★~ VenquaWeek2022 ★ Day 3: Anniversary ★ Read on Ao3! ~★
“Ven, where are you taking me?” Aqua giggled as her boyfriend pulled her hand through the bustling evening streets of Twilight Town.
“You’ll see!” Ventus replied brightly as he led her past a Moogle Shop with its glowing neon sign, slowing just as they rounded a corner. He turned on the spot, pulling Aqua in close and spreading out an arm towards the restaurant in front of them. “Surprise!”
The establishment was none other than Le Grand Bistrot— the finest eatery in all the worlds. Twinkling lamps illuminated the entire plaza, bathing the courtyard in a warm and inviting golden light. Enticing heavenly scents wafted through the air from the restaurant’s door, where a long line of people were gathered and waiting their turn to enter.
“Ven,” Aqua laughed, brushing a lock of hair from her forehead. “We’ve been here before.”
“Yeah, well. Tonight’s special; I made reservations,” he stated with an air of pride, squeezing her fingers.
“So, you did remember our two year anniversary,” she teased, her blue eyes sparkling brighter than her sequined dress.
“Of course,” Ven replied, tugging at the cuff of his tuxedo. “Why else would I bring my girlfriend here while looking so snazzy?”
“Oh, I don’t know,” she said wistfully. “Maybe for the opera, or a dance…”
“We can do that afterwards,” he grinned. “First, let’s get some good food.”
The bistro was even more beautiful on the inside. The ornate decor and soft classical music made for a rich, romantic atmosphere, further enhanced by sparkling fountains and lightly scented candles.
“Right this way, monsieur, madame,” the maitre d’ spoke in a heavy accent, beckoning them to follow.
Aqua leaned over to whisper in Ven’s ear as they were led to their table. “…Are you sure they’ll be alright while we’re away?” she asked uncertainly.
“Aqua, stop worrying so much!” Ventus chuckled quietly. Apparently, she was still concerned about leaving a recently recovered and rehabilitated Vanitas alone with Terra for the night. “Trust me, Terra and Chirithy can handle my brother; he’s more bark than bite, now. Besides, we deserve a night to ourselves,” he assured her with a wink.
She smiled back, looking relieved.
Ven and Aqua took a seat at their table, which was situated on a high balcony overlooking the city. Aqua set her purse on the pristine white tablecloth and picked up the drink menu, passing it to Ven without even looking at it.
“No wine?” he asked as Aqua poured herself a glass of sparkling water from a jug next to the fancy silverware.
She shook her head as she took a sip. “Not tonight.”
That was weird. Aqua never turned down a good white wine.
A moment later a waiter came to take their order. “For you, madame?” he addressed Aqua.
“La bouillabaisse, s’il vous plaît,” she answered, easily slipping into French.
“Et vous, monsieur?” he asked Ven.
“…Oh! Uh— The sweetbread poêlé,” Ventus replied, hoping he’d pronounced it correctly.
Their waiter nodded and left.
“Aqua, you never eat seafood,” he pointed out as soon as the man was out of earshot. This night was getting even stranger.
“I… guess I’m craving something a little different, tonight,” Aqua shrugged, a light blush dusting her cheeks.
Ven couldn’t argue with that; their meals looked absolutely delicious as they arrived.
He dug into his food; the veal sweetbread was dense in flavor, yet had a light, airy texture— with a breezy lemon butter sauce and porcini mushrooms on the side.
Aqua’s dish looked equally tasty; an entire garlic-buttered lobster sat atop a saffron stew of baked cod, mussels, and a medley of mixed vegetables.
They lightly conversed over their entrees; after finishing a delectable dessert of creamy chocolate mousse, Ven set his plate aside and reached into his pocket, clearing his throat nervously.
“I got you something,” he said and presented a rectangular box to Aqua, opening it so she could see what was inside. On a cushion of red velvet lay a long, silver necklace, sparkling with tiny stars which were adorned with glimmering sapphires.
“Oh! Ven, it’s lovely,” she breathed, peering at the jewelry.
“I thought you might like it,” Ven smiled, lifting the necklace from its casing and leaning forwards to gently clip it around her neck. “I thought you could use something new, since you don’t have your Wayfinder, anymore.”
“I love it,” she beamed, tracing her fingers across the little stars.
“…So?” Ven asked expectantly.
Aqua raised a slender eyebrow. “So… what?”
“Well…” He tugged at his tie, suddenly feeling a bit self-conscious.
She quirked a smile. “You’re wondering where your present is.”
“Well, yeah,” Ven shrugged.
“Come with me.” Aqua took his hand and led him away from the table and up a short flight of marble stairs to the restaurant’s flat roof.
Ventus glanced across the city rooftops, breathing in the warm evening air. The sun had finally set as low as it could in a world like Twilight Town— though there were still the ever-present streaks of orange and purple in the sky.
“Ven,” Aqua whispered, catching his attention. “This is my gift.” She reached out and took both of his hands, placing them on her belly.
“You… ate a lot of food?” he asked, bemused.
“Ven!” Aqua admonished. “Look closer, with your heart.”
Ventus blinked and closed his eyes. Through his fingertips he could sense a small pulsing light, like a tiny heartbeat.
“Is that…” he breathed, opening his eyes to stare up at Aqua.
“We’re having a baby,” she announced, tears of joy glistening on her eyelashes.
It took a few seconds for her words to fully register. He looked from her, to her belly, then back at her, his heart swelling with jubilation and pride.
“Light, that’s wonderful, Aqua!” Ven cried and hugged her tight, lifting her off her feet and twirling her around.
“Ven, be careful! The baby!”
“Sorry!” he said quickly, carefully setting her back down.
A baby… Ventus ran a hand through his hair and laughed. Now he realized why Aqua had been behaving so unusually at dinner!
“…Oh, crap!” Ven shouted, slapping a palm to his forehead.
“What’s wrong?” Aqua asked, startled as she placed her hands over her belly.
“…We’ll have to plan a wedding!”
Chronological order: Embrace, Sleep, Loss, Flowers, Ocean, Anniversary, and Fairytale.
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