#ikeprince fluff

[queen-dahlia]

𝐖𝐚𝐫𝐦 𝐃𝐚𝐭𝐞

Gilbert von Obsidian x f!Reader

My contribution for Fall Fluff Autumn Angst CCC hosted by @aquagirl1978 and @violettduchess ♡

Prompts: warming hands, treats, leaves, hot apple cider. :D

Warnings: fluff, not beta read, bad English, expect grammatical errors. ^^

WC: 1657 A/N: Please, let’s just pretend that cotton candy already exist in this time but only in some country

You can't stop smiling as you stare at your reflection. Today is the day you've been looking forward to.

It's been days since you and Gilbert agreed to go to the festival, which was postponed when you visited the orphanage. You will spend another day with him outside the palace walls.

When you hear a knock on the door, you exhale to calm your overly excited heart and smoothing your dress for the nth time.

"Come in." You turned around as the door swung open.

"Shall we go?" He smiled at you, and you returned his smile.

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As you step inside the carriage, you attempt to keep cool and hide your excitement.

"So, tell me about this Halloween festival." He said.

"Well, there will be games to play, and if you win, you may choose whatever prize you want, depending on your score. Prizes can be either items or food. There are also some other shops selling Halloween-related items."

The conversation went smoothly as you talked about Halloween and answered some of his questions while Gilbert happily listened to you.

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You finally arrived at the town. There are a lot of people visiting the shops.

"What was that?" Gilbert asked, pointing to that one little shop. It was almost completely surrounded by small clouds, and the people who bought these 'small clouds' were eating it.

"I've never seen those before, do you want to check it out?"

He nodded, and you both observed the people eating it with almost satisfied expressions on their faces.

"I'm curious what that is."

"Based on how long that line is, whatever they're selling must be really good." Gilbert said. "I don't want to waste time waiting in the line, stay here."

Before you could respond, he walked over to the shop and spoke with one of the vendors. He was far away, you had no idea what they were talking about and you couldn't see who he was speaking to.

Gilbert returned and grinned at you after only a few moments. "Come on, we will return here later."

"What did you talk about?"

"Ah, I told the owner to save some cotton candies for us later."

"Cotton candies? That's what they're called? Did you ask more about it?" You questioned as you both moved to the next booth.

"I didn't, but he said it was very sweet."

Looking back at that shop, the line appears to simply keep going and going. "Well, I really do hope they will save some for us later." You mumbled.

"Don't worry, they will." Gilbert assured you.

You looked up at him, and he simply snickered. "Please tell me you didn't scare the shop owner."

"Did I?" Then he gave you that familiar sinister chuckle.

Although he did not answer your question with a 'yes' or a 'no,' his chuckle did. You sigh, hoping it didn't traumatize the owner.

You walked side by side, but you were startled a little when his icy-cold hand held your hand. Not just that type of hold, but he even intertwined his fingers on yours.

"You might get lost."

"I should be the one to tell you that. I know this place better than you do."

"I'm referring to your height." Gilbert laughs as he continues. "I can't let a little bunny get lost in the crowd."

You frown and roll your eyes at him, but deep down you don't care what he just said. Acting annoyed at him to hide your giddy emotions.

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Gilbert will stop at every food stall to buy candy apples, pumpkin pies, apple breads, as well as other treats, but one shop that caught his interest, the bakery where you used to buy your pastries before arriving at the palace. Cookies with cute monster designs are the most popular treats for Halloween.

You took a seat after Gilbert ordered treats that could practically feed ten people.

That is not surprising. He loves food.

"It's almost a shame to eat this because it's so cute." He says, but then eats it anyway.

You bit back your laughter as you sip on your hot apple cider before taking a bite on the cookie.

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You got up from your seat after eating the sweets. He twined his fingers once more on yours as you two exited the shop and returned to explore the other booths.

When you see some books, both of you will browse the shelves, and whatever catches your eye, Gilbert will buy it, and he bought a lot of books, he instructed the store owners to have it delivered to the palace under your name instead of his.

He explained that it is better to have the deliveries made under your name since he does not like telling people his name and ruining the fun of the festival because he is the prince of Obsidian. Which makes sense.

You were both stopped when a cheerful voice called out to you.

A woman in her late forties approached you with a friendly smile. "Hello. We have a game that needs to be played by partners, and it will begin at 6 in the evening. Of course, there are prizes to be won." The woman then begins to explain more about the game.

Before you could even utter a word, Gilbert spoke. "We'll be there."

"Thanks! You look like a perfect pair for each other. I have a strong feeling you're going to win this game. Goodluck."

"Thank you."

A moment of silence before you finally found your words. "You didn’t even ask me if I would like to participate in that game."

"I know you would."

"There are many games, but you pick the one that is in the last place I'll visit. I don't wanna participate in it."

"Yeah, there are a lot of games, but that one seems interesting. Besides, she said we were a perfect pair for each other." He responds casually as you go back to the first shop you visited.

When the staff noticed you, despite the long queue, they prioritized you and brought you a pair of large cotton candies on a paper stick. Gilbert left the money and began to walk away again.

"This is very sweet." He said as he ate some more.

"And it melts quickly too." You added as you take your time eating it, savoring the sweetness.

"I’m tired, do you know any place that we can rest?" He asked you.

"Yes, it's not far from here."

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Different shades of dried leaves were scattered on the quiet road. There are benches but Gilbert wants to rest under the large tree.

"Would you rather stand there?"

"Of course not." You sat next to him, but Gilbert suddenly laid his head on your lap. "Hey!"

"What?"

"You can lie down on the bench if you want to."

"No. Ah, I'm tired." He said as he closed his eye. You sigh as you let him take a nap. It was tiring, but it was great to be with him. After a few minutes, your fingers lazily stroked his soft, smooth hair.

You leaned back against the tree. The nice weather makes you so drowsy, you attempted to fight the sleep but failed and drifted into dreamland.

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Gilbert's eye fluttered open when he felt you stop stroking his hair, only to see you sleeping peacefully. He moved carefully and sat next to you.

He remembered when you asked him to accompany you to the festival the other day. He was overjoyed since it was the first time in his life that someone had actually asked him, but he kept his cool. His hand on your cheek as he adored you, before kissing your forehead and he spoke.

"Sweet dreams, my little rabbit."

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A strong gust of wind blows on your face, making you shiver. You snuggle on your pillow, and the pillow snuggles back.

At first, you thought it to be a dream, but then the 'pillow' starts to embrace you tightly. You initially allow your senses to register that you are not embracing a pillow but rather a body. You immediately woke up and allowed your brain to fully comprehend everything.

Gilbert had you seated on his lap, his arm over your waist, your head resting on his chest, and his other hand holding a small book. He was still wearing his jacket, but the cape was draped in over you.

"Did I wake you up?"

Everything had finally been registered in your mind. You moved quickly and stood up, but he only laughed at you. Again.

"W-what? Why are you laughing?"

"Ah, I never thought you were a pillow hugger." He smiled.

"I'm sorry about that."

"Why? You did nothing wrong." Gilbert said as he rose up and put the small book in his pocket.

"Where did that book come from?"

"From my pocket."

"Ugh, seriously."

"Ahaha. This was from one of the shops we visited. I didn't have it delivered because I want to read it when I'm resting."

You didn't question him more, and that's when you saw something in his hair. "Stay still." You spoke as you reached out and removed a small leaf from his hair.

"Hey Gil, could you bend down a bit further? There's a little more." He was surprised, but did as you requested, allowing you to remove the leaves. "It's all gone. Do I have any leaves in my hair?"

"No, there isn't. I removed it while you were sleeping."

"Oh, uh, thanks?"

"You're welcome." His fingers entwined once more with yours. "What is it?" He asked when he noticed your confusion.

"You're warm."

"Ah, that. It's because of you. I've been holding you in my arms while you were sleeping."

"... You should have woken me up."

"I don't want to."

He then bit your fingertips before you left the place and : the haunted mansion; to play the game he was looking forward to.

Tagging: @atelieredux @thewitchofbooks ♡

[wistfulwanderingone]

🫐Foraging for Mischief🫐

Fandom: Ikemen Prince

Characters: Cassandra Bellarose (OC), Clavis Lelouch, Yves Kloss, Licht Klein

Pairing: Clavis Lelouch x OC

Event: Falling For Fall CC

Hosted by: @violettduchess & @lorei-writes

Prompt: Foraging (Fluff)

🫐Foraging for Mischief🫐

Sunlight filtered through the dense canopy of leaves above, a soft, golden glow dancing across the forest floor in playful bursts. Cassandra inhaled deeply, savoring the crisp, earthy scent of the woods. Here, in this verdant sanctuary, she found a tranquil reprieve from the life of nobility and the relentless clamor of responsibility. This was her haven, a beautiful escape—a berry foraging foray into the heart of nature with her closest friends, Yves and Licht.

Yves immersed himself in the task with a seriousness that made her grin. His porcelain brow furrowed in concentration as he moved ahead with purpose, his basket already half-full of glistening berries. His intensity was almost amusing, but endearing all the same. He had declared that only the freshest and ripest would suffice for the dessert he envisioned for their tea party tomorrow.

Cassandra watched him, her heart warming at his quiet dedication. For Yves, it was never merely about the dessert; it was a quest for perfection, a mission as delicate and precise as the ingredients he handled. His passion inspired her, and she admired him for it.

Behind her, Licht lingered a few steps back, his usual guarded expression firmly in place—a silent sentinel amidst the beauty surrounding them. Since their departure, he had remained quiet. Even though it wasn’t unusual, Cassandra cast a glance over her shoulder, her heart tightening at the sight of his stoic, withdrawn demeanor.

Something about Licht always tugged at her heartstrings, an ache that lingered just beneath the surface whenever her eyes found him. She had known both Yves and Licht long enough to recognize the hidden burdens each bore, the quiet scars etched deep within their souls. But there was a stark difference between them—Yves, for all his struggles, had learned to weave his pain into something purposeful, like turning sorrow into a thread of quiet resilience. His strength wasn’t loud, but it radiated through every small action, a subtle defiance against the past that could have weighed him down. He refused to let it define him, instead allowing it to shape him into someone stronger, more resolute.

But Licht...Licht was different. He moved through life as if he existed in a world apart, a place draped in shadows that no one else could breach. It was as though the darkness had claimed him, and he, in turn, had accepted it—resigned to its embrace, believing it was where he truly belonged. He could see the light—it flickered just beyond his grasp, tantalizing in its warmth—but something always held him back, an invisible chain tethering him to the quiet despair he wore like a second skin. He never reached for it, as if convinced the light wasn’t meant for him, as if the shadows were his only refuge.

“Yves makes this look effortless, doesn’t he?” Cassandra said, her words threaded with lightheartedness as she fell in step beside Licht.

Licht glanced at her briefly, his ruby eyes meeting hers for just a moment. “He always finds the best berries.”

She glanced at Licht again, the corners of her mouth lifting in a soft smile. “Trust Yves to transform a humble outing into a display of artistry”

Yves glanced up, a small smile tugging at his lips. "Some of us are simply blessed with natural talent," he replied, the hint of pride in his voice echoing through the trees.

Cassandra chuckled softly, the sound like the rustle of leaves in the gentle breeze, as she tossed another berry into Licht's basket. like the sun filtering through the trees, casting golden flecks on the forest floor. She gazed at the serene beauty of the woods, the world around them bathed in quiet light. “It’s such a lovely day, Licht. Here we are, together, gathering berries for tomorrow’s tea party. Could it get any more perfect?” Her voice was soft, lighthearted, as if the forest itself had breathed peace into her words. “No burdens, no obligations. Just friends...enjoying the quiet serenity of the woods.”

Licht’s gaze rose to meet hers again, his dark eyes catching the dappled sunlight for a moment. The tension that always clung to him seemed to ease, if only by a breath. Though unspoken, Cassandra could feel the weight of his burdens hovering between them. She didn’t need words to sense the quiet walls he kept in place, the silent resolve that guarded him from fully letting go.

Bending down beside him, she plucked a few more berries, watching as they tumbled into his basket. A playful glint sparkled in her eyes, her voice teasing as she added, “And don’t worry—no one’s judging you. Well, maybe Yves, but that’s simply his way.”

Licht’s expression softened, his features relaxing ever so slightly. Though his movements were still careful, there was a new ease in them, a looseness in the way he reached for another berry, as if for a moment, his burdens had lessened. Cassandra smiled at the small victory, her heart lifting at the sight of him letting the peace of the moment reach him, even just a little.

Yves glanced up from his basket, a smirk playing on his lips. “I don’t judge. I merely maintain...higher standards.” He winked, plucking another perfect berry. “And if you must know, I’m silently rooting for your success. Though, by all means, continue to place the blame upon me if it brings you comfort.” His voice, teasing yet tinged with that usual air of casual confidence, made the moment feel lighter, as if the sunlight itself responded to his jest.

Cassandra chuckled at Yves’ jest, shaking her head in mock disbelief. “Well, we’re indeed fortunate to have your silent support, then. Perhaps a touch of your perfectionism will grace us from your mere presence.” Her words floated between the trees, carried on the breeze, and the gentle teasing between them filled the forest with a sense of camaraderie, of easy companionship that soothed the soul.

Licht’s lips twitched, the flicker of a smile threatening to escape his otherwise guarded expression. Cassandra, ever attuned to the smallest shifts in him, noticed the subtle change—the way his shoulders softened, the invisible weight lifting, if only for a fleeting breath. She cherished those moments, small as they were, when the shadows that clung to him seemed to fade just a little.

Yves, straightening from his spot a little further down the path, held up a handful of perfectly ripe berries, his usual smirk still in place. “Cassandra’s right, you know. It’s not a contest. But if it were, I would be the clear victor."

Licht let out a small huff, a sound that hovered somewhere between breath and laughter, and Cassandra's heart swelled at the quiet joy of it. It wasn’t often that he let his guard down, but in these small moments—those rare, soft chuckles—she glimpsed the man hidden beneath the stoic exterior, the one who still remembered how to laugh, however fleeting the sound might be.

“You see? We’re all in this together,” she said, her voice warm as she stood, brushing the earth from her hands. “And for the record, Yves, you’re only winning because we’re letting you.”

Yves raised an eyebrow, feigning offense with a dramatic flair. “Letting me? Please, Cassandra, let’s not pretend you don’t admire my impeccable berry-picking skills.”

Cassandra shook her head, her laughter bubbling forth. “Very well, you may excel in berry picking, but my enthusiasm remains unmatched.” Her eyes sparkled, the playful banter weaving between them as light as the breeze that carried the scent of ripe berries and fresh earth.

As their conversation wove through the tranquil rhythm of the forest—the soft whisper of leaves above, the occasional chirp of birds hidden in the branches, and the gentle breeze carrying the sweet scent of earth and ripe berries—Cassandra felt the warmth of camaraderie settle around them, like a comforting blanket of peace. The weight of expectations, of the world they had left behind for a moment, seemed to fall away, replaced with the simple, unspoken bond she shared with her friends. Here, in the heart of the forest, surrounded by laughter and light, she could breathe freely.

She stooped down, her fingers delicately plucking dark, plump berries from the nearby bush, each one feeling like a small, perfect jewel cradled in her hand. The satisfying weight of them grounded her as she placed them into her basket. But then, a soft sensation brushed against her ear—a whispering caress, as light as a feather's kiss.

Cassandra froze, her breath catching in her chest. Her hand instinctively rose, fingers grazing the spot where the sensation lingered, tickling the edge of her skin. Was that...a leaf?

A frown creased her brow. She knew the forest wasn’t playing tricks on her. Shaking her head, she tried to dismiss the odd feeling, but then it happened again—a faint touch, followed by a low chuckle, like the echo of mischief in the breeze. 

She sprang upright, spinning around with a sharp breath, her pulse skittering in response. "Who's there?" Her voice, though quiet, trembled with the tension now humming through her.

Yves and Licht exchanged startled glances, the stillness of the forest suddenly charged. "What’s wrong?" Yves asked, his brow furrowing in concern as he studied her face. Beside him, Licht’s hand instinctively moved to the hilt of his sword, his body poised and tense, his gaze scanning the trees with quiet vigilance.

But before Cassandra could answer, a flicker of movement caught her eye—a shadow, swift and teasing, slipping through the woods like a playful ghost. Her pulse quickened, a familiar spark igniting at the sight, recognition blooming in her chest. A smile tugged at her lips, her heart tightening in that way it always did when he was near.

"Clavis..." she whispered, savoring his name like a secret she cherished. Just saying it stirred something warm and familiar deep inside. His presence lingered in the air like a breeze, invisible but brushing against her skin, sending a thrilling shiver down her spine. “I think we have company.”

“Clavis,” Yves groaned softly, rubbing his temples. "Of course. Just when I thought we might have a peaceful outing..." He trailed off, scanning the trees, fully expecting Clavis to appear at any moment. "Could we truly expect a peaceful day in the forest without Clavis appearing to cause his usual mischief?"

Licht, however, looked more concerned than annoyed, his grip on the hilt of his sword steady, muscles tensed. His brow furrowed, apprehension etched across his features. "You think he’s nearby?" His ruby eyes flickered toward the shadows, his vigilance sharpening. "Is he planning something?"

Cassandra’s smile deepened. "Oh, you know him as well as I do. He’s always up to something." A chuckle escaped her lips, light and carefree. “But rest assured, Licht, he tends to bring more disorder than any true harm." She waved a hand dismissively, her smile easing the tension around them like sunlight melting morning mist. "It’s just Clavis being Clavis."

Yves sighed, casting a weary glance at their half-filled baskets. "Great. Just what we needed—berry-picking sabotage. How utterly delightful."

Cassandra grinned as she bent down to gather a few more berries, her heart still humming with the lingering energy of Clavis’s presence. "Oh, come on, Yves." She plucked a particularly plump berry from a branch as she bit her lip. "At least he keeps things interesting, don’t you think?"

Yves muttered something under his breath—likely a complaint—but his expression softened despite himself. "I wouldn't call it 'interesting.' Annoying, perhaps. Distracting, most certainly,” he quipped, his tone carrying the exasperation of someone far too used to Clavis's antics.

Licht’s gaze remained sharp, his eyes constantly scanning the shadows of the trees, as though expecting Clavis to strike like a hunter pouncing on its prey, ready for whatever mischief Clavis might bring. Cassandra couldn’t help but notice the contrast between his guarded nature and Clavis’s unpredictable energy. "If it’s Clavis," he muttered, his voice low, "we should be ready for anything."

Just as Licht finished speaking, a soft rustling came from the nearby bushes, stirring the quiet air around them. Cassandra straightened, her pulse thrumming in response. "I think not knowing what could happen is half the fun," she murmured, her voice light but laced with anticipation.

“Cassandra,” Licht muttered, shooting her a sideways glance, his expression stern. “You really worry me sometimes.”

Before either of them could protest further, another flicker of movement caught Cassandra’s eye again, followed by the unmistakable sound of Clavis’s laughter. Low, alluring, full of mischief, the sound sent a familiar warmth spreading through her, stirring emotions she could never fully ignore.

Yves groaned, his exasperation evident. "Marvelous. Truly marvelous. He’s bound to turn this  into a circus, isn’t he?"

Cassandra’s gaze drifted toward the treeline, her heart skipping as she imagined him stepping from the shadows. "Oh, most likely," she murmured, climbing onto a rock, her hands trembling—not from effort, but from the sharp awareness of his presence, the way the very air seemed to shift when he was near. She smiled to herself, knowing he was nearby, already scheming. Meanwhile, Licht’s steady gaze never wavering, full of the steady vigilance of someone who knew better than to let his guard down.

Then it happened.

One moment, Cassandra was reaching for an elusive branch, its ripe berries just beyond her fingertips. The next, her foot slipped on the moss-slick rock, and with a startled gasp, her basket tumbled from her grasp as she teetered dangerously to the side.

Before she could hit the ground, a strong arm wrapped around her, pulling her back from the brink. She blinked and looked up to, finding herself pressed against Licht, his arms steadying her.

"You need to be more careful," he scolded, though friendly concern flickered in his red eyes.

"Thank you," she managed, feeling embarrassed by her clumsiness. She reached up and patted his cheek lightly to ease his tension. "I may have gotten a bit overly enthusiastic about the berries."

Before she could say more or stand upright, the air shifted, the familiar voice of mischief breaking through the moment. "Well, well. What a sight we have here—our dear Lady Cassandra, safely ensconced in Sir Licht’s protective embrace."

Licht steadied her quickly with his hands before releasing Cassandra. She turned, her breath catching as her eyes found Clavis leaning casually against a nearby tree. His arms crossed, a wicked grin curling on his lips as though he had been watching them for some time, thoroughly entertained. But there was something else in his eyes—a flicker of something deeper, something that made her heart stutter. She pushed the thought away quickly. This was Clavis, after all—always playing his games. Yet, she couldn’t entirely shake the feeling.

"What fortune, Licht, to be the gallant hero today, rescuing our damsel from her perilous fall,” Clavis drawled, pushing off the tree and strolling toward them with that infuriating, irresistible swagger.

Licht stiffened, stepping back from Cassandra, his eyes narrowing slightly as he straightened. "It wasn’t like that," he muttered, averting his gaze. "She slipped."

"Of course, of course.” Clavis stopped beside them, his smirk widening as he raised an eyebrow.  “Just a friendly rescue. I didn’t realize you had such a gift for rescuing damsels, Licht. Should I be worried?"

"No." His voice was flat as he placed his hands on Cassandra's shoulders, gently guiding her until she stood directly in front of Clavis, his eyes steady, unfazed by the jab.

Clavis blinked, his smirk faltering for just a split second before he recovered, a chuckle escaping his lips.

Cassandra stiffened as she found herself face-to-face with Clavis. Her lips parted, not from surprise, but as if to speak—yet no words came out. She blinked, struggling to regain her poise, but a tangle of emotions caught in her throat. The playful smirk Clavis wore didn’t help, his closeness stirring the feelings she kept trying, and failing, to suppress.

"Isn’t it amusing?" Clavis leaned in, his golden eyes honed in on Cassandra in front of him. "Here you are falling into Licht’s arms, and yet you’ve deftly evaded all of my traps. I must confess, I’m utterly heartbroken. Such a cruel woman you are, my dear Cassandra—leaving me to suffer while you go falling into other men’s arms."

Cassandra narrowed her eyes at him, though the heat in her cheeks betrayed her. "It seems I’m simply too quick for your tricks, Clavis," she teased, her voice light, despite the sharp awareness of him that tingled through her. "You’ll need to exert more effort if you ever hope to catch me."

Clavis's smirk deepened, his golden eyes gleaming with devilish delight as he tilted his head in mock contemplation. "Ah, I see now. You’re inviting me to ensnare you in one of my little traps," he mused, leaning in just a touch closer. His grin was full of self-assured charm,but there was something sharper behind it—a glimmer of calculation, as if he was already planning his next move.  "I hadn’t realized we were engaged in such a flirtatious game of cat and mouse. How deliciously unexpected." His voice dropped to a smooth, velvety murmur, the air between them thickening with an undeniable tension. "But fear not, my little forest sprite—I shall catch you when you least anticipate it. Consider it a promise."

Her heart stuttered at the intensity in his gaze, and for a moment, she was lost in the game—his words a tantalizing thread pulling her deeper. Was this all just a game to him? Or was there something real, something deeper hiding behind his teasing?

Just as her lips parted, Yves’s voice sliced through the tension like a sharp blade. "Clavis, must you always turn everything into some kind of theatrical performance?" His dramatic sigh filled the air, his expression that of mild irritation.

Clavis, entirely unfazed, raised an eyebrow and turned toward Yves with a shrug. "Must? No." His smirk never wavered. "Yves, my dear brother, it’s what we call charm. You might consider trying it on occasion." His eyes flicked back to Cassandra, and though his grin remained, there was a glimmer in his gaze—something more tender beneath the surface that made her breath catch. "Besides, I’m merely providing what the people so clearly desire."

Cassandra’s soft chuckle spilled out, cutting through the rising tension. But as she turned back to her basket, her fingers brushed Clavis’s—his hand was already there, as though waiting for hers. The touch, though brief, sent a spark rushing through her, igniting warmth in her chest that she couldn’t quite ignore.

Clavis smirked, his voice lowering into a teasing murmur, just for her. "Do be cautious, young lady. If you continue to touch me like that, we may lose track of the berries...and perhaps a heartbeat or two." Though his words were laced with playful charm, there was a softness in his gaze that made her heart race.

Cassandra swallowed hard and quickly pulled her hand away, her pulse racing as she fought to steady her breath. Her thoughts spiraled, the logical part of her mind trying to push back the rush of emotions. But every time he looked at her like that, every time his fingers brushed against hers, her resolve wavered. 

But then, as he let her hand slip away, his voice dropped even lower, the teasing edge tempered by something more elusive, something almost wistful. "You know...sometimes, the smallest touch lingers the longest. But you knew that, didn’t you?"

The playful smirk remained on his lips, but his golden eyes softened for just a moment, the briefest flicker of something deeper passing through them—something Cassandra couldn’t quite name. His hand remained suspended for a heartbeat longer than necessary, as though he was reluctant to let the moment end, before he casually plucked a ripe berry from her basket, the familiar wicked grin sliding back into place.

He plucked a ripe berry from her basket, bringing it to his lips with deliberate slowness, chewing as his golden eyes never left hers. "Mmm," he murmured with an exaggerated sigh of satisfaction. "Sweet...but not nearly as sweet as the look on your face right now."

Her pulse raced, every heartbeat loud in her ears as the air between them thickened. That glint in his eyes, that challenge—it was becoming harder to brush off, harder to pretend she wasn’t affected.  It was maddening—how easily he unraveled her, how his teasing words left her breathless.

Was it all just teasing? Or was there something more—something real—behind the flirtation? The logical part of her mind urged her to dismiss it as just another one of Clavis’s tricks, a harmless bit of banter meant to make her blush, but her heart whispered otherwise.

Was she simply part of his game, or was there more beneath the surface?

Yves raised an eyebrow, clearly unimpressed by the exchange, and shook his head. "I don't know what's more exhausting—watching you two dance around each other or actually picking the berries when they keep disappearing," he muttered, plucking a berry from Clavis’s hand and tossing it back into the basket.

The warmth he stirred within her lingered, refusing to fade despite her best efforts to regain composure. Her hand, trembling slightly, pressed lightly against her flushed face, but the heat clung stubbornly, refusing to fade. She cleared her throat, forcing herself to smile. "Now that you’ve indulged in your fun, Clavis, are you going to assist us in gathering berries, or are you just here to merely observe?" Her voice carried its usual playful lilt, but the quickened beat of her heart was another matter entirely.

Clavis’s smirk deepened as he dusted off his jacket with dramatic flair. "If you insist, I suppose I could lend my assistance...if only to prevent you from tripping over your own feet again." He leaned in slightly, his lips curving into a more wicked grin. "Though, I must say, I’m envious. Had it been me, I’m sure we’d both still be in each other’s arms." His hand brushed hers as he passed, the fleeting contact sending a jolt of electricity through her, igniting a warmth in her chest. "After all," he added, his voice softening as his eyes locked with hers, the playful edge in his tone tinged with something more serious. "We wouldn’t want you falling for anyone else, now would we?"

Her breath caught, her pulse quickening at the teasing edge of his words. Was it all just a game to him? Or was there something real, something lurking beneath the surface that she couldn’t quite reach? Beneath the playful charm, there was something more, something she wasn’t sure if she could trust.

Before she could respond, Yves rolled his eyes with exaggerated annoyance. "For heaven’s sake, Clavis! If you spent half the energy picking berries as you do tormenting Cassandra, we’d have enough to fill the palace pantry by now.”

Clavis let out a dramatic sigh, his hand sweeping theatrically across his chest as if struck by Yves's words. "Ah, the trials of a misunderstood genius," he said, sidling up beside Cassandra once more, his shoulder brushing hers lightly, the brief contact sending another wave of warmth through her. "You misunderstand, Yves. Berries are fleeting, a momentary delight. But...catching someone’s attention, now that’s a much sweeter challenge." His tone softened, the weight of his words settling like a quiet storm between them. “It takes skill and...persistence, wouldn’t you agree, Cassandra?"

Clavis’s gaze lingered, his smirk sharpening, and though his eyes still held that familiar mischief, there was a flicker of something more dangerous, more uncertain, as if he was testing the waters of this game and wasn’t sure of the outcome. But before she could respond, Cassandra caught the flicker of movement from the corner of her eye—Yves, shaking his head in obvious frustration.

"Honestly, I’m amazed you manage to accomplish anything with the amount of energy you dedicate to...whatever this is.” Yves gestured vaguely between Clavis and Cassandra, his tone dry.  "Some of us are actually here to gather berries, not stage a romantic comedy."

Clavis’s grin widened, and he adopted a mock-serious tone. "Alas, the heart wants what it wants," he teased, feigning solemnity, “here I am, the leading man caught in the throes of a grand romance."

With a flourish of dramatic flair, Clavis swooped Cassandra into his arms, spinning her in a grand, theatrical gesture. "And who better to star in this than our enchanting Lady Cassandra?" His golden eyes sparkled mischievously as he twirled her, pulling her closer than she expected, his hold strong, as though they were the stars of some secret, private stage.

Cassandra’s heart leapt, the sudden closeness taking her breath away. Her hands instinctively clutched at his shoulders, fingers curling into the fabric of his jacket, her laughter bubbling up—part surprise, part something deeper, something that stirred in the very core of her.

She felt his warmth everywhere he touched, the way his hands held her with effortless ease, as though she belonged there, in his arms. His fingers pressed against her waist, firm and solid, igniting a fire beneath her skin that left her both flustered and craving more. Even though she knew she should protest, part of her didn’t want him to let go. She cursed how easily he could unravel her, how his every touch made her lose her footing in more ways than one.

"Clavis!" she gasped between giggles, half-flustered by how her body responded to his nearness. "Put me down!"

Clavis’s smirk only widened, ignoring her protests. “Darling, I’m afraid you're stuck in my arms now. What kind of leading man would I be if I let my lady fall?” He shot a teasing glance at his brothers, still holding Cassandra in his arms as if it were the most natural thing in the world. "We mustn’t forget the supporting cast. Yves, clearly the quirky sidekick in our rom-com, always meddling in the love plot." His eyebrow arched, his grin widening. "And Licht? The brooding figure who pretends he doesn’t care but secretly ships us the most."

There was something about the way his touch lingered—how each brush of his hands sent sparks across her skin, leaving her alive with sensation, her heart aching for more. Even in the midst of his teasing, there was a weight to his hold, something that made her wonder if she was falling into one of his traps, or if they both were.

Yves rolled his eyes, clearly unimpressed, though there was perhaps a flicker of reluctant amusement in the corner of his gaze. But Cassandra’s breath hitched, and for a fleeting moment, the idea of her and Clavis playing out this romantic comedy floated through her thoughts, lingering longer than she meant it to. The possibility danced through her mind like a forbidden dream, one she both craved and feared, unable to dismiss it as easily as before.

Licht, stoic as ever, glanced away without a word.

With one last playful wink, Clavis slowly lowered Cassandra back to the ground. Her legs wobbled slightly as they found solid ground, but the sensation of his hands on her skin still tingled, refusing to fade even after he let go. "Careful now, Cassandra. You’re still on stage, and I can’t have my leading lady slipping away before the grand finale," he murmured, his teasing tone undercut by a warmth that felt far more intimate than his words.

Cassandra’s cheeks flushed from both the whirlwind of the moment and Clavis’s relentless charm. Her pulse raced, her breath coming in shallow bursts as she grappled with the realization of how effortlessly he unbalanced her, leaving her vulnerable in a way she didn’t quite know how to guard against. Despite the teasing, the banter, and the theatrics, one undeniable truth swirled within her—she loved him. And that realization both thrilled and terrified her, because in Clavis’s world of games and ever-shifting masks, where could love possibly fit?

Cassandra let out a breathless chuckle, her voice teasing. "I think I preferred it when you were just causing trouble from a distance," she said, though the grin tugging at her lips betrayed the thrill still pulsing through her veins, a thrill she couldn’t quite hide.

Clavis’s smirk widened, his golden eyes gleaming with a dangerous, teasing light. "Oh? What’s that I hear, my lady? A plea for me to sweep you off your feet with a kiss that will haunt your dreams?" His voice dipped lower, smoother, laced with a playful intimacy as he leaned in—closer, much closer.

His lips hovered just above hers, the warmth of his breath brushing against her skin like a soft whisper. Time seemed to slow, each heartbeat louder than the last as his gaze dropped to her lips, lingering there for a heartbeat too long. Cassandra’s breath caught, and without thinking, her eyes followed his gaze, locking onto his mouth as the space between them narrowed into a fragile thread. She could almost feel the heat of his lips, so close to hers—just a fraction of an inch separating them, one small movement enough to close the gap.

Her pulse thundered in her ears, her body alive with an aching need she couldn’t quite suppress. She felt torn between the temptation of the moment and the knowledge that this was Clavis—playful, unpredictable Clavis. Could she truly trust this moment, or was it just another one of his games? Every fiber of her being screamed for him to close the distance, to make real the kiss she longed for. But the playful game they always danced around suddenly seemed fraught with something far deeper, something far more vulnerable.

Clavis tilted his head ever so slightly, his breath feathering against her skin, warm and intoxicating. His lips hovered near hers, close enough that she could almost feel their softness—so close that it felt like the entire world held its breath, waiting for them to cross that tantalizing line.

Cassandra’s breath caught, not because she believed he would actually kiss her—he was Clavis, after all, a gentleman who lived to play on the edge of things—but because of the way his nearness always seemed to unravel her composure. He wouldn’t cross the line; she knew that. And yet, the heat of his breath lingered, teasingly close, as though daring her to wonder if maybe, just maybe, this time would be different.

"You wouldn’t dare..." Her voice was low, but not from fear—it was almost a challenge, a knowing taunt. She knew he wouldn’t. He was too much of a gentleman to cross that line. But that didn’t stop her heart from racing as she said it.

Clavis's smirk deepened, his golden eyes locking onto hers. His lips curved into a slow, devilish grin, his gaze holding hers captive, glowing with mischief—but there was something more beneath the surface, something dangerous, something real. For a fleeting moment, she thought she saw his usual confidence waver, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his gaze. Could he be as affected by this as she was? Was he playing a game, or was there something deeper hidden behind those golden eyes? Her heart skipped at the thought, her pulse quickening. Was this almost-kiss, this moment, more than just another playful tease? The thought stirred something deep inside her, something that made her breath catch.

"Don't be so sure..." he murmured, leaning in just a breath closer, his lips grazing hers in the faintest, most tantalizing way. "Every gentleman has his limits...and you, my enchantress, are dangerously close to testing mine,” he murmured, his lips ghosting across hers with each word, "I might be inclined to prove you wrong."

Her heart slammed against her ribs, her entire world shrinking to the space between them, to the heat of his mouth hovering so temptingly near hers. She wanted nothing more than to close the gap, to fall into him, to surrender to the kiss that hung so dangerously in the air.

"Clavis Lelouch! Are you seriously trying to kiss Cassandra now? In the middle of berry picking?!" Yves’s voice broke through the tension like a sudden gust of wind, his tone that of disbelief and horror. His hands flew up dramatically, as if sheer will could stop the impending kiss.

Clavis paused, his lips still barely brushing hers, the promise of the kiss lingering like a half-formed dream between them. Slowly, he pulled back, but his golden eyes remained locked on hers, gleaming with mischief, yes—but also with something that left Cassandra breathless. "We’ll get to the berries, dear brother," he said smoothly, his gaze never leaving hers, his voice lowering into a more intimate murmur. "But some moments deserve a little more...attention." His words carried a lingering promise as he cast Cassandra a look that sent her heart racing once more.

Cassandra’s knees weakened, her pulse still erratic from the near kiss, her lips tingling from the feather-like contact. She forced a shaky smile, trying to steady her breath, but the memory of his lips so close to hers clung to her like a second skin.

Yves’s voice cut through the moment, like a splash of cold water on the warmth between them. "I didn’t think it possible for anyone to be this insufferable," he muttered, his tone half-exasperated, half-amused. "But once again, Clavis, you’ve surpassed all expectations. We are here to gather berries, not to star in some...scandalous affair!"

Clavis let out a dramatic sigh. "Truly, dear brother, you wound me. Here I am, offering a moment of pure romance, and you want to talk about...berries?" He ran a hand through his tousled hair, though his eyes sparkled with unabashed mischief. "Very well, very well. I am a gentleman, after all, no matter how captivating the lady may be.” He cast one last glance at Cassandra. "But mark my words, my enchantress…” he said, his voice dipping into a suggestive murmur, “this scene isn’t over."

Licht, who had been silently watching the exchange with his usual stoic demeanor, shook his head with a resigned sigh. "It’s already been far too long," he muttered, turning back to the task at hand and resuming his berry-picking.

Cassandra struggled to steady her breath, her pulse still fluttering from how close they had come to crossing that line. Clavis always had a way of turning the game on its head, slipping between playful teasing and something deeper before she could catch her breath. Her heart still raced, but she couldn’t let it show—not now, not with Clavis so close and the game still afoot.

With a playful toss of her hair, she tried to shake off the lingering heat between them, forcing herself to focus on the task at hand, even though her pulse continued to dance to the rhythm of the near kiss they hadn’t quite shared.

As the group continued picking berries, Cassandra couldn’t ignore how Clavis lingered near, his usual playful energy softened into something quieter, more intimate—as if he was content just being close to her. Her heart thrummed with a familiar warmth, one that had long since taken root whenever he was near. She was utterly, hopelessly in love with this man—head over heels in a way that left her dizzy, her thoughts constantly drifting back to him, always him. His presence was like a gentle hum beneath her skin, igniting a warmth that fluttered in her chest without him even trying.

It was maddening—how easily he unraveled her. How her heart skipped every time his fingers grazed hers, how her entire body seemed to pulse with the awareness of him.  Each fleeting touch was brief, but enough to make her heart stutter—and no matter how much she tried to focus on the task at hand, the sensation of him lingered, like a flame she couldn’t extinguish. Her pulse, wild and untamed, refused to settle.

When they finally gathered what they needed, Yves stretched his arms and let out a satisfied sigh. “Well, it seems we have gathered enough for tomorrow's dessert. Excellent teamwork, everyone—except you, Clavis.”

Licht, always practical, gave a small nod.  “We should head back before the sun sets. We don’t want to be out here too long.”

As Yves and Licht began leading the way, Clavis lingered behind, his presence like a magnetic pull Cassandra couldn’t resist. Her pulse quickened, as though her body knew before her mind caught up—he was going to do something. And, as always, she found herself bracing for the moment—whatever mischievous, heart-racing thing he would do next.

He plucked a perfectly ripe berry from her basket, twirling it between his fingers before holding it out to her with a teasing smile. "Only the finest berry for the finest company," he murmured, his tone softening, the playful spark in his golden eyes flickering with something deeper—something that twisted deliciously in her stomach.

Cassandra’s cheeks flushed as she gazed at the berry held between his fingers, her heart leaping at the way he looked at her—so close, so intent. There was a challenge in his eyes, a silent dare she wasn’t sure she could resist, no matter how much her heart raced.

This was it—their game, the one she pretended not to take seriously. But when he looked at her like that, it was harder to remember her role, harder to keep her heart from betraying her.

Her pulse quickened, the playful tension between them tightening like a coil ready to snap. "Surely, you’re not planning to feed it to me, are you?" she teased, her voice light, though her heart skipped at the thought.

Clavis’s smirk widened, his eyes gleaming with that irresistible mischief as he held the berry closer to her lips. The air between them thickened, charged with something unspoken, a crackle of anticipation.  "I would never deprive you of the full royal treatment, my lovely enchantress," he murmured, his voice a smooth, seductive whisper that pulled her in like a promise.

Cassandra hesitated, her mind warring with her heart. This is just him being Clavis, a game, nothing more, she reminded herself. But she wanted it to be more. She longed to lean in, to let her heart win, to believe that the way he looked at her was more than just teasing. She saw the glint in his eyes—the dare, the invitation—she leaned forward, her gaze locked with his, and took the berry from his fingers, her lips brushing lightly against his skin, savoring both the sweetness of the fruit and the brief, intimate touch.

A soft hum escaped her as she pulled back, her senses alive with the memory of his touch. The berry was sweet, but it was nothing compared to the lingering electricity of his fingers, the thrill that raced through her veins. Did he feel it too? Or was he still playing the same game, one that was quickly becoming dangerous to her heart? It sent a jolt through her that made her breath catch. Her heart stumbled, as if it had forgotten how to beat properly.

"Delicious," she whispered, barely keeping her voice steady, though she managed to meet his gaze with a playful spark of her own. But behind that playful façade, her heart whispered a dangerous truth—she was falling for him, deeper than she ever imagined. There was no turning back. And more than likely, her heart would be broken one day. But she couldnt stop the fall…nor did she want to. Clavis was life to her, freedom, the very breath she took.

"Happy now?" she teased, her voice a little breathless, with nerves and exhilaration.

Clavis's smirk turned sly, his golden eyes glinting as they held her captive. "Ecstatic," he murmured, his voice low, teasing—but his gaze lingered, carrying an unspoken promise."But do not think for a moment, my lady, that I won’t be raising the stakes next time." His eyes swept over her, slowly, deliberately—the challenge in his gaze unmistakable.

Cassandra tilted her head, her breath hitching at the intensity of his stare, but she refused to let him see how deeply he affected her. Even as her heart pounded in her chest, she matched his gaze with a smirk of her own.

She had to keep playing the game, even though every word, every glance from him made her feel like she was standing on the edge of something much bigger. “Oh, I would expect nothing less,” she replied, her voice soft but tinged with a playful challenge of her own. How could she resist? When he looked at her like that, it was impossible to pull away. “But you should know by now...I’m always ready for whatever you throw my way.”

“Good.” Clavis chuckled, his eyes gleaming as he held her gaze, the tension simmering between them, unwilling to break. “My finest mischief always involves you.” The words were spoken with a light tone, but something darker, more vulnerable, flickered in his eyes.

As they fell into step behind Yves and Licht, Cassandra couldn’t shake the warmth still buzzing through her chest. Her thoughts spiraled, caught in an endless loop of his touch, his words—how effortlessly he unraveled her.

Did he know what he was doing to her? Could he see past his own teasing to the truth she tried so hard to hide?

It wasn’t just his teasing, or the way their hands had brushed—it was the way he looked at her—like she was something more, something he wasn’t ready to let go.

Cassandra sighed softly, the weight of her longing settling deep in her chest. How much longer could she play this game with him, pretending it didn’t matter? Pretending he didn’t already have her heart.

--

If you want to be added to my tag list for Ikemen fics, just let me know!

@candiedcoffeedrops @aide-falls @chirp-a-chirp @ithseem @aquagirl1978

@dododrawsstuff @queengiuliettafirstlady

[articdelilah]

Hello may I request a scenario about the princes reaction after being pranked by their s/o. it can be with anyone(if you're planning that there would be multiple suitors) but please add Keith ehehehe

✮ Pranked and Fooled ✮

CW: Emma and Silvio are naked, implied smut?

Hi Anon! Thank you for the request and so sorry about the delay!! I’ve been so busy and I’ve been struggling to keep up with requests but I’m hoping to get all of them done this weekend🕊️🌙

Keith and Silvio

˖⁺‧₊˚ ♡ ˚₊‧⁺˖

Within Jade, there was a very bored Princess. The old Belle was so used to all the drama within Rhodolite and teaming up with Clavis that the tranquility of the Jadean Palace was strange. She missed those times of chaos but she never regretted moving to Jade with Keith.

Keith only has a sister who isn’t very social; therefore it was quiet, calm and peaceful. Not like Emma minded but sometimes she needed to cause a bit of mischief.

She then thought of a prank, a prank taught to her by dear old Clavis. It was harmless but the reactions were always priceless (especially Yves’), she couldn’t help but wonder how Keith would react.

Later that day she sat with Keith, his large hand gently holding hers. “Keith,” She said with a smile on her face “Would you like to have a tea party with me?”. The question was random and the offer spontaneous but Keith thought nothing of it, agreeing right away.

The next day Emma couldn’t stay focused as she prepared everything for her prank. She had spent practically the whole day trying to remember everything and Clavis had taught her. She set out the tea party outside under a large tree, waiting for her Prince to arrive.

After a whole 10 minutes, Keith had arrived with flowers in his hands for Emma and a bright smile. She almost felt guilty but nevertheless she offered Keith to try a new recipe she had made. He loved everything and anything sweet, how could he skip on an offer such as that one?

He took the one of the golden brown cupcakes in his hand and took a big bite..

His tawny eyes widened as the taste of the cupcake and horseradish hit his taste buds, the look of disgust on his face was evident even when he tried to smile. The Princess couldn’t help but let a giggle escape as she watched him swallow and smile crookedly at her. The girl had burst into laughter a few seconds prior, small clear tears of joy spilling down her face like raindrops. Her manicured finger lifted to wipe some of the water crystals from her face, only to quickly clutch onto her tummy instead. “Happy April Fools!” She said between fits of laughter yet Keith was too busy drinking the honey tea to answer right away. The taste stuck to his tongue like fur on clothes, “It’s not the 4th” He smiled at last. After all, this was the girl he fell in love with.

Silvio was already suspicious when Emma came to him with a sickly sweet smile on her face, voice as melodic as a bird song as she had requested to shower with him.

Showering with Silvio wasn’t that uncommon, but something about Emma’s act told him she had something planned. Nevertheless, he agreed and waited til night.

When the stars were up in the sky, Emma was already waiting for her fiancé in their shared bathroom. Her naked body sat at the edge on the bathtub, small giggles left her lips as she thought of Silvio’s reaction.

Silvio eventually came, raising a brow at the excited woman before taking off his clothes and stepping into the shower after Emma. Silvio washed Emma’s hair first then her body before letting her lather soap on her hands to wash him.

Emma talked about her boring day, her hands gliding through his hair to wash it. He relaxed as she spoke after the most boring things on earth, completely forgetting about Emma’s smug grin when he stepped inside the shower first.

The water steamed resulting in all the mirrors being foggy. Silvio didn’t particularly have time to look into at any mirror as he was attacked with Emma’s hungry kisses. She had dragged him to bed almost immediately.

(To…SLEEP👀)

Emma was still in bed, the morning breeze blowing through the open windows allowing the sounds of waves crashing against the rocks below. Her [H/C] hair wild and messy and eyes wrinkled as her bubbly giggles filled the large bedroom. Silvio stood infront of the large vanity mirror he bought for Emma when she first moved into the palace, his face a mix of shock, anger and grief. Large veiny hands tangled within light blonde hair a perfect match of Rio’s, even his brows were dyed the atrocious colour. They furrowed deeply at the sound of Emma’s laughter. “Shudd up woman” he grumbled, rolling his ocean blue eyes. “You look very handsome you Tyrant” She spoke at last, getting out of the plush bed and wrapping her hands around his waist.

If you like my work, feel free to request🕊️

[princess-pray-a]

Ok i Get it Clavis A Certified Kid

Yes yes he is a kid *nodds 😤vigrously💓* dyamnnn seneschal really adores clavis , like marquis for chev but he showers his love 💓to him in rememberance of letica i wanna give a group hugg😭😭😭g MY EYES ARE WATERYYY Clavis route main route

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CLICK HERE

[clavissionary-position]

ɪ ᴋ ᴇ ᴍ ᴇ ɴ ᴘ ʀ ɪ ɴ ᴄ ᴇ CHEVALIER × READER 𝐋𝐚𝐮𝐠𝐡, 𝐄𝐩𝐡𝐞𝐦𝐞𝐫𝐚𝐥

𝗚𝗘𝗡𝗥𝗘 fluff 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗗 𝗖𝗢𝗨𝗡𝗧 129 𝗧𝗔𝗚𝗦 / 𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚𝗦 slight suggestive content ( m d n i )

Chevalier's laugh. Short. Sweet, even if others might not say so.

You trace his Adam's apple with a finger joint. The dancing curtains take your gaze. His down-turned lashes steal it back. You close in, tilt your head and rest it against his jaw, but your fingertip stays. A circle, a circle. And a light press.

Chevalier hasn't turned to the next page in his book in a while. You can imagine him looking at you. You can imagine him not looking at you. But the silence stays sunny. Your bodies packed together make a lopsided heart-shape.

His jaw shifts under your face. The swell of skin over sculpted bone moves in a direction away from his lips. His Adam's apple dips.

You giggle. Chevalier turns the page.

--- 𝗡𝗢𝗧𝗘𝗦 - credit to xxsycamore for inspiring the drabble-length format

[chirp-a-chirp]

Domus Mea

Word Count: ~475

Fandom + Suitor: Ikemen Prince, Leon

Prompt: Don’t smile at me like that!

Description: When teasing affection meets earnest passion. Part of @cy-inky #1weekchl!

…

“Impatient, are we?”

Leon’s voice, a growling purr, reverberated against Emma’s hair. His arm encircled her waist as she kicked the bedroom door shut with a flourish. Stumbling from the force of the kick, Emma and Leon tumbled onto the bed, Emma’s arms pinning him as she straddled Leon’s thighs.

“Hmmm, I like it when you take charge.” Leon buried his face in the crook of her neck. “Let me show you how much.”

This was NOT how Emma intended the conversation to go (not yet). His tongue swirled tantalizingly on her skin, causing goosebumps to appear. “Focus!”

“Hey, I’m not the one who pushed their lover on the bed, you know.” Leon’s eyebrows waggled impertinently. “I’m simply doing as I’m told.”

“I didn’t say anything!”

“Your eyes did the talking, love.” Leon’s mouth quirked in amusement, his amber eyes bright and teasing. Emma scrambled off the bed.

“Don’t smile at me like that!”

Emma covered the creeping blush on her face behind her hands. She peered cautiously at Leon through a gap between her fingers. He was still lying down, propped up on an elbow. But his cloak was now discarded and the top three buttons of his shirt undone. Leon gestured grandly at his body, looking all too pleased with himself.

“I should just stop stalling and give it to you!” Emma’s words tumbled rapid-fire as her voice rose in pitch.

“Give it to me? HAHA!” Leon tossed his head back on the mattress, laughing hard. A fourth shirt button came undone from the force of his movements.

“Leon…”

“I know.” He sat up, his legs dangling from the bed. Leon patted his thighs invitingly. “Come here. Please.”

Emma snickered knowingly but climbed onto Leon’s lap, pressing her forehead to his. “I do have something for you. Something special. Can you close your eyes?”

“Sure.” Leon moved slightly away from Emma, eyes closed, back straight. His eyes opened upon feeling something smooth encircle his right ring finger.

“You asked if I was sad moving away from home and into the palace.” Emma’s fingers glided softly across Leon’s knuckles. “Here’s my reply.”

Leon gazed at the golden ring he now wore. On top was an inscription in Latin: Amor Tuus Domus Mea

“Home isn’t a place. It’s a feeling; a person.” Emma carded her fingers through Leon’s hair, hands cupping his cheeks. Her movements were sprinkled with affection, flowing with a warmth capturing Leon’s heart. “The inscription means ‘Your love, my home’. That’s how I feel whenever I’m with you.”

Her words gave him life; her eyes pierced his soul. Leon kissed Emma hungrily as their bodies entwined and tumbled onto crumbled sheets. Terms of endearment fell from their lips like hushed promises. Emma pulled back slightly and gasped.

“Leon! What are—“

Leon whispered, his breath ghosting the shell of her ear.

“Welcoming you home.”

[xxsycamore]

—𝘠𝘰𝘶𝘳𝘴 𝘍𝘰𝘳 𝘕𝘦𝘸 𝘠𝘦𝘢𝘳'𝘴 𝘔𝘰𝘳𝘯𝘪𝘯𝘨

► SYNOPSIS:

Jin wakes up in your shared bed and reminisces about the events leading to you and him getting together.

But is the other side of the bed truly not empty, just like he remembers it being after many nights spend under the sheets with someone?

[Part two of Mine For A Christmas Night.]

▍jin x reader (not belle) ▍rating: M for implied sexual content ▍tags: Drama & Romance; plot for a multichapter fic told in just two parts; possible spoilers for jin's route; Getting Together; First Kiss; Sharing a Bed; Some Humor; Pillow Fights; Fake/Pretend Relationship; Alcohol; Implied Sexual Content; Morning After ▍wordcount:  2,307

▍masterlist

▍a/n:  Welcome to the multichapter fic that never happened. I'd love it if you tell me if this made you feel like you've been reading it for a long time! This "accidental plot" thing went too far... The previous part left out too many unanswered questions, and for the people who were asking for more, I decided to write a proper ending. Special tags for @leonscape @randonauticrap @pieground

It's my final fic for the year and I want to use the chance to thank you for all the support in 2022. If you're here, no matter if just for this fic or maybe for every one before that, Thank you.

Written for mine and @voltage-vixen’s ‘Tis The Season For Love challenge! PROMPT: "Those clichéd traditions are exciting for me, now that I have you."

Light penetrates into the room through the open blinds in the late morning.

Jin didn't bother to shut them the night prior; either he was too used to the gray skies of late December being unable to shake him from slumber as they were; or, he simply had other things on his mind while making his way to the bed last night. Of course, the answer is the latter, the unforeseen sunny morning of New Year's having nothing to do with it. But he wishes he could turn the sun off for the sake of another five minutes of shuteye. It's tough to have the motivational rays of the fresh beginning of the year pouring down on you when you're hungover, and his arm is getting numb way too fast when he uses it to block the light. He rolls over.

In the bits of his mind that are sober and awaken, he thinks about his approach; you should be right there next to him in this very moment, a breath away. You're very, very quiet, even if his ears buzz with enough noise to block out your soft sleeping breather. He doesn't want to open his eyes yet, he's not prepared to face you in your full morning glory, freshly made love to and with his marks all over your skin. He'd do something awfully out of his character and lose his wits; maybe retreat under the sheets, or stare dumbfounded, or be very, very quiet. All of it stuff that he hasn't faced in the course of his, erm, abundant experience of bedding someone.

He doesn't mind discovering new sides of himself; new year new me or something? He doesn't want to get reminded first thing in the morning of motivational quotes he's heard around the palace or the faces attached to them, not yet.

And last night, well, that's another story. Jin could stay in bed all day, connecting the pieces between one vivid scene and the other in the reel of his mind. The alcohol in his system failed to wipe out anything related to you, and lucky him, his whole world revolved around you last night. Just as it has been the day prior, and the other, backwards on the calendar to one fateful Christmas night and then some more.

He grins into the palm of his hand as he tries to rub some awakeness into his eyelids. He did put his mouth on yours last night as the fireworks set off in a picture perfect first kiss, too bad that you already shared one before that. He had commented out loud a few times now, how he was hoping to rewrite that memory for you. But deep down you both know that that kiss in the tavern was special in its own way.

He now allows himself to look back on it with a different taste in his mouth. Things start to have shapes as he remembers the empty tavern after closing time when he stayed until late in the night to help you out, as promised. The blinds were shut and you were isolated from everything beyond the four walls of the tavern, and it's easy to forget how life goes on out there. In one second he was laughing together with you, in the next, your chin was caught in his hand. Lips meeting lips. A miscalculated spur of impulsivity, as it is normal for those to play out. Not short enough to call it an incident, with both parties prolonging the act. As confusing as it was for him, he understood not to linger as you gazed away from him and bid him goodnight.

It's not like all of these days were having this bittersweet aftertaste about them, on others Jin found it way easier to sleep at night. On one, chasing after you here in the palace had been quite tiring, as his brothers kept showing you things around. Those who were willing to, anyway. No, he was glad that you showed some interest in the life of the royal palace, slipping in role as his partner for the course of the tour. You told him that night, that you had a great day and then cut the conversation short. Then a barrier of pillows was assembled in the middle of the bed you were rightfully expected to share with him.

Somehow, he was able to make it up to you - about that kiss and all that. Turns out being honest and admitting his on you crush was maybe the right thing to do. He explained about the plan with the pretend date being his way of testing if what he felt for you was really love. Which, it is. He let himself slip too, opened up about some things, about old tales of forbidden love and how they might not be so old, after all. He's just thirty, mind you.

He didn't mean to make you cry for him. Heck, he didn't even expect you to look at him with anything other than hatred.

The wind has been harsh that day, and the sky darkened, but snow never fell.

You were clutching hard into the fuzzy inside of his warm coat as if instead of hugging him you wanted to curl up and disappear whole into it. He found it adorable, but he also wanted you two to be even, so he hurried to take you back into the palace where it's warm. He'd opened up a whole lot already and it looked as if you had some old tales of your own to share. Maybe over a cup of your tea of your choice, granted that they have it in the palace's kitchen. And the possibility was high.

It felt like more than a week.

If his brothers thought they saw him the most triumphal he's ever been in his life when he walked with you under his arm on the grand Christmas ball, they had to see him doing the same but on New Year's eve. Well, they were told to expect that, but why would they? As unbelievable as your relationship was at the beginning, the moment the champagne purposefully flew from your glass directly on Jin's clothes, they had abandoned all hopes for something to come out of it. Not that those hopes were theirs to begin with. They only cared so much because Jin made a big deal out of finally settling down, for some reason.

On New Year's eve, you shined with more than the intricate jewels adorning your form. It was either very real and Jin had found his perfect partner, or, maybe it was the perfect partner for his little theater. The conspirators went on through the whole night, with the majority of the princes joining forces to prove that this absurdity is but a game, and they were the audience soon to be tricked into falling for it. Even Chevalier would reasonably refuse to be laughed at by Jin of all people, simply because he was asked his opinion of the legitimacy of all of this, and he gave a positive answer. Yves tried a roundabout way to nudge you into tactically giving him a sign if you've been made to do something against your will. You were either dumb or you were really enjoying yourself in Jin's company.

By the time it got late into the night, all seven of them were working together for the mutual goal. They knew their time was running out the less remained of the year; and by the time the fireworks went off and they witnessed a kiss on a remote corner of the large terrace from their makeshift hiding spots, Leon silently told the rest to leave the two alone. The expressions on their faced varied from regret for the lost time to disappointment to full shock, but there were some genuinely relieved ones.

Of course, Jin knows all of that because Leon already shared it all, finding it hard to keep this brilliant comedy to himself. There'd hardly be a second chance of hearing about Chevalier joining the bunch in hiding behind tall potted plants. It was the only five minutes Jin spend away from you that night, and even after the good laugh he still missed you.

The rest of the celebration was nice. After that, it only became nicer.

The pillow barrier was dissembled in a show of flying feathers and a play-fight that started more clothed than it ended. Mutually disarmed from your pillows, you both knew that there must be a better thing for two adults to do while drunk on New Year's night. Especially if they were inlove. The first few steps of this dance Jin was familiar with. The rest, you had to show him.

Laugher rumbling deep into his throat and accompanied by the hints of raspy morning voice, Jin realizes he's producing sounds loud enough to wake you. It's time to face the consequences of being inlove, no more hiding.

His lashes flutter as he struggles to focus his eyes in the way too bright room, but soon they're open. The first thing Jin sees by his side is…nothing at all. The bed looks as if noone at all has slept in there during the night other than Jin himself.

Panic creeps its way into his now fully awakened senses, and he raises up his body enough to scan over the room. You're nowhere to be found. His bare toes touch the cold tiles beneath as he pays no attention to where his slippers might have been kicked to, and he's diving in the cold world of his morning reality as unforgiving as he remembers it. Empty bed. The coldness of crossing the room without a single article of clothing on your body, but said coldness coming from inside out.

Maybe it was all another miscalculation, an impulse. Jin and you had become a real couple, something amidst it all, with a proper asking out on his end like he's never done before. You had agreed without much thought; an answer coming from the heart maybe, or maybe just an equal spur of impulse on your end as on his. The morning is wiser than the night and the latter always seemed to be when the two of you took most of your decisions. It's doomed to end like that.

"Jin, are you awake?"

The way the door was opened in one precise, silent motion, it's normal that Jin didn't hear anyone entering. The creaking of its closing which accompanied that question is what got to his ears. And the question was dressed in your voice, an unmistakable sound for his ears. Strong enough to pull him out of this delirium he created in his head.

"You are…"

"Late for morning cuddles, I know. Don’t fret, I'm sure you'll get your cuddles one of these mornings… I plan on keeping waking up here, after all."

Jin stares at you propping yourself on the armrest of the sofa, holding your cup to your mouth with both hands and enjoying the scent of the freshly brewed warm liquid inside. He feels like he can't talk anymore, or at least cannot say anything of matter right now.

"Did I, uh…ask for morning cuddles?"

"What, you don't remember?"

Jin's eyes follow the cup as it's being set on the nearby table, and in the next second warm hands wrap around his sides. When did you get this close?

"Don’t be so dense now! Here, you can have a hug for starters."

This is all a little too much for his heart; emotions fighting each other inside him but none of the negative kind. It's still not enough to keep him upright, and it's good that the bed is right there behind him.

"Oof!"

Your fall is saved in the extra softness of his chest and the bed underneath. Jin giggles first, surrendering to the absurdity of the situation. He really just thought here for a second that you abandoned him, when in reality, you probably woke up first and sneaked out of your warm bed for your favorite tea that you cannot resist. He keeps your head pressed down to his front because that's enough running away for the morning.

You giggle too, between struggles to get out of his gasp, and it only results on you coming up to the level of his face.

It's a kiss that noone has to think much of beforehand. Yet Jin puts it on hold, sucking on a breath. He discovers that he misses a damn lot of pretty sights of you up close while busy kissing you.

"Are you sure about that? If you stay here with me, you'll have to attend a bunch more of those banquets. Christmas, New Years, these are just a small portion of the occasions… it gets old after awhile. And all the stuff that comes with them, too. Traditions, customs…"

"Shhh, Jin." You put your finger in front of his lips, catching his mouth frozen while it stays in an "o" shape. "Quiet. Those clichéd traditions are exciting for me, now that I have you."

His lips tickle your finger as he moves his mouth, unable to keep shut after such remark.

"Liar."

You're done playing this game with him. You'd rather save your energy for all the little things you'd need to get him used to in a normal, proper relationship - with nothing pretended this time! And it was just yesterday when he was the one teaching you how to carry yourself as his girlfriend around the palace. Satisfied with the entertaining way the tables seems to have turned, you're now going to resume the kiss, and Jin better not have anything more to say right now.

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[ikeromantic]

Trouble with a Capital C

A Cyran and Clavis story. Couldn't help myself. There might even be more of these . . . Approx. 3000 words.

This was a disaster. Cyran ran a hand over his face and sighed. The only way out was forward. With one last, deep breath, he straightened his back and held his chin high. Then he walked out to the garden.

The Belle sat at a table all by herself. There was food, of a sort, plated. Purple soup, a spiky looking pastry with a dark green filling, a possible tray of sandwiches - if the coarse, grey stuff around the blue filling was some sort of bread, anyway. Typical of a Clavis breakfast feast. Emma looked completely lost as she glanced from her empty plate to the offered dishes. 

“My Lady?” Cyran announced himself so as not to surprise her. 

She still startled a little as she turned to face him. “Oh! You’re Clavis’ soldier, right?”

“Yes, my Lady. Cyran, if you like.” He smiled.

“Then please, call me Emma.” She grinned back at him. “Did you come with a message from Clavis?”

“Er,” the prince hadn’t sent him with a message. Just an order to look after his ‘plaything’ until he finished with Chevalier. But that wouldn’t do. Not when the girl was wearing that expectant look. And Clavis HAD said something about leaving her on her own being ungentlemanly. “Yes, he apologizes for missing your breakfast together and ah,” Cyran paused, “would you like to grab something that’s actually edible?”

“Clavis said that?”

Cyran chuckled, “Well not the last part, no. That was all me. But, would you? I don’t mind.”

Emma nodded after a moment. “If it’s no bother?”

“Not a bit.” He took her hand as she stood. Up close he could not help but notice how lovely she was. Her smile was vibrant, her eyes kind. It made him feel quite suddenly protective of her. The palace crushed people with sweet natures, and that was without help from the noble beasts. If this girl was supposed to be the Belle, she would be shattered by the end of Beauty’s Time. And that would be a shame.

“Hm? You’re frowning, Cyran.” She squeezed his hand gently. “Is something wrong?”

“Oh! No, no, I was just thinking, would you rather dine in the great hall or the kitchen? The hall is fancier but kind of empty now that the king is dead. The kitchen is a little chaotic, but it’s a good kind of chaos.”

“I think the kitchen is fine. I’m not exactly interested in fancy.” 

“Kitchen it is.” He smiled back, tucking away his concerns. What happened to the Belle was really none of his business. He had enough trouble keeping Clavis in line. Or, well, out of the fire anyway. No one kept the prince in line. 

Thankfully, the cooks had leftovers for them, and after just a little wheedling and bribery, Cyran got them fresh bread, hot soup, and bowls of berries and cream. He brought the dishes over to a corner prep table along with hot tea. 

The Belle looked it over with a wide smile. “This looks amazing. I haven’t had a real breakfast since I got here.”

“Ah, sorry about that. You know you can always tell Prince Clavis no, right? You don’t have to go to his breakfasts.” 

She nodded. “I know. It’s just, he goes through so much trouble to cook all that food. And he’s bringing the other princes over so I can speak to them. I’d just feel terrible if I let all that effort go to waste.”

Cyran pursed his lips. “You realize he is aware of that and will use it to continue toying with you, right?”

“I know.” She sighed. Then she perked up. “I noticed you have a slight accent. It’s lovely but . . . I don’t recognize it. Where are you from?”

This was a question Cyran was quite used to by now, but one he hated all the same. Despite his years in Rhodolite, he’d never quite shed his mother-tongue. “I was born in Obsidian.”

Her eyes widened. “Really! What was it like there?”

“Very different from here,” he chuckled. “I’m afraid I don’t have any interesting stories from that time in my life. Sorry.” 

Emma nodded, her lips turning down at the corners. “I didn’t mean to pry. I just haven’t met many people from there. Or, well, any really.”

Cyran shrugged. “Don’t worry about it. Anyway, I’m curious about you. What did you do before becoming Belle?”

For the rest of breakfast they chatted about books and the capital city, favorite foods, and music. It was the most relaxed fun Cyran could remember having since entering the Prince’s service. Emma was easy to talk to and she had a beautiful laugh. She wore her heart on her sleeve too. Every emotion flitted across her face like a banner for him. It was no wonder Clavis liked teasing her so much. 

“If you haven’t gone to the Solstice markets you really should,” the Belle was saying, “they always have the - the -” She stopped, her eyebrows going up. “Cyran, what time is it?”

“Hm, probably almost lunch. We’ve been here a bit.” He grinned. “Time flies when you’re having fun, hm?”

Emma paled. “Oh no. I was supposed to meet Sariel this morning to review the history of Rhodolite’s Belles. He is going to kill me.” She stood. “I am so sorry but I have to go. This was really nice though. We should do it again sometime.” 

“We should.” Cyran stood too. “I’ll walk you to Lord Noir’s office.” 

“Thanks.” She smoothed her dress and patted her hair. “I can’t believe I lost track of time like that.”

“I’m sure it won’t matter,” he reassured her as he led her back into the hall. There was no way they’d make it to Sariel’s office without Clavis intervening, so her fears of repercussions for being late were misplaced. 

She glanced at him. “No? Sariel seems pretty strict about these things to me.”

“Ah, yeah. He is. But it’s still technically morning, right?” He couldn’t tell her what he knew about his lord’s plans. Clavis wouldn’t appreciate it. And besides, Cyran wasn’t sure exactly how or when Clavis would intervene - he only knew that he would. 

“Hm. If you say-”

“There she is. And it’s nearly noon.” Sariel’s dry, sharp voice came from behind them. 

Emma froze in her tracks like a frightened rabbit. She turned to face the minister. “I - I was just on my way. To see you.” She cleared her throat. “It’s still technically morning.”

Sariel’s brow rose. He might have had some cutting response to that, but whatever it might have been was lost to Clavis’ sudden appearance. He came from one of the open doorways, head held high, eyes bright, and that cursed smile stretching his mouth wide.

“Emma! I am so sorry I had to leave our special romantic breakfast early! There was something I had to see too, but I’ve just finished and I knew you must be missing me. So here I am, the most handsome and gentlemanly prince in all Rhodolite.” Clavis took her hand and pressed his lips to it, then pulled her close against him.

Cyran held back a laugh as Sariel’s face flushed with anger. His master was always needling the minister. 

The Belle glanced between them, surprised and unsure how to react. “Prince Clavis? Can you ah - let go? This is a little too close.”

“Don’t be shy, beloved. I know you’ve wanted to be held in my strong arms. I’m happy to grant your wish.” He gave her a little squeeze.

“Enough. Unhand the Belle at once, hellcat. She has important lessons today.” Sariel’s voice stayed calm, though his eyes were daggers.

Emma nodded, trying to extricate herself from the Prince’s arms. “He’s right. I really do need to go study.”

“What’s that, my love? You want me to rescue you from a boring afternoon with the devil?” He gazed at her face, his golden eyes shining. “Your wish is my command.” 

Cyran knew what was about to happen. He stepped back, reaching into his pocket for a handkerchief to cover his nose and mouth. 

Sariel took a step forward just as Clavis tossed a small glass vial to the floor. Smoke plumed up, thick and purple. The minister began to cough and then laugh. “H-hellcat!”

Clavis didn’t bother to answer. He was already out the window and on the narrow balcony. He leapt gracefully from there to the stairs and then ran down, cradling the Belle to his chest. 

Cyran followed, though he simply ran to the door and then down the steps. No need for theatrics, afterall. He wasn’t the prince. He caught up to them on the path to the stables, where, unsurprisingly, a carriage awaited. Clavis never did half-measures.

“Where exactly are you kidnapping me to?” Emma sounded a little put-out. Maybe more than a little. 

“A gentleman never kidnaps. I am simply escorting you, my dear besotted lady. No reason to pout. I promise I won’t leave your side for a second.”

“What if I really really want you to?” She glared at him. 

Clavis patted her hand. “Nothing could tear me away.”

“I’m sorry, Emma. He’s always like this. If you really need to go back, I can take you.” Cyran made the offer, earning him an annoyed look from the prince.

She took a breath, considering. “No. It’s fine, I guess. Sariel will still have those books when I get back from wherever we’re going. Do you know, Cyran?”

“What’s this? My little love-bunny and my favorite soldier on a first name basis?” Clavis nudged her chin so that she faced him again. “You can ask me anything and I’ll answer.”

“Sure I can,” she laughed suddenly, “but I think I’ll stick with asking Cyran if I want a real answer.”

Clavis’ smile slipped for a heartbeat before he pushed it back into place. “I thought you might like a little shopping trip.”

Emma nodded after a moment. “Well, I don’t mind a trip to town. But you could have said something ahead of time. Now Sariel is angry with me and Rio will be beside himself by the time we get back.”

“To be honest with you, my lady, the prince probably only just decided that was where we’re going. I’ll send word back to the palace once we stop.” Cyran shook his head ruefully.

“Thanks. I appreciate that.” She gave him a grateful look. 

The carriage let the three of them off at the central square. The city markets were here, along with several fine shops and taverns. Cyran hurried off to find a messenger to send back to the palace. He didn’t like leaving Emma alone with Clavis - not because the prince couldn’t protect her - just that Clavis drew trouble like honey drew flies. 

He found a guardsman in no time and gave him the message to relay. Then he fished in his pocket for whatever Clavis had slipped there when they got into the carriage. A note for their special drop location. Interesting. He hadn’t expected the prince to have anything to send out so soon. 

Cyran made the drop behind the shoemaker’s booth, wiggling loose an old brick and placing it back upside down. Nothing would look out of place unless you knew what to look for. Hopefully good enough to keep Chevalier and Jin out of the prince’s business. Sariel too. 

He always felt a little paranoid as he walked away from the drop, as if he had a sign on him pointing to his crimes. But he smiled and whistled as he walked, pretending he had not a care in the world. Pretending like he hadn’t just left a note that could end in a hanging if the wrong person touched it. 

Apparently, he should have hurried a bit faster. When he caught up to Clavis and Emma, they were arguing at a clothing stand. It was a little ready-made tailor shop with styles out on a rack for customers to try. Whatever they picked, the design would then be made to size and delivered.

“I’m not wearing that, Clavis!” 

“What’s that? You said it’s so perfect you don’t need to try it on? I agree! Let’s have the tailor take your measures.”

Emma stomped her foot. “I said no! Why won’t you listen to me? No, no, no!”

The item in question was a short skirt with a slit in the thigh. It didn’t look like the kind of outfit Emma would ever wear. She seemed to prefer demure, cute outfits to seductive, mature ones. And this skirt was . . . well, it would look cute on her, Cyran had to agree, but if she didn’t like it - he cleared his throat. 

“Ah! There you are Cyran. Tell our Belle how perfect this is for her. Don’t you think she’d look delicious in this?”

Emma threw him a pleading glance, one that begged him to say the absolute opposite. 

Cyran felt firmly wedged between two terrible choices. Annoy his boss or piss off the beautiful girl. 

“I have to agree with you, sir. The skirt would look amazing on her. I’m sure your brothers and the other nobles at court would not be able to look away. Especially if we paired it with -” he skimmed the rack for a revealing top and pulled it out, “-this in a matching tone.”

Emma’s face flushed, clearly imagining herself in the tiny garment. 

Clavis was clearly imagining the same. His eyes brightened for just a moment, then he slid the skirt back onto the rack. “If the lady doesn’t like it, I, as a gentleman, cannot ask her to wear it.” He sighed, his disappointment completely hidden by his bright smile.

Cyran wondered if Emma could see past it. Sometimes, she seemed to have a sense of his real feelings and other times, completely unaware. For Cyran, it was easy to read between the lines. He’d been around the prince long enough to know how to distinguish the slightest tells from his public mask.

The Belle let out a breath and reached out to squeeze Cyran’s hand. “Thanks,” she mouthed silently.

“If you don’t want any clothes, then let’s shop for something else. What can I, the man you love, buy you today?” Clavis studied her face but didn’t give her time to answer. “Ah books! Yes. There is a book stand near the grocery I get my supplies from. Let’s go.”

And just like that, he was leading her away, his arm looped with hers. 

“You aren’t the man I love,” she grumbled as he tugged her along. “I barely know you. And as far as I can tell, you’re the opposite.”

“I know. You never could have imagined being so lucky as to catch my eye. If you don’t love me yet, I know you will fall in love soon. You won’t be able to stand against my charms.” Clavis laughed. 

Cyran followed quietly, watching. He hoped Emma held onto her heart. She wasn’t the first woman to attract the prince’s interest. None of them lasted long though, and there were always tears. He didn’t want that for her. 

At the bookshop, Clavis bought her several of the tomes she asked for, but slipped in a book of ribald plays hidden in a history folio. That would be a surprise for the Belle for sure. Nothing like expecting a dry history text and getting dick jokes instead. 

After that, they headed to a tavern for drinks and dinner. Or, that was the plan. As they passed through one of the narrow streets, three men approached them. They looked less like back-alley toughs and more like mercenaries. Perhaps some paid merchant guards, off duty now, and looking to have some ‘fun.’ Sadly for them, Clavis also liked to have fun.

“What a pretty set,” one of the men said. “A sweet little girl, her soft little man, and a fancy little escort.” 

“Just like I like ‘em,” the fellow beside him laughed. 

The third man grinned. “Why don’t you two hand over those bags? We’ll take your jewelry and any money too.”

Cyran stepped in front of them. “I think you all should be on your way. This is more trouble than you want. Trust me.”

“No, no Cyran. This is just fine.” Clavis smiled and pushed past him. “You want my money? I’ll happily hand it over.” He tossed a pouch into the air.

The third man caught it and immediately wished he hadn’t. A fine, purple, sparkling dust erupted from the bag, coating the man’s face, chest, and hands. “What? This isn’t money!”

“My mistake,” Clavis chuckled. “It must be one of these other bags. Hm.” He rummaged in his pockets.

“Enough asking nicely,” the first man growled. He and the second man surged forward. 

Cyran knocked one to the side with his sheath while Clavis tripped the other. The two men stumbled but one caught himself. He turned and pulled a wicked looking dagger from his coat. “Think you’re cute? Funny?”

“I do, actually.” Clavis grinned. 

The man ran at him. Cyran would have intervened, but he was making sure the one that fell stayed down. Unfortunately, both he and the prince forgot about the glittering purple merc. While they were busy with the other men, he slipped around and grabbed the Belle.

Emma let out a surprised shout as he grabbed her hair and pulled her to him. Then he pressed a blade to her throat. 

“Enough of this. Let my boys up.” The third merc’s voice was low and angry. 

“Of course.” Clavis held up his hands and stepped back. 

Cyran let go of his opponent with a snort of disgust. 

“Good. Now hold still. Georg, get their jewelry. Check their pockets.” 

“Don’t,” Emma told him. Her voice sounded surprisingly calm. “It will really be better for all of us if you just let them go.”

The purple-faced bandit laughed. “Willing to sacrifice yourself for them, eh? Don’t worry. We won’t hurt them much. Or you, as long as they behave.”

Cyran winced. That word. It wasn’t going to end well for these bandit-mercs anyway, but now? Well, these guys deserved it. Holding a woman hostage was a coward’s tactic.

“I always behave,” Clavis grinned. “I am a refined gentleman.” 

He held out his hands. Then dropped a vial to the ground. It burst, leaving a thin, foul-smelling haze in the air. 

Cyran quickly covered his nose and mouth. 

The bandits collapsed. Georg, the one closest to Clavis, dropped first. The one Cyran was nearest fell next. The purple faced merc was the last to succumb. As he went down, the soldier darted forward to grab Emma.

He snagged her just in time, cradling her in his arms. She was unconscious as well, but breathing steadily. 

“Good catch,” Clavis called. He reached into his pocket to pull out another small pouch. With a careful gesture, he sprinkled the contents onto the men.

Cyran adjusted his grip on Emma. “Want me to report them to the guards?”

“No. I don’t think they’ll bother anyone else for awhile.” He tucked the pouch away. “Anyway, let’s get the Belle back to the palace. She isn’t going to feel very well when she wakes up.”

“Alright.” Cyran eyed the three unconscious men. “Itching powder?”

“A gentleman never tells.” 

The soldier chuckled. “So it is. Well, I hope they suffer.” He aimed a kick at one before following Clavis out of the alley. 

[aquagirl1978]

Little Lion Man

Pairing: Leon Dompteur x Reader

Prompt: Day 1 (Love), Day 4 (Brothers) and Day 6 (Dance) for Leon Dompteur Sequel Route Release event (hosted by me)

Word count: 1330

Tags: Fluff (with a brief appearance from Chevalier, Jin and Leon's young son)

A/N: This fic was inspired by Leon's recent Halloween gacha card in JP as well as @ikeprinces-stuff artwork with an alternate Leon costume that can be seen HERE. Jin and Chevalier's gacha cards are also referenced throughout the fic.

“You are going to be the cutest little lion cub at tonight’s party!” you squealed as you adjusted the lion ears on top of your son’s head.

“Do you think Papa will like my costume?”

“Like it? He will love it!” You picked your son up in your arms, thankful he was still light enough for you to carry, and held him against your chest as you both looked in the mirror. “I think Uncle Yves did a great job with both of our costumes this year, don’t you think?”

Your son looked up at you and smiled. “You will be the prettiest bunny rabbit tonight, Mama.” He looked back into the mirror and opened his mouth wide to let out a tiny little roar. “And I will be the fiercest lion at the ball!”

Beaming with joy, you put your son down and took his little furry paw in yours. “Are you ready to go to a party now?”

He jumped up and down excitedly; his smile, bright as the sun, was a near replica of his father’s. “But where’s Papa?”

You looked out the nearby window, the darkening skies telling you it was already getting late in the day. “He said he had something to do before the party, and that he would meet us there.”

*****

“This is what you came to my office for, Black?” Chevalier let out an exasperated sigh as his ice blue eyes met Leon’s amber eyes in a cold stare.

“Yes! This is an important matter!”

“Your ridiculous costume does not concern me,” Chevalier remarked, his eyes returning to the documents on his desk. 

“I found out that Silvio is going to the Halloween Ball as a vampire.  I was supposed to go as a vampire. I’m the King, I can’t be wearing the same costume as someone else!”

“I don’t think you’ll have that problem now,” Chevalier commented with a smirk. “I can assure you, no one else will be dressed like that tonight. Although, the color is very fitting for you, Black.”

Leon grumbled loudly at being called this nickname, but refused to dwell on it. Unfortunate as it was, he needed Chevalier’s help.

“Please. You read more books than anyone I know.”

“Yes. And you read none.”

“That’s not the point,” Leon growled. “I’m asking for your help.” 

Chevalier straightened in his seat and rested his chin in the palm of his hand, his icy gaze silently saying speak.

“Belle read a story to me the other night. It was about a masked, sword-wielding hero and his swashbuckling adventures.”

“And this is who you are supposed to be?” Chevalier asked wide-eyed.

“Yes! His name was…ah, Zoso or something?”

Chevalier was polite enough to cover his mouth when he snickered. “You mean Zorro.”

“Isn’t that what I said?” No, wait. Don’t answer that.” Leon pulled out the rapier that was sheathed at his waist and dramatically flipped his dark cape. “I am Zorro, the dashing masked vigilante!”

Leon put down the rapier and stared at Chevalier. “That was believable, right?”

“The masked part certainly was.”

Leon’s brows knitted in frustration. “You’re a bully. You know that, right?”

“You’re the one who came to me,” Chevalier replied with a snort of laughter before returning his attention to the papers on his desk.

“Oh hey, Chevalier. What costume are you wearing tonight?”

“Evil demon,” he replied without looking up from his desk.

“Ah, well, that makes perfect sense. You could go as yourself, no need to even dress up,” Leon muttered under his breath as he made his way towards the door.

“I know,” Chevalier called out. 

Leon didn’t have to turn around to know there was a wicked grin plastered on the face of the second prince.

*****

“Have you seen Leon?” you asked Jin when you ran into him at the dessert table.

Jin looked around the room slowly, looking for his younger brother. “I haven’t seen him since I got to the ball. When I saw him earlier, he did mention he might be a little late this evening.”

“Did Papa forget about the ball?” a quiet little voice asked.

Jin crouched down and held out a lollipop to his nephew. “I’m sure your Papa didn’t forget. I wouldn’t be surprised if he was still at his desk, finishing up some work that just couldn’t wait until tomorrow.”

Still crouched, Jin noticed a familiar figure dressed in black approaching. Leon held a finger to his mouth, to which Jin gave a quick wink.

Standing off to the side, you smiled as you watched Leon walk on tiptoe, trying to surprise his young son.

Jin leaned in closer to his nephew, whispering loudly in his ear. “I heard there will be many mysterious visitors at the ball tonight. Some might be friend, others foe. I need you to be on high alert and let me know if you see anyone suspicious. Can you do that for me, buddy?”

“Yes, Uncle Jin,” the small boy answered seriously.

“I think it's best if you turn around then. You won't be much of a lookout if all you're doing is looking at me,” he said. He put his hands on his nephew's shoulders, ready to turn him around at the right moment. “On my count. One, two…three!”

On three, Jin spun the young prince just as Leon was a few feet away.

“Papa!” the boy exclaimed, breaking from his uncle's hold and running to his father.

“Whose Papa? I don't recall raising a lion cub!” Leon scooped his son up in a big bear hug, gently tickling him until he began to squirm with laughter.

“It's me, it's me,” he squealed in between peals of laughter.

“What do you think?” Leon winked, gesturing to his costume. “Do you know who I am?”

“Yes. You're Zoso, the dashing, masked vigilante from the book Mama read to us!”

Leon threw back his head and let out a loud roar of laughter. 

Like father, like son, he thought to himself as he pulled his son into another hug.

“Hey!” Leon called to you, extending his hand. “Don't think you're hopping away so fast!”

Joining him in a tight hug, your heart filled with warmth. “I thought you were going to be a vampire,” you whispered in Leon's ear.

“It's a long story, I'll tell you later.” After Leon set the tiny lion cub on the ground, breaking the family hug, his hand searched for yours. “I heard…” he started in a very excited voice, “that there is a haunted maze out in the gardens. Who wants to go?”

“I do, I do!” cried a young voice.

“And you, my bunny?” Leon asked with a smirk. 

“If you're going, I'm going.”

“Hey, what about me?” Jin asked, a small pout forming on his lips.

Leon looked over his older brother for a minute. “ I'm not sure they're letting in any lazy mummies this year…” Leon let Jin stew only a few moments before clapping him on the shoulder with a wide smile. “Lucky for you though, your brother happens to be king.”

Leon led the group to the haunted gardens, his hand still clasped in yours, while Jin and the young prince ran up ahead.

“I was really looking forward to seeing you as a vampire tonight,” you said, trying to mask your disappointment.

“Oh?” 

“Not that this costume doesn't look amazing, but….” you smiled at Leon, “…you know…”

“Know what?”

“Vampires…biting….” you replied, quickly looking away as you felt heat rise to your cheeks.

Leon pulled you closer, so close he could feel that heat as he whispered to you.  “I can always change later. I still have the vampire costume.”

“Let's hurry then,” you said softly, not wanting to be heard by anyone but your husband.

Leon quickened his pace, excited to continue the haunted festivities. His arm wound around your waist as thoughts of what this evening would later bring were already dancing in his head.

Tagging: @redheadkittys @alixennial @rhodolitesroseforclavis @chaosangel767 @queengiuliettafirstlady

@queen-dahlia @ikehoe @ikemen-writer @talfollowingstuff @kpop-and-otome

@kisara-16 @altairring @lucyw260 @lordsisterxotome @umi-adxhira

@crypticbibliophile @lancelotscloak @tele86 @nightfoxqueen @melodiousramblings

@wendolrea @aceuuuu @randonauticrap @aria-chikage @nightghoul381

@maries-gallery @xbalayage @xenokiryu @alydra @drachonia

@ranhanabi777 @silver-dahlia @lunaaka @portrait-ninja @sh0jun

@ikesenwritings @justpeachyteastea @kalims-pessimist-bestie @shadowylakes     @writingwhimsey  

@ikeprinces-stuff @candiedcoffeedrops     @kookie-my-little-sunshine

[violettduchess]

My OCs 🌊 📜

Captain Leyla Quinn 🌊, paired with Ikepri's Silvio

Marigold Jacobs📜 , paired with Ikepri's Clavis

All about Leyla 🌊

Info Sheet

Instagram

"Surprise Storm" (First meeting with Silvio)

"Miss me?" One Shot, established relationship

Ikeprince OCs: Kisses Headcanons, entry for In a Flash CC

Leyla x Silvio Moodboard by @inkys-garden (perfection!)

Leyla Underwater (art by @inkys-garden)

Colors of Sunrise

Leyla - (art by @vioisgoinginsane)

Gossamer

All about Marigold 📜

Info Sheet

First Impressions (First meeting with Clavis)

Marigold(s) - art by @lorei-writes

Rain (fluff)

[queen-dahlia]

𝐎𝐧𝐥𝐲 𝐘𝐨𝐮

Gilbert von Obsidian x f!Reader

My contribution for Cozytober hosted by @randonauticrap ♡ I'm late for this challenge (╯▅╰)

Prompts: "You look scared.", "Do you believe in ghosts?", "Are you cold or are you blushing?"

Warnings: fluff, not beta-read, bad English, expect grammatical errors. ^^

WC: 2993 (ㅅ´ ˘ `) A/N: Nothing supernatural happened here xD

The mansion appeared to be normal, yet it has been believed for years that it is haunted.

Many people believed that the restless souls of those who perished tragically here several years ago still haunts the grounds.

You were staring at the mansion intently while listening to the staff of this game. The goal here is to collect 20 rose carvings. They also warned you that it wouldn’t be easy since there are also traps inside, and they are not allowed to help other participants. Once done collecting ten rose carvings from the east wing, the next task was to go to the west wing, solve the puzzle to get out of the mansion. Whoever is unable to escape the traps are considered eliminated.

The staff also made you choose your own key for the west wing, and Gilbert let you pick. You choose the color red.

The heavy doors opened as they welcomed you inside, and most of the players were excited, rushing to start the game.

"You look scared, little rabbit."

"Gil, this is a haunted mansion."

"Are you expecting to have some unseen creatures running after you?"

"Of course not."

It wasn’t even long before the game started, you heard a scream not far from you. It was horrifying that you instantly froze on the spot and tightened your grip on Gilbert’s arm.

"W-What the heck was that?!" Your eyes still barely adjust to the dimly lit place.

"Probably someone who stubbed his toe."

"I also sometimes stub my toe but I never scream like that."

You resumed your walk and entered the first room that was not yet open. To your luck, you find your first wooden rose. "They literally placed the rose in an area you wouldn’t even look at."

The rose was sitting at the very top of the cabinet. Gilbert just used his cane to hit the rose at the top and make it fall, he caught it and placed it in the basket that was provided to you. "Good bunny, you found our first rose." He praised you as he ruffled your hair.

When you enter the next room, the vivid rainbow swirls on the wall make you dizzy. "Another one." Gilbert said as he picked up the rose carving. "This first part is pretty easy."

"The real challenge here was on the west wing, I wonder what kind of puzzle they are talking about."

"We'll figure it out soon." He said.

You proceed to the next room but are unable to find another rose. Gilbert is also guiding you and making sure you don't fall into any of their traps. "Do you believe in ghosts?" He asks out of nowhere as you both searched one of the rooms filled with plush toys.

"Yes."

"Have you seen a ghost?" He asked again as he searched through the mountains of plush toys. "Ah, there you are." Gilbert picked up the rose and put it inside the basket.

"Well, I haven't. But there are things that science can't even explain." You answered as you checked under the sofa. "And another one. Two roses in one room huh. Not bad."

"Now that we've gathered ten roses, let's head to the west wing."

You left the room and proceeded to the west wing. You were startled by a loud collision, which was followed by angry yells. "I wonder if it's because the game is too difficult or because they can't get out of the traps..." Gilbert mused.

"Maybe both…"

A huge red door located at the far end of the west wing. It seemed strange when he opened the door. There were five odd doors, each with a different pattern etched on the top. The walls are lined in paintings of eerie unknown creatures from hell. There is also a mountain of small black cubes on a huge, banquet table.

In comparison to the rest of the mansion, the room was well-lit. However, the entire room had been painted black, including the chairs, table, and even the wooden floor, and the windows had been barricaded for unknown reasons. There was a small treasure chest just sitting in one of the chairs.

You threw a glance at Gilbert, and he did the same, before you both went in. The door abruptly slammed shut, and when he attempted to open it, it wouldn't budge. The key you chose was even useless since it did not fit the keyhole.

"Great, now we are trapped here."

Gilbert is inspecting the keyhole and, after a few seconds, he grinned at you. "Lockpicking this door may take longer because it is different from the other doors, but-" His grin widened and you stepped backwards immediately, just your back hitting the pillar. Gilbert then leaned down slightly, his voice almost hushed, and you could almost taste his breath. "This is our perfect chance of being alone." He says, his voice alluring.

The memory of being in the same situation but in the rose garden, where he just kissed you not once, but twice, makes your cheeks flush.

"Are you cold or blushing?" He teased, and before you could respond, he moved fast and nipped your ear.

"That hurts!" You shrieked.

Instead of apologizing, Gilbert just gave you a smug smile. "Let's get these puzzles solved so we can get out of here."

And with that, he moved to observe the strange doors. You continued to frown as you followed him.

. . . . . . . . .

Each black cube has red marks, but with different patterns that will match the patterns on the doors.

After finding the last piece with the correct pattern above one of the doors that would fit the hole, you inserted the cube. And when you thought you could finally get out as you opened the door, it was just a wall. You just sighed and massaged your nose bridge.

"Are you already giving up?" Gilbert asked as he stood alongside you.

"If this is a real-life situation, like if your life relies on it, getting your hopes up, thinking you can get out of here, just to find out the door you just opened is simply a wall on the other side, it's devastating." You can’t help but to feel annoyed. "The paintings in this room also make me feel really uncomfortable, and I want to get out of here as as soon as possible."

"Are you scared then?"

"No." You sighed again. "Let's try the third door, I'll go check that side."

"Alright."

You walked to the other side, but the floor you just stepped on suddenly opened, and you screamed as you fell.

The floor you just stepped on was a trap door.

You prepared yourself for the hit until you landed upon the mattresses, only to bounce off of the material and fall on the hard, cold floor.

"Gilbert!" You tried calling for him, but you couldn't hear him from above.

You turn around and see what type of trap you are in right now.

The room has doors on each side of the wall. Not far from where you landed, there was a matchbox on the floor and a small candle. You tried to remove the lamp that was sticking on the wall but it was just impossible to remove it.

You peered up, but it was dark, indicating that the trap door was shut, so you picked up the matchbox and the candle and decided to find an exit. 

. . . . . . . . .

Another dead end again. It seems like the underground labyrinth with doors is neverending. You even lost count on how many times you’ve met a dead end and you lost count on how many times you got lost trying to get back on track.

Too exhausted from trying to escape, your eyes and mind are now playing tricks on you. Your candle has already melted, and you lit the last match as you continued opening the heavy door until the flame started to flicker, and eventually, it was distinguished.

You are alone in the darkness, lost in the labyrinth. The silence is so maddening. You opened another door that leads to another room with doors. Your hand was on the wall to guide yourself, and you felt a wood beneath your skin, letting your fingers run across the wood until you felt a cold iron. You turned it, but it was locked. You moved on to the second door, and the third. All doors are locked in this room. 

As you were about to head back to the door where you came in, you suddenly heard footsteps besides yours. You stopped and listened carefully but nothing.

When you started to walk to the only exit in the room, you heard the second footsteps. You practically step backwards until your back hits the wall. 

"W-who's there?" Your voice almost whispers, ragged breathing, your heart is pounding so fast.

Fear starts to creep on you and remember more stories about this mansion. You try to shrug away those and think positive, but your mind is doing its worst job to scare you.

Tears start to form in your eyes as you sit on the floor hugging your knees to your chest as soon as you start hearing footsteps getting closer and closer.

"Found you…"

You look up to find Gilbert, who is almost out of breath holding a lamp. He approached you and put the lamp down as you reached for him, and he embraced you in his arms.

"It's okay. You're okay now." He said as he held you tight. "I'm sorry it took me so long to find you."

You shook your head as you finally calmed down. "Please don't apologize. And thank you. But how did you–"

"It was the third door. The foreign letters written on the walls are the clues for this place." He moved a little, his fingers gently wiping your tears. "Are you hurt?" 

"No…"

Gilbert sighs in relief. "Let's get out of here."

You didn’t talk anymore as he held your hand and made your way out.

. . . . . . . . .

It was a relief when the door he unlocked using your key was finally the exit, and you could go directly back to where you started the game. You didn't ask him how he figured out which way is which.

The staff were smiling but then froze when they saw you, well, actually, your partner.

You look up at Gilbert, he was smiling but it was clear he was in a bad mood. Instead of greeting them, he just ignored them as he led you by the bench and you both took a seat to rest. "Gil… I just noticed, but where are the roses?"

"Screw that."

"What?"

"That doesn't matter anymore."

"But isn't that the reason why we participate in this game?"

"After what just happened, do you still want to continue?"

"Yes."

"I left it in that room, since we already got out of the mansion, I'll tell them to go and retrieve it."

You nod your head and wait for him as he goes and talks to staff. While waiting, you slowly pulled up the sleeve of your dress. Your left forearm was bruised and swollen. Earlier, you weren't paying much attention because your main concern was getting out of that labyrinth.

Pulling out the handkerchief from your pocket, you carefully wrapped it around your wrist before pulling down the sleeve. When you looked at Gilbert talking to the staff, their heads were low, as if they were being scolded.

You immediately understand the situation and rush to him. He’s telling them about the safety precautions of the place.

His voice was calm, however you yourself can't help but to feel scared. It was the same feeling when you first met. Gilbert has this deadly atmosphere by just standing there.

You took a deep breath and placed your hand on his shoulder. "Gil..." You said gently. He smiled as he turned to face you. You're at a loss for words as his red eye looks at you.

"This is quite a rare sight."

A familiar voice made you lower your hand. "Clavis?! What are you doing here?"

"I was summoned, saying that one of the participants would like to talk to me. Congratulations on getting out of the mansion." He greeted you with a smile before he looked at Gilbert. "If only that certain 'annoying person' isn't asking for my help."

That 'certain annoying person' must be Chevalier, since Clavis would never run an errand for Sariel.

"You were the organizer of this place?"

"Of course. How I wish I was there before the game started so I can watch you all struggling to escape. So, what would you want to talk about?"

Gilbert proceeds to tell Clavis about the trap door. "It wasn't safe, the little rabbit fell in and was trapped in that underground labyrinth. What if something worse happened to her?"

Clavis eyes widened as he looked at you. "You fell? Are you hurt?"

"No, I'm not."

"Ah, thank goodness. That palace devil will surely get mad if you were hurt." He says. "Since we don't have much time to renovate it, I decided to exclude the trapdoor as one of the entrances to the labyrinth from the game, but I should have placed furniture on that trap door." The smile fades as he stood up against Gilbert. "What happened to the little rabbit was a complete accident and my people are innocent. I will take full responsibility."

"It's fine, Clavis. But what about the red key? We used that to open the door from the labyrinth."

"Yes, that key can open the door in the puzzle room as well. When you put all of the correct cubes and opened it, there's only a long, dark corridor. The exit is located at the very end." Clavis explained, then gave you a meaningful look and smiled again. "But first, as part of the game, please raise your hands."

You did as Clavis instructed, and one of the staff members tied a red string around Gilbert's pinky fingers and yours.

"You were the first participants that got out of the mansion, please follow me to the gardens." The third prince said. "I was actually surprised that you joined the game, since this is actually a game for lovers."

"What?"

"Weren't you informed that this game is only for lovers?" Clavis asked.

"No, the lady must have mistaken us for–"

"Why is this game only for lovers?" Gilbert cuts you off.

"Because by the end of the game, there's a romantic candlelit dinner under the full moon. But I understand why the lady approached you and told you about this game." The third prince smiled as he led you to your table. "Oh, by the way. Part of the rules for this game is that once the red string is tied to your fingers, you have to feed each other."

The staff greeted you with a smile and started assisting you from pulling out your chairs to placing various foods in front of you.

"Enjoy your dinner."

"Of course we will. Thanks." Gilbert responds.

Clavis then excused himself, leaving you and Gilbert.

"I'm hungry. Let's eat."

You took turns feeding each other, and because the food was cooked by Clavis, it was so bizarre that just looking at it made your stomach turn but the taste isn’t weird as it looks.

The candlelit dinner was surrounded by soft music. It was almost the perfect date for lovers. Only if you and the prince aren't friends.

═════════════════

"Would you like to dance? It doesn't have to be formal." You asked him right after dinner.

Gilbert was taken aback, but he smiled at you. "I never expected a woman to invite me to dance."

He stood up and held out his hand to you, which you happily accepted. Instead of holding him on his shoulder, you wrapped your arms around his neck and rested your head on his chest while your bodies swayed slowly to the gentle music. His arms were around your waist.

It took a few minutes before you broke the silence.

"Thank you… For finding me."

"You're welcome."

A whizz distracted you, followed by the thunderous sound of the guns. When you looked up, fireworks soared into the sky one after the other. It was bright and colorful, with red, green, purple, and gold lights illuminating the night sky.

"It's beautiful." You said as you were too absorbed in the fireworks to notice Gilbert's attention on you and his almost whispered words.

"Yeah. You're so beautiful."

. . . . . . . . .

It was past midnight when you left that 'haunted' mansion.

Gilbert's fingers caress your hair as you fall asleep on his lap. The red string was still tied around your pinky fingers. He smiled softly as he remembered what had transpired today. Everything was almost perfect until you fell and got lost in the labyrinth.

He saw you seemed to be hiding your other arm from his view, so he slowly lifted your arm while you were sleeping, and the first thing he noticed was the puffiness of your sleeve, then he gently pulled it down, unwrapped the handkerchief.

The swollen and bruised forearm changes his mood. Why did you lie to him?

You know how he hates lies. 

A memory of you crying in the dark and reaching out for him when he found you quickly eased the irritation he felt after discovering you lied to him about not being hurt.

Gilbert wrapped the handkerchief around your forearm and will let this lie slide for now.

His gaze was transfixed on you while stroking your cheek. The only one who can smile and talk freely to him without feeling threatened, the only one who enjoys being with him, the only one who can make him happy and less lonely.

It was only you.

He returned his gaze to your injured arm and sighs.

Gilbert will definitely burn that mansion.

Tagging: @atelieredux @thewitchofbooks ♡

[wistfulwanderingone]

🥮Cinnamon Spice 🥮

Fandom: Ikemen Prince

Characters: Cassandra Bellarose (OC), Clavis Lelouch

Pairing: Clavis Lelouch x OC

Event: Falling For Fall CC

Hosted by: @violettduchess & @lorei-writes

Prompt: Cinnamon (Fluff)

A/N: This is a little glimpse into Clavis and Cassandra's relationship AFTER their slow burn romance I'm working on. I just really love their dynamic. Yes, I'm bias, but I promise I thought them out a lot.

🍂 Cinnamon Spice 🍂

The kitchen was a delightful mess—flour scattered across the countertops, half-prepped ingredients waiting for their turn, and a jar of cinnamon teetering on the edge, threatening to spill. But to Clavis, it was absolute perfection. Chaos had always been his element, but lately, that chaos felt... different. Warmer. Lighter. Ever since Cassandra had walked into his life, with her quiet strength and infectious laughter, she had taken root in his world, giving every disordered corner a sense of meaning. She didn’t try to fix it or change it. She embraced it—embraced him—lovingly. The mess, the laughter, the warmth—it was all tangled up in her now. And he loved it. He loved her.

Standing side by side, elbows brushing as they worked, Clavis barely paid attention to the recipe Cassandra was diligently instructing him on. His mind was elsewhere—drawn, as always, to her. The way her chocolate-brown hair spilled carelessly across her face as she concentrated. The slight purse of her lips when she was deep in thought. The precise movement of her fingers as she measured each ingredient. He noticed how she absentmindedly tucked her hair behind her ear when it fell into her eyes or bit her bottom lip whenever she debated whether to add something extra. She had changed so much since the beginning—where once she had hesitated, now she moved with grace and confidence. He couldn’t look away. She had always been beautiful, but now...now she was radiant, fully herself. Every little gesture, every laugh, stirred something in him—something deeper than the playful affection they often shared.

Unable to resist, he pressed gently against her back, leaning in close enough for her scent—soft and sweet, like peaches and magnolias—to fill his senses. His fingers reached up, brushing a wayward strand of hair from the back of her neck, tucking it gently aside.His touch lingered, trailing softly down the curve of her neck. It was a simple moment, but there was something powerful in it—a sense of connection he hadn’t always been able to grasp. Without a second thought, he leaned down and pressed his lips to the soft skin of her neck, a tender kiss that carried all the feelings in his heart. 

"Mmm," she sighed, her eyes fluttering closed as his lips brushed her skin. Tilting her head slightly to give him better access, a soft smile played on her rose-pink lips. Her soft sigh, filled with both contentment and desire, sent a shiver through him as she melted into his arms. It was as though her very soul sought his, needing to be as close as possible.

“Tread carefully, my temptress,” he murmured against her neck, his breath warm against her skin. “If you keep making sounds like that, you might distract me from finishing our culinary masterpiece.” He chuckled breezily, placing another lingering kiss on her neck. “Not that I’m complaining. Feel free to distract me as much as you like. In fact, I encourage it.” 

He nuzzled closer, his breath tickling her skin as he rubbed his face against her neck, earning a soft giggle from her as she squirmed in his arms. She wriggled just enough to turn in his embrace, a teasing smile lighting up her face. “ “Unfortunately, you’re right. We can’t afford to get distracted when your baking is turning out so incredible this afternoon,” she teased, her fingers lightly tracing the back of his hand.

Clavis smirked, feeling the familiar spark of mischief but tempered by a tenderness he could never hide from her. “Is it? You say that like I wasn’t already a master of culinary chaos, my darling-dearie.”

Her laugh washed over him, soft and bright, like the first warmth of spring. He felt it sink into his bones, and he craved it now, more than anything. “You’re definitely the master of something,” she replied, biting her lips cheekily as her fingers trailed up his arms, sending a spark through him. The way she touched him now, so easily and without hesitation, sent a thrill racing through him—it delighted him more than he could ever admit.

He grinned, reveling in her open authenticity around him. "Well, my lovely lover, what's next?”  He reached around her and grabbed the jar of cinnamon, dramatically lifting it as if to dump the entire contents into the bowl. “Should I just pour in this cinnamon and hope for the best?"

Her head snapped up, her wide green eyes filled with playful horror. “Clavis, no!” she laughed, smacking him lightly on his chest. “If you want it to taste right, you need to measure it first. But if you're aiming for disaster, go ahead, dump it all in.” She stepped back with a raised eyebrow and gestured to the bowl.

Her playful resistance only made his heart swell. God, how had he ever been so lucky? “Measure, shmeasure,” he chuckled, lifting the jar even higher in mock defiance. The way she teased him now, the way her laughter came so easily, made him feel like he’d been waiting his whole life for her to be this free with him. "You know I'm more of a chaos-in-the-kitchen kind of prince," he added, pretending to tip the jar.

Cassandra’s laughter bubbled up, bright and unrestrained. It hit him differently now—it wasn’t just a response to his jokes or antics; it was because of him. The realization hit him softly, warming him from the inside out.

“You’re going to turn us both into cinnamon sticks at this rate,” she teased, catching his arm before he could follow through with his playful threat.

“Cinnamon sticks?” he echoed, one eyebrow raised as he leaned in closer, amusement dancing at the edge of his lips. “You’re already my little cinnamon—warm, with just the right amount of spice.” He tweaked her nose and then traced his fingertip along the beauty mark beneath her right eye before taking her hand, pulling her closer.

Her smile blossomed—bright and unrestrained, as if she were letting the sun shine straight through her. His heart stuttered in his chest. Every time she smiled like that, he felt something inside him shift. She wasn’t holding anything back, and that smile—radiant and full—was for him alone. It struck him just how much he needed moments like this. He had spent so long hiding behind layers of humor and charm, but with her, he didn’t need any of that.

Her hands came to rest on his chest, her eyes flicking up to meet his. There was no hesitation, no holding back. For all their teasing, there was a depth in the way she touched him now—a trust that went beyond words.

“Is that so?” she teased, her voice soft and flirtatious. Her fingers traced light patterns on his shirt, and the simple gesture sent a thrill through him and caused his pulse to quicken. “I suppose I can’t be mad if you want to add more of me to the recipe. But let’s not overwhelm it, hm?”

Clavis grinned, his chest tightening in the best way. It was still a new feeling, but somehow, it felt like the most natural thing in the world. He had always loved teasing her, making her laugh, but now it went deeper. The affection between them had shifted from playful to profound, growing quietly and steadily without him even realizing. He leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a soft murmur. “Oh, you’ve got a point, darling. Too much of you and we might have something dangerously addictive on our hands. Shall I send a royal decree to warn the entire palace?”

Cassandra smiled, her eyes sparkling with mock innocence. “Me? Addictive? I had no idea I was such a dangerous ingredient.”

Clavis’s grin widened, the glint of mischief bright in his gaze. He gently wrapped his arm around her waist, pulling her closer until their bodies were nearly flush. His voice dropped to a soft, playful murmur as he leaned in, his lips brushing against the shell of her ear. “Oh, the most dangerous, darling,” he whispered, his breath warm against her skin. “One taste, and they’d be helpless. Lucky for me,” he paused, his fingers trailing lightly down her back, “I’m the only one allowed to sample the goods.”

Cassandra’s laughter bubbled up, soft and intimate, as she leaned into him, her hands resting on his chest. She met his gaze, her eyes shining with that familiar spark. “Is that so?” she teased, her voice light but with a breathlessness he couldn’t help but notice.

Clavis smirked and raised his eyebrows seductively. “Absolutely,” he murmured, his tone now a perfect blend of teasing and sincerity. “And I plan on savoring every bit.”

“Mmmm,” she breathed, biting her lip as she gazed up at him.

He leaned in, resting his forehead against hers, their breath mingling, and let out a soft sigh. “I spent so long lost…searching for something, needing something, without even knowing what it was...until you. You make everything better—like you’re the missing piece of my heart I never knew I needed.”

Cassandra’s hands slid up to cup his face, her thumbs brushing lightly along his cheekbones as she held his gaze with her alluring green eyes. “And now that you’ve found me,” she whispered, her voice gentle, brimming with affection, “you’ll never have to search again. Because I love you, Clavis. Infinitely more than you’ll ever know.”

Her words filled him in ways he could never fully describe. Clavis closed his eyes, letting the weight of her affection settle deep in his chest. There was a time when he might’ve pushed this away—hiding behind the armor of jokes and pranks—but not anymore. Not with her. Never with her. She had stripped away his layers, leaving him bare in the most beautiful way. “You always know exactly what I need to hear,” he murmured, pulling her closer, his arms wrapping around her waist as though anchoring himself to her.

Cassandra snuggled against him with effortless affection. “Well, it’s the truth. And you deserve to hear it all the time,” she whispered, her voice soft yet filled with a quiet strength, wrapping around his heart like a promise.

Clavis held her tight, his fingers splayed across her back, as though letting go was not an option. In the soft glow of that moment, the kitchen faded away, leaving only the sensation of her body pressed close to his, her breath soft against his skin, her presence filling every space that had once felt hollow. She fit there perfectly as if she had always belonged in his arms.

Eventually, he shifted, pulling back just enough to meet her gaze. “But if you think I’m done messing with the cinnamon, you’re sorely mistaken,” he teased, a wicked grin spreading across his lips. 

Her eyes widened in mock alarm. “Clavis, no!” she exclaimed, laughing as she grabbed his hands to stop him. “You’re doing beautifully with this. Don’t ruin it.”

“Beautifully?” he echoed with a soft laugh, curling his fingers gently around her wrist, tugging her toward him. He could never stand being apart from her for long. “If by ‘beautifully’ you mean beautifully flirting with the most enchanting woman in the world, then yes, I’m excelling.” He flashed her a mischievous grin. “I think I’ve found my true calling.”

“Oh, is that so?” Cassandra’s eyes sparkled with amusement, the corners crinkling as her lips quirked into a teasing grin. “And here I thought your true calling was turning the palace upside down with your antics.” She playfully poked his chest, her fingers lingering there. “This dessert is turning out sublime, so be careful.”

Clavis’s grin widened. “If it’s sublime, it’s due to your culinary magic, not mine.” He gently lifted her hand, pressing a soft kiss to her fingertips. 

Cassandra’s delighted giggle danced in the air between them. “Perhaps, but you’ve had a hand in it too. One of the things I loved most about you from the very start was your ability to add your own kind of magic to everything,” she whispered, her hand gliding up his chest to rest over his heart. She gave it a gentle pat, as if she were truly touching his heart and soul, unlocking every hidden part of him no one else ever could. “You just needed the right recipe.”

“Maybe you’re right, my love,” he whispered, his fingertips trailing up the delicate curve of her cheek before gently catching her chin. “But I think you were the missing ingredient.”

His thumb brushed over her cheek, the softness of her skin beneath his touch making his heart race. When her breath hitched, a slow, satisfied smile curved his lips. For a moment, he simply held her there, letting the world fade away, and savoring the warmth that spread through him. It wasn’t about teasing her anymore—this was something far deeper. A love that had grown quietly, steadily, until it felt as if it had always been there, something he couldn't live without. He hadn’t even realized how much he had longed for this—until her.

Every glance, every smile she gave him was like a gift he wanted to hold onto forever. The way she looked at him, with trust and tenderness, made him feel like he was holding her heart in his hands. And the way she trusted him—completely—made him fall for her all over again. Everything about her—her laugh, her quirks—had become a part of him, something he’d never stop loving or needing. He swallowed, feeling an unfamiliar tightness in his chest, the weight of the emotions catching him off guard.

A wave of affection surged through him, stronger than anything he’d ever felt. She wasn’t just someone he loved. She was the piece of his life that had been missing for so long—a piece he hadn’t even known he needed until she fit into place. And with her, for the first time in his life, everything felt...right. Perfect, even.

It had taken him a long time to admit this to himself. He had always lived in the chaos, in the unpredictability, but Cassandra had brought him something different—something solid and unwavering. His need for her was woven into every corner of his life now, and the realization filled him with both gratitude and disbelief. How had he ever gotten so lucky?

“Yes, you were everything I was missing,” he whispered, the words slipping out as if they had always been waiting to be spoken. But it didn’t matter. It was the truth, and he wasn’t afraid to say it anymore.

Her fingers curled gently around his other hand, holding him in place, grounding him with her. Clavis blinked, feeling the weight of her words settling over him, soft and steady. “I think that goes both ways,” she said softly, her eyes meeting his with a depth that made his chest tighten. It was as if she could see all of him—his joy, his vulnerability, his fears—and still loved him without hesitation.

He paused for a moment, absorbing her words. It struck him again how effortlessly she seemed to understand him, how she could strip away all his masks and expose the truth of who he was. It was terrifying, but at the same time, he had never felt so seen. So understood.

Clavis’s chest swelled, his love for her almost overwhelming him, but in the best way possible. He leaned in, pressing his forehead gently against hers, closing his eyes as he allowed himself to bask in their closeness. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this happy,” he murmured, his voice barely audible as he let himself surrender to the feeling. It was a quiet admission, but it held the weight of everything he’d never had the courage to say out loud before.

Cassandra smiled softly, her hands coming up to cup his face with that natural tenderness he adored. “Me neither,” she whispered back, her breath ghosting over his skin before she pressed a gentle kiss to the beauty mark beneath his lips. “To think I almost missed out on this.”

His breath caught as her words pierced through him, settling somewhere fragile inside him.  How close had he come to letting her slip through his fingers? I almost let her go—the thought tore through him like a jagged blade, relentless and cruel, and he tightened his grip around her as if the very act of holding her could undo the torment of the realization and the past. He had been so consumed by his own walls, his relentless games, and his buried pain, that he had nearly pushed away the only person who truly mattered. She had been the brave one, the one who broke through when he had blinded himself to any escape—when he hadn’t deserved her. 

Her strength had been his salvation. She had seen through him, past his games, past the mischief, straight to his heart. And now, more than ever, he felt the enormity of what he could have lost. She had saved him from himself, and for that, he knew with unwavering certainty that he would never stop being grateful—because without her, he would have lost everything.

He pulled back just enough to meet her gaze. “You know,” he began, his voice softer but laced with the weight of his thoughts. “I think we’re pretty good together.”

She looked up at him, her eyes softening with something deeper than affection—a quiet understanding that mirrored everything he was feeling. Her lips curved into a smile that was more than just an agreement; it was a confirmation of everything they had built together. “We are,” she whispered, her voice tender, but it carried a kind of strength that resonated with him.

Her simple affirmation hit him harder than he’d expected. His heart skipped a beat, but he kept his easy smile in place, though inside, her words settled deep. She wasn’t talking about the cooking. She was talking about them—about the way they fit, the way they balanced each other. Her fingers gently swept his bangs back, the gesture tender and familiar.  “We make each other better,” she added softly, her eyes searching his as if she could see through every layer he had hidden behind for so long.

With her, he was more than he ever thought he could be. She had drawn him out of the shadows and into the light—into a world brighter and more joyful than he had ever known. She made him feel whole as if every broken piece had been mended.

They stood like that for a while, wrapped in the quiet comfort of the kitchen. The scent of cinnamon hung in the air, comforting and familiar, just like her presence. He had never thought he could find peace in a moment like this—in stillness, in the quiet of someone who made him want to stay. Cassandra saw him, truly saw him, beyond the masks, beyond the mischief, and loved him for all that he was and all that he wasn’t. It was strange. It was unimaginable for someone like him. And yet, standing there, with her in his arms, it was everything. She had unraveled him in the most beautiful way, and for the first time in his life, he felt...whole.

Eventually, he pulled back, flashing her the grin she seemed to love so much. With a dramatic flourish, Clavis grabbed a handful of cinnamon and tossed it into the air, sending a playful cloud of spice swirling around them. The scent filled the air like the memories they were creating—sweet and a little bit chaotic, just like their love.

“Too much?” he asked with a mischievous wink.

Cassandra coughed, swatting at the air as she giggled. “You are absolutely impossible!” she exclaimed, her emerald eyes sparkling with amusement.

“Absolutely impossible to resist,” Clavis teased, holding the jar of cinnamon just out of reach as she lunged for it, her fingers barely grazing the edge.

“Oh, give me that!” Cassandra laughed, making a playful grab for the jar, but he dodged easily, keeping it high above her head, just out of reach.

“Not a chance, Daydreamer,” he chuckled, taking a step back as she huffed in mock frustration.

Her giggles spilled out, carefree and full of joy, as they danced around the kitchen, the scent of cinnamon swirling in the air between them. Clavis darted just out of her reach, holding the jar aloft, a wide grin on his face. Cassandra lunged again, her fingers brushing the jar, but he twirled away with a soft laugh under his breath.

“Clavis, come on!” she exclaimed, giggles escaping despite her mock exasperation as she reached for him once more.

He glanced back at her, his eyes sparkling with mischief, savoring the way she chased him, the way she moved with such ease around him now—free, unguarded. She was herself around him, completely open, and he loved every second of it. The woman he had always seen beneath the weight of her responsibilities was now fully alive, untethered.  He loved her like this, unrestrained, just as she had learned to love every part of him.

But as much as he loved the chase, he loved her more.  With a quick spin, he let her catch him, pulling her into his arms in one fluid motion, their laughter spilling into the air. They stumbled slightly, their feet tangling together as her hands pressed against his chest. 

Their laughter intertwined, echoing softly in the warm space of the kitchen, until Cassandra collapsed against him, breathless, her face buried in his chest as he wrapped his arms securely around her. For a long moment, they stood like that, hearts racing, the laughter still humming between them. His chest rose and fell with each breath, his arms tightening around her as if she were the only solid thing in a world that had always felt unpredictable.

“I win,” Cassandra whispered, her giggles finally subsiding as she nestled against him, their smiles still lingering.

Clavis chuckled, his fingers tracing a slow, tender line along her jaw as he leaned in closer, their breaths mingling. “You always do, my beautiful, fascinating enchantress,” he murmured, his voice low and filled with affection, his gaze locked on hers. His hand slid to the back of her neck, gently drawing her closer as their lips met in a soft, lingering kiss.

Her arms wrapped around his neck, pulling him closer as she returned his kiss with passion and the world seemed to fall away, leaving just the two of them wrapped in each other, the sweet scent of cinnamon surrounding them. Clavis kissed her again, deeper this time, savoring the quiet connection between them as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

When they finally pulled apart, their foreheads rested together, the laughter from earlier fading into a comfortable, contented silence. He held her close, not out of fear of losing her, but simply because it felt right. Because she felt like home.

He leaned in close, narrowing his eyes with mock seriousness, savoring the way her laughter bubbled up in response. “Well, well, what do we have here?” he teased, brushing his thumb over her nose. “Looks like someone’s really embracing the cinnamon stick life.”

Cassandra crinkled her nose in a way that always made his heart skip a beat. Before he could make another move, she surprised him--bridging the distance between them in one swift motion--and gave his cheek a quick, playful lick. Clavis froze, his eyes wide.

“Cassandra!” he exclaimed, though his grin was already creeping back in. She always found new ways to catch him off-guard. “Did you just…”

She grinned triumphantly, wiping the remaining cinnamon off his cheek. “What? Can’t have you out-spicing me after all,” she teased, giving him a wink that sent a familiar thrill down his spine.

Clavis burst out laughing pulling her into his arms. How was she always one step ahead of him, in the best way? “Touché, Cass. Touché,” he murmured, still holding her close, his chest buzzing with warmth. “But I think you’re getting dangerously good at this. You really do keep me on my toes, yet somehow manage to keep me grounded at the same time…even when I don’t deserve it.”

Her eyes softened at his words, and she pressed a sweet kiss to his lips. “You always deserve it, Clavis.”

They stood there for a moment longer, wrapped in each other, the chaos of the kitchen around them now a background melody to the harmony they had found. In the midst of flour, cinnamon, and laughter, Clavis realized what truly mattered—the quiet, messy moments where life felt perfect, not because it was flawless, but because it was theirs. He held her close, his heart full, knowing that this love, this closeness, was exactly where he wanted to be. As they stood together, the scent of cinnamon swirling around them, it felt like they had all the time in the world.

--

Tag team: @candiedcoffeedrops @aide-falls @chirp-a-chirp @ithseem @aquagirl1978 @dododrawsstuff

If you want to be added to my tag list for Ikemen fics, just let me know!

[nightghoul381]

Leon x Reader Fluff A/N: A little Leon birthday fluff for my August birthday buddy

You eagerly make your way down the hall, a plate of steaming fresh sweets in your hand. You had made them as a special treat for your lover’s birthday.

He had decided that he would hold the public event the day before and leave his birthday open for the two of you to spend together. He had been so tired last night after he finally came back to the room that you had barely curled up together before he had passed out.

Waking up this morning, he didn’t even stir as you freed yourself from his arms and snuck out to the kitchen. It had taken you nearly no time at all to finish whipping together the platter of sweets and now you are outside Leon’s door once more.

Attempting to balance to sweets on one hand, you reach out to open the door.

“No, no, no!” You cry as the plate tilts in your hand, treats toppling to the floor, bringing the dish with it.

The loud clattering sound makes you wince, and you hurry to gather up the mess before anyone comes along, but before you’re able to begin, the door flies open and a panicked Leon looks around wildly.

“What happened?” His voice is laced with concern as he finds you crouched on the floor.

“Are you alright?”

You can feel your cheeks redden as you explain that you had been trying to surprise him with birthday sweets, but the sweets had other plans.

He let out a loud, hearty laugh as he got down on his knees to help you tidy up the scattered treats and in no time you’ve once again stacked the platter, however smears of icing and caramel remain on the floor, a sticky reminder of your mistake.

“I’m so sorry, Leon. This was supposed to be a birthday surprise… I wanted you to wake up to something sweet, but instead you’re stuck here cleaning right after waking up.” You grumble, irritated with yourself that your plan had failed so miserably.

Leon’s hand ruffles your hair as he chuckles warmly.

“I did wake up to something sweet, I don’t think anyone’s ever tried to greet me with treats like this right away in the morning on my birthday, and that idea is incredibly sweet. Plus, I get to start my day with you. You’re my favorite person after all.”

His gentle words cause your heart to stutter. How does he manage to always know just what to say to make you melt?

“Happy Birthday, Leon.” You smile, wrapping your arms around his shoulders.

“It most certainly is so far.” His grin widens as you press a kiss to his cheek and smooth your hands over his bed-mussed hair.

“Well, get ready I have plans!” Your determination leads Leon to pull you close. Your cheek rests on his chest and you hear the steady thump of his heart, feeling your entire body relax into his embrace.

“Would you be upset if I had other plans?” He whispers softly. “I honestly want to spend the day with you curled up in my lap and reading me a book. I can’t think of the last time we got to just relax, no plans, no responsibilities, just the peace and comfort of each other’s presence. That’s what I want the most from you today.”

Your heart aches so sweetly at his request. There is no way that you could deny him of his wish, so you lean back and nod happily. His eyes crinkle with joy as he lifts you into his arms, carrying you into the room. Settling onto the bed, Leon hands you a book and tugs you back against his chest as you begin reading, granting him the most relaxing and comfortable birthday celebration, just as he desired.

@leonscape @ikeprinces-stuff I thought you might enjoy this ;)

[chirp-a-chirp]

Seeker

Fandom: Ikemen Prince; Characters: Leon Dompteur, Clavis Leouch, Carla (OC); Leon X OC story; Tags; fluff, angst, feels, a few spoilers/oblique references from Leon and Clavis routes, references to death and slavery; Word Count: ~1750

Synopsis: Leon seeks to talk to someone very important in his love’s life. Clavis hides his pain the only way he knows how. Also, introducing (in passing) an OC paired with Leon Dompteur who works for Clavis—Carla!

Folks who might(?) appreciate this fic: @candied-boys @katriniac @leonscape @x-daedalus-x @reborn-elven @ae-yeongmi @ikeprinces-stuff

…

“So, you’re abandoning my seeker? Not very heroic of you!”

Leon resisted rolling his eyes at Clavis’s dramatics and the unofficial title given to Carla. As Clavis’s assistant, Carla’s main job was to seek things. Some items were simply those Clavis couldn’t be bothered to find himself—test tubes, compounds for explosions, Sariel-sized nets. A job with no end given Clavis’s antics. But Carla also found things of substance—missing children from Bloodstained Rose day, reunited with their parents; jobs for former Obsidian citizens crossing into Rhodolite; surpluses of food for the Leochian orphanage.

Carla was a seeker. A seeker of adventure. Of ingenuity. Of hope. This vibrancy was among the many things that attracted Leon to Carla. And it was that vibrant hope that made Leon want to do things right with her.

“It’s necessary.” Leon looked up at Clavis as he prepared for his journey.

“But you still need to pitch woo to Carla!”

“I don’t wanna hear you say anything about pitching after the lake incident.”

“But I saved the diplomat from drowning!”

“After pitching him in the lake in the first place.”

“Irrelevant!” Clavis cackled, unrepentant. “But more relevant, you’re deserting my seeker!”

“No. I’m leaving to talk with the most important person in her life.” Leon wrapped his cloak about his shoulders.

“Ah, so me!”

Leon raised an eyebrow. “Her father.”

Clavis inhaled loudly. He hid the rush of pain flooding his chest with a sharp bark of laughter. “Asking for dear old dad’s permission to court his daughter? How quaint!”

Leon stepped closer to Clavis, challenging the third prince’s mockery, seeing the truth behind the mask. “Not exactly. I want to tell him how I feel. The influence he’s had on Carla, the joy she brings. That though he last saw her in tears, she’ll live with a smile on her face. If she’ll let me.”

Clavis was silent for several seconds. “You’ll find it to be a very one-sided conversation.”

“I know. But still.”

Clavis’s gaze faltered at the resolute expression on Leon’s face. Clavis turned his head to avoid his stare and whispered, his mask briefly slipping.

���Tell her father I’m sorry.”

“Hmmm?”

Clavis whipped his head back to Leon, plastering a smile on. “I mean, tell him I say hi! You should thank me for distracting Carla while you go gallivanting without her!”

Leon huffed and began to leave. He turned around, hand lingering on the door knob. “It wasn’t your fault, you know.”

Clavis’s eyes rose in shock, the reflexive quip snuffed from his lips by the serious look in Leon’s gaze.

“Mr. Demandeur made his own choices. He chose a dangerous path—however noble. He made the choice to live that life—not Carla, not you.” Leon opened the door. “The consequences of that life are his and his alone.”

…

A lone rider trekked deep in the woods. The underbrush was thick with small saplings, broken branches, and rocks littering the forest floor. A horse stopped underneath a clump of mature trees; light filtered through the tree canopies, highlighting a meticulously cared for gravestone.

Richard Demandeur

Loving Father and Husband; Restorer of Freedom

The gravestone was the only thing not covered in moss, leaves, or other forest debris. Though the gravestone was several miles from Leouch, the reverence in which it was kept pristine showed the value the man had in life. A few conversations with the townsfolk of Leouch informed Leon that when Carla was not in town, Clavis paid for others to keep the grave clean.

Leon dismounted from the horse in silence, gathering his thoughts. The horse dropped his head, picking up on the solemnity of the moment. Three white roses were placed neatly on the ground by the stone marker.

“Hi. I’m Leon.” Leon knelt on the ground, lightly touching one of the rose petals. “I had hoped to meet you in person one day. Carla speaks of you so vividly, I didn’t know you were gone until recently.”

As a commander of soldiers, Leon was familiar with death. It was always in the back of every soldier’s mind—the notion that one day, you may never come back. That ensuring others security and safety meant risking your own. But he was trained for that life—as were the men that served under him.

Richard was not.

At an age where many considered slowing down, Richard sped up his life’s impact. In the last 5 years of his life, Richard and Carla had helped more than 100 people escape to Rhodolite—people seeking freedom, freedom from starvation, a slaver’s whip, Obsidian darkness. What he lacked in physical strength he made up in sheer determination and ingenuity (along with some well-placed Clavis traps) in secreting these people away from lives of despair. That bravery and idealism was matched in his daughter Carla, who joined him on his escape missions, and who worked afterwards to ensure these people were successfully integrated into Leouch into new jobs. Bakers, tutors, craftsmen, and their families were living their best lives thanks to a father-daughter duo who gave them that chance. It was an idealism steeped in practicality that especially earned from Leon his respect. And admiration.

“Carla misses you. She always will. I hope to be someone to help ease that pain of hers.” The forest was eerily silent—not even the wind stirred. It was as if the trees and all the woodland creatures around them were focused solely on listening to Leon. He continued.

“I’m another prince in your daughter’s life. No, not like Clavis.” Leon could hear Carla’s laughter as he recalled her stories of Clavis and Mr. Demandeur. Richard had been a willing tester of Clavis’s inventions—the smoke bomb, the tickling fingers that made a soldier drop their weapon, the invisible shadow that made one able to blend seamlessly into the night. The testing typically resulted in disaster—tar stuck for days in his hair, skin turning shades of purple and gold (“Can’t you at least pick colors that look better on me!” Richard would lament to Clavis and Carla’s delight)—but the moment the testing proved positive, Richard was the first to sing Clavis’ praise—and mobilize another rescue mission with Carla with those inventions. The Leouch inventions were integral to the rescue missions, and had a 100% success rate.

Until Richard’s last mission.

“I admire people like you.” Leon sat on the ground and peered at the gravestone as if it were a person conversing with him. “People like you give hope to those without it. To people like me.” Leon clinched his hands as he recalled his childhood—his true childhood, a legacy that never left him, the days that weighted on him like a stone attached to his back.

Leon ran fingers through his hair, shaking away the tendrils of bleaknesses that gnawed at him. “You see—I’m a prince, but I wasn’t born one. I was a slave—like some of those you rescued.”

Little by little, Leon spoke. Of hands raw from work; of a back aching from unhealed whip marks and stones hauled from quarries; of a belly so empty he ate moss to quell its rumbling. He had only told one other person these things—Carla.

“I used to think life would always be that way.” A series of unending days steeped in drudgery. “But then, I was given a second chance. A chance to change my life—by taking on someone else’s.”

Leon closed his eyes, picking up one the white roses. He slowly opened them before going on. “You see—I thought I had to earn that chance. And that the only way to do that was to become king. To become Leon Dompteur. To dedicate my entire life towards the kingdom that took me in for a single coin.”

“That is, until I met Carla.”

Leon paused, his thoughts drifting towards the woman he loved. His heart squeezed tenderly at the image of her in his mind—her skirt twirling as she danced with him, the way her eyes sparkled as she talked with townspeople, the mischief in her voice at modifying another Clavis trap. Her stories. Stories of freedom. Stories that made Leon feel alive again.

“Your daughter is wonderful. I know, I’m not telling you something you’re unaware of.” Leon laughed. “She’s vibrant, brave, caring, passionate about everything. And everyone.” Leon’s lips quirked wryly. “Well, not everyone I hope.” The horse whinnied suddenly as a large branch fell to the ground; Leon’s shoulders jolted at the sound.

“Hey, there’s no need for THAT.” Leon placed the rose on top of the gravestone, his eyebrows lifting slightly. “I said hope.” Leon tapped his knee with his fingers before continuing.

“With Carla, I remember who I am. She reminds me there are different ways to dedicate your life with meaning.” Seeking life in the everyday—tavern dinners, town dances, talking with shop keepers—and the extraordinary—daring rescues and escapes, free from royal confines and restrictions—was profound.

“With Carla, I’m Leon. Just Leon. And she’s taught me dedication can be to a kingdom and to a person.” The man Leon was when he was with Carla was the most genuine version of himself—a man of unwavering passion, love, and commitment. And it was something he didn’t want to lose.

The feelings that threatened to spill from Leon’s lips were so overwhelming it was nearly impossible to distill them into words. He settled for simplicity. Words tumbled quickly, flowing with a winding warmth.

“I love your daughter. So, so much. If she’ll let me, I’ll always be there for her. And carry on your mission alongside her. I hope you approve.”

The air stirred gently, leaves twirling and landing on Leon’s hair and shoulders. Sunlight flickered from the treetops, lighting the grave and Leon. Leon’s eyes widened before he smiled gently.

“I’ll take that as a yes.” Leon got up and nodded at the grave. His lips lifted slightly. “Thanks Dad.”

Another branch fell on the ground nearby, scattering a flurry of leaves everywhere. “OK, geez! I guess I haven’t earned the right to call you that yet!” Leon’s voice cut the revenant air with a laugh. “How about Richard?”

A strong breeze picked up. A few branches swayed perilously overhead. “Mr. Demandeur?” The wind slowed down.

“Mr. Demandeur. Got it.” Leon mounted his horse. “I’ll bring Carla with me next time.” Leon glanced upwards at the trees. “And Clavis.” The wind died completely. A beam of light streamed down on Leon and the horse.

“Good. Clavis misses you too.” Leon rode away, parting with one final statement.

“We’ll make you proud sir. All three of us.”

[xxsycamore]

—𝘔𝘢𝘬𝘦 𝘮𝘦 𝘳𝘦𝘢𝘤𝘩 𝘵𝘩𝘦 𝘴𝘵𝘢𝘳(𝘴)

► SYNOPSIS:

Aside from a holiday to spend with loved ones, Christmas is an opportunity for Yves. An opportunity to put his brilliant mind and his refined sense of beauty to use. Now that he has a Belle to impress, he must be exceptional.

...And when his height gets in the way of achieving that, his tall girlfriend comes to the rescue. Not that he asked for it.

▍yves x tall!MC (belle) ▍rating: G ▍tags: Tall!MC (Belle); Height Differences; Fluff; Christmas Decorations; Humor; Humor and Fluff ▍wordcount:  1,032

▍masterlist

▍a/n:  This one is for all the tall belles out there!! I'm quite tiny myself but I always wanted to write something like this! Hope you enjoy!!

Written for mine and @voltage-vixen's 'Tis The Season For Love challenge!

PROMPT: "Okay, maybe I DO need help putting the star on top of the tree."

Aside from a holiday to spend with loved ones, Christmas is an opportunity for Yves. An opportunity to put his brilliant mind and his refined sense of beauty to use. Now that he has a Belle to impress, he must be exceptional. The halls have to be decked and they have to be decked well. The tree must stand tall and glamorous; adorned with ribbons and glass ornaments and to be impossible not to be admired by whoever happens to walk by. No, no, Belle's eyes on the tree is all that matters! The additional praise wouldn't be unwanted, especially if it's from his dear Licht, but then Yves' mind trails off in the list of brothers until he remembers a certain hellcat. Everybody knows how cats and Christmas trees are - they should not be allowed in the same room. Which just adds to the list of rooms Clavis is unwelcomed in.

And tall and glamorous the tree stands.

Tall.

Now, it's not like Yves has to do everything with his own two elegant hands - there are people for that. That's why he was content enough with giving directions as he oversaw the process of decorating many walls and surfaces around the castle, but this here is different. He specifically ordered for noone to enter here as he takes care of beautifying the tree, sending a note for Belle to come in half an hour to be the first seeing the result.

He's soaring on the wings of love, driven to enfold his talents in order to impress her…alas, the wings don't bring him high enough.

The tips of his deft fingers, clad in snow-white glove, are barely holding onto the star ornament meant to be placed at the highest point of the tree. A little more and he risks it falling to the tiled floor with a horrifying sound of broken glass. He doesn't want that to happen, no, so he summons more concentration. The bottom of the star barely grazes the branch it's meant to stand on, yet, the realization is knocking on the door. He simply cannot reach with that height of his.

Knock knock.

No, this is not his realization knocking at a metaphorical door this time, it's all quite real, so it must be-

"Belle!"

Blue eyes widening, Yves takes a step back, lowering himself from the tips of his toes but not fast enough to hide what he's been up to. This is a nightmare; he managed to get distracted enough so the time has passed without his knowledge, Belle is here, he's not ready, and she most likely saw his futile attempt to reach higher…

"Wow…woooow! Yves! It looks amazing! You did this all by yourself?"

Ah. Maybe he's saved by his own creation, albeit unfinished.

"Why, yes. Are you doubting it?"

Belle laughs and her laugher is the sound of dozen delicate little golden bells that unfortunately Yves cannot adorn the tree with. Though, that's fine, she always wears those best.

She comes in closer, sweeping her hand over each of his shoulders as their little inside joke with which she teases him for his occasionally proud nature. Then, she would normally go for a kiss over his cupid's bow, puckered by a frown she summoned with her teasing - yet, this time his lips are the ones welcoming hers. To the disadvantage of his height, Yves loves to grasp the back of her neck and pull her down, gently. It's a simple greeting kiss, a little more than a pressing of lips against lips, but with the perfect amount of decency that only aims to say I missed you.

But his beloved has sharp eyes.

"What about the star?"

Yves' eyes trail down to where hers are curiously staring, the object in his hands, wits are hurriedly coming up on his mind.

"Ah, uh, I actually… I wanted you to place it." He thrusts the ornament into her hands, with a suddenly highlighted reaction to their briefly touching hands. The rise of intensity of the moment doesn't translate to Belle, who only appears more smug about the whole exchange.

"Hooh? Are you sure it's that, and not that you couldn't reach…?"

Yves is at the brink of producing a choking sound in his throat that is anything but suiting his elegant persona. He's so held aback by being found out, he can just grit his teeth and face away from his beloved.

"Okay, maybe I DO need help putting the star on top of the tree."

"Huh?" Blinking with invisible question marks floating above her, Belle makes Yves turn towards her but keeps her hands on his shoulders even after he does. "I was just teasing you… why didn't you ask anyone? Or take a stepladder?"

Yves wants to go outside, find a nice pile of snow and bury himself there. It would even help cool his burning cheeks aside from releasing him from living in embarrassment.

"I told you, I wanted you to-"

"Wait, I've got you!"

And suddenly Yves feels weightless, breather dying in his throat. The scent of Belle overwhelms him as the tight hug from behind sends him soaring in the air, this time it's real unlike before, but Yves can't allow himself to bask in the feeling. He wants to be unhanded immediately, and he remembers the star he's still holding, and he knows he has to place it in order to touch the ground again. And place it he does.

"Yaaay!" Belle exclaims, clapping her hands quietly as much as she can while still hugging Yves from behind.

"Why did you do that?? What if you strained your arms? I can't be that light, you could have-"

"But Yveees, you were so cute…"

Belle pouts, glad that at least her boyfriend is not facing her because she wouldn't be able to handle his scolding while face to face. Thankfully he's not struggling to get out of her grasp just yet.

Up this close, she can see the tips of his ears burning red. A goofy smile spreads on her lips.

Smooch smooch smooch

"B-Belle, that's enough! Let me go! I have other decorations to show you…!"

--------

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[omkookie]

⚠️•⟨WARNING⟩•⚠️ 16+ None, Fluff, F!MC ⟨Oneshot⟩

A while after Chevalier's coronation MC started visiting the orphanage and initiated donation campaigns for it, and of course, the first to donate to her campaign was her fiance and now king, Chevalier.

today chevalier was sitting on a bench in the gardens of the orphanage, reading his book as usual. MC was reading to all the children in the orphanage, it was a routine that had started in order for her to have a break from her studies at court and preparations to be Chevalier's fiance.

Next to Chevalier sat a little girl who was determinedly trying to read one of his books. Chevalier cast a single glance at her before sighing loudly "The material is too complicated for you to read." He spoke. Sofia- the little girl shut the book closed and sneered at him "Maybe if a certain white-cloaked man helped me I would have been able to read." Chevalier replied "I am not obliged to help you, you want to read it? then learn how to on your own."

"You're as unsympathetic as ever!" Sofia frowned

"heh, just who do you think you're conversing with?" Chevalier smirked at her. "Some brutal beast, as you always refer to yourself. However! you're always snuggling against MC's lap like a little cub!" Sofia retorted with a large smug grin. "In other words, you're a snuggly little cub desperate to have aaaal of MC's attention and not some brutal beast!" she said then scooted closer to Chevalier who had a cold expression. "Help me read this! What does this word mean?" Sofia asked as she pointed her finger under a word on her book's page.

"Devour" Chevalier read "it Means to eat something quickly, greedily, or to destroy something rapidly." Chevalier read the other lines on the page for context,

"The house was devoured by flames"

"Oh, Alright. So the flames destroyed the house in no time." Sofia spoke.

"Correct." Chevalier agreed.

"Okay! Next... what does this word here mean?"

‹⋆✦⋆›

Days passed by like this- with Chevalier reading and Sofia sitting right beside him.

the girl was intelligent for her age, always thinking outside the box and outsmarting those around her, attentively paying attention to any and every piece of advice Chevalier had given her, and coming up with her own solutions for problems.

And she never once feared Chevalier. She never backed down or got nervous under his piercing cold gaze and even befriended him.

Needless to say, Chevalier was impressed. she had a better functioning brain than many of the adults around her and most of his brothers included.

he could call her a genius. A genius which is born once every 1,000 years.

Alas, here he is, standing before the orphanage as he waits for her to emerge through its thick wooden doors- having signed all adoption papers earlier and officially making her his child, a member of the royal family and a legitimate heir by giving her his last name.

Sofia soon appeared, carrying a backpack and led by one of the child caretakers. her eyes twinkled and she smiled brightly up at Chevalier as she rushed towards him and hugged him.

Chevalier startled at the sudden display of affection and roughly patted her back.

"Let us leave." He said, then he picked her up and threw her over his shoulder like a sack of potatoes

"Ugh, Put me down this instant! If you're going to carry me like this then I can walk!" Sofia complained as she struggled to get out of Chevalier's grip. "Keep moving and I'll drop you," Chevalier warned her, an amused smile plastered across his face.

Sofia didn't say anything more as Chevalier carried her to the carriage where MC was waiting for her and Chevalier.

Chevalier set her down once they were in the carriage and MC immediately flung herself all over Sofia, clearly excited to have her. Chevalier watched amused as MC babied Sofia and cooed at her, clearly embarrassing her while she was trying to turn down MC's proposal of getting her lots of dresses and toys as gently as she could. at last, she cast a glance at Chevalier with a look that screamed "Please help me"

Chevalier smiles at his new little family and his chest feels warm and fuzzing as he pulls MC and hugs her close to him.

Nobody knows what the future holds, but he will protect his new little family and he will continue to protect Rhodolite against any acts of aggression from obsidian. here and now, he vows to himself to keep the two people most important to him safe forever.

As Chevalier finishes his vow, the carriage door is flung open abruptly and a purple-haired man enters it.

"Hello, my sweet little niece! your favorite uncle Clavis has arrived!"

The soft warm feeling Chevalier had felt in his chest moments ago is now replaced by annoyance as he grabs Clavis by the scruff of his neck and mercilessly throws him out of the carriage.

MC frets and worries about Clavis being hurt after the way he was thrown out but Chevalier simply shushes her by saying that, "That fool" was interrupting their time together and that his good-for-nothing brother will be fine.

"That was rude of you." Clavis complained from outside the carriage, now following it by riding on horseback, "But worry not my sweet little niece, you'll get to meet your fascinating uncle Clavis soon!"

What a nuisance.