so far, we are
đź’«starter for @hycanitho
   Gray has seen Clair throughout the duration of the ball multiple times. He never dared go near-- not yet, he’s far from ready. What face is he going to show someone who was never sure of him? He was asked to wait for her return. The fool in him believed it will all work out in the end, so long as he committed to his end of the bargain. Train hard, make a name himself, prove he was more than just empty words... he could do all that as he commits to knighthood for the One Kingdom of Valentia. When she comes back home, he was sure he’ll finally be able to prove the love he so prematurely proclaimed.
   All that changed when he arrived in Fodlan. Garreg Mach was full of beauties beyond compare, but it wasn’t just the women who were amazing, so were the men. One too many nobles from all over were here for connections, education, and perhaps something more. He’d be a fool not to acknowledge competition. Alm was already a difficult benchmark to reach, but at least he was taken. His heart was given long ago and has remained with her since. No matter how many fell for Mr. Saint-King, it didn’t matter. He’d never look at them. Too bad he can’t say the same for all these fancy bozos around. These were people with the potential to rule and do so much more than just a meager knight. People who had the privilege to get to know her throughout her stay in the monastery. And Gray knew what that could potentially mean. Now he’s wondering if he’s still allowed to wait. He hasn’t asked. He should ask. He didn’t like his odds but he still wanted to know where his place was.
   He can’t count the amount of times he pulled on the miniscule amount of strands dangling on his forehead as he walked back and forth, resolve waning as soon as it materialized. He was getting bummed for no reason, and its the sight of her dancing with someone else that zaps him back to his senses.Â
   “Time’s up. Thank you, next.” Gray appeared as the dance initiated a switch in partners, immediately putting himself in between Clair’s new partner. The Valentian gives the warmest of smiles to the man he cuts off, not even waiting for a reply before stealing his spot, claiming the hand of one he doesn’t deserve yet. He tunes out the noise from everything else, eyes set on the whirlpools that snatched his heart for a love he believes to be true.Â
   “Heya, Clair.” His cape sways along to his sudden movements. He feels overdressed and underdressed at the same time. In the presence of physical perfection, nothing can ever be up to par. Thank Mila he wasn’t known for having low self-esteem. “Figured you were due for a change of scenery-- or a return to an old one. Change is refreshing but nothing beats home.”Â
