[ everyday i will be shaking over the fact that adolphe never said that to her king why do you leave all your banger romantic lines for your best friend who even are you
understanding is an interesting thing, though. for yves, who knew elysia for one week and came to the conclusion that they were cut from the same cloth. there are things about her that feel so faraway—to think that she is someone who is meant to destroy humanity, and yet. and yet to meet her, and love her nonetheless.
still, it warms his heart to be told that she's in love with him too. it is what he wanted to hear for so long, and... it makes him feel just a little bit like he's floating. for something that he chased after for so long, he was worried. would it not be enough? would it never fully measure up to what he was hoping for?
he didn't need to be worried. his heart aches in the best way, and it finally feels like a pain that's a little worthwhile.
and yet— ]
Ahaha... why did I have a feeling you'd say that?
[ he accepts their intertwined fingers, but he also uses their hold to pull her close to him. as if they've been apart for far too long already. ]
Tell me why, Ellie. [ soft, not all that demanding ] Why would you not want me to choose you when I've already been in love with you for so long?
she lets herself be pulled to him. there's no resistance to the closeness, and there's little resistance to his question, but she looks at him for a long moment, as if she's choosing which words she wants to say first and wanting to treasure this moment for one second more. she etches his warmth, his expression, his presence into her heart. ]
Because as happy as loving and being loved by you makes me, I think you'll be happier with the other people you love. You wrote to me that you were planning to go with Adolphe after all of this was over, right? And you said you were asking about going somewhere else, too, weren't you? Maybe to where the other person you love lives?
[ she is thinking about claude and the role she had in taking away claude. ]
When I think about that kind of future for you, it leaves me satisfied.
[ she does think it's a good thing his heart is so open as to have fallen in love with others. she's never been possessive or jealous. she can be greedy and want more, but the way her greed manifests shifts and changes with every new desire she has. ]
Once, I told you I don't think anyone should fall in love me, and although I'm selfish enough to cherish the love you hold for me now, the reason I said that still remains.
[ she takes a small breath, as if to steady herself. this is the difficult part for her, the part where she wonders if maybe she should have kept silent about her feelings.
but she doesn't like leaving things unsaid when she can help it, and it's difficult for her to not answer yves when he asks for something. ]
I can't promise you any more time than the time we have here.
[ if he were to be truly honest with himself, he'd guessed as much. elysia had shared that she'd already met the end of her life, and has since lived in her simulation. in that simulation, she's able to be with all of her friends, yes—but they are not exactly alive. and if yves is to be honest with himself, when he thinks about where he wants to take adolphe after this... a place that is not truly alive isn't quite right. not when there's options for them to proceed elsewhere.
that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt to know. that doesn't mean it doesn't cause him an ache deep in his chest to hear it. ]
... you have somewhere else to be, right? [ if he remembers correctly. ] Is it somewhere you don't want to be followed?
[ is there no chance of meeting again after this, even if it's possible to connect the different worlds? he finds himself wondering, because even now, he seeks love. always, he seeks love.
it is hard to have what he wants given to him and then immediately slipping out of his fingers before he can get a true grasp on it ]
[ there is a real and living world outside her simulation world, but it's not one that elysia would ever choose to go because it is not her era to live in. she is history that has been stricken out, and she could not tell anyone to go to a world where almost no one knows who she is.
she takes another breath. it's moments like this when she's her most fragile, when she knows her decisions can lead to something being broken. ]
I'm sorry. All I can seem to do is make cruel choices lately. It's not a matter of want... if it was about what I wanted....
[ that'd be another answer. ]
There will be nowhere to follow me to once I've finished what I set out to do.
[ it's different from the confident, glowing girl that everyone gets to see—even if right now, yves still thinks that she's so lovely. he'll let his arm settle around her waist instead, pulling her close to him so that he can be whatever type of shield or guardian he can muster. even if it's just for a short time.
he tucks her hair behind her ear before letting his hand cup her cheek gently. with so much affection and tenderness, he leans down to press a kiss to the opposite cheek, as if that'll do anything at all to help. maybe it won't make anything better, but he hopes it won't make anything worse. ]
... I know that what you want is to always help people. To do your best with the difficult situation you're handed.
[ and that's something he could never condemn her for. ]
It's alright to admit it's frightening. That you don't want things to end.
I made my peace with the end of my story. That's not what I'm afraid of. It's an ending I've chosen for myself.
[ she will make it as glorious an ending as she possibly can, for herself and for her friends. she knows what she has to do there. all she ever does is try to grant a future to others.
but here in heaven, where she is more out of her element, where she is among more people to love and leave, more people to say goodbye to, it makes her waver, especially during this week. he cups her cheek, and he kisses her other cheek, and her emotions make her begin to glow a little, crystals forming behind her among the flowers. she tries to keep them at bay, but it's difficult when there is loss of some control. ]
If I'm honest, I don't want to have to say goodbye to you. I don't want to love you and have to leave you.
[ ... ]
I guess there's a part of me that wants to be selfish.
[ he understands. and he'd said it well enough in the letter— ]
Even if I understand the choices that you make, I will always want to choose you.
[ no matter how selfish it makes him. there is a version of events where elysia is the only person that he's in love with, and he follows her even if there's nowhere else to be after, because it doesn't matter to him that there will be no world to exist in after because she is already his entire world. it is so close that there are whispers of it in his ear, telling him that for the love he craves what other option is there in this—such maddeningly simple, adoring minutes.
he can only just barely resist it.
instead, he'll lean down to press his lips to hers as if to capture some of that selfishness himself. ]
Thank you for showing me your honesty and your selfishness.
[ it shouldn't, but it takes her by surprise when he kisses her. after all she's said and done, after she's told him to choose others (something she still does believe is what is more right for him), she didn't think he'd choose to do this when he loves two others.
it's an emotional breaking point, and when a herrscher's emotions overflow, sometimes, their transformation and powers come unbidden. elysia's hair grows impossibly longer and her eyes, before they shut, turn violet. ]
Don't reward me for my selfishness. Do you want to see me cry?
[ she's joking about crying, but her emotions are welling up within her. there's an incredible warmth that continues to bloom, and there is a part of her that knows she has another choice. in another version of events, she could choose to leave a world she has died for time and time again. she does not need to be the one to destroy the elysian realm because there are others who can stop the threat that's corrupted it. her devotion to save the world she loves could turn into a devotion to save someone else.
but she made a promise she will keep, and she doesn't know how to let go of a love she's held for thousands of years.
even if tonight, she wants to be more selfish than she's ever been. ]
If I could think only of myself, I would choose you.
[ she floats up to kiss him again because at least for tonight, she can choose him. ]
[ her magical girl transformation is a little surprise—but yves just laughs and goes along with it the same way that he goes along with the floating. he still keeps his arm around her waist to keep her close, as close as he can possibly keep her, especially knowing that soon she may have to be gone. so far gone that he'll never reach her again, and—
ah, he'd burn the world for her. but he can't, because that is the world she loves.
he lets his arms loop around her and then picks her up to spin her, lifting her just a bit and then lowering her just enough for their mouths to catch again. ]
If you were to cry, I'd kiss each of your tears away. [ a promise ] But I'd always love to see your smiles instead.
So tonight, let's be selfish. [ as if it hasn't already been insane, but,, ] Let's only think of ourselves for one night, and choose each other even if tomorrow we can't anymore.
[ even if tomorrow, they'll both go back to being in love with other people and the world and every soul they could possibly stand to save.
but tonight, they can love each other without fear of repercussions ]
Let's go on a date, Ellie. One where you're just a girl, and I'm just the boy who's so in love with you.
[ she cups his face in her hands to press another kiss against his lips before she winds her arms over his shoulders. she rests her forehead against his. ]
Your smiles are the ones that make me happiest.
[ even if there is an aching pang that knows she won't get to see them again someday, a day that will all be too soon in the span of her long, long existence.
she smiles because tonight, their love can be something they both want and because elysia always has to try to make something more dazzling before it all falls away.
elysia doesn't know if this is right, but she can't deny it. it has always been difficult for her to deny him, and even if a part of thinks she's being cruel to yves for choosing this, she can't stop herself. ]
Okay. [ her words are soft but sure. ] I'd love to be an ordinary girl whose only thoughts are to love you. Tonight, I'll know nothing but you.
[ even if tomorrow, they will love everyone like they always have. ]
or would it be a worst fate to never try? not even a little bit? yves thinks that he knows the answer, because he is someone who values love so dearly. if the feeling is there, wouldn't it be such a cruel thing to kill it before it has a chance to bloom in all its radiance? so he smiles into the kiss, and he lowers elysia down so he can properly hug her and laugh brightly as he presses his face into her hair.
adoration, clear and true. a hold so tight that it screams another night cannot go by where I don't get to be in love with you. ]
You'll make me into a greedy person, Ellie. Even then... I can't imagine wanting anything more than your affection and attention.
[ once, they'd talked about how their words to each other could sound so much like sweet nothings, even knowing that they meant every single word.
and yet tonight it still feels different. each statement feels so vivid and alive, something they'd only share with each other ]
Let's spend some time in the garden. I want to pick you a bouquet, and then we can catch the fireworks where the holidays are. Let's dance under the shifting lights, and I'll be yours until dawn breaks.
[ it has always been love that has moved her. love is what has made her stay, but it is also what has made her leave. for however bright and radiant it is, for however precious it is, elysia has always gravitated towards it because it's one of the most human emotions. she would rather grasp it and lose than to have never known it, but every time, she has always wished it could last longer.
when he hugs her, she pulls him as close as she can to her, as if holding onto him would make this night stretch as far as stars travel across the sky. ]
You could stand to be greedier. You should want for more. You have my love.
[ if what he wants is love more than anything else, he should get his fill of it. when she told him she didn't know how anyone couldn't return his love with all her sincerity, that may have been the first sign.
she pulls back to stare at him, her gaze searching, as if trying to memorize his every feature as something new, as if trying preserve the sight of him like a flower that will never wilt. she places the lightest of kisses on his cheek, over his mask. ]
You always have such romantic plans in your pocket, don't you? [ playful, soft. ] Until dawn, there's only us.
[ can he really stand to be greedy? he's already a person who has a heart that wants and wants and wants—he'd want forever with her, but the words never make it past his lips. he wouldn't dare risk anything to make elysia feel sad or guilty.
but... there is the way that his heartbeat ticks up when she kisses over his mask, and he wears his surprise for a moment, before all his fondness is made clear. he breathes in and then takes a moment to look over her head, making sure that no one else has wandered into the garden at this hour.
he did make a promise, about the day that she might feel that he understood her.... ]
... you should ask whatever you'd like of me, too.
If you'd like to see... [ if she wants to bear witness to the one thing that he's always kept to himself ] I'd let you.
[ her emotions swell, and there's a pang when he looks to check for privacy. she knows the weight of the choice, of his permission, but there's the horrible selfish part of her that wants to see all of him, to know every little piece of him.
to let him know there is no part of him she wouldn't love (even if she doesn't have a forever anymore).
her heart stays stuck in her throat before she nods. ]
I want to know every inch of you.
[ anything he'd let her have, everything he'd be willing to give her. ]
[ in the end, yves is always looking for a love that he can believe in.
so he takes in a deep breath and sighs. at least for now in the garden it's just the two of them. he's not sure if he can walk around without his mask freely for the rest of the evening, but at least this. at least for her. he can manage this much. so he lets go of her only so that he can reach behind his head to where the tie of his mask is. it's so secure, because he truly never takes it off.
the black lace slips down and reveals the blooming red and black beneath. it is not a normal scar, it has not faded with age. rather, it still looks so monstrously angry. the skin charred so dark and the lines of red against it, though the red pulses with every heartbeat as though there is also something alive on him. as if he is being consumed.
and yet, the colors are so reminiscent of the lycoris flowers that surround his halo. colors that reflect hades' bouquet.
he doesn't say anything. in fact, he closes his eyes and tenses, as if waiting for the screaming to start. ]
[ she's quiet, as she watches him take so much care in taking off the mask he never parts with. she neither flinches or looks away from a second, her gaze sure. she will take in every part of him with all of her heart.
she has never tried to envision what his scar must look like, only ever hoping for the day he felt he could trust her enough. it is more vibrant and alive than she thought a scar could be. she notes how it matches the flowers that he holds so dear.
how much must have it hurt for something to cause so much pain to also be so like something that was supposed to give him comfort? but she knows how he received this scar, and she knows he doesn't regret his choice, even years later.
she reaches up and brushes her fingers against his scar, her touch featherlight. his eyes are closed, but she smiles all the same, all warmth and affection, and she breathes out: ]
I was right. It's as beautiful as the rest of you.
it's so quiet and when her touch comes, he nearly flinches away in surprise. his eyes open in surprise, because he didn't think she'd stay so close. maybe he was hoping that she would, and yet...
and yet...
despite everything, tears line his eyes, just so close to falling. all his fears and hopes tumble together against his ribcage. ]
there are a million beautiful words that he could pull to describe what's happening in this moment. the feelings of acceptance, healing, and salvation. the fact that if this is heaven then he finally believes it. the ways in which he is moved and the tears fall without his permission in quiet rivers in his shock but it all boils down to—
he loves her.
he loves her so much that his heart feels like it's ruptured with the feeling, a pain that he's never felt before but one that he welcomes so readily. if this is the ache that comes with being loved then he will encounter it everyday for the rest of his life if he could. he wishes he could. elysia is on her way to destroy her world and disappear, and that is why he cannot follow, and for a few traitorous seconds he thinks—
ruin me too, if only so i could still get a chance to be with you.
he parts his lips to speak before finding that there are no words that can come close to what he is feeling. so he brings his hand up to gently cradle her face and leans down to close the space between them again.
it is a kiss that burns with all the fires of hades even in the light of heaven—that speaks to all the selfishness and greediness in his heart for the way that he wants to keep her when she is already so poised to walk way.
he murmurs against her mouth, sincere and desperate at once. ]
[ if elysia could choose, her love would save every time, instead of leaving heartache every time she leaves. for however much she paints her life or her death to be a certain way, she knows there are some harsh realities.
her heart is so full of love for him, and she only wishes it could be enough. she has only ever wished her love could be enough for as long as she could remember.
she's about to reach up to wipe away his tears when leans down to capture her lips again. she can only respond in kind, with equal fervor, equal greed. her hand finds its way to the back of his head, to keep him close in the way he wants her to stay.
she presses another kiss against his lips before she sighs, aching and full of longing. ]
I know. I am, too.
[ she only wishes her love could save them both. ]
he remains as close as she wants, not wanting to part from her in the slightest. there will be so much of the future and he wants to take advantage of every second that he can get now to be at her side. so he lets his face rest against hers, mirroring that sigh.
it is everything he wanted and soon it is what he will lose. ]
... alright, I can't start our date with tears. Isn't that too embarrassing of me?
[ he pulls back only enough to press a kiss to her forehead, so adoring and affectionate. ]
Will you let me have just a moment? I want to get a gift for you. Give me just one minute, and close your eyes.
[ for all that she can't give him forever, there is very little she can refuse him. it's something that will remain true for what time they have left, and even after.
she releases him and clasps her hands behind her back. ]
I like to think it's because you thought I was so beautiful you started crying.
[ obviously joking but also a little sincere. ]
Don't keep me waiting too long, okay?
[ if only because she doesn't want to waste any second if she can help it, but she does as he asks, once again, and closes her eyes. ]
[ well, she can hear him run off cartoonishly fast.
a minute and just one minute. he doesn't have time to be careful, but he will endeavor to do his best. he's far away enough she probably can't hear his rapier get unsheathed, so it's fine. from his pocket, he pulls a handkerchief out to help bundle everything together.
and then he returns to her. ]
Okay, Ellie, you can open your eyes.
[ and in all his devotion and sincerity, with every romantic bone in his body, he offers everything he is to her.
on one knee, bouquet of roses outstretched—red, pink, white, and black. in all their matching hues. devotion, innocence, grace, new beginnings, stark endings and most of all—true love. ]
For the girl as gorgeous as dancing petals, please accept a bouquet that is only humbled by your beauty—but nonetheless is made up of all my love. Please be with me and let me love you.
[ it's funny how she's spent thousand years waiting in her elysian realm for proof of her existence, and while the minute doesn't feel quite that long, it doesn't feel quite as short as it should. she does smile at how fast he runs.
she opens her eyes, and her heart melts. she reaches for the bouquet in one hand and for his hand with her other. fondness and love radiates from every move and gesture from her. ]
Your love is as resplendent as the flowers we both cherish. How could I refuse when it's what I want most from you? You only have to let me love you back.
[ he takes her hand and he smiles down at her so adoringly, interlacing their fingers without missing a beat ]
I'll accept all your love, for as long as I get to be lucky enough to receive it.
[ they're together for one night, but the next week will probably just be dancing around more of the same. at least for tonight, it can feel as vivid and real as they want it to. ]
But you're right, I think we should be in time for them. Shall we?
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no subject
understanding is an interesting thing, though. for yves, who knew elysia for one week and came to the conclusion that they were cut from the same cloth. there are things about her that feel so faraway—to think that she is someone who is meant to destroy humanity, and yet. and yet to meet her, and love her nonetheless.
still, it warms his heart to be told that she's in love with him too. it is what he wanted to hear for so long, and... it makes him feel just a little bit like he's floating. for something that he chased after for so long, he was worried. would it not be enough? would it never fully measure up to what he was hoping for?
he didn't need to be worried. his heart aches in the best way, and it finally feels like a pain that's a little worthwhile.
and yet— ]
Ahaha... why did I have a feeling you'd say that?
[ he accepts their intertwined fingers, but he also uses their hold to pull her close to him. as if they've been apart for far too long already. ]
Tell me why, Ellie. [ soft, not all that demanding ] Why would you not want me to choose you when I've already been in love with you for so long?
no subject
she lets herself be pulled to him. there's no resistance to the closeness, and there's little resistance to his question, but she looks at him for a long moment, as if she's choosing which words she wants to say first and wanting to treasure this moment for one second more. she etches his warmth, his expression, his presence into her heart. ]
Because as happy as loving and being loved by you makes me, I think you'll be happier with the other people you love. You wrote to me that you were planning to go with Adolphe after all of this was over, right? And you said you were asking about going somewhere else, too, weren't you? Maybe to where the other person you love lives?
[ she is thinking about claude and the role she had in taking away claude. ]
When I think about that kind of future for you, it leaves me satisfied.
[ she does think it's a good thing his heart is so open as to have fallen in love with others. she's never been possessive or jealous. she can be greedy and want more, but the way her greed manifests shifts and changes with every new desire she has. ]
Once, I told you I don't think anyone should fall in love me, and although I'm selfish enough to cherish the love you hold for me now, the reason I said that still remains.
[ she takes a small breath, as if to steady herself. this is the difficult part for her, the part where she wonders if maybe she should have kept silent about her feelings.
but she doesn't like leaving things unsaid when she can help it, and it's difficult for her to not answer yves when he asks for something. ]
I can't promise you any more time than the time we have here.
no subject
that doesn't mean it doesn't hurt to know. that doesn't mean it doesn't cause him an ache deep in his chest to hear it. ]
... you have somewhere else to be, right? [ if he remembers correctly. ] Is it somewhere you don't want to be followed?
[ is there no chance of meeting again after this, even if it's possible to connect the different worlds? he finds himself wondering, because even now, he seeks love. always, he seeks love.
it is hard to have what he wants given to him and then immediately slipping out of his fingers before he can get a true grasp on it ]
no subject
she takes another breath. it's moments like this when she's her most fragile, when she knows her decisions can lead to something being broken. ]
I'm sorry. All I can seem to do is make cruel choices lately. It's not a matter of want... if it was about what I wanted....
[ that'd be another answer. ]
There will be nowhere to follow me to once I've finished what I set out to do.
[ nor could she follow him, even if she wanted. ]
no subject
he tucks her hair behind her ear before letting his hand cup her cheek gently. with so much affection and tenderness, he leans down to press a kiss to the opposite cheek, as if that'll do anything at all to help. maybe it won't make anything better, but he hopes it won't make anything worse. ]
... I know that what you want is to always help people. To do your best with the difficult situation you're handed.
[ and that's something he could never condemn her for. ]
It's alright to admit it's frightening. That you don't want things to end.
I wish you didn't have to.
no subject
[ she will make it as glorious an ending as she possibly can, for herself and for her friends. she knows what she has to do there. all she ever does is try to grant a future to others.
but here in heaven, where she is more out of her element, where she is among more people to love and leave, more people to say goodbye to, it makes her waver, especially during this week. he cups her cheek, and he kisses her other cheek, and her emotions make her begin to glow a little, crystals forming behind her among the flowers. she tries to keep them at bay, but it's difficult when there is loss of some control. ]
If I'm honest, I don't want to have to say goodbye to you. I don't want to love you and have to leave you.
[ ... ]
I guess there's a part of me that wants to be selfish.
no subject
Even if I understand the choices that you make, I will always want to choose you.
[ no matter how selfish it makes him. there is a version of events where elysia is the only person that he's in love with, and he follows her even if there's nowhere else to be after, because it doesn't matter to him that there will be no world to exist in after because she is already his entire world. it is so close that there are whispers of it in his ear, telling him that for the love he craves what other option is there in this—such maddeningly simple, adoring minutes.
he can only just barely resist it.
instead, he'll lean down to press his lips to hers as if to capture some of that selfishness himself. ]
Thank you for showing me your honesty and your selfishness.
no subject
it's an emotional breaking point, and when a herrscher's emotions overflow, sometimes, their transformation and powers come unbidden. elysia's hair grows impossibly longer and her eyes, before they shut, turn violet. ]
Don't reward me for my selfishness. Do you want to see me cry?
[ she's joking about crying, but her emotions are welling up within her. there's an incredible warmth that continues to bloom, and there is a part of her that knows she has another choice. in another version of events, she could choose to leave a world she has died for time and time again. she does not need to be the one to destroy the elysian realm because there are others who can stop the threat that's corrupted it. her devotion to save the world she loves could turn into a devotion to save someone else.
but she made a promise she will keep, and she doesn't know how to let go of a love she's held for thousands of years.
even if tonight, she wants to be more selfish than she's ever been. ]
If I could think only of myself, I would choose you.
[ she floats up to kiss him again because at least for tonight, she can choose him. ]
no subject
ah, he'd burn the world for her. but he can't, because that is the world she loves.
he lets his arms loop around her and then picks her up to spin her, lifting her just a bit and then lowering her just enough for their mouths to catch again. ]
If you were to cry, I'd kiss each of your tears away. [ a promise ] But I'd always love to see your smiles instead.
So tonight, let's be selfish. [ as if it hasn't already been insane, but,, ] Let's only think of ourselves for one night, and choose each other even if tomorrow we can't anymore.
[ even if tomorrow, they'll both go back to being in love with other people and the world and every soul they could possibly stand to save.
but tonight, they can love each other without fear of repercussions ]
Let's go on a date, Ellie. One where you're just a girl, and I'm just the boy who's so in love with you.
no subject
Your smiles are the ones that make me happiest.
[ even if there is an aching pang that knows she won't get to see them again someday, a day that will all be too soon in the span of her long, long existence.
she smiles because tonight, their love can be something they both want and because elysia always has to try to make something more dazzling before it all falls away.
elysia doesn't know if this is right, but she can't deny it. it has always been difficult for her to deny him, and even if a part of thinks she's being cruel to yves for choosing this, she can't stop herself. ]
Okay. [ her words are soft but sure. ] I'd love to be an ordinary girl whose only thoughts are to love you. Tonight, I'll know nothing but you.
[ even if tomorrow, they will love everyone like they always have. ]
Whatever you want, I'll give it to you.
no subject
or would it be a worst fate to never try? not even a little bit? yves thinks that he knows the answer, because he is someone who values love so dearly. if the feeling is there, wouldn't it be such a cruel thing to kill it before it has a chance to bloom in all its radiance? so he smiles into the kiss, and he lowers elysia down so he can properly hug her and laugh brightly as he presses his face into her hair.
adoration, clear and true. a hold so tight that it screams another night cannot go by where I don't get to be in love with you. ]
You'll make me into a greedy person, Ellie. Even then... I can't imagine wanting anything more than your affection and attention.
[ once, they'd talked about how their words to each other could sound so much like sweet nothings, even knowing that they meant every single word.
and yet tonight it still feels different. each statement feels so vivid and alive, something they'd only share with each other ]
Let's spend some time in the garden. I want to pick you a bouquet, and then we can catch the fireworks where the holidays are. Let's dance under the shifting lights, and I'll be yours until dawn breaks.
no subject
when he hugs her, she pulls him as close as she can to her, as if holding onto him would make this night stretch as far as stars travel across the sky. ]
You could stand to be greedier. You should want for more. You have my love.
[ if what he wants is love more than anything else, he should get his fill of it. when she told him she didn't know how anyone couldn't return his love with all her sincerity, that may have been the first sign.
she pulls back to stare at him, her gaze searching, as if trying to memorize his every feature as something new, as if trying preserve the sight of him like a flower that will never wilt. she places the lightest of kisses on his cheek, over his mask. ]
You always have such romantic plans in your pocket, don't you? [ playful, soft. ] Until dawn, there's only us.
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but... there is the way that his heartbeat ticks up when she kisses over his mask, and he wears his surprise for a moment, before all his fondness is made clear. he breathes in and then takes a moment to look over her head, making sure that no one else has wandered into the garden at this hour.
he did make a promise, about the day that she might feel that he understood her.... ]
... you should ask whatever you'd like of me, too.
If you'd like to see... [ if she wants to bear witness to the one thing that he's always kept to himself ] I'd let you.
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to let him know there is no part of him she wouldn't love (even if she doesn't have a forever anymore).
her heart stays stuck in her throat before she nods. ]
I want to know every inch of you.
[ anything he'd let her have, everything he'd be willing to give her. ]
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so he takes in a deep breath and sighs. at least for now in the garden it's just the two of them. he's not sure if he can walk around without his mask freely for the rest of the evening, but at least this. at least for her. he can manage this much. so he lets go of her only so that he can reach behind his head to where the tie of his mask is. it's so secure, because he truly never takes it off.
the black lace slips down and reveals the blooming red and black beneath. it is not a normal scar, it has not faded with age. rather, it still looks so monstrously angry. the skin charred so dark and the lines of red against it, though the red pulses with every heartbeat as though there is also something alive on him. as if he is being consumed.
and yet, the colors are so reminiscent of the lycoris flowers that surround his halo. colors that reflect hades' bouquet.
he doesn't say anything. in fact, he closes his eyes and tenses, as if waiting for the screaming to start. ]
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she has never tried to envision what his scar must look like, only ever hoping for the day he felt he could trust her enough. it is more vibrant and alive than she thought a scar could be. she notes how it matches the flowers that he holds so dear.
how much must have it hurt for something to cause so much pain to also be so like something that was supposed to give him comfort? but she knows how he received this scar, and she knows he doesn't regret his choice, even years later.
she reaches up and brushes her fingers against his scar, her touch featherlight. his eyes are closed, but she smiles all the same, all warmth and affection, and she breathes out: ]
I was right. It's as beautiful as the rest of you.
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it's so quiet and when her touch comes, he nearly flinches away in surprise. his eyes open in surprise, because he didn't think she'd stay so close. maybe he was hoping that she would, and yet...
and yet...
despite everything, tears line his eyes, just so close to falling. all his fears and hopes tumble together against his ribcage. ]
... you think so?
[ she still
loves him? ]
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[ if he doesn't move away, she leans up to gently kiss his scar.
of course she still loves him. ]
There's no way I could think otherwise.
[ in her eyes, there is no one more beautiful than he is, tears, scar, and all. ]
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there are a million beautiful words that he could pull to describe what's happening in this moment. the feelings of acceptance, healing, and salvation. the fact that if this is heaven then he finally believes it. the ways in which he is moved and the tears fall without his permission in quiet rivers in his shock but it all boils down to—
he loves her.
he loves her so much that his heart feels like it's ruptured with the feeling, a pain that he's never felt before but one that he welcomes so readily. if this is the ache that comes with being loved then he will encounter it everyday for the rest of his life if he could. he wishes he could. elysia is on her way to destroy her world and disappear, and that is why he cannot follow, and for a few traitorous seconds he thinks—
ruin me too, if only so i could still get a chance to be with you.
he parts his lips to speak before finding that there are no words that can come close to what he is feeling. so he brings his hand up to gently cradle her face and leans down to close the space between them again.
it is a kiss that burns with all the fires of hades even in the light of heaven—that speaks to all the selfishness and greediness in his heart for the way that he wants to keep her when she is already so poised to walk way.
he murmurs against her mouth, sincere and desperate at once. ]
I love you. I'm so in love with you, Ellie.
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her heart is so full of love for him, and she only wishes it could be enough. she has only ever wished her love could be enough for as long as she could remember.
she's about to reach up to wipe away his tears when leans down to capture her lips again. she can only respond in kind, with equal fervor, equal greed. her hand finds its way to the back of his head, to keep him close in the way he wants her to stay.
she presses another kiss against his lips before she sighs, aching and full of longing. ]
I know. I am, too.
[ she only wishes her love could save them both. ]
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he remains as close as she wants, not wanting to part from her in the slightest. there will be so much of the future and he wants to take advantage of every second that he can get now to be at her side. so he lets his face rest against hers, mirroring that sigh.
it is everything he wanted and soon it is what he will lose. ]
... alright, I can't start our date with tears. Isn't that too embarrassing of me?
[ he pulls back only enough to press a kiss to her forehead, so adoring and affectionate. ]
Will you let me have just a moment? I want to get a gift for you. Give me just one minute, and close your eyes.
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she releases him and clasps her hands behind her back. ]
I like to think it's because you thought I was so beautiful you started crying.
[ obviously joking but also a little sincere. ]
Don't keep me waiting too long, okay?
[ if only because she doesn't want to waste any second if she can help it, but she does as he asks, once again, and closes her eyes. ]
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a minute and just one minute. he doesn't have time to be careful, but he will endeavor to do his best. he's far away enough she probably can't hear his rapier get unsheathed, so it's fine. from his pocket, he pulls a handkerchief out to help bundle everything together.
and then he returns to her. ]
Okay, Ellie, you can open your eyes.
[ and in all his devotion and sincerity, with every romantic bone in his body, he offers everything he is to her.
on one knee, bouquet of roses outstretched—red, pink, white, and black. in all their matching hues. devotion, innocence, grace, new beginnings, stark endings and most of all—true love. ]
For the girl as gorgeous as dancing petals, please accept a bouquet that is only humbled by your beauty—but nonetheless is made up of all my love. Please be with me and let me love you.
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she opens her eyes, and her heart melts. she reaches for the bouquet in one hand and for his hand with her other. fondness and love radiates from every move and gesture from her. ]
Your love is as resplendent as the flowers we both cherish. How could I refuse when it's what I want most from you? You only have to let me love you back.
[ their love is in full bloom. ]
Is it the fireworks next?
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I'll accept all your love, for as long as I get to be lucky enough to receive it.
[ they're together for one night, but the next week will probably just be dancing around more of the same. at least for tonight, it can feel as vivid and real as they want it to. ]
But you're right, I think we should be in time for them. Shall we?
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