etiennexdelacour

[etiennexdelacour]

He was officially twenty-eight years old. Not a milestone age but another year around the sun. That was always something to celebrate. Normally he would have gone out with mates, drank till he was completely knackered and slept with all he wanted. The ultimate playboy. This year was different however. This year Ètienne was engaged. If his fiancée had been anyone but Apolline he may have continued his boyish ways, but she was worth giving up every bit of it. -- though maybe a few drinks would still be in order.

Apolline insisted upon having a birthday dinner. He didn't want to kick up a fuss but also wasn't one to not celebrate himself. It was the one day a year he could get away with making it all about him without it being about his vanity. And who better to spend his birthday with than his wife to be? No one.

Ètienne found his way to Apolline's home. He had been able to come and go as he pleased but something about the night made him want to knock. A formality that seemed appropriate for some odd reason. He reached for the knocker. When the door opened he saw his blonde beauty standing there smiling at him. "Hello you, my love," he said as he removed his coat. "Thank you," he smiled, kissing her forehead. "It smells delicious in here, I must say."

where: her home when: 25th of oct, 2024 who: @etiennexdelacour

There was going to be a lot of firsts for them, and this was the first of them celebrating his birthday together. Apolline didn't want to go over board, a small dinner for them at her home, some of his favourites she had learned about over the last several months. The following night they would be going to his parents home in France to celebrate with both families.

Tonight she wanted something intimate.

Feeling the disturbance in her wards around her home, extra ones placed after recent events, she left the house elves to tend with the rest of the food, wishing to meet her fiance in the foyer. A smile appears on her lips at the sight of him.

"Hello, my love." The blonde stops in front of him, leaning up to place a kiss on his lips. "Happy Birthday."

[etiennexdelacour]

With Apolline’s eyes not moving from him Ètienne was full of anticipation. In real time she had answered quickly but in his time it took ages to hear yes, I will but when he did elation coursed through his bones. He slid the ring on her finger giving it a rightful kiss. He then proceeded to kiss the rest of her hands, then her arms followed by her lips. “You have just made me the happiest man in the world,” he exhaled as he had forgotten to breathe.

He then stood up and wrapped his arms around his official fiancée. There they were, a couple in love and getting married not because of their parents but because they wanted to. Of course everyone would hear it was arranged but as people got to know them, surely they would see differently.

“I love you, Apolline,” he whispered in her ear. “I will do all I can to make you even an iota of how happy you have made me.”

[ END ]

All she could do was fixate on the wizard down on one knee in front of her. He was not required to do this, considering their parents had made it official without them knowing until afterwards. Their fate had been sealed, but here he was, proving to her that it was more than what their parents wanted. That she had been wrong all those years ago, but they had now, to start a life together.

Her eyes started to tear up, blinking back the tears, refusing to let them keep her from seeing him, though he was blurred. "Yes, I will." She held out her hand for him to put the ring on her finger. her hands instantly coming to rest on either side of his face, leaning to to kiss him deeply. He was all she ever needed and this moment, she would remember forever. "I love you," she whispers against his mouth, slowly pulling back, a smile plastered on her lips.

[etiennexdelacour]

After spending his time in Nice with Apolline, Ètienne had decided that a visit to his parents was in order. He did owe them a debt of gratitude of course. He had decided to have this moment alone with family rather than bring Apolline so he could speak with them openly and not have them think it was because she was present.

His parents were thrilled to hear that the engagement was going so well. And that his actual proposal to her was met with such vigor on Apolline’s side. Of course they made sure to say they were right about the pairing, as if they had plucked it out of thin air when, in reality, he had been pining over the blonde for ages. He had excused himself and around the corner bumped into Estelle. He didn’t even know she had arrived.

“Estelle,” Ètienne’s voice filled with surprise, “it’s good to see you, dear sister.” And it was. The problem lied in that they had become estranged. He wasn’t a fan of the situation but what was to be done? They weren’t ever particularly close but she was his sister and he valued that. If he had the choice they would be close but it wasn’t just up to him to make the relationship work so he took it for what it was.

“Technically mother and father arranged it but, yes, someone I want to marry very much,” he gave a sideways smile, unable to do anything else when he spoke of his fiancée. “I do love her. I’m sure you never thought you would see the day your brother would actually want to settle down,” he said given his playboy days.

who: @etiennexdelacour where: delacour townhouse when: evening

It had been weeks since she'd last been home, preferring the solitude of her flat. For the most part it was the short distance to Diagon Alley, in other parts her wish to stay clear of those who thought different than her. Still, Estelle couldn't deny that there was a need to see her family occasionally. How else was one meant to keep up with all the things that seemed to happen the very moment she turned her back even for a silly minute. "I hear congratulations are in order?" Her eyes had fallen onto her brother the moment the brunette rounded the corner. Their mother had been rather vocal about the most recent events, seemingly thrilled in comparison to what Estelle felt on the inside.

Luckily she knew to keep her mouth shut. The witch had made conversation a skill used to her advantage, and this silly notion of her brother was hardly going to change it. "I've been gone for mere weeks and come back to my brother having found someone he wishes to marry." It didn't matter that very moment that it hadn't been Mrs Delacour that would share the news with her but rather the witch that now was forevermore linked to her brother. "You love her, I presume?" Finally, she managed a smile, however weak it may have been.

[etiennexdelacour]

@apollinebeausejour

BRIDGERTON (2020 - ) | s02 ep05 'AN UNTHINKABLE FATE'

[etiennexdelacour]

As he was knelt on one knee, Ètienne was almost in shock. He never had given marriage such a thought. He assumed he would be married off eventually but thought he had somehow dodged it. But with Apolline he wasn’t dodging anything. He was diving head first with someone he was enthralled by and had been for some time. He never worried he would grow bored or want to step outside the marriage for she was always his dream from the moment he had laid eyes on her. Excitement happened inside of him when their parents burst through that door. Nerves as well, of course, but things were turning out perfectly. Now he had to make this moment perfect.

“Apolline,” he looked up into her perfect pooling eyes, “I have loved you since I laid eyes on you. First because of your sheer beauty but it grew from there. You are quite possibly one of the most heartfelt people I have ever met. You care for others in a way I can only pretend to. I hope to learn from you if I’m so lucky. Your precious mind is just as phenomenal. It takes a special type to be intelligent but another kind to know how to use it. And as a witch? You’re divine. With this question I want you to think about what you want, not either of our parents. This is between the two of us.” he took deep breath, “So, Miss Apolline Beauséjour,” Ètienne raised the ring and as it sparkled in the moonlight he asked said question, “would you do me the honor of becoming Missus Apolline Delacour?”

His heart beat through his chest. He felt that it could be seen through his shirt. Surely she hadn’t been putting on a facade and truly wanted him.

Apolline felt a shiver rippled down her spine at his words against her ear. He did something to her, the affect he had on her body and the urges that she wished to explore with him. "I want us, my love." Nails dig into his sides, trying to keep from letting a whimper out. She wanted nothing more than to explore with him, but she was not ready to expose the scar that was left across her stomach.

The blonde knew that at some point she would have to confess her sins to Ètienne that ended with what she had engraved on her flesh. She was relieved that he was willing to go slow, to give her the opportunity to take the next step in their relationship at her comfort level without the pressure. Her restraint was starting to waiver.

This was the one time she was grateful her parents stepped in, joining them together in their unconventional way, knowing that she would have never had the nerve to put herself in a position that she could expose her feelings for him. Standing here in the hotel, the two of them, she felt like for the first time she was being seen and wanted, no charm capturing him.

"Ètienne?" His name said in confusion watching the wizard fall down on one knee in front of her. Her heart starts to beat faster, teeth sinking into her bottom lip, excitement dancing in her azure hues on what was going to come.

[etiennexdelacour]

The witch's laugh was delightful. "I'm sure you're quite good company, my dear. I normally have a decent read on people. Or it's coming around lately," he thought about Zafar, someone he had once considered a friend but presently had not in the slightest. "You're right. The weather is perfect. Crisp and clear. You can't get much better than that. Although you could convince me that any time outdoors is worthwhile." Ètienne could never get enough of fresh air even if it was raining or there was snow on the ground.

Ètienne noticed her eat a pastry. "Oh, what are you eating today? That's the one thing I forgot to bring with me. You are going to make my stomach grumble. When I get back to the office I'll have to change somehow change that. Though I didn't bring a lunch," he said thoughtfully. "I always figure something out."

He glanced at the paper. "It's not the best paper, just the easiest one to get ahold of. Interesting in some ways but terribly skewed. I prefer my news more in the middle but that's difficult to find these days. But I would much prefer the company of others," he smiled warmly.

"It's lovely to meet you Lily. How have we not met before?"

Lily laughed softly as he encouraged her to have a seat beside him, barring that she was good company. “I can’t guarantee that I’m always good company. But it’s such a beautiful day. It’s difficult to be in a bad mood, isn’t it?” This was why it was so important for her to get out of the office, even if it was brief. She settled herself onto the other end of the bench, picking off a piece of her pastry and popping it into her mouth. Her eyes drifted over the surroundings, the families out enjoying the day before she finally turned her attention back on him.

“There must not be anything terribly exciting in the paper for you to choose talking with me instead.” Lily joked, motioning to the paper. Some get so sucked in they don’t realize someone has even tried speaking with them. She smiled brightly and offered her hand out to shake his. “I’m Lily, it’s nice to meet you Etienne. Are you just out enjoying the gorgeous day?”

[etiennexdelacour]

“I am very sure, my sweet,” Ètienne tried reassuring her. “When it comes to me, my intentions and my commitment you can trust they’re all very sure of you,” his lips slid to her ear, “of us.” He kissed along her jawline. He wanted to go further but was careful with himself. They had not yet consummated their relationship and he didn’t want to push her into anything she would regret or resent him for. He was always the playboy but for her he would wait. She was worth the wait after all this time and would continue to be. There would be the perfect time and place.

Along with perfect time and place came the question dancing in Ètienne’s thoughts. He knew he and Apolline were betrothed. They were getting married, that was a fact, but he wanted to make it theirs and not their parent’s. He wanted Apolline to see just how much he loved her and how much he was looking forward to spending his life with her. It wasn’t enough for the parents to enter the room, snap their fingers and bam! — as it seemed to feel.

His hand reached for his pant pocket, feeling for the ring. It was a ring passed down in his family. It was known to bring a long and loving life to the woman who wore it. It was exactly what he wanted for her. And he hoped he could provide her such a life. Letting go of the ring he allowed himself to touch Apolline once more and turned her to face the water, him behind her.

This was the moment. Ètienne took a deep breath. He shouldn’t have been nervous, he was already engaged, but this would prove if she really wanted him. His hands found their way sliding down her slim frame as he bent to one knee, briefly reaching for the ring but not leading with it. He didn’t want her to see it just yet.

“Apolline?” he asked with a warm whisper, his free hand on her thigh.

It was hard not to blush around Ètienne. He had all the right words to say, and when he said them, she could feel the truth behind them; not merely saying them for the sake of it. She had not felt this happy in quite some time, that all she wished was to hold onto this moment for all she could.

"Are you sure about that?" He came from the same world she did, and with him committing to her, it would mean there would be those that would turn away from him, disgusted that he would agree to marry such a vile creature. Palms rest gingerly on his chest. "You are too sweet, my love." Words that seemed to feel right on her tongue.

Apolline was excited to come back here for their honeymoon. It would be beautiful and the two of them could hide away in here, leaving the world behind them.

The thought of not returning to London weighed heavily on her. There were some that she did not want to face, but she refused to hide from them. They may have tortured her and left a mark, but she was not afraid of them. The last thing they should do is underestimate her. "I feel we must. There is work to do and I was invited to a birthday party." She leans up to kiss the tip of his nose. "But, we can go away on the weekends."

[etiennexdelacour]

Amelia was lovely. She always had been. He had never had bad run in with her. They seemed to click so well. It was something Ètienne appreciated among other things. He was proud to call her a friend even if they didn’t know each other as well as he would like. They had great potential and Ètienne was usually right about who he could put in his circle.

Her excitement for his engagement was honest and genuine. He could feel it. In no way did he want to make the night about himself but he had to share it with someone and Amelia was better than anyone. “I would love to introduce you. She’s absolutely fantastic and beautiful to boot.” A wide smile crossed his lips. “I can’t get enough of her.” Apolline’s mind and body were a beautiful combination. Something unseen in many.

“Ask Ros for some French wine. She’ll know who it’s for.”

"Absolutely, it's much more significant when it's not just a party for the sake of a party." Amelia nods in agreement. She was in no way a prude and knew perfectly well how to let loose and have fun when the time called for it, but Amelia had never been much of a party type unless it was for a specific occasion. Instead, she preferred much smaller gatherings. "Frank is a gem, he would be delighted to meet you, I am sure of it."

Amelia grinned, genuinely delighted to see how happy Étienne was with his engagement. In a world that could truly be awful at times, she believed that everyone deserved to find the things that made them happy and should hold on to them for dear life. "I truly am happy for you, Étienne. Sometimes a sudden surprise is the right thing and it sounds like it is in this case. You'll have to introduce me when you get the chance." She nods, flagging down the nearest bartender. "What would you like? It's on me of course."

[etiennexdelacour]

“Having a drink with me? How did I get so lucky?” he asked playfully. “Surely you’ll appreciate the fine French wine — as I’m sure you have before. I doubt I’m the first Frenchman who has graced your bar. Can you not resist us?” He was only being jovial but his charm was beginning to come out — without his knowledge, of course. “And how shall you convince me to try your whiskey? I find it hard to believe you have nothing up your sleeve.�� He winked.

“Ah yes, many friends in France. More than here currently. I must change that.”

Ros also grabbed a wine glass so she could fill it with the requested French wine and put the bottle back. She carefully moved it in his direction so she could have the glass. "Here's to trying to convince you for the whiskey the next time," the woman smiled at the Frenchman. Many people, from all kind of countries always arrived in town but the French definitely were more charming than anyone else.

"Are your friends still in France?"

[etiennexdelacour]

Ètienne heard a bit of commotion behind him. The park was relatively busy but there was the sound of running coming up his way. Rather than being nervous he looked over out of sheer curiosity. When he did he saw that someone was running right toward him, stopping in front of him. With his paper still up he looked at the witch with confusion but listened to her and didn’t move. He figured she had good enough reason and was harmless. He looked at his paper and saw what she was looking at. A dragonfly. How sweet, he thought. She reached out to gain its affection and won. Of course she did. She appeared pleasant and calm. Who wouldn’t appreciate that?

“You make a very good point, my friend. Everything and everyone is made for something worthwhile no matter how rare they may seem to be.” He finally put his paper down. “I’m Ètienne. And who am I having the pleasure of speaking with?”

Dragonfly season was sadly, by the end of Summer, coming to an end. That was why, when Pandora saw an emerald damselfly when she was out on a walk, she ran to follow it. It wove in and out of families and prams and lovers and pedestrians until it finally landed on the front page of the Prophet. Probably to defecate there, she could only assume.

"Yes. Don't make any sudden movements," she said to the stranger who was holding it, carefully reaching over to take the dragonfly into her outstretched hands. It hopped onto her index finger. At last, Pandora looked up at the man in front of her. "It's not even a rare bug," she commented with a smile, eyes back on the dragonfly. "But that doesn't mean it doesn't deserve our attention."

[etiennexdelacour]

When turning to face him, Ètienne gazed into her eyes. They were so deep and glimmering. Her hair fell in just the perfect way. How he got so lucky he didn’t know. He hoped that she truly wanted him and it wasn’t just because their parents had set them up. It had to be the former with the passion between them. He had longed for it and it appeared she did as well. Apolline wasn’t the type to pretend. He knew that. So in his arms she was meant to be.

“Anyone would be crazy not to want to make your dreams come true. I just so happened to be the one who pulled the lucky card,” he said, twirling her hair in his fingers, “Your presence and future with me has already made my dreams come true, my love. I don’t need anything else from you.

This room for our honeymoon it is then. It is quite perfect. It’s the first place that we’ve been able to be ourselves together as one with no outside influence,” he kissed her cheek tenderly.

“Then let’s not go back to London. We can stay here and watch the world pass by. We can include who we want in our lives and not deal with anyone or anything aside from that. London doesn’t offer the same qualities that Nice does.” He smiled brightly. “This is our life after all. You said it yourself.”

Apolline's eyes closed the second his hands found her body, letting it her back flush with his, and she finally felt safe. That there was someone in her corner that would protect her. Someone who truly appreciated her for who she was and loved her for it. For some time, she thought this day would never come.

She twirls in his arms, turning to face him, arms wrapping around his neck. It touched her that he was already thinking about their honeymoon. "I would love to come back to this room for our honeymoon." Apolline melted in his arms. "It is hard for me to fully believe that someone wants to make my dreams come true." Hearing it from his mouth, she believed him.

"I want to make you dreams come true too." She feels her cheeks flush. "This is our life together, Ètienne." He had already given her so many firsts, that she knew over time he'd have them all. "I do not want to go back to London so quickly," she admitted.

[etiennexdelacour]

Ètienne knew a poor soul when he saw one. The redhead coming his way was obviously in some sort of distress. However, she was outdoors. Being outdoors always helped take the edge off he believed. There was something about the fresh air running through one's hair and tickling the nose. It was hard not to find some sort of happiness while enjoying being outside. That's a big reason it was one of the things he loved. It kept him centered. Especially with a paper in his hands.

Upon her question, Ètienne welcomed her to sit next to him with enthusiasm. "Of course, have a seat, my dear! I will never turn down good company -- assuming you're good company," he laughed. The witch seemed to be harmless enough to share a bench with. "Don't you worry about disturbing me or my paper. The paper will be there once I'm alone again but you won't be." He placed The Daily Prophet next to him. "What's your name, sweet girl? I'm Ètienne. The pleasure is mine."

Lily had told herself that she needed to start getting out of the office for lunch. Needed to start taking time for herself, even if it was only a half hour to eat lunch away from the office. Ever since the ugly fight with James she'd realized that she'd let herself be overwhelmed by all the work that needed to be done. She had been sacrificing her personal life for the cause, and as important as it was, her sanity was just as important.

So she'd given up momentarily on the paperwork before her and taken a break for lunch. She'd gone to get herself a pastry before making her way to the park, wanting to take advantage of the fresh air. She was surprised to find it so busy, and she made her way along the path, hoping to find an empty bench. She spotted the man on the bench but hoped that maybe he wouldn't mind some quiet company. She smiled softly and motioned to the empty part of the bench beside him. "Do you mind if I sit? I can promise I won't disturb you from the paper."

[etiennexdelacour]

Zafar Travers was never one to mince words. He was blunt and careless. He didn't think twice about what he had to say, he simply said it. Or so it seemed. So when he approached Ètienne with suck allegations about Apolline, Ètienne felt fury. Zafar's words caused fire inside the man. He would have protected her before the betrothal but now that they were set to marry he was pushed even more so.

"You can be as curious as you want Zafar. It's truly none of your business," he tried keeping his tone as even as possible thus far. But that wouldn't last long. He stood from the bench and stared Zafar down. "How dare you imply I used her for anything improper. Apolline is a lady. Not one to be used. So no, she's not 'knocked up' as you so eloquently put it." Ètienne's blood was boiling. "Never call her a half-breed in my presence again," he growled in Zafar's face. "I assure you you'll regret it," Ètienne reached for his wand to prove he wasn't joking.

Ètienne Delacour. It was a name that was familiar to Zafar. It was also a name that was being whispered in the pureblood society with his recent engagement to Apolline Beauséjour - the half veela. He wasn't sure what possessed the wizard to carry forth with this betrothal and smear his name.

There was no affect when it came to the wizard's smile. "I was curious about your sudden betrothal." It made him think about Evan's and how hasty entanglement with the youngest Selwyn, that he was adamant about his reason; he still wagered there was more. "Are you marry the Beauséjour half-breed because you knocked her up?" They were in public and he would not fault the man for wanting to sleep with the blonde,, she was attractive. "Or did she use her powers on you?"

[etiennexdelacour]

"Why thank you. It's always appreciated to have the guest of honor approve of my presence," Ètienne smiled raising his glass. Frank seemed like a good man. He always had in the halls of the Ministry and it was a shame Ètienne didn't take the time to have a proper introduction to him until now. Better late than never, he supposed. When they were at work it seemed like they were always flitting about doing something of importance so there wasn't much time. From now on they would have to make time at least for a brief hello and how are you?

"Others find it hard to believe but I've been in England for seven long years. I do take trips back to France -- part of it being my job and part visiting family and friends. Must make the most of the trips the Ministry pays for," he winked. "Honestly, I haven't met too many of the people here. Such a shame. They seem a cheery bunch. Just my kind."

"Well, it's a pleasure to have you here." Frank replied right away. He might've been in a celebratory mood, but he was always open to meeting new people and making good friends. People were closing their circles these days, some at work didn't even greet each other any longer and it was an attitude he hated to see. The wizard made sure to be friendly, trying to make others feel comfortable around him, he was one to trust and who would always share a hand if needed. "Oh yes, I've seen you around. I'm an Auror, yes. Have you been in England for long?"

[etiennexdelacour]

where: the park. who: open.

Ètienne had a few loves. Two of them were fresh air and newspapers. He had picked up the day’s copy of The Daily Prophet, tucked it under his arm and headed to the park. It was a park he frequented. It was generally quiet, lined with benches, an open field. All in all it was perfect.

The Prophet may not have been the best paper to read given how one sided it was but it was the easiest thing to find and he liked to keep up on what was happening. Besides, he would find another paper later on.

He opened the pages and flicked them so they were straight, pictures dancing on the pages and filled with words. As he began to read he noticed a shadow near him. He looked up. “May I help you with something?” He smiled dashingly.

[etiennexdelacour]

Their parents may have arranged the marriage seemingly out of nowhere, but being in Nice with Apolline made it feel like they had made the decision all on their own. It was as though no parents were involved. Apolline gave him affection -- something he had yearned for for so long. She finally wanted him. He was allowed to express his desire for her as openly as he pleased without being pushed away. It made him soar amongst the birds.

Ètienne could only be in the moment. He watched as she stood on the balcony overlooking the water. Her frame was delicate. She nearly looked like she could be broken in half while at the same time appeared to be made of steel. Who could have such competing characteristics in one shell? The woman he loved. She was an enigma. He doubted she would ever leave him wondering what more he could learn about her. She would never leave him bored.

He couldn't help himself. Ètienne walked behind her, his right hand first on her hip and his left hand wrapped around her waist. He pulled her close, breathing in her irresistible scent making him want to take her straight to bed. But she was classier than the people he had been with in the past. He couldn't just woo her into bed. Nor did he desire to charm her to get his way.

Besides, he had other plans.

"Do you want to stay in this same room for our honeymoon? Or have another view? I'll be sure to make your dreams come true," he leaned in and whispered, "And I don't mean just now."

where: nice, france who: @etiennexdelacour

Apolline didn't not waste time accepting Ètienne's invite to Nice for a few days, allowing them the opportunity to accustom to the idea of being newly engaged and not having prying parents poke into their business. They seemed pleased with the idea of the two of them spending quality time together, and she knew soon, she would have to return to London and work.

It was their last night in the city, back in their hotel suite that overlooked the Ligurian sea, the light of the moon dancing across the water, and she felt that tinge of anxiety at the thought of returning to the city. They would have to figure out living arrangements, or keep what they had until married. Many thoughts filtered her mind, but instantly stopped the second she felt arms around her from behind.

"We must honeymoon here." A tradition they could start, coming each year at this time. "I am sad to leave tomorrow." Her body leans back into his chest.

[etiennexdelacour]

"Oh, don't get me wrong, I love a good party, but there's something special about it being a celebratory event." Étienne had been quite the party boy. It hadn't quite hit him yet that he had to give up that lifestyle now that he was engaged. Apolline likely wouldn't appreciate the parties he attended and the way he acted. Étienne wouldn't be allowed to be with anyone else ever again. But she was what he had always wanted all along. Surely she could calm him down. "This is quite the turn out for a single gentleman. He must really be something. Standing in the queue would be worth it, I'm sure."

Étienne couldn't get rid of the smile on his face when he talked about having a fiancée -- and for that fiancée to be long term object of his affection. "I am. It came about suddenly but a great surprise, of course. Her name is Apolline Beauséjour. A beauty inside and out if I may brag. I would love a proper drink." His smile was that of a child in a grown man's body.

"I completely agree. I'm not really one for just any old party for the sake of it, but everyone deserves to be celebrated on their birthday." Amelia nodded, taking a sip from her drink. "Of course. At this point I think there must be a queue of people waiting to do just that, so many people have turned up for him." She had always known Frank to be well liked, he deserved such a great turnout.

"You are? That's absolutely wonderful news Étienne, congratulations." Amelia replied with wide smile, genuinely happy for him. "So who is the lucky lady? We must get a proper drink to celebrate."