Azul

I read from someone on here (can't remember who someone tell me if they know) that Azul would really be into the Forever Float tradition because of the prestige (and free advertising) it provide. He'd also show off how great he's become, which is a bonus, and I am inclined to agree because that feels very Azul, but also I really like the idea of Azul being a bit of a groomzillla lol.

Azul plans everything with such precision, from the catering to the outfits to the ship down to the last flower on the Forever Float. He's well aware that it's a rare event, the two of you are most likely the only couple that will hold the tradition this year! Not to mention that the invitees include both royals and celebrities. Which means eyes will be on you two!

He's honestly taken over the planning to the point that you're a bit on the sidelines, which may or may not be a good thing depending on how into wedding planning you are yourself.

If you're relatively chill, then you'll find yourself at your fiance's side most of the time as he takes care of wedding planning, turning to you to give a smile and ask if there's anything else you wanted (especially traditions from your home), even if it's been a pattern that you're happy with whatever he wants.

If you're someone who is much more involved, you might but heads a bit more. Azul is very much a planner and has no doubt been planning this wedding for ages. Whether that means he started the moment he started having a crush or the moment you agreed to be his partner is between him and the Sea Witch. In any case, it's going to be a bit of a give and take in a rather funny way:

"Of course I will be in charge of the catering, it's a given—" "Okay, but not the cake. I wanna do the cake!" "Well, I do believe any dessert falls under catering." "Nuh-uh, cake's it's own thing. And I'm the one who's friends with a baker anyways!" "Okay, then I'll take care of the venue." "Aw, but I wanna pick that too!"

It works out as you two divide and conquer the wedding planning, though you make sure that Azul is okay with having a photographer before reserving one. All these years, he's still not fond of having his picture taken, but he won't deny that he'd like to have physical proof of the way you look at him adoringly. Just don't mention that he does the same…

Both Mrs. Ashengrotto and Georgina Leech assist, the former mostly strong arming Azul into letting her help and the latter guilting persuading him into letting her organize the pre-wedding ceremony. It doesn't surprise him that she asked Jade and Floyd to play the role of morays once again. It surprises him even less that they accepted with eagerness. Your own friends also partake on boats of course, it actually almost caused a fight between everyone as they argued as to why they should be the ones to turn you and Azul (mostly Azul) overboard.

Ace, Grim, and Deuce of course were the ones you asked to participate, and were especially eager to find a way to tip over the float for revenge from the contract fiasco. If you get caught in the crossfire? Well, you're very good natured at least.

Even if it's technically good luck for the couple to have their boat successfully tipped over per the old fairytale, Azul really doesn't want to, one—give the twins and your friends the satisfaction—and two—get your guys' very nice and expensive clothes soaked in sea water.

"You know we're supposed to be whispering sweet nothings to each other, right?"

Azul hummed, eyes darting around the cove at every splash and sound, more focused on ensuring the boat stayed steady. Harder said than done when Jade and Floyd were still in the game.

"Azul?"

"Mm."

"Azuuul?"

"Mm-hm…""

"Zuzuuu?"

"Of course dear…"

You huffed as Azul absentmindedly nodded along to your calls, deciding that he couldn't ignore you if you simple tossed yourself into his arms.

"Ack!" Or tried to, seeing as both were preoccupied with rowing. The rowboat shook, titling slightly as all the weight focused in on one side while you turned over to lay against his chest with a cheeky smile.

"Oh finally. And here I though I wouldn't be fighting for my own future husband's attention on our wedding day!"

Azul sighed, looking down at you with a mix of embarrassment and fondness.

"Apologies, Angelfish. I am just making sure that we don't get go overboard."

"Isn't it supposed to be good luck if we do get turned over?"

Azul frowned, his lips thinning, as he replied, "Well, it's only a story, and I don't need lu—"

"Oh, so you don't love me then?"

"WHAT?" Azul's voice went shrill, boat shaking from his sudden movements as he grabbed your cheeks and squeezed. "How could you ever—"

"Noooo, no, no. You more worried about getting wet, you don't care about having a good marriage. A lucky marriage." You couldn't help but snort a laugh, fake pouting as Azul narrowed his eyes at you. "I see how it is."

"Dearest."

"Mm."

"Darling."

"Mm-hm."

"Angelfish."

"Yes, dear?"

"I don't need luck for our marriage. I know I will keep you content and loved until the day I let you go."

You raised a brow and clicked your tongue, "You plan on letting me go?"

Azul gave you a sly smile as he leaned down to brush his lips on your forehead in a soft, fleeting kiss. Then another on your nose. Then hovered over your lips.

"No."

His soft gray strands tickled your skin as he kissed you as you smiled leaned up just enough to return his upside down kiss with one of your own.

"Aw, ain't they cute Jade?"

Both of you whipped your heads up to look at the other end of the boat, now level as the twins rested their arms on the edges as they grinned and snickered.

"Adorable. What a sweet couple."

"I bet they'd be even cuter soaking wet, yeah?"

"Agreed, shall we?"

Azul could only let out a beginnings of a, "Do NOT!" before the twins promptly and giddily tossed the other end of the boat up, making the entire thing practically turn 180 degrees as you both fell backwards into the water, abandoned by the twins as they swam of cackling.

At least Azul can take solace that he'll have that extra bit of luck in the marriage.

Jade

"There aren't many merfolk who come onto land, much less marry a land-dweller... Heh heh, some merfolk have curious taste." And here he is marrying you. Look who's talking bitch!!!

Jade is the most excited of the three to have this ceremony, he definitely made sure that your float would be a gondola, decorated to the nines. Never did he think he'd be on the other side of the ceremony, but isn't it just exciting?

Jade has the luck of having his mother eagerly plan much of the wedding, in part because it needs to be perfect as many of the family's business partners and acquaintances will be attending, but also because she's already done so before. She did say that when moray merfolk conduct the ceremony, it's a highly formal affair. But now she's especially excited to be planning a wedding and Forever Float for one of her own sons!

It might be a bit surprising for someone like Jade, but he's rather content to let his mother and you take the reins of the wedding planning as long as he can get his gondola and force provide everyone with mushroom based dishes for the reception. In fact, Jade himself happily provides the cooks with mushrooms he sourced himself! From where? What kind? Oh, it's a surprise! Rest assured they're not dangerous to consume, he'd never forgive himself if he made you sick on your wedding day! Hm? Oh, yeah and the rest of the guests too, sure.

He's not kidding, by the way, everything has mushrooms in it. Crab-stuffed mushrooms for the appetizer and chicken marsala for the main (guess what the sauce has in it). Did you know that there are coffee, teas, and cocktails that can be made with mushrooms? If you didn't don't worry Jade is making sure all the guests know with a giddy smile. He honestly wouldn't have gone all in with the mushrooms if Floyd and Azul didn't make a comment.

"I don't care if it's your wedding, I'm not eating anything with mushrooms in it." "Is that so?" Que the weeks leading up to the big day: "Jade, what the FUCK, Mama said everything has mushrooms in it you bitch!"

"I know it's your big day, but please refrain as much as you can from taking advantage of us. I still have nightmares from our time at school." "Of course, if you'd prefer I could change the appetizer to carpaccio." "Oh, that sound delish—" "I do greatly enjoy octopus carpaccio after all, what do you think?" Azul does not think very positivily about it.

The only thing he doesn't manage to put actual mushrooms in is the dessert, though you do indulge him with fondant mushrooms and foliage on the cake and little mushroom shaped cookies. He thinks it's very cute and is quite happy for all his mushy themed cuisine, the glutton he is.

Happy or not, Floyd and Azul are now on the warpath and that path just happens to be your darling gondola during the pre-wedding ceremony. In Jade's defense, he thinks it's funny.

"I don't think Floyd and Azul think it's funny hon, I think they're actually gonna try to drown you."

Jade was still smiling as he rowed farther into the cove, the long strands of the willow tree blowing gently as if to curtain you from the outside world.

"They'll get over it. It's either that, or they get a scolding from Mother, and they do so hate to get her angry." His smile turned sharper as he glanced behind you. "Besides, I saw Azul's boat overturn on top of Floyd in his attempt to toss us over, I imagine they'll be preoccupied for a bit, and we'll be back at the dock by then."

You shook your head fondly, rubbing a petal from one of the many flowers wrapped around the gondola.

"You just like pushing their buttons, such a jerk."

Gasping, light and soft, Jade paused rowing to hold a (faux) scandalized hand to his chest.

"Why, how cruel. My dearest, darling, sweet pearl of my heart, calling me such names!"

He wiped a nonexistent tear from his eye as he pouted and batted his eyes at you.

"And on our wedding day, no lest. Why, I may simply never recover!"

Rolling your eyes, you played along, sighing as you clasped your hands together as if praying for forgiveness.

"Oh, my poor fragile husband-to-be, forgive my words" You leaned in close and cooed. "What does he need to make him feel better?"

Jade pretended to ponder as resumed rowing, eyes darting around at the sound of rippling water.

"Well, since you're so kind to offer…perhaps my pearl will grace me with a kiss?"

You chuckled, carefully making your way to Jade's side of the gondola, no help from him as he "accidently" pushed the oars too quickly, making you stumble. At your glare, Jade smiled and tilted his head in innocence, looking up at you as you hovered over him, balancing carefully. He looked expectant, and eager if you knew how to look at the way his eyes shone, and tilted his head up, eyes closing as you leaned in, only to dodge his lips and peck his cheek.

"There, do you feel be—eeAH!"

No, Jade did not evidently feel better, as he opted to free a hand to quickly, almost viciously, wrap around your waist and press your lips together in a passionate kiss. Dare you say it was almost longing. You couldn't help laugh and smile into the kiss, Jade's own quirking up at your mirth, wrapping your arms around him as melting into the kiss.

You'd almost forgotten the point of being on this boat, if not for the sound of a familiar eel gagging and letting out an, "Ewgh." That, and also Jade rapidly using the oar still in his hand to smack Floyd on the side of his head.

"OW! What the FUCK Jade?"

"Apologies," Jade murmured, barely moving his head to separate your lips as he gave his brother smile. "But I just couldn't have you interrupting, you understand, yes? Now shoo."

To no one's surprise, Jade had snuck his magipen with him, most likely planning this exact scenario. He casted small, harmless burst of wind magic to push Floyd away (who was cussing him out, specifically calling Jade, "a fucking cheat"), squeezing you tighter.

"Now then, I do believe I am still owed the rest of my apology."

Unfortunately for Jade, that apology would have to wait, as you both cried out as the gondola suddenly shook. Black and purple tentacles curling around the edges as you were lifted up in the air, and unceremoniously tossed out.

Luckily, Jade held onto you as you splashed into the water, still smiling and deciding to kiss you again when you surfaced. Much to Floyd's disgust.

Floyd

Floyd very excited to be getting married to you. He thinks all the land wedding traditions are so weird, especially if you share some from home. What do you mean some people smash a plate under their foot? He wants to do that! What do you mean there's a tradition where people who dance with you gotta pin money on you? Funny. Garter toss? If you don't wear a dress so he can launch a garter across the room into a crowd of people, he'll find a way to do it under a some pants don't worry!

It's both so strange to him and fun! He's totally down for whatever, except maybe the Forever Float. He doesn't think it's boring or anything, he just doesn't want to get his new shoes all wet :(

Yeah, Floyd's not into it as much. The idea of it is fun, sure, but you must remember that Floyd is a little fashionista! He does like his clothes and shoes, the latter especially, and despite how sloppy or relaxed he might dress, Floyd does take great care of his wardrobe. Getting them wet might ruin them! Floydie likes his things you know!

His mother is devastated, as is Jade but that's just because he wanted to toss Floyd out of a boat. Due to his nature, they're not really sure if they should convince Floyd to do it, as it might make him want to drop the entire wedding and just get eloped somewhere and sign the marriage certificate with some randos as witness. That's not a joke, Floyd decided a few days before the wedding to take you to the courthouse, grabbed two random people of the street, and signed the marriage license. He was impatient and wanted to heard you call him husband and call you his spouse. No, no one knows, they'll find out eventually.

If Georgina compromises with Floyd on switching the Forever Float attire to something he doesn't care about getting wet, then there are two ways that Floyd could be convinced to participate in the ceremony: 1) Floyd and you get to dip out from the reception whenever. Most of the people attending are business partners and acquaintances anyways, and it's gonna be a way formal affair. Not his thing, he had enough of that growing up. 2) You ask him reaaaaaaaally nicely after a sloppy make out when he's in bliss. He's still gonna dip out, but this time you're not gonna get a warning. There's a strong chance he might just pick you up and go.

There is a third, secret option: you will row while Floyd gets as many water guns and his magipen to fight back against the "morays". Now that's fun.

If Floyd is convinced, he will make a few demands. Like not letting Jade have any input on the food, he gets to pick the music (Floyd will let there be a few close dances, he does want to squeeze you close, but he also wants to just vibe to something fun), and he wants to be in charge of decorations. The more tedious stuff Mama and you can take care of. Do make sure to ask his opinions though, he does change his mind, and also likes to know that you care about his input (he will tease you though).

Thank the Sevens that his family is both influential and rich as hell, cause Floyd will be changing things to the last minute depending on his whims. But if you're marrying Floyd Leech, it's because you've fallen for him and all his ever changing whims. It is part of his charm after all! And it's what leads to him actually enjoying the Forever Float the day of.

You're glad you practiced rowing with Grim bouncing around the boat, because the way Floyd was moving had you wondering if part of the reason he made such a stink about the clothes is cause he knew there was a change he might overturn the boat himself.

"Ahaha! Your aim sucks Crabby!"

Floyd cackled as he dodged Ace's spells, aiming a well aimed ice spell to the front of Ace's boat, causing it to crash suddenly and trip your friend into the water. You could make out Ace's cursing as he scrambled to hold onto the ship.

It didn't take long for the others to also go overboard, even if Floyd was on a boat, he was in his natural element.

The only one left at this point was Jade. Floyd had aimed to take out his brother and Azul from the beginning, though the latter boat crashed into Deuce's and made him fall behind. But Jade was falling behind, squinting at his brother as you two turned a corner behind some foliage.

Unfortunately, the moment that Floyd noticed that all his playmates were far behind, he let out a whine and slumped onto the floor of your rowboat.

"Awe, you went to fast…now I got no one to play with…" Floyd grumbled, crossing his arms. "I'm bored now."

"Sorry babe, do you want me to stop and wait for someone to catch up?

Your lanky partner shook his head, comically curling into himself in a strange position between you and the other bench. The woes of being tall you suppose.

"Nah, that's no fun. Probably should've told ya to go slower…"

"Wanna go back?"

"…Nah."

Floyd was now blank faced, staring at the pattern of the wood as he shuffled up to press his head against your leg, his finger scratching pattern onto the toes of your shoe.

You pursed your lips, resting the oars down and running your nails into your husband's scalp as he let out a pleased hum. He was too cute sometimes.

"…You wanna make out until someone catches up?"

Floyd didn't give you a verbal answer. Rather, he immediately bolted up and crashed into you, cause you both to tumble out of the boat as it flipped over you. The brief gasp of air from under the boat was all you got when Floyd bursted out of the water, green and slimy, and smashed your lips together.

All you let out was a snort and laugh as you hugged his neck and shoulders as your anchor, one of Floyd's arms hooking under you butt like a seat and the other steading your back as his claws traced circles around the skin of your neck.

"Mmm…" Floyd sighed into your mouth, tugging your bottom lip as he squeezed you closer, tongue darting in to play with yours as you moaned into him. You shivered as the sounds of water against the wood, wet lips and tongue meeting each other, and soft breaths and moans echoed in your small world away from the world. If either of you paid attention to the knocks outside the turned boat from Jade, you chose to ignore it.

"Hmm, hey," Floyd pulled away with a grin and giggle, watching as you tried following his lips. "I kinda wanna stay here an' kiss ya silly. Let's ditch, yeah?"

You let out a half hum, half sigh, nipping at Floyd's chin as he laughed.

"I don't know Floyd—"

"Floyd. Who's that?"

"I don't know husband," You teased, biting him again as he shook from giggles. "Mama is really excited, plus don't you wanna dance?"

"We can dance in our room."

You kissed him again, barely separating to speak.

"Don't you wanna eat the cake? It's a bunch of surprise flavors mixed together."

"We can tell the caterers to save some."

Another kiss, longer and deeper as you let you hands wander, making Floyd groan.

"We got such nice clothes waiting for us, don't you wanna show it off?"

"Mh..we can…" Floyd knew what you were doing, pressing all close and distracting him with you mouth. He liked when you tried to be sneaky, it was cute. "we…can wear 'em another day…"

This time, when you pulled away, you fluttered kisses on his cheeks, his forehead, his closed eyes, and down his neck.

"Then we can't do the garter toss."

You snorted as Floyd pulled away and squealed.

"You're right! Let's go now!"

Is Floyd even the man you married if he wasn't ready to wreak havoc? Especially havoc involving throwing a piece of lingerie into someone's Riddle's face to laugh at their reddening face?

Poor Jade almost got smacked by the boat as Floyd flipped it back over and swam off with you on his back. No worries though, he found the signed marriage certificate while snooping tiding some documents Floyd left out. He'll wait for the right time to wreak his own havoc.

You gave up on the flunkers, went to bed, and ditched them to partner with Ortho, because at least the little Shroud had the decency to cheat through his metalworks and not a way that will result in anemones on your head. You also don’t trust any other first year to cast a spell on you with a ten-foot wand. Robot and the magicless twink. Easy A by default. 

Now, with Professor Crewel pacing at the front of the room and the whole class lined up for the practical portion of the test, Ace and Deuce were standing together with matching expressions of undeserved confidence. That’s fine. Every idiot needs to get knocked on their ass once in a while to remember it hurts. 

“Alright, you two,” Crewel said sharply, flicking his whip once against his palm. “Your assigned spell is a simple exchange transference. One casts, the other stabilizes. If you cannot manage that, then perhaps you should both be wearing bibs and sitting at the kiddie table.”

Ace’s grin turned a little strained. Deuce straightened up like he had just been personally challenged by the concept of failure.

You leaned toward Ortho, muttering, “How long do you think they’ll hold it for?.”

Ortho tilted his head. “Ah. One moment – according to my calculations, they have a 36% chance of success!”

“Peachy.” Your eyes rolled, though a hint of worry tucked into your tone.

Ace rolled his shoulders and gave Deuce a look. “Okay, this is easy. We swap spots, we don’t explode, and then we get to rub it in Housewarde’s face…”

Deuce nodded far too hard. “Right. Simple. Clean. Efficient.”

You pinched the bridge of your nose. “You guys sound like a pair of raccoons trying to operate a microwave.”

Ace pointed a finger at you without looking away from Deuce. “See? That. That attitude is why we’re the strongest group in this room.”

“Please,” you said, popping open a sour gummy from your back pocket. “I could knock both of you over with a strong breeze.”

To prove your point, you took in a breath and blew at Ace’s face. Even at a distance his nose scrunched up. 

“Focus, mangey pups!” Crewel snapped his whip, and the room went quiet.

Ace lifted his wand. Deuce did the same.

A thin, shimmering circle of magic bloomed between them, wobbling like a bad reflection in water. For one brief second, it actually looked like they might manage it.

Then Ace smirked.

Deuce frowned. “What did you do?”

“I didn’t do anything!”

“That’s exactly what someone who did something wrong would say.”

“Bitch.”

Crewel’s eye twitched. “Language, Trappola – Both of you, stop yammering and cast already.”

They tried. You had to give them that. 

The spell pulsed once, bright and unstable, and the air in the classroom suddenly hissed like a live wire. Papers lifted off desks. The chalkboard rattled. Your hair blew back from your face as the magic snapped tighter and tighter between them.

“Uh,” Ace said, his grin finally gone, “is it supposed to do that?”

“No,” Deuce said, voice climbing an octave. “I do not think that is supposed to do that.”

Crewel’s whip cracked against the floor. “Fix it. Now.”

You started to rise, already reaching out, but the circle between Ace and Deuce collapsed inward with a violent flash.

There was a loud pop.

Then they were gone.

“Oh for fuck’s sake! Someone get a stretcher because I’m gonna rip those two from their buttcheeks to their eyeballs later!” 

–

The first thing Ace did when he came to was swear loudly enough to make his own ears ring.

The second thing was slap at the floor, a wall, and then Deuce’s shoulder all in the same motion before finally managing to sit up.

“Agh! This is the last time I partner with you for anything, Juice?! Hear me?!” 

“It’s Deuce! For the final time you asshole, it’s Deuce!” 

They were in a living room.

A nice one, too. Not fancy in the way of a wealthy noble house or one of those museum-looking estates Heartslabyul liked to show off with, but lived-in. Warm. Familiar in a way that made Ace’s stomach do a weird, uneasy flip. 

Mainly because he doesn’t recognize a thing and they were clearly trespassing on someone’s property. Great. A failed test and made criminals in one day? Fucking fantastic. 

Sunlight came in through the front windows. The curtains were half-drawn. A couch sat in front of a low coffee table littered with books, a charging cable, and what looked suspiciously like a half-empty bag of dried fruit snacks. There was a blanket tossed over one arm of the sofa like someone had abandoned it mid-nap.

Deuce moved first, crossing the room in quick, tense steps. He reached the window and carefully pulled the curtain back with two fingers.

Then he went still.

Ace frowned. “What?”

Deuce stared out for a long second before letting the curtain fall back into place. His face had gone pale in a way Ace did not like at all.

“That’s…” Deuce swallowed thickly. “This is Crimson City! We somehow got sent to the Queendom!”

Deuce pointed, not even bothering to hide how shaken he was now. “Don’t you remember from Riddle-Senpai and Trey-Senpai’s pictures?! Look! We’re right by the town square that’s not too far from where they grew up.”

Ace pushed himself up and looked out the other side of the curtain. Sure enough, the road outside was familiar. There was the plaza Trey talked about when they first asked where he knew Chen’ya from Royal Sword Academy. Ace was shocked Deuce remembered, but then again he clung to anything their upperclassmen said like a toddler at storytime. 

If Ace shoved his head out the window, he might be able to see Clover bakery or catch the eye of the police department. The latter would be of big use to get them both back to campus in one piece. 

Though, as he let the curtain fall back, Ace had a gut feeling that it couldn’t be that easy. 

“Somethin’ isn’t adding up. I just…can’t pinpoint what.” 

Ace turned back to the empty room, counting his blessings that whoever lived here wasn’t home. They just needed to find a key out. Fast. He ran towards the front door and made to look for the lock, yet balked in the face of a STYX keypad staring him in the face. 

Upon closer look, it’s the same kind of lock Ace knew Idia Shroud had installed on Ramshackle’s front door. He wanted to test the code you set for some reason, but these things are the kind that alert the owner of a failed attempt. He better not. 

“What the hell? Why’s there something so high-grade in an old house like this?” Deuce pokes over his shoulder, gripping Ace’s shoulder like he didn’t know his own strength. Ace pried Deuce’s hand off, his mind wondering the same thing as he turned to survey their domestic prison. 

No sign of whoever lived here having left more than a minute ago. There were shoes by the door, a cardigan slung over the back of a dining chair, and a charging pad on the counter with a phone sitting on it.

Deuce looked like he was about ten seconds from pissing himself. Which would be funny in any other situation. “We shouldn’t be in here, man. My permanent record can’t handle a B & E charge!”

“Yeah, no shit. Just shut up and let me think.”

Ace wandered forward, dragging a hand through his hair. His eyes kept catching on little things. A mug with a chipped handle. A stack of mail. A bowl on the kitchen counter full of wrapped candies. The decor felt familiar. A glance in the bowl showed a mix of cinnamon disks, sour gummies, and milk chews. His jaw set. 

Then he settled on the fireplace mantle, and more importantly, the photos and trinkets lined up atop it. A staple for any normal Queendom home, really. 

Deuce seemed to have the same thought only sooner, having beat Ace there. He stood dead still in front of something hand hovering over as if touching it would burn him. 

Ace squinted.

Medals.

A whole row of them, sitting there in neat little frames or on hooks with their ribbons carefully straightened. Some looked old. Some looked newer. All of them were the kind of medals you only got from Blastcycle racing.

Deuce made a strangled noise. “No way.”

Ace stepped in for a closer look. 

One of the medals had a tiny engraved plaque beneath it, the name ‘SPADE’ etched next to first place.

“These are mine,” Deuce said, voice barely above a whisper, “B-but this isn’t my house? I…I stored these away under my bed back at home when I decided to stop street racing. Why are they here?” 

Ace was about to answer when he caught a glimpse down the nearest hallway. His mouth went dry. 

His guitar. Specifically the electric hand-me-down he got from his brother back when he tried to impulse learn to impress a girl in middle school. 

Hanging up neatly, strung on the wall like it was a piece of decor instead of the old beat-up thing he knew. It had the same chipped edge on the body. Same worn strings. Same tiny scratch near the neck from the time he’d dug his nails in and chipped the varnish. 

Before Ace could admit to owning such a sad piece, he heard Deuce gasp and was ripped from that nostalgic feeling. His partner in crime moved onto examining the photos mounted on the walls and was eyeing them like he was stuck in some low-production telenova. 

He came to see what the big hullabaloo was and was met with your face staring back at him. Whomever owned this house either knew you or was a stalker – because how else would they come to have a picture of you when Ace had to fight tooth and nail just for a selfie? Damn gremlin. 

Though…the longer he stared, the less it looked like the you he knew and someone else entirely. He wonders who convinced you to sit poised for a hand-painted portrait. 

….Draconia, maybe. Though he doubts Malleus lives in a townhome in briar valley. 

Ace moves on to the picture Deuce couldn’t seem to tear away from and nearly chokes on his own spit. 

You again. Of course. Though not you at the same time. He recognizes Night Raven’s graduate regalia by nature, but the photo’s context is clear as you’re proudly polishing a rolled-up diploma.

And next to you – on either side – ? Ace. Deuce. Brandishing their own diplomas with an arm thrown over your shoulders. 

Deuce made a noise that sounded like his soul had briefly left his body.

Ace stared at the photo for one beat longer, then looked sideways at him. “Why are you making that face?”

Deuce pointed at the frame with a hand that was suddenly not very steady. “D-do you think we got transported to Yuu’s world? They look so much like their mother…oh hell! How are we going to get home?!”

Ace blinked, because what? 

Then promptly slapped Deuce upside the head. 

“Do you even hear yourself right now?”

Ace didn’t wait for Deuce to blow up or get defensive. 

“First of all,” he said, deadpan, “We’re in Crimson City. Second? That is a picture of us, you dolt. Have you ever met Yuu’s mom? Huh? Unless she’s a mage capable of crossing dimensions like her whacko kid then I don’t think so!.”

Deuce’s expression went blank. Ace couldn’t fault him for grasping at straws but he wasn’t in the mood. 

Ace pointed at the picture. “Third, that is Yuu. You know. The person whose voice you would recognize if they called you from inside a trash can.”

Deuce squinted at the frame again, still not fully convinced. “How can you be sure?”

Ace made a helpless motion toward the whole photo arrangement like the answer should be obvious to anyone with functioning eyeballs. “Because that is literally the same face they make when they are about to say something that will ruin my day. I bet five madol this was taken moments before prime bitch-craft.”

“And you know what this means?” Ace continued, pinching the bridge of his nose. 

“What?” 

Seven, why is it that today Yuu kept their shared braincell. 

The next photo sat beside the graduation one.

It’s a picture of the house’s front steps, matching the view from outside the window. The two of them grinning like idiots, each holding one half of a key ring, with you standing between them and holding Grim in your arms.

“We’re in the future, dumbass! We didn’t just get sent to the Queendom, but another time!” 

Ace tried really hard not to think further, because if they went into the future…then what? Is this another timeline? God, does future you keep your fridge stocked with beer? He needs a drink. 

“N-no way! Are you serious?!” Deuce freaked, moving to the next picture. A photo of Grim with his face stuffed full of dried nori, paws on the table, looking like a tiny criminal caught mid-heist.

Ace snorted before he could stop himself. “And there’s our little menace.”

Taped beside it was a handwritten note in neat, familiar-looking script. Not a formal label. Just a date and a little heart…which was set nearly ten years ahead. Deuce pulled his phone out to double check and only then did the reality settle in. 

Ace found the last picture on the wall.

He stopped dead in his tracks.

It was all three of you on the couch.

The two of them—older them, future them, whatever the hell this was—were kissing your cheeks. Not pecking them. Not leaning in awkwardly for a skit. Not some blurry, accidental motion caught mid-frame.

Full-on, obvious, shameless cheek kisses. One on each side, both of them looking pleased with themselves in the exact kind of smug, annoying way Ace knew he himself would absolutely make if given the opportunity. Meanwhile you’re grinning from ear to ear and not trying to murder the cameraman for getting you in frame.

Ace made a face so disgusted it could have curdled milk, burning his burning cheeks in his collar. Deuce went rigid so fast it looked like somebody had yanked a wire through his spine. 

“Fuck! Ugh. Gross. My eyes! My eyes are gonna melt off!”

For a second, Ace realizes he sounds far too much like you and guts himself even further. 

Deuce ignored him, still fixed on the photo like he could will it to make sense if he stared hard enough. The older versions of them looked so comfortable there it was unsettling. 

Like this was normal. Like this was one tiny piece of a much bigger life they had somehow already lived.

Ace narrowed his eyes at the frame. “Who keeps a picture like this on the wall?”

“Them,” Deuce said automatically, then looked troubled by his own answer. He referred to his future self as another entity. All three of them, side-eyeing Ace for his reaction. The two shared a look that barely lasted a split second, before Ace broke it and started down the hallway. 

Deuce braced to be tugged along, maybe with another barb, but Ace merely gestured for him to follow as if touch was too much. Both boys walked the path carefully, keeping an intentional foot between them. Nothing more was said as they entered the first room available, yet didn’t need to be. 

Clearly there were some…developments. 

They come up to the office. Nothing fancy at first glance, though highly organized. Nothing like the chaos of their dorm room or the dilapidated state of Ramshackle. Whomever worked here clearly liked their things put together. 

Desk. Floor lamp. Sofa for visitors. Yet another candy bowl. The computer that Ace was itching to dig through now that he knew the password would be something he could guess. Maybe. 

On the wall furthest from the door were the same diplomas from the graduation picture. Ace recognizes his own John Hancock – he never learned why you call signatures that, but would have to ask – along with Deuces. 

He comes up on the third hanging scroll and his stomach does a twist. Each student who graduates from Night Raven comes out with a specialization from their fourth year of study.

The name scrawled on this Diploma is not one he recognizes. Their internship in Psychology. Huh. 

“You know who this is, man?” Ace tests the name on his tongue. 

Deuce moved closer to the psychology degree, squinting at the name beneath it. “No. I can’t say I know anyone from our school with that name.”

“Neither do I,” Ace said, already walking to the desk. “But I hate them already. Ten years and we still have three roommates? This future sucks.”

The lie comes easy. He just didn’t like the idea of a fourth…roommate. That’s not how he imagined their situation turning out. 

He dropped into the chair, hit the power button on the computer, and watched the screen wake with a bright little lockscreen. That name sat in the corner, clean and unfamiliar, and it pissed him off even more. His chances of guessing the password just nose dived. Ace narrowed his eyes at it, then started trying every password that came to mind, from obvious dates to guesses so dumb they counted as insults. 

Ace typed another guess, then another, jaw tightening when the screen refused to budge. He was midway through a third, increasingly petty attempt when the front door opened somewhere behind them.

Both boys froze.

Then a voice drifted in from the entryway, clear and familiar enough to make Ace’s stomach drop.

“Ace? Deuce?Is anyone else home?”

For one stupid, suspended second, neither of them reacted. Then they looked at each other, wide-eyed and silent, and slowly, carefully, both poked their heads out of the office doorway.

–

You stood in the entryway toeing off your shoes, one hand full of grocery bags, the other already dragging a little at your lower back to support yourself while balancing upright. Your hair was shorter now, cut to your chin in a way that made you look sharper around the face, and your voice—when you muttered something under your breath about the shoe rack—hit his ears with that same sassy pitch, just richer, worn in around the edges after a long day judging by the curses spoken under your breath. 

Ace’s brain made a sound somewhere between a screech and a system error.

Then his eyes dropped to the way you moved, slow and careful, belly rounded enough that there was no polite way to pretend not to notice it.

Oh.

Oh, fuck. 

You were pregnant.

Ace had exactly half a second to process that before Deuce came barreling past him like a helpful golden retriever and immediately took the grocery bags from your arms.

You blinked at him, then at Ace, and for one brief moment the three of you just stared at each other like the universe had launched a brick through the window. 

“Why are you guys brats?!”

“What the fuck?!” 

Both yourself and Ace shrieked at the same time. Deuce’s shoulders drew up to his ears at the volume as he stumbled, swerved not to hit your stomach, and whacked his knee on the doorframe. 

Ace paid Deuce’s cries no mind. “How are we here? What is going on? Explain the pictures on the walls, explain why you’re—” his hand gestured wildly at your stomach, because subtlety had clearly died in this timeline, “—like four sizes bigger than I know you?! What the hell is going on!”

You stared at him.

Then, without warning, you stepped forward and smacked both him and Deuce upside the head in one quick, practiced motion.

“Both of you get your dirty ass sneakers off my carpet, ya heathens!” 

Operating on pure instinct, having heard those same words back at Ramshackle, both boys practically jump out of their shoes. Deuce was a bit more sluggish as he nursed his knee and head. 

“Can you guys stop hitting me today?” 

“We will if you stop being yourself,” Ace joshed, though with more bite than intended as he helped Deuce balance by his elbow. 

You’d taken the chance to collect your bags and sidestep them both, stress across your brow but not enough to bite your tongue. 

You exhaled through your nose, eyes sweeping over both of them like you were taking inventory. “God, you’re both as loud as ever. Remind me to gift you matching muzzles for our anniversary.”

Ace narrowed his eyes, choosing not to ask. “That’s not an answer to any of my questions.”

“No,” you said, deadpan, “it really isn’t, but it’s the only one you’re getting until you stop acting like feral animals in our foyer.”

“Our foyer?” Ace repeated, skeptical?

You pointed at the hall, then at the office, then at the living room, each gesture sharp and certain. “Yes. My house. My foyer. My grocery bags. My very unfortunate afternoon, it seems.”

Deuce, bless him, looked like he might actually be trying to help. “S-should we put these away?”

You gave him a look that softened by a fraction. “Thank you. Please. Kitchen counter.”

Deuce nodded and disappeared into the kitchen with the bags.

Ace stayed where he was, still staring at you, trying to put your face, your voice, the photos, the office, and the very uhm - round - state of your body into a shape that made sense. He wasn’t an idiot but this is a lot for a guy who only had some jellybeans for breakfast to process. It didn’t help that you were eyeing him with that same scrutiny, though like looking at a memory rather than a prospect. 

You watched him watch you, then sighed.

“All right,” you said. “Dinner first. Questions later. You two are helping me make spaghetti.”

Ace blinked. “What?”

You already turned toward the kitchen. “Spaghetti. With cut-up hot dogs. Because someone,” and here you gave him a long, pointed glare over your shoulder, “spent the grocery budget on a new muffler for his car.”

Ace’s mouth fell open. “I didn’t! Well - uh, me? This me didn’t! God, does this mean you’re gonna be nagging me for my whole life?!”

“You’re lucky I love you enough in the future not to throw that car at your head, Trappola.”

Deuce made an audible choking sound from the kitchen, and Ace glared in that direction on principle before following you in.

The kitchen looked lived in too, cluttered in a way that made the house feel real instead of staged. A pot sat on the stove. A carton of eggs on the counter. A half-read manga near the sink.

Ace leaned against the counter while you moved around it with familiar ease, like you’d done this exact routine a thousand times. Deuce, meanwhile, filled a pot with water and kept shooting confused little glances between the two of you like he was trying to solve a puzzle without the picture on the box. 

Ace’ll have to explain later. Like usual. 

You noticed both of them staring and rolled your eyes.

“What?”

Ace shrugged. “You’re weird. This is weird. You should be freaking out and you’re not. I’m waiting for you to turn the knife on me.”

You snorted. “That’s rich coming from you.Luckily I’m not feeling very stabby today.”

He should have answered with something smart, but then you looked over at him with that same old expression he knew from the present—half fond, half exasperated, entirely capable of turning into a threat—and his brain tripped over itself again.

Deuce wasn’t fairing any better, unable to keep from looking at your stomach so he busied to help wherever you needed. Ace took to setting the table, not missing you call him lazy as he parked himself at the spot closest to the exit. You look at him like you have a joke on the tip of your tongue but let it go. 

Damn. Self-control? Maybe he likes this version of you better. 

The silence between the four walls felt strangely domestic for something that started with a magical mishap and a disappearance.

By the time they sat down, Ace was still waiting for the punchline.

You took the first bite and, to his surprise, looked almost wistful.

“This is nice,” you said.

Ace glanced up. “Nice?”

You nodded, eyes flicking between the two of them. “I miss seeing you both this young. Ace, with your mid-ass haircut. Deuce, my sweet summersunshine sweet tea with no social awareness.”

Deuce nearly dropped his fork.

Ace almost choked on his spaghetti.

You rested your chin in one hand and looked at them with maddening calm. “News flash, by the way. You do not get more tolerable with age.”

Ace scowled. “Wow.”

“Bet,” you added, and now your mouth tipped into something warmer, “but you’re still cute.”

Deuce went red immediately. Ace sat there for a full second, frozen, then looked away to check his hair in the reflection of his fork.

Across the table, they both exchanged one of those silent looks they’d perfected over a year of understanding each other too well. Ace caught the moment everything clicked in place for Deuce, when all the little unspoken aligned and he blushed from the ears down. 

Stay delulu, Deuce. Let your dreams fly high, as you’d say.

What they could be in the present, what they would become in the future…if this was the right timeline. 

Though a question still clung to the back of Ace’s mind that made these hotdogs taste like rancid socks soaked in pineapple juice. 

He lifted his eyes to you.

“I got one question that I want answered,” he said slowly, because the thought was too ridiculous to speak in one go and also because his face was getting hot for reasons he refused to think. He made little finger quotes around the word when he finally forced it out. “This whole… “situation” thing. Is there another person? I wanna know who.”

The name back on the psychology diploma. It was nagging his jealous bone, sue him.

Deuce kicked him under the table.

Ace shot him a look. “What? I’m asking.”

You blinked, genuinely confused. “Uh. No?”

Ace narrowed his eyes. “No?”

You leaned back in your chair. “Were you simping for somebody else back then that I didn’t know about?”

Deuce made a strangled noise and kicked Ace again, harder this time, as if body language alone could save them from this conversation.

Ace ignored him and tipped his chin toward the office. “Then explain the psychology diploma in your office. Who’s the name? Someone we know or are going to know?”

You went very still.

For half a second, the only sound in the kitchen was the weak hiss of a pop can cracking and the clink of Deuce’s fork against his plate.

Then you barked a laugh, sudden and delighted and way too amused by their suffering.

“Oh,” you said, wiping at the corner of one eye. “That.”

Ace’s suspicion sharpened instantly. “That, what?”

You shook your head, still grinning. “There is no  fourth person. Legit, I can barely handle both of you and you think I have the patience for another? Relax your jelly gene. If you want to know who owns that diploma, ask my younger self when you get back home.”

Wow. You’re really just as – 

The front door opened.

Grim’s voice rang out through the house. “Yuu! Are you still alive, or did you finally sit down and get stuck in the recliner again?”

Ace barely turned before the cat himself appeared in the kitchen doorway, eyes narrowing immediately at the sight of the two boys before he recognized them. 

Then, with a soft pop and a burst of magic that smelled faintly like burnt ozone, both boys vanished from their chairs in the middle of the room. 

“Welp,” you lean back, taking a drag from your soda “guess that’s the end of younger me’s trauma. Grim? Are they back yet – ” 

Que a thump followed by two familiar groans. 

You come from a royal family in the neighboring kingdoms of Briar Valley; finally securing an alley ship by marrying off their two oldest kin. Malleus was a distant lover, it was not as if he didn't care for you but it was nothing close to romantic. You told yourself you didn't care how Malleus viewed you because it was simply a political marriage. Yet it still pained you knowing he spent all his free time with another person—someone from his school days

You did not attend Night Raven College with your fiance so you did not get to know what went on with him and the so-called “Perfect” of Ramshackle Dorm. Yuu is their name from what you remember. That is all you know of them aside from the fact you were aware of how captivated Malleus was by them. You'd be a fool if you didn't recognize you could not hold a candle to the affection he held for them in his heart.

“You look tired, your highness” a cool voice cooed from behind you breaking you out of your trance. You could feel a game of cat and mouse on the rise. You let out a sigh and turned to the prince whose smug face you've come quite acquainted with. His green eyes study you , slowly softening once he truly sees your face and how tired you actually do look. Leona Kingscholar is a tease but he knows when to hold his tongue.

“Good evening to you as well Leona” You speak almost indifferently which causes the beastman to quirk an eyebrow. He smoothly walks closer to you and rests his back onto the balcony, eyes focused on you whilst yours were now back on the view of the valley. You could smell the alcohol clinging to the second prince and when you went to sneak a glance at him you could see his bronze cheeks tinted a deep red. His tail swishes behind him in a slow rhythmic way. His green eyes catch yours and you huff realizing how much you've been staring at Leona.

“May I ask , why the star of the party has not been seen all night?” He speaks finally breaking the thick silence that blanketed over you two. “You know , this is all for you, why hide away” he continues, cocking his head to the side, his dark brown locs falling over his nose. You observed him waiting for him to crack a joke at your expense like he always did—waiting for you to fall into your comfortable back and forth. Yet nothing came out, no smart remark or jab. You swallowed thickly.

“Well does it matter when no one is complaining?” you finally replied. You rest your head in your palm. Suddenly the cool Briar Valley air felt warm and suffocating, or maybe it's always been that way? Since you've stepped foot into the affairs that regard anything with Malleus Draconia you've always felt suffocated and you're only now coming to terms with it now. You feel your face scrunch up.

“‘I’m complaining, you're too gorgeous to stay hidden from gaze “ he says with a slight chuckle, sharp cat-like fangs on display. There it is, his playful demeanor he seems to always let slip out no matter the situation, that's what you liked about Leona …what you tolerated about Leona— what you tell yourself anyway.

“You flatter me Kingscholar although I have to remind you I am engaged “ You said, a smile fighting at the corners of your lips. His addictive laugh filled your ears;when did you start to think thoughts like that? You're caught off when you realize how close he's gotten to you. The smell of thiouraye and vetiver hitting your nose and overriding your senses with just…Leona.

“I could give you so much more than that overgrown lizard ever could if you gave me the chance” He said, more sincere than you'd expect from him. He spoke so softly and you could swear this is the most serious you've seen him. Leona was always a laid back person. The day you met him at a reunion for Nrc students he immediately came off as an arrogant lazy prince who couldn't care what anyone had to say. Yet the way his eyes gaze down at you; you can't help but melt on the inside.

You try to turn away from him but he catches your wrist before you can move any further. Your eyes dart down and you bite the plump of your bottom lip. You didn't understand why you seemed so nervous, you and Leona have always had an unserious relationship if you could even call it that ,which stemmed from his disdain of your soon to be husband. Your flirtatious banter is never serious. Yet you can't help but feel flustered by this newer softer side he's showing you.

“Leona you’re drunk I suggest you head back inside “ You state, trying to keep that authorial tone you once had but it just fizzles out into a soft whisper. You feel your heart beat pick up as you take in how utterly…pathetic he looks in front of you. His ears are pinned to his head and his plush lips find themselves in a pout, an expression you've never expected to ever see from the Leona Kingscholar.

He softly calls out your name almost like a prayer. Your heart squeezes and you avert your eyes. “I have never been number one…or anyone's first choice itsstupid” he speaks his last words slurring into one. The brunette suddenly leans into you and flops his forehead into the crook of your neck startling you. You squeak as his arms warm around you in an embrace. The most affectionate you've ever seen the prince.

“Leona!”

“You make me feel special…like I'm the best. I get soooo fuckin frustrated whenever you're upset over him…he doesn't treat you right no one in this forsaken kingdom treats you like they should…” he speaks out , one of his claws playing with the ribbon on your black and green dress. Leona’s sudden words and manners cause heat to rise to your ears and cheeks.

"Yet you make me feel so alive, like I can do anything if I put my mind to it, I don't deserve you but I think I'd rather die than let him or anyone else for that matter have you.” He continues to ramble on. He can feel your pulse and how fast your heart rate is against his lips. The idea of consuming you until you're utterly his sounds so delicious in his depraved sick head.

“I could treat you so much better you know…I'm aware that I'm a pain in the ass—I’m not pleasant to be around, I'm a salty man who is wasting his potential because I can't accept I'll never be king…it's pathetic right? " he chuckles to no one but himself.

He wanted nothing more but to inhale every part of you, feel every part of you ,love every part of you.

“Leona…” You speak again gentler. Pulling away enough to cup one of his warm cheeks in your hand. The biting red now more noticeable against his dark mahogany skin. Fuck he was stupidly attractive like this. It was unfair how good looking Leona was. Malleus was gorgeous and you must admit that was one of the selling factors that made you more calm about the idea of an arranged marriage. Although his pretty face would not do much now. Leona however was Malleus' complete opposite—Malleus elegant and cool while Leona was ravishing and oh so alluring despite his nature. You'd be lying if you said it did not drive you crazy, especially like this.

“You're not in your right mind…” trying to collect whatever sense you have left in you and to not fall into the inviting words of your fiancé's rival. He just lets out a groan, standing up to his proper height. Towering over you , he stares at you.

“I am not, doesn't mean I want you any less, I mean every word I've said…just wouldn't say it if I were” Leona explains, emerald eyes half lidded. Your hand can't help but find its way back onto his face , your fingers gently trail across the scarred tissue on his right eye. He closes his eyes letting you trace the scar from the top of his eyebrow to his lower cheek. After a while you stop and bring the same hand to his fluffy ears which twitch upon your touch.

“Getting bold herbivore” The beastman says, opening his eyes to look down at you. You smile back at him in protest. Your other arm snakes around his neck whilst his own arms wrap around your body again. The sound of the party had faded into the background long ago, it felt as if it was just the two of you dancing among the stars in your own world.

You don't know if it was you or Leona who connected the distance between you two but you did not object when you felt his soft lips clash against your own. It was sweeter and softer than you had expected, another surprise from the lion. He cradles the back of your head before deepening the kiss. You can taste the alcohol and whatever food he had consumed prior as you feel his tongue meet yours. There's an ache, a type of hunger you have not felt before that blooms within your chest. The need to be as close to Leona as possible, it seems to be mutual the way his claws push you closer and closer leaving no room for you two to be apart.

“I- we can't , If I leave out here with any bruises, who knows what people will say?” You mumble, looking back at the stars once more. Leona knew you were right, you weren't a bunch of teens anymore, you were both royals with an active reputation to uphold. He huffs and scrunches up his noses in that cute way he does , it reminds you how he truly is part cat.

When you pull away for air, string of saliva connects you two. Your chest heaves as the prince pecks at your lips softly, then nibbles at the flesh, his warm lips travel to under your chin and neck. He kisses and drags his tongue against your flesh causing you to shiver as he explores the sweet new territory. His canines poke at the skin slightly, he barely gets to sink his fangs into your flesh before you abruptly pull away. Immediately he backs off, stepping back in worry he pushed you too far.

“Fuck” He says suddenly, his tail rapidly flicking behind him a stark contrast to his smooth and calm sway from earlier. You can't help the guilt spread across your chest. You open your mouth to say something before a sudden loud mouth interrupts you.

You and Leona pull away from each other quickly as Sebek now stands in the doorway of the balcony, the moon glow highlighting his pale face and bright eyes. His face in a frown, his snaggletooth present and his eyebrows promptly furrowed.

"There you are!" he boomed, the sound grating against the silence. "Are you aware of how poorly this reflects upon my liege? To be found missing from the festivities , it is simply unacceptable!”

“I do not need to hear it from you Kingscholar!” the mint haired boy huffs out. You tried to stifle your laughter at the two’s banter. To think these two went to school with each other is such an amusing thought , granted for about only a year or so considering their four year age gap. Sebek was always kind to you, just very loud and passionate when it came to Briar Valley’s crowned prince. You understand why considering how he grew up around protecting the fae, as if he needed the protection. The knight puffs out his chest and turns on his heel. “W-well just make your way to the party soon…My lady..” He mumbles the last part.

“Sevens you're still as loud, and that is no way to speak to a lady especially not your precious liege's fiancé, did you not learn any manners?” Leona mocks with a slight venom in his voice , causing the half-fae’s face to redden in embarrassment.

Before you could respond Sebek was gone as fast as he had arrived. Once he was out of airshot you couldn't resist bursting out into laughter. Leona quirks a brow. “What's so funny?” He asks, his curiosity peaked in your amusement.

“You” you breathed out “It's just a bit funny seeing how quickly your demeanor changed considering how drunk you are right now, you were so…sappy” You continued, your laughter dying down into something more soft and intimate. Leona lets out a scoff and rolls his eyes. The prince rests his back against the balconies railing, tipping his head back to look up at the midnight sky.

“I should get going, they must have realized my absence now ” you whisper. A frown tugs at his lips, annoyance now playing on his face. “Don't be like that, kitty” you say gently tapping the bridge of the prince’s nose. Watching him cringe at the nickname. Another grumble arises from his chest as he sits up to look at you properly. You really couldn't get enough of the way he looked. It was as if there was something in the air that caused every feature of him to be heightened.

Leona lets out a sigh and picks up your hand. He stares at the wedding band that shined brightly under the pale light the moon casted . His thumb traced over the metal. His lips press against your hand.

“Come back to me…kay?” he murmured, his voice dropping to a rough, honest plea that made your heart skip. "Promise me… just come back to me"

His days as the Imbibitor Lunae were long and laborious. He lead countless battles to destroy threats and rescued Xianzhou fleets from annihilation. 

Dan Feng was used to spending long periods away from home, but when he returned, he knew he would at least be greeted by you. 

Occasionally, you were there fighting alongside him. Capable and strong. But most of the time, you preferred using your strengths to continue studying and advancing medicine. You were compassionate and knowledgeable, and you wanted to help your injured allies rather than cause more destruction.

His favorite moments with you involved the little leisure time he had between battles when he was able to stay in his residence with you, wrapped in your embrace. 

Dan Feng, proud member of the High-Cloud Quintet, was left speechless and in awe at the sight of you. Those nights you spent together were filled with both heat and passion, and attention and love. Every moment he spent with you was intentional; he never took those times for granted. 

Of course, those times couldn’t last. 

Be it his selfishness, his arrogance, his drive to help his friend—he lost you. Not because you shunned him or turned him away, but simply because he was forced to reincarnate and locked away without the ability to say even a simple goodbye. 

His love, lost in the blink of an eye. And he may never see you again. 

Now, as Dan Heng, he was almost in denial when Jing Yuan informed him you forcibly reincarnated as soon as you heard the news of the Sedation of Inhibitor Lunae and slipped away from the Xianzhou Luofu. 

What were you to Dan Heng? Dan Feng was no longer here and Dan Heng did not want to claim his past. 

Imbibitor Lunae was not him. Renowned member of the High-Cloud Quintet was not him. 

But when Jing Yuan spoke your name, memories of his previous life rushed through him. If he didn’t acknowledge his past, would that mean you had no chance of ever being his again?

Dan Heng had no attachment to the name Jing Yuan. Yingxian no longer held special meaning either. He didn’t want it to. But hearing your name stirred something in him. It caused a battle between past and present. And the present was winning until he walked along the streets of Penacony. 

An intense shiver shot through his veins and the hairs on the back of his arm stood up. You were here.

He knew it. He felt it. Dan Heng didn’t know where exactly, but your presence was so powerful, it was something he couldn’t ignore. He wasn’t strong enough to. 

You were his first and only romantic love— A love he thought would be eternal until he got reincarnated. The draw to you was so intense he found himself wandering the wide pathways filled with Gothic buildings until he felt the call was satiated. 

It wasn’t completely gone, but he felt more relaxed. More at peace. 

Dan Heng notice his body stopped in front of a library with a square roof and he immediately entered the building. The interior was filled with rows of bookshelves and large tables, busy with scholars and those here for leisurely reasons alike.

Despite all that, Dan Heng knew where you were right as he laid eyes on you. 

You were half-hidden by piles of books as you took notes on a blank sheet of paper. You sat straight on the chair and briefly put your pen down when you noticed his staring. Your gaze met his as your eyes darted around the room. 

When they landed on Dan Heng, you tilted your head to the side as he watched you, but you showed no signs of recognition. 

His stomach churned. Of course you wouldn’t recognize him. You had reincarnated soon after Dan Feng did. Your past life was gone, your memories were gone, and he didn’t even know if your name was still the one that was so familiar on his lips. 

With an inquisitive look on your face, you beckoned him over. He was surprised that you acknowledged him so overtly, but if you were anything like your past self, he shouldn’t be too shocked. 

Dan Heng wondered if he should turn around and leave. Did he want to pretend he didn’t see you? Pretend that your fates weren’t inextricably linked? 

His heart felt like it was being torn out of his chest as he turned away, ready to go on as if this never occurred so he could continue his life as Dan Heng with no ties to the previous Imbibitor Lunae. He began walking out of the library, shoving his feelings down deep to hide them away for good. 

The cold outside air hit his face as he opened the door. It felt damp out—as if it were raining. 

Dan Heng touched the wet drops on his face before he realized it wasn’t rain. It was his tears. 

It pained him more than he cared to admit. His past love was here and he was going to throw it away before he even had another chance. He grit his teeth and clenched his fists, nails digging into his palms so deep it hurt the flesh. But it had nothing on the pain his heart was feeling. 

He couldn’t do it, he realized. He couldn’t severe the bond from his past completely— Dan Heng couldn’t severe his bond with you. He’d lose a part of himself he wasn’t even aware he still had. 

The muscles in his body screamed as he entered the library once more, this time walking straight to you instead of basking in hesitation. You looked confused as you stared up at him, probably wondering why he ignored you, left, and came back all in the span of one minute.

“Hi there! Can I help you?” 

Dan Heng instantly froze at your words. He yearned for the familiarity; a sense of comfort washed over him at your simple acknowledgement. 

But it didn’t look like you knew who he was. There wasn’t an ounce of recognition on your face even as he stood closer. 

It’s me. Do you remember? he wanted to ask. The desire to reach out and grab your hand, touch your face, was strong enough to make his heart pound. But he refrained. If you didn’t know who he was, it might frighten you if he did that. And discomfort was the last thing Dan Heng wanted to make you feel.  

You laughed nervously, letting out a single cough to fill the silence. 

Dan Heng, realizing he hadn’t said a word, quickly scanned the books you had stacked up. They were books on medicine and the evolution of healthcare. He tried to find something relevant to say.

“I almost gave someone CPR once.”

You blinked slowly, a small and uncertain smile on your face. “That’s great! I think…” For a moment, you considered what he said. “I supposed it’s not great if someone was in a situation where they needed CPR. But it is great you were willing to help.”

Dan Heng nodded, glad his plan went well. 

“Why did they need CPR? If you don’t mind me asking.”

“We found them unconscious. They had a weak heartbeat and pulse so I wanted to make sure they stayed alive.” 

You took in this information, looking slightly impressed. “Typically, we start CPR when there’s no pulse, but if the individual begins gasping for breathe, it’s usually a good sign to start CPR.” 

“I see.”

The two of you fell into a long silence before you gently cleared your throat. 

“Is that all you had to say?” you asked. Dan Heng suspected you didn’t exactly buy that he wanted to talk to you solely about CPR. “Earlier, when you were looking at me, you had a strange look on your face. It looked like you recognized me.” 

Dan Heng stilled. 

You clasped your hands together on top of the table, leaning forward almost conspiratorially. “Do I know you?”

His breathing quickened at the prospect of you remembering your past with him. 

“Maybe from a birthday party as a kid? Or did we go to the same school?” 

Dan Heng’s face dropped. “Oh. No.” 

You hummed in thought.

“You…might know me, though.” 

Curiously, you raised your brows at his vague response. He wondered if he should stop himself, but he wanted to tell you about your past life. Maybe then you would remember him. 

But would that be a good idea? Would it work in the first place? 

Dan Heng didn’t know. 

He felt impulsive but he needed to talk to you more. “I can explain more, but can we go outside first?” 

You craned your neck to the side, considering your options. He knew what he asked of you was something ridiculous in the eyes of a stranger. To stop what you were doing, take time out of your day, and follow this man you had only just spoken to with no explanation. 

It was wishful thinking to expect a yes. 

Yet somehow, you always managed to surprise him. “Of course. Let me just return these books.” 

Dan Heng tried to hide how pleased he was as he patiently waited for you to turn the books back into the librarian. He offered to help you carry them, but you managed to gather the heavy stack into your arms in its entirety. 

“Now I’m ready,” you said with a smile, eyes studying him in wonder. You looked confused, but you didn’t seem concerned. Perhaps something inside of you also sensed familiarity. “Do you want to see the stars with me?” 

He nodded and you led him to a clear, grassy spot away from the town. The grass was tall and green, pastel wildflowers growing amongst the landscape. You smoothed down your clothes and sat on the soft ground. Dan Heng sat next to you, careful to respect your personal space and keep a slight distance. 

He took in the scenery of the night before he saw you gazing at the stars. He quickly followed suit, tilting his head back.

Moments of tranquil silence passed by before he asked, “Do you know what I am?”

You didn’t miss a beat, almost as if you were expecting that question to come. “You appear human, but your presence doesn’t feel as so.”

“Much like you, correct?” he countered. “A Vidyadhara.”

You touched your head instinctively, the place where your horns should be. With wide eyes, you hastily put your arms back against your sides. 

Dan Heng raised his brow. 

“I thought my appearance had changed suddenly,” you said with a nervous laugh. 

He shook his head. “I’m sorry to cause such alarm. You don’t need to worry; you still appear human as well.” 

“It’s not as if I’m trying to pretend I’m not a Vidyadhara,” you explained, “it’s just easier to live here and be unnoticed with this appearance.” You looked away from the starry sky and turned to face Dan Heng. “And you— Why do you choose to appear human?” 

“I refuse to pay for the sins of my past reincarnation. It’s not me,” he said, voice tense. “That’s not who I am.” 

“You remember your past reincarnation?” you asked, your body perking up. Embarrassed by your eagerness, you stilled. “Sorry. That’s insensitive. There must be a reason you don’t want to remember. Sometimes, I just can’t help but wish I did.” 

The corners of Dan Heng’s mouth tilted upward. “Don’t be sorry. I don’t care for my past…except for one particular detail.” 

You shifted your position to sit with your legs folded over the other. You didn’t say anything, instead letting him speak as he felt comfortable.

“Maybe one particular person is more accurate.” 

Your eyes closed as you breathed deeply, the wind blowing around the two of you as if creating a bubble from the rest of the world. In deep concentration, you changed into your normal Vidyadhara form. Your ears were pointed, regal horns emerged from the top of your head, and you looked taller as your tail appeared underneath you. 

Expectantly, you looked at him. 

Dan Heng hesitated, but soon followed suit. He felt his body change to the one of his past as he revealed his true form to you. 

“Am I the person in your past?” you asked slowly, examining everything from his turquoise horns and dark hair, to his long tail landing in a semi-circle around you. 

He smiled to himself. Attentive as always, he thought. Lifetimes had passed, the galaxies never stopped moving, yet you were just as he remembered. Your experiences may have been different, as did the environment you grew up in, but at your core, you were still thoughtful, caring, and intelligent. No matter the reincarnation, you were still you— His beloved. 

A conflicted look formed on his face as that thought. Dan Heng was getting ahead of himself. He wasn’t Dan Feng. You couldn’t be his. 

You didn’t let his lack of response deter you, instead staring up at him with a hopeful gaze. “I’m sorry if that’s too personal of me to ask. It’s only… Something about you just feels safe and warm.”

His tail swayed back and forth. You felt it too?

“But you’re a stranger in this life, as far as I know,” you said with small laugh. “So why do you seem so familiar? Perhaps it means in my previous, you weren’t so strange.”

Dan Heng noticed his tail getting closer to your body before he managed to sway it the other way. You bumped yours against his mischievously. He jolted in surprise, both at the sudden touch of his tail—which he hadn’t felt in years and years—but also the small spark running through him at the point of contact. 

You bristled as well. “What was that?”

“I am not sure either.”

For a moment, you were lost in your thoughts. He wondered what you were thinking as your eyes swirled, looking more captivating than any galaxy he has ever seen. Your elegant horns looked as if they were glowing against the night sky and he wanted to reach out and feel them like he used to. One of your sensitive spots, he remembered. 

“I felt something when our tails brushed,” you said slowly, thinking your words through. “It wasn’t much, but it felt like a glimpse of my previous life. Do you think I can touch you more?”

Dan Heng absolutely did not mind if you touched him. Anywhere—for that matter. But he figured what was visible would be safest for the time being. He bowed his head, offering his horns to start with. “As you wish.”

You smiled brightly and his heart fluttered. He felt deep down he would do anything for you. Even confront his past life. And he vowed that what he didn’t do in his past life—spend enough time with you before it was too late—he would do in this. If only you allowed him. 

Reaching out, your gaze was fixed on his tall horns. You started with a careful touch to the tip and ran your fingers down to where his horns branched out. Heat and cold were both searing through his body at the touch and he was certain from your expression you felt the same. Your hands trailed down his face, feeling the point of his ears and resting on his cheek. 

Whether it was from the pain of the intensity coursing through you or whether it was because you were remembering your past life, Dan Heng saw tears rolling down your cheeks. 

He brought his hand up to you to wipe them away, but stopped right before he could touch your skin. “May I?” 

You nodded, a light sniffle coming from you and Dan Heng yearned to be of comfort. 

He started with a light brush of his thumb to gather the wetness on your face, gently wiping it off. Then, same as you did to him, he felt the elongation of your ears and ran hs fingers from the base of your horns to the very top. They were just as smooth as he remembered and he felt you tremble at the touch. He smiled. They were still also as sensitive as ever. 

“Are any memories resurfacing for you?” he said quietly. 

Your eyes were squeezed shut yet tears still leaked from them. It took a while for your to respond, overwhelmed by all the emotions, but eventually you managed to ask, “Is it… Dan Feng?”

“Dan Heng now,” he gently corrected. “I don‘t go by that name anymore.”

At that confirmation, you cried even more, jumping into his arms and burying your face in his chest. 

“It‘s been so long,” you said in exasperation, your words mixed with sniffles. “The Sedation— We didn’t even get to say goodbye!” You paused, removing yourself from his chest and looking up at him. “Rather, I didn’t get to say goodbye to Dan Feng. But with you here, maybe now I can.”

He nodded in understanding. His ending was so abrupt. Due to his own hubris and for the life of his closest friend, he ended up sacrificing himself. And in the long run, he learned he even sacrificed you. Dan Heng would never treat your relationship with him so casually again. He should’ve showed you it was the top priority in his life. 

Dan Heng watched in silence as you closed your eyes and whispered under your breath. He didn’t fully understand what you were saying, but he allowed you to have your private moment and say your goodbyes. He said goodbye to the past you as well—a right that was also stripped away from him as he was forced into reincarnation without second thought. Anger rose in his cheeks at those who took that away from him. From you. But it died down. Ultimately, what Dan Feng did wasn’t a part of him now. Maybe the person he is today wouldn’t have agreed with those past actions in the first place. 

Moments turned into minutes and minutes turned to hours before you finally opened your eyes and looked at him. Your gaze was clearer, as if it was truly him—Dan Heng—you were seeing. 

You smiled wistfully, hand gently stroking the spine of his tail. “I may have said goodbye to Dan Feng, but, at your core, the Dan Heng in front of me still feels like the man I love.”

He hummed in thought. He understood exactly what you were feeling. “Your core is the same too,” he said, his palm resting on your chest where your heart was beating. “You’re someone I will always love. And I’m sorry it took me so long to find you.”

Your face broke into an expression of sadness and Dan Heng felt his heart tightened. 

“I’m sorry I, as Dan Feng, left you. I’m sorry I couldn’t be with you until the end.”

You shook your head, trying to force a happy look on your face. “No, it’s okay. You didn’t leave me. You were taken and punished and I couldn’t say goodbye. But I forgive you.”

“Why? I valued my power and my friend’s life and, ultimately, was selfish and didn’t consider the impact on yours. There are so many reasons I don’t want to hold onto my past. But if being here with you means facing it, I will.”

You sighed, a small, sad chuckle escaping your lips. “You see someone selfish and arrogant, but I see a kind and selfless soul who wanted his friend to be there with him forever.”

Dan Heng thought back in shame of the Blade he met on Luofu. 

“Our pasts are linked, but so are our presents,” you said, lifting his chin up. “You’re not Dan Feng anymore, are you?”

He nodded firmly. 

You smiled in acceptance. “You’re not exactly my first love, Dan Feng, but I have a feeling I’ll like this Dan Heng person even more, anyway.”

His body immediately warmed and he wanted to melt into your touch. You were always so kind, so thoughtful. Dan Feng may have messed up and got the two of you separated, but he would never. 

“In our last life and this life, and if we have even more to come, we will always find each other,” he vowed. 

You touched your forehead to his before leaning in for a kiss. He met your lips as if he were securing a promise. A promise not to leave you again, a promise he was really here, and a promise he still loved you. There was so much he had to learn about your new life—and you, his. But Dan Heng was certain it’d only make him love you more. 

He had gone through the betrayal of a friend, the betrayal of a nation, and death and exile from the very place he once called home, but no pain compared to that of losing you. And now that he found you again, he didn’t want to make the same mistakes as his past reincarnation. 

You placed your hand on his cheek and deepened the kiss, breaking him out of his thoughts. Your hand was warm against the cool air of the night. Dan Heng ran his hand down to your waist and wrapped around to rest on the small of your back. He pushed you closer to him, wanting to feel your body against his. The heat emanated through the fabric of your clothes and the faint smell of wildflowers and vanilla filled his senses. It was a familiar scent he had always loved. 

He smiled into the kiss and you moved closer, draping a leg around his hip. Dan Heng didn’t ever want to let you go, but he knew he had nothing to fear. Now he knew the strength of your bond—how the draw to each other could withstand lifetimes. 

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