#dulcet

➙ commission for @songofsoma

Rose Litchi Crêpe / Peach Oolong Crêpe

I think about this sort of thing a normal amount- absolutely

Howard rushed through the halls, buzzing with apprehension. The gnawers were lined up outside. The war was to begin soon. But Howard didn't care for any of that, not right now. Dulcet, where was dulcet? The nanny who always had a kind word and warm hug. The nanny who he could talk to when no one else was around because she would always listen. The nanny who heard his problems and came up with solutions. The nanny who he had been in love with since before she became a nanny. He found her in the nursery, of course, comforting the small nibbler babies. “Dulcet!” he rushed to her, kneeling. She looked up in surprise. A smile lit up her face before she frowned. “Howard! Aren't you supposed to be readying for war?” there was a slight tremor in her voice and before he could think about it he had reached out a hand to touch her cheek. To stabilize her. Dulcet swallowed. “Howard.” she whispered. But Howard couldn't stop, wouldn't stop. He leaned forward but she reached up a hand. Stopped him. “Howard.” she looked around helplessly. “I cant. We cant. You are heir to the Fount. I am just-” “perfect.” howard said. He would not allow her to speak badly about herself. Not when he was madly in love with her. “Please dulcet. I may not see the light of day.” Dulcet shook her head. “No i-” she broke off, her lips trembling. Howard brushed his thumb over her bottom lip. “I love you Dulcet. I am in love with you. I have been for a very long time. I am sorry that i never acted on it. That we never had time. But i love you.” dulcet was crying now and it broke him. Broke him to see her cry, because of him. But he couldn't stop. “I love you Dulcet. Please. I may not be alive tomorrow. Please. Marry me.” dulcets eyes widened, but howard didn't stop. He was kneeling anyway. “Please.” he slipped one of the many rings he wore off his finger, his favorite one, a simple silver band that was thicker than the others. He held it out to her. “Marry me dulcet.” Dulcets lips trembled and tears streaked down her cheeks, but silently she took the ring from him and slid it on her finger. “I love you Howard.” her voice broke but she continued. “I have for a long time. I am sorry i never acted on it. But i love you.” she shook her head and sniffed, trying to regain some control over herself. His hand was still on her cheek, his thumb brushing her lips. “You will live through tomorrow.” she said. “You will live and then you will come home to me and we will kiss and marry. And then we will live out the rest of our years together, in a world of peace.” howard nodded, tears leaking out of his own eyes. He tried not to think about the impossibility in her statement. Just allowed her to speak. She took another shuddering breath. Sandwich he wanted to kiss her. But he would not. He would not give her that goodbye. That omen that would say to her he would not return. So he merely brushed his thumb one last time over her lips, gave his ring on her ring finger one last look, and left the nursery. Heading to war. 

@tucweek