#alysa

"So, I say Cassidy starts, and then clockwise." Amber said, finally coming back from the kitchen, a bowl of popcorn in her hands as she sat down on the floor, next to Isabeau.

You didn't know how to read a clock. "Which way's that?"

"Towards the right." Isa said, amused.

"Which way's—"

"Me." Alysa interrupted, used to your antics.

"Fine fine, hand me the dice." You waved her off, tucking a strand of your bleached hair behind your ears.

Alysa shifted, gaze softening on you. "I feel like you need to dye your roots by now."

"Why?" You snorted, picking out the player piece you wanted. The bycicle, always the bycicle.

"They're dark again."

"Maybe I'll do red now." You grinned, giving her a glance.

"You would look hot in red." Amber said, as she threw a piece of popcorn in her mouth.

"Hey, five month girlfriend sitting right here." Alysa argued, suddenly sitting straighter. "But yes, Cassie, you would look gorgeous in red." She said, turning back to smirk at you.

"Can we please play?" Isabeau said, already exasperated.

You reached over for popcorn, throwing the dice whilst you moved.

"Six." You hummed, moving your piece, then throwing the dice again. "Two."

Just as Alysa moved to pick up the dice, she locked eyes with you, while she threw the dice.

That single look you'd shared so many game nights before crossed between you. A conversation without words itself.

Team up?

She seemed to ask.

Why not?

You'd always shoot back.

 »───────────────────────────────────────────»

"You two have got to be cheating!" Amber said, arms up in frustration as she once again lost a property to the bank, after loosing all her money.

"You don't have enough money to pay me rent." Alysa said, shrugging as she twirled the empty popcorn bowl in her hands.

"So to compromise, the bank's taking your Transilvania property, and giving it's worth in return to Alysa." You added, as if it were obvious.

"Oh yeah they're so cheating." Isabeau said, scoffing, arms crossed.

"Why would I want her to win?" You said, while simultanously, Alysa replied,

"I'd sell my organs before I let her win."

You two shared a look.

Oh really?

You seemed to ask.

Yes, maybe, wait no—

By the time Alysa had caught onto your skepticism, you'd already decided she wouldn't win.

 »───────────────────────────────────────────»

"You're giving her your get out of jail free card." Amber deadpanned.

"I am." You shrugged, handing Alysa the card as she moved out of the jail box.

"Is that even legal?" Isa groaned.

Alysa only smiled, setting the card down. "All is fair in love and war."

You smiled back. "You're quoting John Lyly."

"I am. You read it to me for some argumentative piece."

"I did." You hummed.

"They're so sweet," Isabeau whispered to Amber.

"They're a lying pair of cheaters, that's what they are." She hissed back.

"Hey, maybe she's cheating, I'm not." Alysa laughed, gesturing at you.

"I'm not cheating." You rolled your eeys.

Alysa had dared to throw you under the bus.

You'd throw her under a truck, then.

 »───────────────────────────────────────────»

But you loved game nights, you loved the stupid arguments, the thrill, the adrenaline...

So you kept on a small act.

Just enough for Alysa to keep helping you, so that she wouldn't notice how much you were winning, and how much she was loosing.

"You two have to be cheating." Isabeau said, calmer than Amber, who was now on her knees, staring at the board, her hands clasped in front of her.

"I'm telling you—" Amber spoke up, frustrated.

"How do you even cheat at Monopoly?" You snorted, rolling the dice again, getting your third six in a row.

"Oh yeah you're cheating." Alysa said, scoffing when she saw you move your piece again. The stupid, pretty, little rascal.

You laughed. "Guys, it's Monopoly! I just have good luck with throwing a dice."

"I'm not buying it." Isabeau sighed, leaning back.

You locked eyes with Alysa.

You still in?

Obvi.

She winked back.

Oh she was going down.

 »───────────────────────────────────────────»

"I quit." Amber finally relented, giving off her last property to the bank.

"I.... don't, yet, but my point of you cheating still stands." Isabeau said, rolling the dice.

"You're rich." Alysa suddenly noticed, looking over at your properties and your money.

"No I'm not." You said, laughing, trying to subtly cover the more than a couple 500's you had.

"You've so been swiping the bank." Amber said, gasping rather dramatically.

"No I haven't." You groaned.

"Let me be bank then! I'm not playing anymore." She said, grinning like a child with a lollipop.

"That seems fair." Alysa nodded.

"I'm in." Isabeau agreed, as she opened a pack of chocolate chip cookies.

You only sighed. "Fine by me."

But Alysa had thrown your partnership out the window.

You'd throw her out the building.

 »───────────────────────────────────────────»

"I'm broke." Isabeau groaned, leaning her head against the wall, closing her eyes like a Victorian actress.

"Isa, you're fine, take a loan." Amber waved it off, trying to get anyone to win except you.

"I can lend—" Alysa began.

"You owe the bank 40 and you have 15, and Isa owes 65." You deadpanned.

"So... we're all broke and in debt...." Isa said, eyes flickering open. "Except...."

All three of them turned to look back at you happily eating a chocolate chip cookie.

"Didn't we agree winner chooses the movie?" Amber whispered, voice lower.

"We did." Isa said.

"And I won." You smiled, dusting off your fingers.

"We're watching mean girls again." Alysa groaned.

Amber shook her head. "No surely she'll pick something else for once—"

"Please no not again—" Isabeau interrupted.

But you'd already gotten up, and picked up the remote. "I know right? She's a life ruiner, she ruins people's lives." You quoted, smiling.

"Please tell me that's another movie." Isa said, hopeful.

"No. That's Mean Girls." Alysa shook her head, softly. Because as annoyed as she was at having to see mean girls, again, she was happy. Her girlfriend was smiling. And seeing that was better than any movie anyone on the world could've ever chosen.

 »───────────────────────────────────────────»

You'd only gotten up for a minute, just to get water from the kitchen.

But Alysa had already trailed behind, arms around your waist. "Cassidy." She said, her voice low, a whisper into your ear.

"Yeah?"

"You made me lose, that was on purpose."

"It was."

"We're watching mean girls again because you made me lose."

"We are."

"I didn't charge you rent."

"You didn't— what?" You suddenly turned around, leaving the glass of water forgotten.

"You look so pretty when you're excited." She teased, smiling.

Your cheeks flushed. "Shut up Lysa, you let me win?"

"Eh, maybe." She shrugged.

"Why?"

"Maybe I knew I'd still get my payment?" She said, hands dropping to your hips with a suggestive smile.

"Payment." You repeated, cheeks still pink.

"The clean kind, pretty girl, relax." She laughed, pressing a soft peck to your cheek.

"What do you want?"

"I want my gorgeous, possibly redhead in the future, smart as fuck, pretty girlfriend to kiss me." Alysa said, her voice clear, no stutter, despite her words.

"Mhm, I think I could maybe splurge on that." You said, tilting your head in return.

"Yeah?"

"Yeah, maybe." You teased, arms around her neck now.

Alysa ducked her head, meeting your lips with a soft whisper, her handa soft on your waist as well.

"Kiss me like I let you win monopoly."

28th March, 2018

You and Alysa met in 2018 when you were 11 and she was 13. You had gone to the ice skating rink by yourself for the first time. No experience, no plan, just hopes and dreams. Alysa was also there. It was supposed to be her day off, but she had gone to the local rink to relax.

When she wasn’t looking, she accidentally bumped into you, nearly causing you to fall over.

“Oh my god, are you okay?” She asked, hand holding you steady.

“Yeah, I’m fine.” You replied, trying to hide how shaken up you were.

“I’m sorry, I wasn’t looking. Maybe I can teach you how to ice skate? You look pretty unsteady.”

“Actually, that would be fun. Sure.”

And that’s how you and Alysa met. Ever since then, you two were inseparable. Alysa invited you to all her competitions in the US, and you went to all of them. That’s how close you two were.

In 2019, Alysa confessed her feelings to you in her room, after you two had just gone ice skating. You were lying on her bed, and she was on her bean bag, just looking at you.

“I like you.” She blurted out, then started blushing furiously. “Oh my god. Did I just say that out loud?”

“Lys, you what?” Your jaw dropped. You had your suspicions, but had no idea she felt that way, or that she liked women. Your face was a mix of shock, embarrassment, and happiness.

“Yeah, I…” She rubbed the back of her neck. “I meant what I said. I’m sorry I’m an idiot I-“

“Are you kidding? I’ve liked you from the start!”

“Really?” Her face lit up. She hesitated, then asked.

“Will you be my girlfriend?”

You two had your first kiss the same year. School had been cancelled because the halls were flooded, so nobody else was at the rink. After months and months of practice, you finally successfully landed an axel. Alysa’s heart was so full of pride that it felt like her emotions would burst out of her chest.

“I did it!!” You jumped, skating towards her and hugging her.

“Yeah, you fucking did.” Alysa grinned down at you, arms wrapped tightly around your waist.

“We did it. I wouldn’t have been able to do it without you.”

Alysa had no idea what possessed her to do what she did next. Leaning down, she pressed her lips against yours for the first time.

You froze, but kissed her back anyway, melting into her.

“Was that… too early?” Alysa asked hesitantly, pulling away. Both of your ears were burning.

“Can I kiss you again?”

“Is that even a question?”

☆彡

April 7th, 2021

Everyone knew how far Alysa was constantly pushing herself, except for Alysa herself. Still, she constantly tried to make time for you and her. Secretly texting you at 3 am because she hadn’t seen you in three days, still squeezing out time to hang out with you even with her busy schedule.

You resorted to telling her that you had decided to quit ice skating. You hadn’t. You only told her that just so she’d stop asking you to ice skate with her, making her more tired than she already was. Truthfully, you loved ice skating. You loved the ice, but not as much as you loved Alysa.

One night, Alysa called you at 1 am, tired and insisting that she “needed to hear your voice”. She ended up falling asleep mid-sentence, exhaustion taking over. She had already been slurring her words earlier.

Your heart broke seeing her so tired. You were convinced that you were the problem. So, you made up your mind. You had to break up with Alysa. For her own good.

After one of her less tiring practices, you texted her.

you: meet me at our spot, 6:30 pm

lys 💕: everything okay??

lys 💕: already omw

You saw her messages and took a deep breath. How the absolute fuck were you going to tell someone that’s been with you since you were teens, that you wanted to end things?

You wondered on the walk to the cafe, nearly hitting a pole. Then you arrived at a small, local cafe. Nothing extraordinary, but it was near the rink where you two first met. The two of you went here every Wednesday, and it soon became “your spot”. The owner and the baristas knew you two by name and were basically your big sisters.

You took your seat at the corner of the cafe as usual. You ordered two hot chocolates, for Alysa and for yourself.

Soon, Alysa walked through the doors, greeting the baristas and her eyes immediately flicked towards you.

“Hey baby,” she kissed your cheek, putting down her bag of skating gear. “Holy shit you got me hot cocoa? Thank you so much.”

“Lys… we need to talk.”

Her face instantly changed, from a wide smile to serious. “What’s up? What happened?”

“I… I don’t know how to say this. I think you’re overworking yourself and…. We need to take a break.”

“What?” Alysa stood up abruptly. Embarrassed, she sat back down. “What do you mean? I thought we were doing pretty well.”

“I just… you’re training for the Olympics, yet you’re still constantly trying to make time for me, and I just… I don’t want you hurting yourself for me. I’ve been thinking for a while that it’s the best for you and me.”

“What? No, you’re not a burden, I do all of that because you’re my everything!”

“No Lys, you do that because you feel pressured as my girlfriend. And I’m just making everything worse by staying.” You took a deep breath. “Please don’t argue with me. I’ve made up my mind. I’m sorry, Lys.”

You stood up, took your stuff, and left forever.

Later that day, Alysa tried to text you

lys 💕: hey

ⓘ Message failed to send

☆彡

February 15th, 2026

At the Milano Olympic dining hall, Alysa was going to get more fried rice when she got distracted by the pictures on the walls. Not looking at where she was going, she bumped into someone.

“Sorry I-“ Alysa turned around, apology dying in her throat when she saw you. It didn’t click at first, but you were just… too familiar. You didn’t spare her another look though, and just walked to your teammates’ table.

The rest of the lunch flew by. Alysa barely spoke to her friends, immersed in her own thoughts. You were definitely someone she knew, but who?

Late at night in her room, it clicked. Alysa shot up from bed- you were her fucking ex from middle school. She grabbed her phone, typing your name into Google. And there you were. Rising ice hockey star, starting goalkeeper for Team USA within five years of training. She clicked on your Instagram, and there you were. 2 posts, 1.4mil followers, 1046 following. Her finger hovered above the “follow” button before making up her mind and clicking it.

She kept scrolling on your Instagram and read articles dating back to 2023, until her eyes drifted shut and exhaustion took over her.

When Alysa woke up the next morning, the first thing she did was check her Instagram. Her sleepiness instantly disappeared when she saw that you had started following her. Her heart nearly stopped beating, a giddy smile spreading across her face.

See, Alysa had never truly gotten over you. For the past five years, she had only been in two relationships that lasted eight months and six months respectively. And everything she did was still dedicated to you.

On the day of her competition, Alysa was more nervous than usual. It was that feeling again. The feeling she hadn’t felt since you left. The feeling that you were watching. You had to be. She was excited but nervous at the same time. Revising her routine over and over again.

When it was finally time, she skated to the middle of the rink, heart beating in her ears. She skated like nobody was watching. It was flawless. And possibly, an Olympic gold-winning performance.

She jumped into Philip and Massimo’s arms, excited. After putting on her guards, she waited for her results, sitting down and almost vibrating with excitement.

“With a score of 150.20, Alysa Liu’s total score is 226.79!”

1st place. Philip and Massimo shook her, but Alysa was happily scanning the crowd for you. And there you were. First row, clapping and cheering.

Alysa stood up, waving and blowing kisses to the crowd.

She received her medal with pride, and then hugged Ami Naki who won bronze, whispering “I’m so proud of you.”

After the pictures, anthems, and interviews, the adrenaline finally wore off when she was getting changed. She knew that the next event was the final of women’s ice hockey, so Alysa immediately got on a bus to Unipol Dome.

On the way there, she made a few texts and calls for a seat. Miraculously, she managed to snag front row.

After finding her seat, she didn’t have to wait long to watch the players enter the rink, led by you. Alysa’s eyes were completely focused on you.

As the goalkeeper for Team USA, the announcer had to introduce you. The second your name was called, the crowd erupted in cheers. Everyone had heard of your story, everyone knew this was your first time and they were excited to see you perform.

It didn’t start well. For the first period, nobody scored. You and the goalkeeper for Canada were too strong, blocking every shot coming your way.

For the second period, Canada scored a shorthanded goal. But you didn’t let that get to you. You recovered and managed to stop any more goals. Alysa groaned. She had no knowledge of ice hockey, but she just wanted you to win.

Third period, things were going relatively smoothly. Team USA scored, tying the game 1-1. Alysa cheered so loud that the people around her gave her side eyes.

Since you tied, there was overtime. Tensions were high, and everything that went your way gave you a mini heart attack. One missed block would mean silver, and losing when you were so close was not what you could accept. You felt a weight lift off your shoulders when you saw that, miraculously, Megan had gotten a backhanded goal. You couldn’t believe it. First Olympics, and you won gold.

The crowd was deafening, but Alysa didn’t even notice. She was too busy cheering. Your team rushed together for a group hug, throwing off their helmets in the celebration. Everyone started hugging each other individually, celebrating on the ice.

After the celebrations, you wrapped the American flag around your shoulders for pictures, hyping up the crowd. You and your teammates then shook the official’s hands.

Lined up at the sidelines, “Party In the USA” by Miley Cyrus played as you waited for Team Switzerland, which won bronze earlier, to join the victory celebration.

After Switzerland and Canada received their medals, it was finally the USA’s turn.

You bowed when you received your medal and shook Tricia Smith’s hand. You also got a plushie of Tina the stoat, the Olympic mascot.

Finally, it was time for the anthem, interviews and pictures. You then shook Team Canada and Switzerland’s hands.

Then all of a sudden, everything was over. Months of practice, just for this moment, this medal. As you put on your guards and walked into the tunnel, your eyes flickered over the crowd. Your smile faltered for a second when you made eye contact with Alysa. She froze. You definitely saw and recognised her.

In the changing room, you changed absent-mindedly, zoning out the chatter of your teammates. Seeing Alysa at your game definitely shocked you. You had secretly seen her figure skating performance, but did not expect her to see your game.

That night, you stalked her Instagram, scrolling through her posts and reels. Then, you did your research. Turns out there would be an Exhibition Gala, which was basically a figure skating showcase. Alysa would definitely be there.

You thought about it for about half a second before deciding that you had to be there.

The day of the Exhibition Gala, you showed up early, finding your front row seats with Hilary, whom you had to persuade to go with you.

“Why do you even want to watch ice skating, for god’s sake?” Hilary rolls her eyes, sighing. “Love youuu.” You grinned happily.

Alysa was in the tunnel. It was almost her time to perform. Alysa was somehow more nervous for this performance than her free skate.

Smoothing her skirt, she took off her guards and waited for her name to be called. When it was finally her time, she skated to the middle of the rink, mentally preparing herself.

You watched Alysa as she skated. Confident, bold, and breathtakingly beautiful. You’re reminded of how Alysa skated with grace when you were young. How she patiently taught you how to skate, even though you would stumble and take her with you. It was only because of her that you took ice hockey and you’re able to skate so well.

You couldn’t sleep that night.

Doomscrolling on your phone, you came across a reel about Alysa Liu. Without thinking, you reposted it and didn’t think much of it.

You woke up to a message request on Instagram.

刘美贤

Wants to send you a message.

“What the…” You muttered to yourself as you opened the message.

alysaxliu: hey

alysaxliu: what’s up with the repost?

You shot up in bed. With shaky hands, you checked your main account’s reposts. There it was. Only one repost- the reel about Alysa. Last night, you thought you were on your personal account. That’s the only reason why you had reposted it. You immediately deleted your repost.

“Fuck. Fuckfuckfuckfuck!” You thought of a way to explain yourself.

you: mb

you: i misclicked

you: i didnt do it on purpose tho

you: sorry

alysaxliu is typing…

alysaxliu: was just curious, it’s okay

you: wait

you: why were you looking at my reposts?

“Oh shit,” Alysa muttered to herself

alysaxliu: saw it by accident

You reacted to her message with a “🤨”

Alysa couldn’t help but squeal. There was a chance that maybe, just maybe, you still think of her too.

After lunch, Amber and Isabeau went to her hotel room to hang out. Alysa at the desk, Amber on her bed and Isabeau on the couch. Suddenly, Isabeau called out “Alysa, are you watching the women’s ice hockey highlights?”

Amber spoke up, “Yeah, I noticed too- she’s only been watching this one athlete too. Goalkeeper for Team USA. My sister loves her. Heard she’s the same age as us- not Isa tho.”

“You guys are ancient.” Isabeau rolled her eyes.

Alysa rubbed the back of her neck. “I’m not doing it on purpose. The algorithm keeps pushing TikToks about her to me.”

That was a lie.

“Huh. Weird.” Isabeau said, and they went back to doing their own stuff.

Finally, it was time for the party in the Olympic Village. It was where everyone celebrated their wins and got wasted, but it also marked the end of their stay there. Alysa wore jeans and a short-sleeved button-up. Nick Goepper was trying to start small talk with her.

But her eyes were fixed on you. She had been watching Andrew Heo having his arm around your waist, lips brushing soft kisses on your cheek from time to time. Worst of all, you were entertaining him, giggling every time he whispered in your ear and leaning into him. What really got her riled up was when he kissed the corner of your lip, and a flash of discomfort flashed across your face. You were obviously doing this just to rile her up.

She had had enough. Without a word to Nick, she walked over to both of you, smiled sweetly to Andrew “Can I borrow her for a sec?” And then took your hand and pulled you to a quiet corner.

“Long time no see, Lys.” Your use of her childhood nickname caught her off guard. Nobody had ever called her that after you. She told everyone that she hated nicknames. She didn’t. She simply only liked hearing them come out of your mouth.

“Hey, I…” Suddenly, Alysa felt stupid. She hadn’t seen you in five years, and she wasn’t even sure if you still liked her. “Sorry that was rash I just-“

“No, it’s fine. What’s up? How has life been?” You cut her off.

“It’s been pretty good. Just…” Alysa thought to herself ‘fuck it’ and said, “I miss you.”

A blush rose to her cheeks, her ears turning red also.

“Direct. I see you haven’t changed one bit.”

Leaning close, you whisper, “I miss you too Lys.”

As if it were even possible, Alysa’s ears burned hotter. For a second, she forgets how to speak.

“Do you still think about me?”

“Of course I do, silly. There hasn’t been a single day that I haven’t thought of you.”

Alysa felt less tense after you said that.

“You’re right. I haven’t changed one bit. My feelings for you haven’t either.”

It was your turn to be embarrassed. The expression on your face instantly sent her back to when you were teenagers, when Alysa first confessed.

“I… I didn’t want to leave you. I just thought I was a burden and you just didn’t need that at that time. And when you retired, that just solidified my suspicions.”

“I retired because you weren’t there, you weren’t by my side. I retired because I didn’t have your support.”

“I just… I didn’t know.” You didn’t know why but you felt tears fill up in your eyes. “I’m sorry I- I thought I was doing something right.”

Alysa hugged you, patting your back. “Please don’t cry, you know I hate it when you cry.”

After a few moments, you muttered into her shoulder, “I’m sorry… can you forgive me? Please? I want you back.”

Alysa wiped away your tears and gently pressed a kiss against your lips.

“Abso-fucking-lutely”

For the next two days, you would go to her room to hang out and just make up for lost time. And on the second day, you were interrupted by Amber and Isabeau, who barged into her hotel room.

“WE GOT ICE-“ Amber stopped talking when she saw you in Alysa’s arms. “What in God’s good world am I witnessing?” Isabeau muttered.

“Wait, let me explain-“ Alysa tried to say, but realisation hit Amber.

“WAIT, she’s that girl you’ve been stalking!”

Alysa was mortified, but you were excited. “Really? How?”

“She’s been watching all of your highlights, games, TikToks and reels!”

Alysa buried her face in your neck, too embarrassed to say anything.

“How did she hook up with you so quickly?”

“We’re like, middle school exes? We dated in like 2018, 2019 and then we broke up.”

Isabeau raises an eyebrow. “The lore gets deeper.”

Alysa finally spoke up. “Look, I’ll explain everything later. Just leave us alone for now.”

“Okay okay we’re leaving.” Amber pushed Isabeau to the door, not even bothering to hide her grin.

After the door closed, you could hear Amber squeal “HOLY FUCKING SHIT???”

You turned to Alysa, “Were you really doing all that?”

Blushing, Alysa nodded into the bed.

“Have I ever told you that you’re the cutest person ever?”

✶ You see her from across the room, but her eyes don’t lock with yours- they can’t lock with yours. You know what could happen if someone even suspects you together. Quickly, you draw your attention back to the small radius around you. 

Your husband stands nearby, engaging in conversation with a duke, you primmley hold onto his arm, trying your best to look interested, smiling graciously at the man’s wife. She smiles grimly back, doing a terrible job at hiding her distaste. She doesn’t come from a very allied kingdom, so it’s hard for some wives to find common ground with others. Women like her are what make it hard for you to pretend.

Quickly after you got married, your father had died, leaving you and your husband the first in line for the throne. Being queen has come with its perks, as well as its duties. Specifically, baby duties. Ah, the long-overdue present the kingdom had been expecting for years now, but it’s something you’d been holding off on. Yes, you performed the proper marital ceremonies with your husband as often as he pleased, but it was certainly not enjoyable for you, and you’d gone through all measures to prevent any sort of offspring resulting from these duties. For one reason only.

Again, her eyes catch yours from across the crowd, but you can see the walls she puts up between you. Pretending is the only thing you can do to protect yourselves. It’s been years since you’d last seen Princess Alysa in public without having to act like she doesn’t know you deeper than anyone.

Your most recent conversation in front of people had been at the opening of an orphanage in town. The two of you had been seated next to each other on a podium, mere inches apart as you adequately engaged in a conversation like you hadn’t been under her skirts the night before.

It had been incredibly hard to hide your relationship. No one knew, not even your ladies-in-waiting had the slightest idea of any goings on between the castles. 

✶ “Are you sure no one saw?” You giggle, whispering with your back pressed tightly against the huge wooden doors of the Princesses’ chambers.

She’s shorter than you, but still, her chest is heaving against your own, your faces inches apart with matching grins. “I don’t think,”

You can practically taste her already from the proximity, her scent engulfing you as she wraps her hands around your neck, her fingers falling into the little whisps of hair at the nape.

“You looked so pretty last night,” She breathes, her gaze moving from your eyes to your mouth and back up again.

A groan spills up as you recall her dress from the previous night. God, it was revealing. Her breasts looked so fucking amazing, all pushed up and out from the corset, with her cheeks tinted pink in the low lighting of your ballroom. “I beg to differ, you should’ve seen yourself,”

“It was really hard not being able to talk to you, like harder than most nights,”

“It was super hard not to stare at your boobs.”

A blush creeps onto her cheeks as she buries her face into your neck. “Shut up,”

With your hands on her shoulders, you pull her away, your eyes meeting now. Finally. “Well, you look pretty now, too.”

She brings her hand up to cup your cheek. “You look gorgeous,”

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

“Have you ever thought about running away?” Bare, you lie sprawled out on her bed together, your chests heaving as you gaze at the ceiling. 

“Together?” You glance to the side at her. You had thought about it, just not seriously.

“Yeah, like leaving our husbands,”

Snorting, you just shake your head. “The king would kill me,”

“We would probably be wanted,” She shrugs. “But it would just be us.”

“And we wouldn’t have to hide,”

Turning your heads, your eyes meet, looking deep into the other. “Alysa,”

“Yeah?”

“Are you serious?”

“I mean, I’ve thought about it.” Again, she shrugs, pretending to act nonchalant, but her racing heart says otherwise.

✶ “This feels like the first night meeting!” You giggle, your arms wrapped tightly around her torso as she urges the horse on, forcing it faster and faster until the trees are blurring past you.

“This feels illegal,”

Everything is funny right now, so again, you giggle, happy to have the freedom to giggle with her. “Well, it is,”

You made the plan weeks ago, tonight you executed it, and so far, so good. With your bags packed and slung across your back, you race through the trees on horseback, escaping the confinement.

Really, the only plans you made were to leave; the rest is to figure out, and that you plan to do. You know it won’t be as comfortable and lavish as your life at the castle was, but it’s together, and that’s honestly all that matters.

Eventually, you make it to a small clearing, days away from the castle, with small breaks to sleep. It’s bright with flowers and hedges surrounding the clearing, blocking it from view of any passersby. It’s perfect. Dropping off the horse, you center yourself in the middle, looking up to the sky, the trees parting just enough. It’s beautiful.

Throughout the next few weeks, the two of you will conceive a small cottage. Poorly built, yes, but home. It’s amazing how quick you went through with it, spending nights in a small tent and camp set up next to the small wooden structure.

✶ The years passed by long and plentiful, berries were harvested and meat collected, and slowly a garden bloomed to the right of your small kitchen window (with no glass lol). And of course, the cottage grew steadily, becoming far from the fragile structure you started with.