verdant hue of the Aurora. His eyes sparkled, a childlike look of wonder writ across his features. He noticed her staring, and looked her way at last with a wry smirk, “You’re supposed to be watching the lights, my dearest. Not me.”
“I’ve got two eyes. I can keep one of them on you while I take in this amazing sight.” She grinned and snuggled closer to him, to which he responded by wrapping an arm around her waist to impart more body heat.
“It would be a shame to waste even one of your precious eyes on me. You can look at me any time. But this rare phenomenon is something you may never see again.”
Her cheek nuzzled his shoulder as she gazed skyward once more, letting out a contented hum, “We could always come back here? This would make a cozy spot for our honeymoon.”
Keith’s hand flexed tightly around her hip at the word ‘honeymoon’, mirroring the way his heart was squeezing. He softly muttered, “Or sooner than that,” as his thoughts drifted to the little jewelry box stowed away in one of the shelves of his dresser back in Jade. 
It contained his great grandparents’ rings. They were originally part of the collection of family heirlooms, but had never been treated like the great ornate pieces of the crown jewels because they were not that impressive. There were modest gold bands with a few small green gems. Their unassuming beauty and elegance reminded him of Emma. His grandparents had had a fairytale romance full of joy and love, a rarity for royals.  Ever since he had decided he needed Emma in his life, he had hunted them out of the collection, tucking them away for the eventual proposal.  Keith hoped that maybe just by wearing them, his grandparents’ legendary luck in love would rub off on him and Emma. He pictured himself sitting out on this balcony in the near future, with a ring in his pocket, waiting for that perfect moment. 
He had been a standstill for too long, fettered by indecision.
Soon it would be time for him to finally take action.
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(This is the daytime view the couple would have had from their balcony in Achroite)
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Author’s Note: This story was partly inspired by my own recent failed attempts to watch the Northern Lights with my husband, lol. With Keith’s love of astronomy I thought a rare cosmic phenomenon would be on his bucket list, especially being situated so far away from either of the globe’s poles. I had the entire story outlined and was well on my way with the narrative before Keith’s route was released. Of course I started reading it the say it was out, but I was only on chapter 20 at the time I finished writing this, so if anything is wildly OOC for him or Alter!Keith, I apologize. However, it is very satisfying to see that as I got that far in his route, most of the inner thoughts and outer reactions I wrote for him were things I later on saw in his route. Yay! It’s so nice when that happens. I really hope @violettduchess like this. Thank you for asking for Keith; he is a true treasure. I had so much fun taking on this assignment for the exchange.
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