#Prince!vash arranged marriage au

[novasintheroom]

A run to court - Prince!Vash x Reader

Clat-clat-clat-clat! Your shoes echo in the halls. Servants bow hastily as you pass, your husband close on your heels.

“Slow down!” Vash calls, a slight laugh in his voice. You shake your head, curls flopping on your shoulders from your updo today.

“We get ten minutes notice that we’re to head court proceedings today and you want me to slow down?” Your calves are already on fire from running in heels, but you don’t stop. “We can’t be late! Imagine how that will look to the court and the people!”

Vash lets out another laugh, nodding at a pair of maids who bow as he passes. Their eyes have their own twinkle of mirth, watching their prince chase down his diligent wife. “We’ll be fine; they know we’re busy with other matters.”

You don’t deign to answer. You turn a corner and stop, breathing a sigh of relief. The doors to the court room loom closed at the far end. Two guards hastily stand from their slouched positions at the sight of you. A look at your pocket watch tells you that you still have three minutes to spare. “Good,” you mutter, “good, good.”

Before you can march to the doors, however, a hand clasps your wrist gently. You turn to Vash, impatient. “What is it? We’re going to be late!”

His smile is calm. “Just wait,” he says, and reaches out to right the collar of your dress. “Your running made some of your hair fall out.”

With a short sigh, you allow him to go behind you, grabbing pieces of hair that had fallen out and pinning them back into place. “You’re very fast in those shoes,” he comments, twisting a lock of hair and pinning it to the top of your updo.

“Comes with practice,” you say, brushing your hand down your skirts and righting the jewelry on your wrists and fingers. You’d been hasty in putting them on, having gone the first half of the morning without them – not expecting to hold court. “My sisters and I would have races to see who could go the fastest in our mother’s shoes.” Then, your brows lift, feeling a tug on your head as he puts another hair back in place. “I’m surprised I outpaced you, though. Your long legs always have me trying to catch up.”

Vash comes back around and starts tucking strands of hair behind your ears. His eyes are twin skies, flitting about like birds as he works. You feel odd and look away from his gentle gaze. “I was letting you get ahead of me. The view from behind was spectacular.” He gives a wink.

You feel the blood coming to your cheeks. “Ha,” you say, reaching out to snag his coat and straighten the pins on it, “such a man.”

Vash continues his ministrations. He reaches out, tugging at the chain around your neck to get it untwisted. Goosebumps rise gently at your collarbone, his skin warm and soft. You reach out as well, straightening the crown at his brow – the one you barely managed to snag from his room on the way here. It always likes to fall to the right for some reason. Like he has a dented head. Smiling at the thought, you brush at his shoulders, picking a blonde hair off and letting it flutter to the floor. “You shed like a dog,” you comment, “I’m surprised you’re not bald with how much you lose.”

Vash laughs, reaching up and pushing a few pearled pins back into your hair. “You’re not any better. I think I could make two new wigs out of all the hair you lose just in a day.”

“Hm.”

A few seconds later, Vash pulls back. He looks satisfied. “There,” he triumphs, and, with a shy tone, says, “My pretty wife.” Your hand is brought to his lips, and he places a kiss at your knuckles.

He always does this. And, always, you heart pitter-patters at the obvious affection. Your good breeding kicks in, and you smile demurely, looking down. “Thank you.”

The hall is still long, and the guards at the doors stand at attention, ready to let you two in.

“One more look,” you spin slowly, letting your husband scan you. “Anything else out of place?”

Vash takes his time, eyes roving your figure, the apple of your cheek, the still-loose curls at the base of your neck. Beautiful. “No,” he says, then does his own spin. “How do I look?”

 You’re careful where you place your gaze, avoiding looking at his rear for too long. Vash smirks when he turns around, like he somehow knows what you were looking at. Reaching out one last time to tug at the rebellious earring he insists on wearing, you say, “Very handsome.” Then, taking his arm with yours, you both walk to the doors, ready to face what the court has for you today.

dividers

[rush-the-stars]

Thoughts on arranged marriage with vash and wolfwood? Sorry it's not original i just want to see vash and nico full with longing and pining... maybe you never wanted this and you make it perfectly clear and you think they don't care either while they consider themselves lucky anytime you look at them

ugh i love arranged marriage. i’ve been eyeing this ask since last night but i needed to get ready for bed for work today 💔💔 have been thinking about it all day.

they are both sooooo sick with longing.

i do love a royal au w arranged marriage….maybe vash as one of two prince’s/king’s in a kingdom….nico as captain of the guard..,,.and maybe you’re arranged to marry vash? you’ve not got a lot of choice maybe, maybe vash’s kingdom has resources yours needs. and you have a duty so.

and you try and tell him like, i’m sure i’m not what you want either. we can come to an arrangement? and vash kinda loses a little of the light in his eyes because unfortunately, in the time he’s spent with you already, he sorta already likes you? and would it be so bad to be married and to….act married? but he doesn’t fight you. and so he just pines so horribly. so hard.

or arranged marriage to nico a lil more canon adjacent like….maybe. something sorta messed up where they want you and nico to be partnered and produce children because of your altered DNA? conrad is curious. legato believes it is for the purpose of their cause. and nico feels wretched about it and when you say you don’t want this, he snaps that he doesn’t either

(even if maybe he sorta does? or—it’s just always been you, anyways.)

and then he also spends his time MISERABLY pining.

i LOVEEE the idea of them pining tho….love the idea of you slowly falling in love w them and thinking you already dammed it all in the beginning……

anon these thoughts are delicious thank you for them

[beanibon]

Ideas and AUs I wanna write for in regards to Trigun

Fun fact: I have so many drafts and too many ideas, so I need to get this down now before I forget and I'd love to get everyone's opinion on some of these. So honestly don't be afraid to comment or dm in regards to these ideas, I'm an open book when it comes to brainstorming.

Game of Thrones AU:

I am an avid fan of GOT, I have every book, spin-off, lore book the whole works, hell I even have the cookbook.

In regards to this AU, the twins would be veer off as Targaryens. Rem as their mother who married an unnamed Targaryen King (cause names be hard be I'll figure that out when I get to it), so Knives and Vash being the next in line, Knives the official heir to the throne.

Knives as he's the heir has a lot less freedom, often being ushered off to learn how to rule the kingdom and their nations. This deprives Knives of a childhood, so he's more serious and eventually grows power hungry in his later teens.

Knives has a dragon, which is just as temperamental as he is. The She-Dragon is white in colour with aqua accents, and she's greatly attached to Knives as he is to her.

Vash on the other hand is a lot more carefree and is often found among the people, along side his mother. He's a lot more distracted and at times caught sneaking off to the dragon pit to admire the beasts.

Unlike his brother Vash never got a dragon, his was one of the very few eggs that became Dormant. So he much prefers admiring the dragons and watching in awe as his brothers she-dragon grows to be one of the largest dragons in their possession.

Not to say Vash won't ever get a dragon, as he'll eventually Tame a pitch black male with pirple accents, that hasn't had a rider in 50 years.

Wolfwood would be the Stark of the AU, living in the North and defending the borders from deserters of the Wall. And yes this AU will include Vashwood, Vash would be crushing hard on the tough North man.

Being the only Lord of the land, Wolfwood has a pack of dire wolves. And no, he does not name them seriously, best believe there's a Princess among them.

Meryl and Milly would be lady's in waiting of Roberto's house, who a high lord serving the king and eventually becomes one of Vash's knights, who complains about babysitting the prince.

Meryl is a ward of Roberto's, and holds herself to high standards, yet isn't afraid to disobey her lords orders if she thinks they are counter productive.

Milly is much like Bren of Tarth, she wants to be independent and help her father (roberto in this AU) protect their House. Is very loyal, as Meryl would back up, a bit of a clutz but great with a sword.

Elendira in this AU would be Knives first child with a woman he is betrothed to. He hates the idea of an arranged marriage, but being the next heir to the throne he doesn't have much of a say unlike his brother. His first wife will mysterious vanish, never to heard of again once Knives officially becomes king.

Con'rad is the kings and Knives chief advisor aka Hand of the King and Maester.

Legato would be Knives Chief of War.

Livio is Wolfwoods ward aka bastard brother who ends up serving at the Wall by his own tuition.

Plot:

Now I do have a plot that I'm going with this, most likely if I am going to make this it will be a full fledged fanfixtion with chapters and lore and all that kind of backstory with GOT terms, languages, etc as this is based in said universe just without GOT Canon characters and of course a different story line.

I am considering whether I want my own personal Trigun OC in this, this AU is still in the planning stage so I'll be tossing up whether storylines will suit it and how they'd go without them.

On another note, I have two trigun x reader stories in my drafts and I plan on publishing one or the other this weekend if not both.

I'd love feedback on this au as it's in the planning stage, so again feel free to comment or dm me in regards to ideas and I'll keep you all posted on chapters and updates for this AU and where I'll be posting once I do get it in motion.

Thank you all for your patience, love you all 💜

[folightening]

wip tag game 🍎

rules: reveal the titles of the documents in your wip folder and tag as many people as there are documents. let others ask questions about the ones that interest them and post snippets or explain the contents as you see fit!

Thanks @sorvete-de-pacoca for the tag!

I have so, so many wips and most of them are titled by ship/character or basic idea in a ship folder, so I picked some of the ones a bit more specific.

Stalker Spain - Human au. Antonio is stalking Romano. Romano actually doesn't mind. Will need so many warnings. I'm having fun with it.

Spain into "cardverse" - Human au, Spamano. Antonio is transported into another dimension. Gets pulled into stuff by Romano. Not actual cardverse, I just needed a setting I could easily remember.

Spamano Arranged Marriage - Humans. Antonio has a choice between the Vargas siblings for some political marriage and shocks everyone by choosing Romano.

Regrets? - Rusliet. Lithuania thinking about his feelings, talking about wishing things were different, loving Ivan but not Russia... Not exactly sure what I'm doing.

Handing his heart to Liet - Y'know how Russia's heart apparently fell out in a strip? Never saw it myself, but I've heard of it. So he hands his literal heart to Liet and Liet is not as touched as Rus would have hoped.

Scotfra - Fake Dating Au, Humans. Them being friends irritates Arthur. So if they were dating... They both do enjoy irritating Arthur. And of course feelings are caught.

Romano and the Chibi Spains - Spain is somehow turned into not just one chibi, but multiple. And they're spread out all over. Romano has to gather them together to get Spain back to normal.

PortSwiss Dreams AU - Humans. Inspired by the Hallmark movie In My Dreams. The fountain lets them see their "true love" in their dreams for seven days after they make a wish (need not be related to romance). Switz does it to humor Liecht; what happens happens. Port does it as a last chance to find a reason to stay alive. Will need warnings for Port.

Hetalia Not Zombies AU - They are attacked by beings from some other dimension. Switching pov. I'm having a lot of fun with it, but it isn't fleshed out or finished enough to properly share.

PortSwiss & UKUS - Engport - Humans. Engport are engaged but uninterested in actually getting married. There are expectations for them to be together. But Arthur is in love with Alfred, and João falls in love with Vash.

Murder Mystery - Nations. Russia is (temporarily) killed. Everyone has motive so America jumps at the chance to do a murder mystery. They have until Russia comes back and tells them who did it to figure it out for themselves. Probably the only fic I will ever have lietpol in.

Island Retreat Horror - An excuse to play around with their immortality and put them through things. Some cult wants to test things and learn more about the personifications, tricks them onto the island, and puts them through situations.

Iberian Prince and the Pauper - Humans. Spamano and Portswiss. More Barbie's version than the original but I still did my own thing. Port is the prince, Spain is the pauper. Switz is Port's personal guard, Romano is the foreign prince Port's supposed to be marrying. Portspa swap places after Port is kidnapped but Turkey for political reasons (I haven't fully figured that part out yet). Spain falls in love with Romano while doing a bad job of pretending to be Port.

No idea who to tag here; consider this your tag if you want an excuse to talk about wips.

[adelha-mathilde]

Deepening Attraction (Prince!Vash AU) drabble

content: Prince Vash can't stop watching a certain lady. Which leads to him getting caught staring by said lady. This crown prince is definitely smitten.

Vash knew he was in serious trouble. Since he was very aware of how he was feeling towards a certain marriage prospect. It was getting more and more difficult for the crown prince to focus on the day to day duties and meetings held with his twin and the royal court. King Nai seemed to be aware of the situation to gently remind Vash of what an arranged marriage meant. The twins needed to strengthen ties with other nations to prevent conflict. Which would be assured if they both married a noble from another nation. Meaning that the crown prince was expected to socialize with all the nobles visiting the castle. Not just the one particular lady that Vash was so drawn to.

Yet Vash couldn't help but seek out the lady in question. His steps guiding him to either the kitchen or the garden as if in a trance. There he would find the one he wished to see. Countess Margaret Joanna Adelha Mathilde. She was an active lady to be a passionate gardener and cook. She was also a highly skilled apothecary and healer. So she had won the servants over with relative ease to be quite personable with everyone she met. Much like the family members that had come with her to the castle. They did not sit idle much. Laird Eugene Xavier Currier had taken in a newborn girl to be adopted into his family. So he was always seen with the little girl in his arms. While his actual daughter Magdeline tended to help with the gardens or by weaving new blankets or clothes. The large loom in their quarters almost always in use. While Viscount Claude Zander Gaugain tended to put the guards through their paces with lessons on swordsmanship and archery. He was a ruthless teacher but this earned him the respect of the royal court. Indeed, the Currier clan had proven to be a great boon to King Nai and Prince Vash in many ways. Which is why Vash was secretly hoping that his bride might be the lady he felt so drawn to.

So it was that Vash found himself watching Countess Mathilde as she worked in the castle gardens. The lady trimming the roses to be humming a warm tune. Her moonlight white hair had been pulled into an intricate braid so as to keep it out of her face. A deep green dress that was simple yet elegant that swished with her every movement. While her gloved hands carefully touched over the roses to occasionally snip one from the bush. Vash couldn't help but stare. His gaze so fully focused on the lady before him as if spellbound. He wished to heaven that he had the courage to approach her. To speak with her and spend some personal time alone together. But his feet refused to move.

Vash ended up debating with himself internally for all of twenty minutes before things changed. The white haired maiden finally setting her pruning shears down to speak up with lilted intonations. "Silly. Just how long did you plan on hiding yourself to watch me, sweet prince?" Vash felt a yelp escape his throat as he jumped at being called out with such directness. Making his cheeks burn as he finally stepped forwards. His words full of shy embarrassment. "My sincerest apologies for spying on you, Countess Mathilde. How long did you know I was even here?" The lady chuckled to turn her gaze to the prince. Those striking azure blue eyes holding mirth and good cheer that had Vashs' heart skip a beat when they focused on his face. "Silly man. Since you walked out here twenty one minutes ago. You didn't bother to quiet your steps. So if you were attempting to be sneaky, you need more practice."

Vash felt his whole face heat up for him to heave a sigh of air that had his whole frame all but deflate. His right hand rubbing the back of his neck as he spoke. "Please don't tell anyone. Or else I'm bound to get another long lecture from Legato and my brother on being more careful." The lady nodded to then pat the ground next to her with a gloved hand. "Come and sit with me. Let's just be two people chatting as one works on trimming these rose bushes. No titles. No agendas or politics. Just you and me and the bumblebees." Vash felt himself smile to soon plop himself down right next to Adelha as she picked the pruning shears back up. His entire body easing into the lightened mood. "That sounds good to me. I wanted to say how delicious that cake was that you made the other night for all the nobles. The one with cherries in it. Nai was beside himself with how good it tasted." Adelha openly beamed at the praise for Vash to feel his heart tumble around in his chest. The lady soon speaking with genuine good cheer as she kept working. "A little bird told me that your brother loves cherries. So it seemed fitting to make a Donauwelle for him. Usually, I only make that cake for special birthdays or anniversaries. Yet it felt right to treat him and yourself to a special surprise after so many boring meetings and social balls."

Adelha paused in her work to turn and focus her attention on Vash. Which had him hold his breath as she reached a gloved hand up. Her fingers giving him a gentle tap on the nose as she told him, "Now now. Take a few breaths, Vash. Or else you'll pass out and get a scolding from the entire court." So Vash wrinkled his nose to huff at the tickling sensation on his nose. Making him rub his nose before he let out a sneeze. Making Adelha chuckle as Vash glared at her. But he soon joined her in laughing to then ask, "Do you have an extra pair of pruning shears I may use? That way we can tag team this and get to the next item on the to do list." So Adelha held up an extra pair of pruning shears to the crown prince with a sparkle in her eyes. "Then let's get to it."

[sailxrmxrs]

masterlist

i've written enough for tumblr that i thought i'd compile it into a masterlist. all my fics can be found in the 'anna writes' tag but it makes sense to put everything in one place too hehe. currently writing for infinite blue with some genshin and other fandoms thrown in when inspiration strikes. open to requests but it'll mostly just be me letting my thoughts run wild in my drafts. also posting over on ao3 under the user sailxrmxrcury bc i need to be more active there fjdasklg

♡ INFINITE BLUE ♡

au oneshots

celebrating mc's birthday

first meeting headcanons

friends to lovers headcanons

office headcanons

snow day

trigun au tobias and rory

under the mistletoe

alexei

overworked alexei

brooklyn

office romance

milo

blacksmith milo

pirate milo au (extended)

leo

fantasy au

rory

fantasy au

victorian/detective au

tobias

fantasy au

fantasy au part two

♡ GENSHIN IMPACT ♡

alhaitham

overworked alhaitham

diluc

vampire diluc

kazuha

childhood friends to lovers

♡ TRIGUN STAMPEDE ♡

vash

protective vash in a gunfight

wolfwood

meeting wolfwood late night in a bar

♡ BLOOMING PANIC ♡

college au headcanons

comforting an upset mc headcanons

taking care of an overworked mc headcanons

nightowl

fake dating nightowl

high school nightowl

nightowl's birthday

nightowl encountering societyboy

royal au masquerade ball

spring picnic

unrequited love (alternate version)

vampire nightowl

xyx

arranged marriage royalty au

divorce lawyer xyx and wedding planner mc

pirate xyx (discord 2k celebration)

rooftop dance

street racer xyx

quest

evening after a date

mornings with quest

nakedtoaster

royalty au prince and knight mc

skater boy toast

onionthief

onion's birthday

unrequited love

[novasintheroom]

Prince Vash is terrified the first time you ask him to help you dress. Despite your reassurance that it's just getting dressed, that you just need help, we're married, for goodness sakes, it doesn't stop his fingers from shaking while tying up your corset. The suggestion of intimacy sets his nerves on fire. He's so nervous he can't get the bow to tie, and ends up just tying it in a really, really good knot. You try to curse him out after, but barely have the breath to do so lol

He gets better with time, though. Learns how to do intricate knots, simple bows, the works, just to entertain himself and keep you breathing. The chambermaids eventually know to let the prince tie his wife's corset, their faces flush with implications. But you two are just friends, an agreement you came to months into your arranged marriage. Your flesh goosebumps when his skin brushes your back and shoulders, but that doesn't mean anything. It's just a husband helping his wife, his friend, dress.

Maybe one of these days, though, Vash will get the courage to press a kiss to your shoulder blade like he wants to.

[novasintheroom]

you kiss Prince Vash on the cheek as a test.

you want to see what he will do. you have a good idea - you've been married to him nearly 9 months now - but still, you're curious and just a bit hesitant when you take his jaw in your hand and turn his cheek to your lips.

it's plush, soft, just a bit sun-kissed. you almost kiss the mole under his eye, but leave that for later. what happens is a blooming of roses beneath your fingertips, a hot flush and a babbling "what?" from your husband.

gods, he looks so flustered.

did you really do that to him?

you smoosh down the strange thrill that you did that to him, and instead explain it was for how sweetly he spoke of you to dignitaries visiting from a foreign land. he should be rewarded as such. Vash mumbles an embarrassed reply, something about how you're friends now and that it's easy when it's you.

you don't realize it, but you've created a monster. Vash will lean down to have you give him a cheek kiss whenever he can - if he holds the door open for you (despite there being people employed to do just that), if he gets you your favorite treat from your homeland, he'll even expect one when you greet him in the mornings outside your rooms.

not that you mind. you may roll your eyes and admonish him for being so brazen in public, but you'll always secretly thrill at his blush, his tender gaze after each one.

maybe one of these days you'll try his lips. just to see what happens.

[novasintheroom]

I imagine Prince Vash is very well-loved by his people. He's always been social, and loves to spend his days off going riding in the countryside to various villages and just helping out where he can in the city surrounding the castle.

I also imagine when the people heard about Prince Vash's engagement to you to stave off a war, they were rightly furious that their sweet, helpful prince had to marry the daughter of a barbaric king rather than find his true love like he often wishes about. No matter how much Vash tried to stave off their anger, he would often be told "it's just not right." Peasants get to fall in love, why not their beloved prince?

The first month you're married, you're hesitant to leave the castle. Not only is this a foreign land, but you've heard the murmurings of people who are unhappy you're there. But Vash, ever sweet and ever trying, manages to bring you out to his outings to get to know the people. He wants you to love them like he does. So you choose to be brave, and to trust your new husband.

It starts slowly. First, the people give you dirty looks. The women who had vied after Vash are the worst. But then, their looks turn neutral, then kind as you visit more and show your sweet, albeit quiet, personality. The people see how you interact with their children - reading them stories they can't read themselves, and laughing along watching Vash get chased around with wooden swords in their hands. You listen to the villager woes, writing them down in a little notebook you carry with you so you don't forget what the people are dealing with. And, though you're a little afraid to get your hands dirty, you eventually join in with Vash on helping with things like farm work, baking, and other chores.

The more people see you, the more they notice a change in their prince. He's always been lively, but his smiles are more genuine now, especially aimed at you. A few of the older women in the villages and city nod with knowing. It's the way he looks at you when you aren't looking, the admiration and respect in his eyes whenever he asks your opinions on things. He holds your hand gently to lead you to and fro the crowds of the city, and even the young women, jealous as many of them are, must admit it: Prince Vash has found his true love.

Now if only they could convince you both of the fact...

The meddling you have to endure for the next few months...oh boy.

[novasintheroom]

Despite your hasty engagement and marriage, it wasn't, in fact, your father's wish to have you married off for the sake of the kingdom. He's a good man, who loves his daughters and son very much and wants the best for them. It was only by your own insistence that you married Prince Vash.

Vash isn't aware of this when you two go to visit your old kingdom, nearly a year into your marriage. He meets your father, this big burly man that looks more warrior than king. Offering his hand for a shake, Vash has to hide a squeak of pain when your father's clamps his own in a death grip. Evidently, he is still not pleased at Vash for taking his eldest daughter's hand in marriage. Your mother pats your father to let him go after a few moments.

It gets awkward after that. Your father barely speaks two words to your husband for the rest of the day, leaving it to your mother and siblings to make him feel welcomed. Your mother is a saint of a woman, always kind and willing to include Vash in the conversation or activity. Your siblings are a mixed bag; your sisters fawn over him for how handsome and kind he is, while your brother pouts and follows his father's example of trying to ignore the prince. He still shyly follows Vash around, though, to "keep and eye on him," but really it's because he's always wanted a big brother figure. Your brother is quickly won over when Vash offers to spar with him using the wooden swords your barracks provides.

The iciness from your father slowly melts as he watches you and Vash interact. He notices you smiling, genuinely, at Vash often, and Vash being considerate toward your thoughts on matters most husbands would brush their wives away from. The first time you hold hands in front of the old king, he has to pause and remember how upset you were at being married to a stranger, despite your own insistence to stop a war. Now, you hold his hands like they're a lifeline - something he never thought he'd see. You're so much brighter now. You glow with confidence around people. You'd always been so reserved growing up, and seeing you come out of your shell around this young man...well, he must not be all that bad if he got you to laugh like that.

The visit goes well, all things considered. When it finally comes time for you to depart back to Vash's kingdom, the old king holds you close and whispers how proud he is of you, and how you've made a good match. It brings tears to your eyes. Your father clasps hands with Vash again, still a little too tightly, but firm and confident that this young man is treating his daughter well. He even nods approval at Vash, which is probably the closest to an outright admission the king will ever get to praising him.

[novasintheroom]

Tournament - Prince Vash x Reader

A hot day for a tournament. The sun beats down on the backs and necks of attendees, flies buzzing through the air, drawn to the scent of horses and sweat. Fans try to wave away the heat, but people are growing sluggish and red.

You sit under the set-up awning for the royal family and higher nobles. The fan in your hand swats at the air and insects around your face. Drops of sweat streak down your back under your dress. Not for the first time (or the fifth), you wish the tournament would end early. At least then you could return to the relative coolness of the castle.

“Are you enjoying yourself, Highness?” Meryl asks at your side. Bless her, she must notice your slowly deteriorating mood.

“Well enough,” you say. Then, leaning toward her, you whisper, “Prince Vash will make an appearance soon, correct?”

The smile she gives you has you blushing. “Eager to see our prince in action?”

You wave the fan once, twice. “More eager to get out of this heat.”

Meryl hums in agreement, fluttering her own fan for a breeze. Before you, a clattering of armor and weapons. The four combatants wail on each other mercilessly. One goes down with a kick, then the other is hit in the back, a ringing gong as they also fall. The final two warriors circle each other. The first charges, catching the other in a defensive move before throwing them down to the ground. The crowd cheers and whoops, and Millie takes off her helmet to raise it high in triumph. Sweat glistens on her brow, her hair sticking to her face where it has fallen lose of the ponytail she had it in.

You and Meryl cheer loudly for her. You especially ignore the look Nai gives you on the side. Let him disapprove. You would cheer for your new friend if you wanted.

Millie is handed a white rose, and she grins. She hurries over to the sidelines and presents it to Wolfwood, his priest regalia hot under the blazing sun. Nicholas tenses at the presentation but regains his usual smirk, tipping his head in thanks. Millie leans forward with her cheek, and Nicholas presses a quick peck to it – the usual ceremony of being chosen as a tournament victor’s man or lady.

“The prince usually picks a new girl every year to present his rose to,” Meryl comments idly, clapping as Wolfwood pins the rose to his vest. It looks good on him. “I have no doubt he’ll be presenting the rose to you this year, my lady.”

But of course. Even as your stomach clenches in nerves, you know it’s the only proper thing for a husband to do for his wife – unless he has a public mistress. Which, you think, I’m pretty sure he doesn’t…Yet, looking at all the eager young ladies both in the booth and surrounding the grounds, you can’t help but wonder. He certainly has his pick of the bunch if he chooses.

The announcer climbs to his stand again. “We will now begin the archery tournament! First, Lord Hircine of the Red Marshes!” Crowds cheer and girls titter as the first young lord stepped up, fits his bow, and fires at the targets.

So it went for the next twenty minutes. It wasn’t until the very last combatant that the announcer proclaimed: “Prince Vash, of the Kingdom of JuLai!” A ruckus of roars goes up from the attendees, and you straighten your back. Vash steps forward, waving at the crowd and smiling. He looks radiant. This is his place, his people.

A surprise comes out in the form of a horse. Your brows twitch downward. “Ah,” Meryl says, waving a hand, “his trick this year. He’s been talking about how he wants to ‘wow the crowd.’”

“Is that allowed?” You ask.

Meryl shrugs and sighs. “The prince often does what he wants. Besides, riding a horse while shooting in archery makes it harder for him, not easier, so I see no reason not to allow it.”

The crowds murmur as Vash mounts the horse, then kicks it into a trot, then a canter, then a full-blown run around the field. With his bow, he draws back, and fires at the first target. Bullseye. He fires at the second and hits the middle again. People cheer and clap their hands, whooping at Vash as he goes by.

Then, he does something dangerous. He takes his leg over the saddle and rides on the side of the horse, pulling back the short bow and firing a trick shot into the air. Amazing how it lands perfectly centered in the target. He does this again, and again, switching sides on the horse with acrobatic precision when a target gets close. The crowds lose their minds. Even the other combatants shout encouragement at the prince, awed by both his archery and horse-riding skills combined.

You can’t help but stand to watch, leaning against the railing and watching this man, your husband, ride by. The grin on your cheeks hurts. Vash sees you and throws you a salute and grin, even slowing the horse down to blow a quick kiss at you. Cheeky, you think. With a thwack, the final arrow hits the last target. You and Meryl clap vigorously with the people, cheering the show on, even calling out encores.

Vash finishes with a deft dismount in front of the announcer. He gives a low bow to the crowd, who continue to yell and scream out his name. The announcer pats the prince on the back, murmuring something to him. Vash laughs. Taking the prince’s hand, the announcer raises it and says, “With an amazing score of twenty out of twenty targets hit in the center, I pronounce Prince Vash of the kingdom of JuLai this year’s archery winner!”

Everyone cheers. The only person who stays in his seat is Nai, who only claps. Vash is presented with the white rose of a victor, and your stomach clenches in nerves again. He looks around at the crowd, the girls lining the fence and waving him over with kerchiefs and hands. But his gaze lands on you, still standing on the low stage for royalty. His smile is warm, and he trots over to the fence, vaulting it and coming to a stop just a few inches below you.

He hands you the white rose. It is beautiful, and simple, and smells lovely. You give him your shyest smile. Vash grins, and tilts his face, tapping his cheek. Cheeky, you think again, and a rush of defiance overcomes you. You take hold of his chin and press your lips quickly to his – just quick enough to catch him off-guard.

Not quickly enough, though - he still manages to press his lips back, automatic and eager, even if he doesn't realize it. The crowd oohs and cheers. You break the kiss and turn before you can look at him too long; even the girls laugh at the look of shock on their prince’s face.

You head back and sit down in your chair. Vash is still leaning over the railing, eyes wide and cheeks red. You raise your brows. What are you waiting for? Go on. When he doesn't move, Nai clears his throat loudly. Vash shakes himself after a moment and gives you his own shy smile. It turns into a full-blown grin as he turns and shakes his hands in the air for the crowd. They cheer and wave back and call out to him as he makes his way out of the tournament grounds.

Meryl leans over. “Well, now you’ve done it. The crowd will expect that every year from now on.”

Your brows raise again. “Is that not customary here?”

“To kiss your husband publicly? No.” She smiles. “But it may become customary now!”

You feel your own blush crawl up your cheeks. You didn’t expect to break custom with that one action; you just wanted to humble Vash a bit. Nai is full-on glaring at you now. But you hold your head high, taking the scrutinizing gaze of your new people with dignity. You even see a few people shyly kiss their significant other on the lips as they trail away from the fences.

Carefully, you pin the rose to your bodice, right above your heart, and think about your second kiss with your husband. His lips were soft, a bit chapped.  You had a long way to go before you did that again. But it still felt nice to break from tradition for a moment.

[novasintheroom]

I heard your call and I came as fast as I could

"A kiss stemmed from jealousy" with Prince Vash💕

*smooches you* thank you Miriam!!!!

--

Vash does his best to not snap the glass stem in his hand. He hears your laugh, and flinches.

"Are you going to do anything about it?" Wolfwood murmurs at his side, openly staring at the spectacle.

There's plenty of guests at this party tonight. A small crowd of nobles and dignitaries, with the one royal sibling in attendance. And across the way, you've taken to speaking with a very tall, very handsome looking man. One that had all the good jokes, apparently.

You laugh again. Vash swirls the wine in his glass and takes a plaintive sip. "She's just talking."

His friend looks over the black-tinted glasses hanging off his nose. "With her former fiancé. You know, the one she'd be married to by now if it wasn't for you?"

It does the opposite effect of spurring Vash to action; the prince hunches, looking into his glass with a sad smile. "We're just friends, Nico. She can - "

He sees it, in the corner of his eye. The way your former fiance swoops down and presses his lips to your cheek. Then another, closer to your mouth. A gasp emits from you, tittering from the women and men around you.

A debacle in the making.

Vash is moving before he realizes. In a moment, he's got an arm around your waist, and he'll wonder later where his wine went, because he gently pushes your former back with his other hand. "I think," he says, "you've had a little too much wine tonight, sir."

The man blinks, and Vash is surprised to say he's right - the man's eyes are blurry, nearly red with drunkenness. Had he come here this way? It doesn't matter. What does matter is getting you away from him before he tries to make more of a scene -

With Vash's wife.

He leads you away with a gentle hand on your lower back, and he preens at how quickly you mold to his side. Still, he casts a wary glance over his shoulder. Your fiance is being held back by guards, shouting after you. "You were meant to be mine! You were meant to have my children!" Wolfwood swoops in, and suddenly the man goes quiet.

You're led into one of the further corridors, away from the party.

You were meant to be mine!...My children...!

It takes a moment for the ringing in his ears to subside, to realize you've been quietly talking to him the whole time. " - and I didn't know he would do that; you have to believe me, Vash, I was just trying to entertain - "

He spins to you and places his hands on your shoulders. He feels the goosebumps rise on your skin under his fingers. "You're alright?"

That stops your talking. Slowly, you nod your head. "Had I known he would do that, I would have made my leave." Tears are in your eyes, perhaps from embarrassment, perhaps from fear of how Vash would react. He couldn't say.

"And you...you didn't want...?" He isn't sure what he's asking, but you shake your head all the same. He sighs, pulling you into a hug. "Good...good."

You both stand there a moment, soaking in the comfort of the other. Then, Vash has an idea. He pulls you away from him, and you look up with shiny eyes. He wipes away the tears that have fallen on your cheeks, then, swiftly, he leans down and presses his lips at your cheek, then your other, then a final one on your nose. "No one," he says, "is allowed to kiss you without permission...besides me, of course."

It elicits a watery laugh from you. "Of course."

[novasintheroom]

favorite flower - Prince!Vash x Reader

He finds out first that you don’t like roses. The walk in the rose garden comes to a halt when you voice this.

“They’re beautiful,” you say. He still sees the small wrinkle of your nose when you speak of them. “They are just…very common.”

“Common? How so?” Vash asks.

You clasp your hands behind your back. Your foot reaches out to toe at the earth. “They…are a favorite among potential suitors in all kingdoms. Every noble girl receives them.” You look up desperately, willing him to understand something, “It’s as if the suitors do not ask their lady if she even wants them.”

Vash laughs, a little startled. “Don’t all ladies want flowers?”

You sigh, and Vash feels like he missed a mark somehow. “Yes, we do.”

 “Well…wasn’t your bouquet filled with roses at the wedding?”

You tense and look up, face carefully blank. “I didn’t have much choice in anything that day.” After a beat, you continue your walk through the garden.

Vash trails a bit behind, face stinging. He should have known better than to bring up the wedding; it is still a delicate subject. But still, his mind grabs hold on what you said: no choice on that day.

Looking around the immediate garden, he wonders.

--

“If you were married – “

“Stop. I’m not entertaining your delusions today.”

“Just wait!” Vash puts both palms out, willing Nai to stop his work and listen for a moment. His brother looks up from his desk, deadpanned and ill-humored. It never bothers Vash. “If you were married, what kind of flowers would you get your wife?”

Nai pushes a sigh out and goes back to the writing before him. “You’ve already messed up badly enough to warrant flowers?” He scoffs. “What did you do?”

“No! It’s nothing like that.” Vash sighs, pacing around the room. “She told me that she doesn’t like roses. Which, what girl doesn’t like roses?”

“Your wife, apparently.”

Vash groans and pulls a hand down his face. “I want to make her feel comfortable here! We’ve only got a rose garden. What do I give her that isn’t roses?” Nai doesn’t answer. His pen scritches across the paper before him, marking and taking notes. Vash turns to his twin. “So? What would you get your wife?”

Nai takes a breath in and out of his nose. “Lillies. Daisies. I don’t know.”

“No, she doesn’t really like those either…”

A single white brow raises. Nai glances up. “Have you asked her what she would like?”

Vash freezes and clears his throat. “No…”

Nai only shakes his head. “You’ve said yourself how direct she can be with her answers. Why haven’t you asked her?”

Vash slumps into one of the chairs in front of Nai’s desk. “Because…I want to show her I pay attention, without her having to tell me everything.”

Nai finally puts his pen down and regards his brother. What a silly concept. Only Vash would complicate something as simple as an arranged marriage. He dregs up an old memory. “Do you recall what Mother told us about marriage?”

Vash picks at the chair’s leather arm. “She said a lot of things.”

Nai tilts his head. “What I’m referring to is when she said marriage takes commitment and understanding between both parties to succeed. If you don’t ask her what she likes, you are taking away her chance to be understood.”

It makes sense. Of course it does. Mother was always wise in her counsel, even when they were young. But…Vash sighs. He wants to be a good husband. And good husbands notice things about their wives!

Suddenly, an idea hits him. “Maybe,” he says, “I can take her to a flower shop in town, and see what she gravitates towards?”

Nai sighs. Hit and a miss. “Get out.”

--

Despite Nai’s tendency to believe his brother stupid, Vash is not dull. Very, very stubborn, but not dull.

He starts with having servants plant new flowers in the garden. Lilies, poppies, orchids. He takes you on a walk to point them out. You look at them, smile, but nothing more. So, he continues. Tulips, dahlias, carnations, irises. You stop at your favorite colors, point at them and smile again, but nothing that screams, this, this is my favorite flower.

Vash gets down and dirty after that. He helps the servants plant the new flowers, fingers growing dark with dirt and cheeks red from the sun. Bushes of roses are removed to make room for new blooms. It becomes his new hobby, his time off when not in dreaded meetings and other princely duties. He researches flowers, finding exotics from other lands and having them shipped in on his own dime. When they are planted, he looks around at the work and hopes. Then, he fetches you and you take a walk.

After the twelfth time of doing this, you finally ask, “What are you doing, exactly?”

Vash almost trips. “What do you mean?”

You give him a look that makes his heart skip. “We’ve been taking an awful lot of walks lately. And I’ve noticed your work in the garden. It’s very beautiful. But I can tell you’re waiting for something.” You nod your head at his expression. “Speak.”

But he doesn’t want to. He wants to find out for himself! Without realizing, he pouts and shakes his head.

You hook your arm through his and pull him along, a small smile on your face. “Husband,” you say softly, “has this got to do with my not liking roses?”

Vash swallows. His heart pitter patters at being called ‘husband’ so quietly. “What makes you think that?”

Your lips lift more, and with your free hand you gesture around. “There are remarkably less roses in this garden than there were a few weeks ago. More flower varieties as well. You’ve been spending more and more time out here, planting your plants. I’ve been wondering where you have been.”

A sudden guilt overtakes him. “I did not mean to neglect you for this project.”

“Ah, so it is a project.” You pat his arm with your hand. “And you didn’t neglect me; wipe that look off your face.”

You both walk to a part of the garden that sits against the wall of the castle. Red geraniums grow around a stone bench and bird bath, along with small forget-me-nots that twine with the red. You sit at the bench, and Vash sighs. It’s time to come clean. “I did not mean to keep it a secret, but I wanted to find out what your favorite flower was.”

Your brows raise. “So that is it. All of this work, just to find out what I like? You flatter me.” You hesitate before taking his hand, “But wouldn’t it have been easier if you had merely asked me?”

Vash flushes. “Of course. But I…I wanted to show that I pay attention to what you like and don’t like.” It sounds silly saying it out loud now. He feels it further when you laugh.

“That is very sweet of you. More sweet than I deserve. But I think we should put an end to the mystery and allow the servants to get back to their regular duties, hm?” You lean forward and touch some of the flowers growing under the bench. “I enjoy all flowers, truly – even roses on occasion. But the ones I like most are the small ones – the ones that pollinators can easily get to. Forget-me-nots, baby’s-breath, that sort of thing.” You straighten and look ponderously ahead. “I suppose that would have made a poor bouquet for a royal wedding.”

“No!” He’s emphatic, holding your hand tighter to get you to look at him. “It would have been beautiful! Just having small flowers, it would have been a new start to a tradition!”

You smile. “I hear that’s what village girls do for their weddings – pick whatever small flowers are in bloom for the spring and that is their bouquet. It likely would have just made nobles call me a village girl if I had it my way.”

“Nothing wrong with that,” he says, playing with your fingers. “Nothing wrong with any of it.”

“I know,” you say, and grasp his fingers in your own. “Thank you, for trying so hard. I think the garden looks much livelier now than ever.”

It does. There are more butterflies, hummingbirds, and other small creatures around now than there were before. Fat bumblebees buzz low to the ground, picking at the little flowers found there. Vash watches a smaller honeybee land on one of the geraniums nearby, and smiles.

Maybe he could have asked you what your favorite flower was and been done with it. But, as you shyly lay your head on his shoulder, he thinks he likes this arrangement better.

[novasintheroom]

Prince Vash doesn't think he has a jealous bone in his body until he sees you, his wife from arranged marriage, laughing and talking with a duke's son in the courtyard. How is he getting you to laugh like that? That laugh is reserved for his jokes.

Suddenly, he's seeing green.

[novasintheroom]

As they got closer, would Prince Vash ever consider giving his wife a proper proposal one day? I'm assuming since it was arranged, it was more of a "He sent you a ring (It was most likely Nai rather than Vash)" sort of situation or a proposal that was very staged.

Maybe Vash suggests it as a joke to his wife/or maybe she asked him how he would do it (because, as she gets to know him, it's very obvious that he didn't plan it). However as he's doing it, Vash realizes that his feelings are truly much deeper than he thought.

Hey anon! Thanks for sending this in, I really had to think hard on it. This happens way later in their relationship, hence the ending. I hope this lives up to expectations! <3

--

“If you were to propose to me, how would you do it?”

Vash looks up from his book he was reading to you, sitting across from him. The night has fallen, and with it comes your new ritual of reading together before bed. The candles on the walls cast a soft glow of gold. You’re curled up on the armchair of his room, your own book in hand. Yet, he sees you fiddling with your wedding band, and frowns. “What, uh, why?”

You shrug, one leg coming out from your skirts to roll your ankle. Vash stares at the bare skin for a moment before looking back at you. “Just…wondering, I suppose. We saw those two proposals in the villages a few days ago, and it’s so different than how we…” You sigh through your nose and finally look up at him. “I suppose…I don’t know. I know our marriage was – is a contract of convenience, but, I’ve gotten to know you, and, well, I can see that you would have done it differently if given the chance.”

Vash leans back in his chair, a small smile playing on his lips. “It’s that obvious, huh?”

You’re looking at your ring again. “There’s no way you would have picked a ring like this.”

And you’re right. It’s big, gaudy. Inlaid with sapphires and ice-cold diamonds, it screams power and wealth – two of the most opposite things Vash has ever pursued. Something warms in Vash’s chest, and he closes his book, getting up from his chair with a groan. You look up, a slight worry in your eyes – you’re always worrying you said something wrong. Vash’s easy smile abates your fears. He stands before you with his hand held out.

Gently, you place your left hand in it. Vash thumbs over the giant square diamond at the center of the ring. Pah, leave it to Nai to choose a ring this ugly. It doesn’t suit you. Not with how quiet and simply you live. Not with your kind pleasantness and golden heart. “Do you want a new ring? I can get one made for you?”

“What I want,” you say, staring up at him, “is to know how you would have proposed to me.”

He feels a hot flush rise to his cheeks. “You mean I couldn’t get away with sending the marriage contract over?” He laughs when you swat his stomach, faking an ‘oof’ just for you. “Alright, alright, let me think…”

Vash doesn’t let go of your hand, thumbing over your knuckles, your ring, as he does. “Well, for starters, I’d give you a better ring than that. Something simpler, maybe. With rubies.”

“You and the color red,” you joke.

He shrugs and grins. “It’s always been my color.” Carefully, he takes your wedding band off and rubs where the ring sat. “That thing is huge. Does it weigh down your finger?”

You purse your lips. “No, but it does catch on my skirts every now and then.”

“Ah,” he says, staring at your lips. He shakes himself and continues. “I’d probably take you out to the palace gardens to do it. Maybe in the hidden gazebo, so I could ask you privately.”

“There’s a hidden gazebo?”

“Shh, don’t interrupt!”

“Sorry,” you giggle, using your free hand to cover your mouth and wait.

Vash clears his throat and gets on one knee. “Then, after I’ve thoroughly and completely wooed you with my devilish charm and quick wit – “ he ignores your rude snort “ – I’d tell you – “ He pauses again, this time to think.

You wait, shifting your legs under you. “Well?”

Vash looks up at you, heart suddenly in his throat. He feels the ring in his hand, that massive, chunky thing, and feels small, staring up at you. Is this how men are supposed to feel before their wives? Meek and submissive and – and in love? He looks at your eyes, your nose, your lips, your ears, your hair, your hands. Vash cannot deny he is in love. And for once, he is willing to show it to the person who matters most.

So, taking your hand in both of his, he begins earnestly. “We did not know each other growing up. We did not know each other when we met. But we know each other now, and that is the greatest gift I have ever received. You are kind, and prickly in the mornings, and have a love for peaches, and so, so wonderful in your quiet, dignified way. You make me laugh, and think, and I…I don’t know how I got through life without someone like you by my side. You’re amazing, and, if you’ll have me, I’d like to be your husband…forever.” He slips the ring back onto your finger and looks up to you.

You’re quiet. You have tears in your eyes. Your mouth moves in waves, trying to form words. “That,” you clear your throat, but it doesn't help, “that was beautiful. I’m sure the girl you’re in love with would have…would have fallen right into your arms.”

“Well, not exactly. You’re still sitting here, aren’t you?”

Your grin is telling. There’s a relief that comes with it. You both know you are in love with each other. It just took some time to come to terms with it. And with Vash’s sudden confession, it becomes so easy to accept it. You scramble off your seat and hug Vash to you, squishing his head to your chest while his arms come around your thighs.

Weeks later, you’d find a box with a ring inside it inside your room. You’d open it, and with a laugh, put on the new, ruby-inlaid ring, leaving the old clunky one to gather dust in your jewelry box. For my wife, the note would say, whom I love dearly.

[novasintheroom]

Prince!Vash AU. Thunderstorm in the dead of night means one spouse seeking out the other to feel safe.

Thank you for sending this in, anon! I appreciate it!!

--

“Vash…”

“…”

“Vash…”

“Hm…?”

“Vash, can I…?”

He doesn’t catch the end of your sentence, too drowsy from sleep. He blinks his eyes open in the gloom, registering the sound of rain and thunder booming overhead for a moment. Ah, the storm season. He’d forgotten it was coming.

Where are you?

Vash’s brain is slowly catching up. He heard your voice. Here. In his room. Had he been dreaming? He’s been having more dreams about you, lately. Perhaps that’s all it was – a waking dream. Vash sighs and rolls over, toward the door between your rooms.

It’s open.

And you’re standing next to his bed.

“Can I sleep with you?” you whisper.

That wakes him up.

Vash sits up in bed, looking at your shadowed form. You’re hunched, almost like a scolded child. He can hear you cracking your knuckles in the dark – a nervous tick you have.

You’re here. In his room.

You’ve finally crossed the line between rooms.

He says your name like a question. “What are you doing here?” Such a silly question for a husband to ask his wife, but…his heart skips beats. Is this it? Is this when you’ll…?

You clear your throat and flinch when another burst of thunder roars overhead. “The storm…it woke me, and I…I’ve always had a fear of them, so I was wondering if I could sleep. Here…Tonight.”

He pauses. Sleep? Here? The rain torrents on the roof overhead; he can hear the sheets of water even through the thick stonework. A flash of lightning bursts into the room, and for a moment, your terrified face is lit in full stark white. His mind finally catches up to what you’re asking.

Ah. That explains it.

Vash quashes any kind of disappointment that springs up from the truth and nods emphatically. “Yeah, of course!” He opens up his bed sheets like you’ll crawl in right there with him.

But you don’t. You hurry to the other side and lift the blankets, scurrying underneath. He feels the brush of your bare legs against his as you adjust yourself, and goosebumps trail all over his body. You settle. The room goes quiet but for the rain.

If he listens hard enough, he can hear your breathing. And he can’t stop the question bubbling up, now awake. “You’ve never liked storms?”

You shift your head to look at him in the gloom. “No. I hate them. It’s the thunder.” On cue, thunder breaks overhead, and you hunch further into the covers. “It always scares me awake, and I fear someone is in my room when I do. So I stay up all night looking at every shadow.”

He hums. His eyes feel heavy, but this is new information. He pursues it further. “Who would you go to when you were at home?”

“My siblings would usually come to me for comfort. I never…had to seek anyone out but for when I was a little girl.” You scooch further into bed, arm brushing his. You don’t pull away. “I’m sorry. I know I must be brave, but – “

“Who said that? I didn’t.” Vash reaches out and takes your hand in his, intertwining your fingers. Even now, he can feel the tremors shaking your body, the bed. “I’m scared of lots of things, and I think that’s okay.”

He feels your eyes on him again. “What are you scared of?”

Vash yawns, then clears his throat. “Don’t laugh. But I hate bananas.”

You laugh. “What?”

He shakes your arm in reprimand and continues. “I don’t know what it is, but ever since I was a kid, I’ve been terrified of them. Their shape, their texture…eugh.” He shivers. Your laughter, though, is worth it.

“I’ve never heard of such a thing!” You giggle. “I just thought you didn’t like fruit at banquets!”

“I love fruit! I’m very fruity!” He realizes his mistake and shakes your arm again when you snort. “Shut up. You know what I mean.” The thunder rolls overhead, and you go quiet. He strokes his thumb along your hand and squeezes. “Hey, it’s okay. Nothing’s gonna get you.”

“I know,” you murmur. Then, slowly, as if waiting for him to reject you, you turn to him and wrap your arms around his torso. When he in turn wraps his own arms around you, you both settle into the embrace and warmth. Vash hadn’t realized how cold it was in his room ‘til then.

Minutes pass by like this. Vash is fully awake now, heart pounding. This…this is nice. This is really nice. Even if his arm is falling asleep under your head, he isn’t going to move. Nope. This is what he’s wanted for a while, now. He rubs a hand along your back, slow and methodical. He teases the skin at the base of your neck with tickles. Your breath evens out, and, eventually, you fall asleep.

Vash stays awake longer than he intends. He just can’t get over the feel of you this near. You’re warm. Soft. Your hair smells good – a day or two from washing, but good nonetheless. He thumbs at the fabric of your nightgown. It’s well-worn; a favorite of yours.

“Would you mind if we do this more often?” He asks openly, knowing you were too far gone to answer. “I really enjoy it…”

He falls asleep.

-~-

A gold morning wakes you slowly. Its beams shine through the cracks in the shutters and window panes. The storm has passed, and with it, the night.

You feel breath on your forehead. Such a strange place to feel it. You reach a hand up to brush at your bangs, only to feel toned muscle beneath your fingers first. What…?

Your eyes creak open. You stare at a white shirt, the chest it hides rising quietly. The night comes back to you, and you look up at your husband.

His eyes are closed, and he lets out small snores.

You didn’t know he snored.

You don’t know a lot of things about him. Much less than you would like. But…you reach up and move his bed-tangled hair from his face, he is kind, and good, and unfairly handsome. And isn’t that what matters most? You could have gotten a lot less lucky being married off to someone else.

But that’s the thing isn’t it? He is more than kind and good and handsome. He is loyal, and quite funny, and sociable, and…and he’s afraid of bananas!

That startles a laugh out of you, and it stirs Vash in his sleep. You put your fingers to your mouth and watch with guilt as Vash’s blues open and blearily look at you. “Wha…” he says, clearing his throat, “Wha’s so funny…?”

Your eyes crinkle, and you can’t help but brush his face now, laughing openly. “Just…you have a bit of drool, coming out here.”

Vash groans and rolls away, wiping at his face. You continue to laugh. Today is already going to be a great day.