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spacesquidlings · 2 years ago

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The Reason Why Noah is Scheming

Raeliana is just about fed up with Noah's overbearing behaviour since the moment they knew she was pregnant. She is perfectly capable of caring for herself and living her life just as she did before their baby. Noah, however, is not so sure. And yet despite his usual dissent, he's the one proposing they have a fun-filled day out. What could he possibly be planning?

Pairing: Raeliana McMillan x Noah Wyknight

Warnings: Some implied suggestive content

Notes: This is currently one of my most favourite stories!!!! I adore Raeliana and Noah so much I was inconsolable when I finished the manhwa. I hope everyone enjoys reading this as much as I did writing it!!!!

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“I’m fine, I am more than capable of walking on my own feet!”

Raeliana’s shouts echoed through the high-ceiled halls as she marched through the mansion. Her feet did, in fact, hurt, but she wasn’t about to admit that. They had swelled so much she couldn’t fit into any of her old shoes, and numerous new shoes had needed to be purchased.

She’d needed new dresses too, new everything, and she felt a little like a whale, or perhaps an overweight penguin, waddling down the halls in so much fabric with her swollen belly.

She laid a hand on her stomach, rolling her shoulders as she paused for a moment, leaning against a window looking out over the gardens. It was late autumn, the air cool enough that frost gathered on the windows, making the grass sparkle in the early morning before the sun melted it away.

And yet she was so unbearably hot she had already started sweating despite only walking for a few moments at most.

And her feet really were starting to hurt, and her lower back was aching, the weight in her belly putting pressure on her back as she struggled to stay up.

Raeliana struggled to rub the small of her back, the pain nearly overwhelming there. But the sound of footsteps made her pause in her vain efforts to find relief, and she started moving again, determined to at least make it into the gardens.

She’d wanted a walk, all she had wanted was a short walk through the garden. To walk past the trees whose branches were alight with the colours of autumn, to feel leaves crunching beneath her feet, to feel the crisp wind on her cheeks and in her hair. She had wanted to take a look at the flowers still in bloom, wanted to sit beneath one of the trees and close her eyes and breathe in the cold air until her lungs burned with it.

Not that Noah had been very keen on her taking a walk. She was nearing her eighth month of the pregnancy now, and while Noah had treated her like she might break at any moment before, that was nothing to how he was acting now.

The doctors and healers had even said that she was doing well, that there weren’t any complications. They did tell her that she should be resting more often now that the baby was becoming so much bigger, but they hadn’t told her to stay off her feet entirely.

And she’d been resting all day! She’d been lying in bed reading for most of the day, head against Noah’s side while he’d read through some paperwork that had needed his attention.

But now she wanted to move, wanted to step outside for just a few minutes.

“Raeliana!”

She wrinkled her nose, chest heaving as she tried to pick up her pace. She didn’t realize how slow she moved until she was being chased, struggling to make it down the hall before Noah or Adam caught up with her.

She’d snuck out when Noah had fallen asleep, changing out of the nightdress she’d still been wearing and into a soft, billowing gown that had been a relatively new purchase after she’d broken down in tears when her favourite dress no longer fit.

Normally she would have tried talking Noah out of buying her something expensive and new, but in a case like that…

Well, exceptions could be made. And it had made her feel very happy when she’d seen the new dress, in the same deep forest green as her old one.

Noah must have awoken no more than a few minutes after she’d slipped from the room, and she could hear the sound of his footsteps echoing behind her, the sound growing louder with each passing moment.

She grit her teeth, annoyed at how slowly she moved now. And even more annoyed with how quickly Noah did.

And that he was chasing after her in her own home.

Pain spiderwebbed from her lower back, scraping burning claws over her nerves and up her spine, momentarily snapping her from her thoughts. She felt herself stumbling, the pain catching her off-guard. She threw out a hand to press against the wall, to steady herself long enough to catch her breath, for the pain to grow dull enough that she could walk once again.

She was starting to think that she preferred it when she was nauseous.

Raeliana didn’t make it much further before Noah finally caught up with her, taking hold of her wrists and spinning her around with far, far too much ease.

He smirked, smug with the victory of catching her mid-flight. But she could see consternation in his face, too, in the slight wrinkles around his eyes and his mouth even as he smiled, in the slight furrow of his brow that she would have missed had she not known him for so long now.

“Where do you think you’re going?” He asked, his narrowing ever-so-slightly. A dare.

“I was going out for a walk,” she said, lifting her chin, trying to school her face into nonchalance even as the baby kicked just below her ribs, the sudden shock of it nearly making her gasp.

His grip on her wrist tightened, drawing her slowly back the way they had come. “You snuck out like a criminal while I was asleep?”

“There’s no crime in taking a walk,” she argued, trying to pull back.

“You didn’t even tell me,” there was the slightest hint of a pout now, although his eyes were still bright with mischief.

“You were asleep, I didn’t want to wake you.”

“Or,” he mused, leaning so close their brows nearly collided. “You were trying to sneak away.”

“So what if I was?” She asked, tilting her head to the side, trying to ignore how warm he was, how nice he smelled.

She was planning to say more, but found that she couldn’t as the baby kicked again, harder than before. Instead of any coherent words, she gasped, a tangled sound that might have been a curse spilling from her mouth instead.

“That hurt, baby,” she groused, rubbing her belly where the little foot had been. “You’re not being very nice.”

Noah sighed, crossing his arms, some of the humour disappearing from his face. “The doctors said you should be resting.”

“I’ve been resting all day,” she argued, wincing at the dull throb in her back. “I want to go out. I want to take a walk.”

“What if something happens? What if you get hurt?”

Now it was Raeliana’s turn to sigh. “I’m not made of glass, Noah. I can go into our garden for a walk.”

He regarded her cooly for a moment, the hand at her wrist sliding down, fingers tangling with hers.

“Alright,” he said at last, squeezing her hand.

Raeliana felt her mood brightening, a current of excitement arcing through her like lightning in the beginnings of a storm. “Really?”

He smiled, lips curling up into a devilish grin, his eyes once again glittering with mischief. “If you want to go out so badly, then why don’t we go out.”

She frowned, confusion wrapping itself around her mind like a woolen scarf in the winter. It itched, heavy and thick, and she shifted on her feet, uncomfortable.

“What do you mean?”

He smiled wider, that smug look returning. “My dear Raeliana, I think we should go on a date.”

***

“My dear Raeliana, I think we should go on a date.”

“It will probably be one of our last chances to spend time together before the baby comes.”

Noah’s words echoed in Raeliana’s ears as she made her way through the mansion once more.

She grimaced, her back and feet already aching as she waddled down the hall, heading towards Noah’s study.

He’d proclaimed that they’d needed to go out, enjoy each other’s company before the baby was born. He’d even gone so far as to promise to plan everything himself, so that she could rest before going out.

But Raeliana had seen the way his eyes had sparked, making the deep gold look nearly inhuman. He was planning something, she was sure of it.

But she’d decided to go along with it, anyways. At the very least it meant she would get a chance to go out for a little while, exhaust some of the energy that had made her so restless. And she would be lying if she said it didn’t feel nice to put on a pretty gown and have her hair done up for more than just sitting in bed all day.

And she would be lying, too, if she said she wasn’t looking forward to it.

She was so excited that there was a bounce in her step as she made her way towards Noah’s study. She imagined what he might have planned, if they would be stopping at one of the high end restaurants he so loved to make last minute reservations at. Or if they would go to a theatre to watch a show.

She rolled different ideas over in her mind as she paused at the door to his study, wondering what he would choose. From how overbearing he’d been from the moment they’d realised she was pregnant, she doubted it would be anything particularly strenuous.

There would be no long walks or trips beyond the city or attending any parties or balls. Not that she particularly wanted to attend a ball, where so many eyes would be once again fixed on her.

She knocked, humming tunelessly. Dancing would be fun, but she wouldn’t really want anyone watching. Partly because she didn’t want anyone picking apart her appearance and dancing skills, especially when she already felt like she was coated in sweat from the short walk from her room to the study. And partly too because she wanted to spend time with just Noah, without other people getting in the way.

She didn’t wait before stepping into the study, finding Noah still seated at his desk. He was already dressed and ready in a casual suit, and Raeliana’s heart stumbled a little as she watched him shuffle through some of the papers, his mouth quirked to the side, so lost in thought he hadn’t even noticed her come in.

She squeezed a ribbon stitched over her heart, forgetting for a moment the aches in her body and the sweat already coating her skin.

He really did look like an angel, even if she knew what lurked beneath his handsome features.

But her heart still stumbled, tripping like a child still learning to walk. How could it not when he looked up and met her gaze with his, when his eyes began to shine as their edges crinkled and his lips curled up into a true smile that so few people got to witness.

And she loved what was beneath all his good looks and faux charm too. Even the devilishness hidden beneath his skin. His true self, shared with her and few others, warming her heart with a gentle, steady heat.

Noah’s brow wrinkled, his tone teasing as he set his papers to the side. “Are you with me?”

She blinked, cheeks heating as she was drawn from her reverie. “Are you all ready to go?”

He nodded, standing and walking around his desk to pause before her.

“What were you thinking?” He asked, reaching up to twist a lock of her hair around his fingers.

Fat chance I’m telling you.

She winced; there was no way he would let her live down what she had been thinking.

So instead she shrugged. “Just thinking about what you had planned for today.”

His smile made her feel wary, hair rising on the back of her neck.

She narrowed her eyes. He was definitely planning something.

“Why do you look so suspicious?”

“I feel suspicious,” she muttered, taking the arm he offered anyways.

He pouted, just the smallest bit, and Raeliana had the overwhelming urge to reach up and pinch his cheeks. Just a little, only a little.

She wrinkled her nose, tucking her hand against her side to stop it from reaching his cheek against her will.

I’m pretty sure this is what they call cuteness aggression.

He really was cute, especially when he sulked, trying to tug on her heart with his lips sticking out, his eyes wide and round, his brow wrinkled in petulance.

She ground her teeth together, annoyed that whatever he was trying was working. She could feel some of her suspicions melting away, the urge to squish his cheeks between her hands now overtaking her mind.

“I can’t imagine why you would think such a thing,” he said, feigning innocence as they made their way to the entrance, the carriage waiting to whisk them away. “My only intention is to spend time with my beautiful wife.”

Raeliana narrowed her eyes, now convinced he had some sort of ulterior motive. He was trying too hard to be nice, there was certainly something up his sleeve.

She lifted her chin as he offered her his hand, helping her down the stairs from the front door, guiding her towards the carriage. She was certain she had a pretty fair idea of what he was plotting. Taking into consideration how overprotective he had been for the last number of months, how quickly he had chased her down the previous day, and the cunning light in his eyes when he’d suggested they go out, Raeliana figured she knew exactly what Noah was plotting.

It was very likely an attempt to get her to concede, to let herself be taken care of and rest in bed for the remainder of the pregnancy. And very very likely for a time after it, if Noah’s current mother hen-like behaviours continued.

Which meant that she just had to outdo him, and prove that she wasn’t quite so delicate as he thought.

Although he did have the upper hand, since he knew the exact itinerary for the day, putting Raeliana at a disadvantage. Her back was already aching horribly, and she could feel pain spider-webbing over her sides and up her back, towards her shoulders. She didn’t know how long she needed to hold out for, how much of the day Noah had scheduled.

She let him help her up into the carriage, ruminating over her theories as he ensured she was comfortable, his expression barely masking the concern that so often lingered there these days.

“Are you alright?” He asked, settling in the seat across from her, looking like he wanted to reach out and hold her again.

She did her best to fix a relaxed expression on her face, even as her body itched from how hot she felt. Walking through the mansion had made her overheat even more than normal, and she could feel the sweat that clung to her skin, practically dripping down her back.

But she still smiled, folding her hands over her belly. She would not lose. “I’m feeling great.”

***

Things were not going to plan. Which was truly such a shame considering how brilliant Noah had thought it was at the time.

Raeliana had been pushing the limits of her health since the moment they’d found out she was pregnant. And while he did understand that she wasn’t a porcelain doll, still he had worried. Her soul was tethered to her body properly now, with no fear of falling into a sleep she would never awaken from. But still he couldn’t shake the fear that she would collapse as she had before, that she would push herself too much and go beyond her limits and grow sick.

It didn’t help either that the nausea and sickness she had struggled with early in the pregnancy had terrified the life out of him. He’d wake in the middle of the night when she did, racing for the bathroom in a cold sweat, her hair clinging to her face. He’d did his best to help, holding her hair back for her, tucking her back into bed when she was too fatigued to put up a fight.

She’d gotten headaches too, ones that she had complained made her head feel like it was split in two. And they would last for days and days, paired with a dizziness that made her so unsteady on her feet some days that he wouldn’t be more than a few inches from her side, lest she stumbled and fell.

Which is something that did happen, more than once, although Raeliana would not admit it out loud.

He’d felt like he’d been losing a year of his life every day as his anxiety continued to mount, and as Raeliana continued trying to pretend like she was perfectly fine.

He’d seen her collapse multiple times since he’d known her, he’d nearly lost her to kidnappers, to fire, to an explosive masquerading as a jewel.

There was of course, the true explosives as well, in the royal palace, that she had very nearly been caught up in.

He figured he’d earned the right to be a little overbearing, a little anxious.

But the day before he had felt almost at peace. He’d been sitting on the bed next to Raeliana, who had started dozing even as she struggled to continue reading the book in front of her. He’d been sorting through some paperwork, periodically reaching out to rub her shoulder or readjust the pillows and blankets to be more comfortable for her.

And when she’d fallen asleep he had set aside his work to curl beside her for just a moment, he’d sworn it was only for a moment. To trace the outline of her face, to run his hand through the softness of her hair, even tangled as it was.

He hadn’t anticipated falling asleep, and yet it hadn’t been hard, nestled as he was with his precious wife, someone he loved so much it made his chest ache, just a little. Something he had never imagined he would feel, or would let himself feel.

But when he’d awoken he’d realized he had made a very big mistake, Raeliana gone from the room, the door still swinging shut in her wake.

Catching up to her hadn��t been hard; she’d grown much slower and much less adept at evading him as the months had progressed. But his mind had still been half asleep, part of him still lost in his dreams next to his sleeping wife. And he’d been incredibly annoyed, more so than usual.

And he had thought, as she’d argued with him because she’d wanted to wander outside, in late autumn, alone, when he had once watched her slam into a wall and fall backwards from dizziness, perhaps he should just let her. Let her wander outside, let her go out and act as though nothing were different and her body was currently being pushed to its limits.

He knew getting out and staying moderately active was good and healthy, but going out alone, in late autumn without so much as a coat was certainly pushing it. Especially when the doctor had told them that now she should be resting a little more, particularly if she was experiencing any body pain.

But maybe if he took her out, if they went out and did everything they normally did, perhaps she would acquiesce, finally coming to terms with the fact that she could not still do everything that she normally did.

And also that he would very much like her to not try and do everything she normally did, because it was scaring away years of his life.

But perhaps if they went out she would concede, and she would let him take care of her just a little.

That had been his thought, anyways. But now he was walking with her down a winding path through one of the public parks in the city, their stroll nearly at an end, and she didn’t show even the slightest hint of discomfort.

The day was cold, the first taste of winter in the breeze as it rustled through the remaining leaves still stubbornly clinging to ashen branches. And yet Raeliana had shed her jacket, her pale cheeks flushed a soft pink. Her eyes were closed, her head thrown back as the wind raked freezing fingers through her hair, her hat clasped in her free hand so it did not fly away.

He had chosen the park because it had been the most beautiful, with a grand hedge-maze and beautiful blooming flowers that rivalled even the royal gardens.

He would have taken her to the royal gardens, which were even more grand and sprawling, but he did not want to risk the chance of his brother finding them, and harassing them incessantly until they could escape.

Noah had thought that a long walk in the brisk autumn air would surely tire Raeliana, and she would at the very least ask to sit down on one of the many benches that dotted the walking paths. Except that she had not. Even when he’d been sure she’d been gazing longingly at some of the benches tucked beneath a canopy of flowers, she had not asked to sit or rest.

And he couldn’t exactly ask her if she wanted to rest either, not when he was feigning calm, pretending as though she were not eight months pregnant and should really be getting off her feet since they’d been walking for over an hour now.

He had a sneaking suspicion Raeliana had caught on to his ploy, but he could not voice that question either. Instead he could only continue on, biting his tongue when he wanted to drag her to one of the benches and insist she sit, insist she rest and have some water for a few moments.

He comforted himself with the knowledge that they were almost done their walk, that they would be boarding the carriage again soon and heading to their next destination.

He’d booked a reservation for a new restaurant, one with a waitlist so long it would take a year at the minimum to get a seat.

Thankfully, he had been able to pull some strings and get them a reservation for that afternoon.

He’d heard the food was good, and that it was something Raeliana would enjoy, with an extensive menu that conveniently contained over half of the foods she was so often craving these days.

The interlude would be good, it would mean that Raeliana would get a chance to sit and eat and refresh herself. And it would serve as a break for him, from his worries over his plan potentially not going as he wanted it to.

Raeliana muttered something under her breath, the hand clutching her hat sliding to her back, pressing against the heavy fabric of her dress.

Noah wasn’t thinking about his plan when he reached out, pressing his hand against the small of her back, worry like oil in his veins.

“Are you alright?” He asked, icy hands grasping his chest. Perhaps he had been too callous, too hasty in enacting such an absurd plan. And now she was likely hurting, her body in pain because he wanted to prove a point-

His train of thought was abruptly stopped, utterly derailed as Raeliana’s hand dropped to her side and she grinned as though nothing were the matter. “Of course. I was just readjusting my dress.”

He dropped his hand too, pulling it back to his side as he gathered up the loose ends of his thoughts, tucking them away. He could tell she was lying, had caught onto her tell even before they’d been officially, truly engaged and married. But he couldn’t say anything as Raeliana continued to beam, feigning a sunny, unbothered demeanor.

Surely if she was well enough to lie to his face, she was well enough to continue with their day, wasn’t she?

He plastered on his own fake grin, quashing the desire to pick her up and drag her home. For the moment, anyways.

The carriage came into sight and Noah stifled his sigh of relief, pausing next to it as he helped Raeliana up and into her seat. He climbed in next to her, checking on the additional cushions they had added for her before taking his own seat.

He could at the very least make sure she was comfortable.

Raeliana’s eyes fell closed and she slumped back, sighing as though she were content. Noah couldn’t help seizing the moment, leaning forward ever-so-slightly, catching her gaze as her eyes fluttered open.

“Did you need a rest?” He asked, smirking. “You seem delighted for the chance to sit.”

Raeliana’s eyes narrowed, the corners of her lips turning down, furrowed lines appearing on her brow.

He resisted the urge to reach out to caress her cheek, to twist a lock of her hair around his finger. But it was particularly difficult, paired with her pink cheeks and the look of irritation he’d always thought was quite adorable on her face.

“I was just appreciating how soft these cushions are,” she groused.

Liar.

He continued smiling anyways, crossing his arms over his chest. “Is that so?”

She bobbed her head. “Yes, they’re nicer than the ones we have at home. I think we should get some more.”

He made a mental note to ensure at least a few hundred of the cushions were purchased and distributed throughout all of Raeliana’s favourite places to sit.

A wince crossed her face, but it was just as quickly as it had appeared, and her hand moved to the side of her belly, like she could smooth away whatever had hurt her.

“Where are we headed to next?” She asked, a slight strain in her voice as she shifted, clearly not as comfortable as she had suggested.

He leaned his head back, watching her silently for a moment.

“Noah?”

He smiled wider, closing his eyes. “It’s a surprise.”

***

Ruined plan aside, Noah was at least glad that Raeliana seemed to enjoy the food.

Part of him had worried that she would grow sick, as she sometimes still did. As though a smell or a particular texture ruined the entire meal, inciting horrible nausea. But the food must have been quite good, or perhaps the baby was also enjoying the meal, or maybe a little bit of both, because she was beaming with genuine delight as each new course was brought out.

Noah bit his tongue to stop himself from saying anything too snarky, not wanting to ruin the moment. Even the baby, it seemed, had calmed down a little, slowing the usual ceaseless kicks Raeliana had complained of around this time of the day.

He would tease her later. When there was no one else to watch.

They were nearing the end of their reprieve, slices of cakes on delicate, flower-shaped dishes before them. While Raeliana poked at a candied flower he surreptitiously checked his itinerary for the day.

A dress fitting, for some new gowns that she would feel comfortable in. No matter how she groused that he did not need to buy her many things, he did feel it was necessary to buy her new gowns. If not because he wanted to at least shower her a little in as many fine dresses and jewellery that he could than for the more utilitarian demand of her actually needing new clothes.

The doctor said the baby might yet still grow more, and as they were nearing the winter Raeliana would still need new, warmer clothes to combat the cold. All of her usual winter attire had been purchased before she’d been pregnant did not fit in the least.

And he did not want her to become distressed as she had the last time she’d tried wearing something that no longer fit.

Her tears had broken his heart in two and he’d nearly fired every dressmaker in his employ and run the rest of them out of town.

He hadn’t had any wicked intent when he’d scheduled the fitting, instead just hoping to kill more birds with the same stone.

Then he wanted to take her out on the lake, a fireworks display planned for that evening for many of the noble families in the city.

The boat was already prepared, resplendent with out of season blooms scattered around the interior and the finest of cushions for her to lounge against while enjoying the fireworks, and no doubt trying to stab him with her usual verbal barbs.

There wasn’t anything particularly wicked about that either, although he figured the gentle sway of the boat in the waves would make her feel a little off-kilter when they docked again.

He hadn’t planned much afterwards, having hoped that the earlier walk would have been all that was necessary. But if Raeliana had caught onto his schemes he would have to come up with something more elaborate. He highly doubted one fitting and an evening boat ride would convince her to capitulate.

He tucked his list back into his pocket, trying to curb the desire to shift uncomfortably as she plucked sugary flowers from his plate.

He really did want her to rest more, was desperately wishing they were at home and she were tucked somewhere safe. Surely it wasn’t so bad, was it? The mansion was quite large, and they had every comfort at their fingertips. He made sure she had any book she wanted to read, and any food she wanted, particularly after the incident with the broth he’d hunted down to help with her nausea.

And though he was so often busy, he did his best to handle some of his work sitting with her so he could at least spend a little time with her each day.

Although perhaps that was more for him, as he found he missed her presence a little more with each passing moment.

“Noah?”

He looked up as Raeliana called his name, and from the bemused expression on her face it was clear that hadn’t been the first time she’d called out to him.

“Hmm?” He beamed, feigning innocence. “What is it, dear Raeliana?”

She scoffed, rolling her eyes, but a smile played at the corners of her lips. “I wanted you to know that the baby is also enjoying lunch today.”

His smile faltered for something else, something akin to awe and delight twining together like one of Raeliana’s attempts at embroidery. “Pardon?”

She grinned, beckoning him over to her side. “I’m only doing this since you’re being so nice today.”

Her tone was far too saccharine to be a coincidence, so sugary that his teeth ached. If he’d had any doubts that she’d caught onto his little ploy they were washed away like sand beneath ocean surf. She most certainly knew what he’d been hoping for today.

But there was something in her eyes too, a genuine joy as she gestured to her side. “The baby’s saying how much they liked lunch.”

She took his hand to press to the side of her belly, and there, beneath the layers of her dress and his gloves, he felt the tiniest of kicks. A little foot, kicking again and again, demanding to be noticed.

His smile was true now, one of delight as he felt the baby continue kicking.

“They’re saying ‘thank you papa for lunch.’”

Noah started, something about her words catching him off-guard. Her tone had softened, losing the forced sweetness she had coated her voice with before. “I think she’s very happy.”

“She?” He was still off-guard, the image of a tiny child running unchecked through the once silent halls of the mansion giving him pause. His chest felt heavy, like something was pressing down against it, warmth bubbling where the pressure was greatest.

He couldn’t put a name to the feeling, only that it was something near happiness, though the edges were still stained with something close to melancholy.

A small child, with round cheeks and bright green eyes much like Raeliana’s, grinning up at him while eating lunch. Kicking little legs while she ate. Chattering in the way only little children did. Calling him father.

He bit the inside of his cheek, forcing an unexpected lump from his throat.

Heedless of Noah’s inner tumult, Raeliana only nodded. “I think the baby will be a girl.”

He cleared his throat, drawing his hand from her belly. “Oh? And how do you know?”

She shrugged, looking smug, as if she knew a secret he was not yet privy to. “I just know.”

He smiled despite himself. He’d wanted to tease her, but he couldn’t find it in him. Perhaps he hoped it was a girl, too. With Raeliana’s bright eyes and her smile and her intelligence and her masterfully hidden cunning.

And maybe a little bit of his, too.

“I suppose we will just have to wait and see.”

Raeliana blinked at him, seeming caught off-guard.

“Were you expecting a witty rejoinder?” He asked, spinning a teacup round on its saucer.

She furrowed her brow as he smirked, for a moment looking like she was about to snap out a sharp remark. But her expression quickly clouded over, her nose wrinkling as she suddenly glowered down at her plate.

The sudden shift gave him pause, although he knew he should have been used to the mood swings by now. “Raeliana? Is everything alright?”

He didn’t know how, but she managed to glare harder down at the plate, as though she were trying to disintegrate the remainders of her yet-unfinished dessert.

“Raeliana?”

She grumbled something incoherent, fiddling with her fork.

He leaned forward, concern twisting through his ribs like climbing ivy. “What’s wrong?”

She heaved a long sigh, dropping her head so quickly he feared she would smash it against the table. He did not immediately register her hands reaching up to catch her head, and he instead moved to catch it in her stead.

Raeliana blinked at him, looking dazed as crimson spread across her cheeks and ears, her cheeks cradled in his palms, her own hands pressing against the backs of his.

“Noah?”

He blinked, not daring to move for a moment.

“What are you doing?”

He drew his hands back, coughing as he took his seat again, trying and failing to ignore the heat climbing up his face. “I thought you were about to faint again, and I wanted to catch your head before you gave yourself a concussion.”

Incredulity was written in the lines of her smile, but blessedly Raeliana didn’t comment further. Instead she only shrugged, picking awkwardly at her dress.

“I had forgotten what I was going to say,” she admitted, looking more than a little ashamed.

He folded his arms on the table, nodding. “Ah.”

Raeliana scowled once more, looking less than pleased. “It was quite a good remark, too.”

“It must be quite frustrating to have forgotten such an alleged good remark.”

Her gaze snapped up to meet his. “What are you suggesting?”

He chuckled, beaming wider, delighted that he’d succeeded in teasing her. “Nothing, my love.”

Her nose wrinkled, and she crossed her arms, looking away from him. “You’re utterly insufferable.”

“You’re the one that married me.”

She was at a loss with that for a moment, but she quickly regained herself. “It’s quite common for pregnant women to forget small things.”

He was already well aware that it was, but that didn’t mean he couldn’t have at least a little fun.

“And it’s already happened a few times,” she grumbled, more to herself than him.

He was quite aware of that, too. He’d caught her staring off into space, her eyes cloudy as she struggled to remember what she’d forgotten. Turns of phrase, where she had set a particularly favoured hair ribbon, what book she had been reading most recently.

He couldn’t resist needling her further, thinking this the perfect opportunity to recommend resting more. Letting herself be taken care of. “Well, perhaps if you were willing to rest more at home-”

She waved her hand, rolling her eyes at the familiar argument. “I will not even consider it.”

He huffed, although continued to smile. He was certain she would change her tune soon enough.

***

Noah felt sweat beading on his brow, and he turned away to brush it away.

It seemed Raeliana’s will was made of iron, and perhaps his was nothing more than cardboard, or sodden paper, because he could feel his resolve flaking away with every passing moment.

Raeliana had seemed pleasantly content at the dress fitting, choosing new fabrics and designs that she liked. And she had loved the fireworks display, nestled comfortably against the cushions as she was, commenting on the different lights and patterns that bloomed in the sky.

But still no concession, no admittance that he was even partly right.

So he had suggested another walk, since she’d so seemed to enjoy the last one. This time through the city, so they could stop into any shops she wished.

It had been over an hour when he suggested that, and the oily anxiety that curled in his belly like a serpent had reared its poisoned head once more. He could feel some of his rationality slipping away, and he had to tuck his hands against his sides or into his pockets to stop himself from reaching out to offer to help her, to take her arm or press his fingers against the small of her back.

He didn’t want to be out anymore, he was growing far too nervous. They’d been out for long enough, hadn’t they? They had far exceeded her need to be out and move around, had they not?

Perhaps he was being melodramatic, as bothersome as Raeliana often whined about him being. But he was also anxious, a feeling he was still not entirely used to, although since meeting Raeliana he had been introduced to it more and more.

Raeliana, for her part, seemed wholly unperturbed, too busy browsing a night market tent nearly drowning in books.

“Oh, this one looks wonderful,” she said, her cheeks the pink of the sunset sky, a crescent moon smile dancing on her lips as she held the book out towards him. “Although I don’t know if it’s something you would particularly enjoy, Noah.”

He took it anyways, flipping through the pages, feigning nonchalance. It was another romance novel, similar to the others that Raeliana seemed to love so ardently.

“Oh, it must be a series,” she chattered, focus shifting to a few books sitting in a row. “These are all by the same author, and it looks like they feature the same characters.”

Noah gestured to one of the knights that had been trailing them as he covertly paid for the entire collection. He would have them carry the books back to the carriage, to await them when they were done.

“What do you think?” She asked, turning back to him, eyes glittering like unusual gems beneath the sun.

He offered a small smile, handing her back the book. “I think it would go quite well with the rest of your collection.”

She pouted a little, crossing her arms. “If you don’t think it’s interesting you can just say it.”

“Well, sometimes I like to read something new. Maybe next time I’m in the mood I’ll try it.”

She snorted, setting the book aside to take his hand. “I expect you to tell me all about what you think when you do.”

He let himself be dragged through the crowds of the market, pausing in front of stalls and tents carrying an assortment of paraphernalia, from perfumes to jewellery to fried foods to gowns to plush toys.

Some of his worry melted away, like ice beneath a warm, spring sun. But still he could feel the remnants of it, an astringent aftertaste in the back of his throat that would not dissipate no matter what he ate or drank.

More than a few times he caught Raeliana beginning to lag, could see the way she blinked back vertigo, the way she sometimes wobbled on her feet. And he would be an idiot if he didn’t notice the way she kept reaching around to her back, fingers scrabbling for a spot she couldn’t seem to reach.

Finally, he couldn’t stand it anymore, the rising and falling tide of his anxiety wearing down his nerves like a stone losing its form beneath the weight of the ocean. She had winced, clearly trying to massage her upper thighs without him noticing, for perhaps the eighth time in the last fifteen minutes.

“Perhaps it’s time we headed home,” he suggested, taking her arm, hoping to steer her back in the direction of the carriage.

Raeliana narrowed her eyes, looking suspicious. “But there’s still so much to see.”

He sighed, knowing his defeat was at hand.

“My dear Raeliana, for the love of the goddess, can you please just sit down.”

She blinked at that, seeming at a loss for words, and it gave him the opening he needed to steer her towards a collection of quaint tables and chairs clustered before a charming little shop. A rose-coloured canopy was spread over the tables, casting them in a soft pink glow. He had her sitting down, and had finished ordering a light snack and water from the waitress who popped her head outside to check on them before Raeliana found her voice once more.

“I thought you’d finally come to your senses and realized I didn’t need to be babied,” she protested. There was a lilt to her voice though, and it belied the harsh scolding she was trying to convey.

He caught the quirk of her lips even as she glared at him. Or rather, tried to glare at him. But it was clear she was silently revelling in something within her mind, the sea glass green of her eyes sparkling like there was sunlight dancing in their depths.

Noah leaned back in his chair, sighing as he crossed his arms. Raeliana mimicked his pose, arching a brow, not bothering to hide her smirk now as she waited for him to speak. Expecting him to speak.

“I must admit,” he began, speaking slowly, watching as Raeliana tipped her head to the side, the golden-brown of her hair falling over her shoulder like a waterfall. He felt a little like an explorer, like he had discovered a rare, beautiful wonder. He wished that they were closer, he wished that the street was not so crowded, he wished that he could not see the waitress spying on them through the darkened window of the café.

He cleared his throat, trying to push away the distracting thoughts like cobwebs. Raeliana, sensing his hesitancy, dared to smile a little wider. She pressed the tips of her fingers to her cheeks, looking far too amused as she regarded him. “Admit what, Noah?”

He closed his eyes, sighing again. It would be easier if he wasn’t looking at her. “My intentions for taking you out today were not entirely pure.”

A trickle of laughter curled through the air, and he dared to crack his eyes open, his breath stolen as Raeliana dissolved into a fit of barely contained giggles. “When are your intentions ever entirely pure?”

He couldn’t help smiling then, the soft pink of peonies blooming in her cheeks, her hair falling over her shoulders in soft waves, the tiniest of snorts escaping from her nose as she tried to reign in her laughter.

He hadn’t realized how quiet and grey his life had been, how absent of music and colour. He had been lacking something essential, and it had only been when Raeliana had entered his life that he’d realized what it was.

It was her, he’d been missing her.

He waited until her laughter finally subsided, and he reached for her hand before he continued. “I had hoped that going out today might make you reconsider how insistent you’ve been to refuse to rest. Or accept any help or support. Or acknowledge that right now your needs are different.” He said the final words as impassively as he could, but he couldn’t completely stop the ire that stained them.

Raeliana sighed now, but she still took his hand, tangling her fingers with his. “I figured that was what you were up to.”

He’d figured she was on to him. There wasn’t much he could hide from the sharp sea-glass green of her eyes.

“So why admit to it?” She asked, arching a brow.

“Since you know so much, why don’t you tell me?”

“I want to hear you say it.”

He closed his eyes once more, pressing the heel of his hand against the spot between his eyes. He must have been losing his touch, she had him thoroughly beat.

“I had a feeling you knew what I was up to,” he said, opening his eyes once more, his desire to catch sight of her smug little smile overcoming his bruised pride. “And that you would try to beat me at my own game.”

Her smile grew a little wider, and he once more wished that they were closer, that there were not so many people around. He would have liked to cup her cheek and kiss her gently, but he supposed that would have to wait.

Raeliana opened her mouth to reply, but her expression faltered, her free hand dropping to her belly as she winced, sucking in a long breath.

Any playfulness Noah felt was stifled by the heavy, choking feeling of anxiety descending over him. He was standing before he realized he’d moved, reaching for her with his other hand.

“Are you okay? What’s wrong?”

Her expression softened, whatever had been paining her passing. “I’m okay, Noah.”

He must have looked unconvinced because she took his hands, squeezing them together as she held his gaze. “I promise I’m okay. The baby was just kicking quite hard.”

He sat down slowly, not wanting to let her hands go. “Are you sure?”

She nodded. “Sometimes it just hurts. But it means the baby is healthy and very excited.” She smiled. “I imagine this little one will not give us much rest.”

He squeezed her hands tighter, waiting until his breathing was even once more. “If I’m being honest, this was why I couldn’t continue.”

“With your scheme?”

He huffed a laugh. “Yes, with my scheme.”

Her answering smile was soft, if not a little curious. “Because of the baby kicking?”

“Because I didn’t want you to be in pain or discomfort.”

Her shoulders slumped a little, and she leaned forward, her hair pooling on the table. “I understand why you’re concerned, Noah, I really do. But most days I feel like I’m being treated like a glass doll you’re worried might break.”

He was worried, but he kept his mouth shut, knowing now was not the time to say that.

“I would just like to feel like I’m a person. Not a fragile bauble that is kept in a glass case.”

He waited a moment, to see if there was more she wanted to say. But Raeliana only nodded her head, as if to signal that she had said her piece.

“And I understand why you feel that way. Perhaps sometimes I can be a bit…” He mulled over his actions over the past few months. “A bit overbearing. And overzealous.”

Raeliana snorted, and he pinched her hand in retaliation, smirking as she glowered at him.

“But I am worried. There haven’t been many complications, but I still see that you’re in pain, even if you try to hide it. And I feel as though I am often reminded of when you’ve collapsed in the past.”

“Noah, that was different. Now that-”

He waved a hand, and she grew quiet. “I understand the circumstances of why you were ill then, and why you collapsed, but I can still worry for the wellbeing of my wife.”

Her cheeks flushed, and he allowed himself a touch of satisfaction.

They were both silent for a few moments, considering the others words.

“Maybe there is a compromise,” Raeliana offered, tracing her thumb over the side of his hand.

“What did you have in mind?”

“I can make more of an effort to take things a bit slower, and let you know honestly when I am feeling unwell. And not try to escape from you or Adam or any of the guards when I am feeling overwhelmed.”

He nodded. “And what of me?”

“You can stop being quite so overbearing,” she smiled as she let go of one of his hands, drumming her fingers on the table. “Not accompany me everywhere I go. Not stop me from leaving the mansion.”

Her expression softened, and she stretched her fingers out on the table. “Take me out on dates like this.”

“I think I can manage that.”

“Without having any ulterior motives.”

Noah laughed, lifting her hand to brush his lips against her knuckles. “Now that I can’t promise.”

Raeliana rolled her eyes, leaning back in her chair, a weight seeming to have lifted from her shoulders. She rolled her head back, eyes falling closed as she sighed.

“What is it?”

“Well,” she said, her words turning to a slight squeak as she cracked one eye open to peek at him. “You might have been maybe just a little, tiny bit right.”

He lifted his brows, unable to stop the smile that slid across his face. “Oh?”

She wrinkled her nose, glaring at him. “Just a little.”

“Of course, I could never be entirely right.”

She snorted, eyes falling closed once more. “I think I might have overdone it, just a little.”

“Are you in any pain?”

She shook her head, a hand snaking behind her back. “My back just hurts. A lot.”

“Does it often hurt?”

A pause, then a begrudging nod.

Noah paused too, propping his chin on his palm as he regarded her quietly for a moment. “Would you like me to try and help?”

Raeliana blinked, seeming to consider his words. He suspected she’d never actually considered asking for help, but he also suspected he was partly to blame for that. Perhaps if he hadn’t been so overzealous the last few months she would have been willing to approach him with anything truly ailing her.

The thought made him wilt, like a dying plant beneath an unrelenting summer sun. It seemed he might have been his own worst enemy.

Raeliana’s voice drew him from his thoughts, and catching her gaze he felt himself straighten, no longer a dying weed in parched, cracked earth.

“If it’s not too much trouble,” she said, casting her eyes down to the table, the ground, a spot on her gown he couldn’t see, her gaze flitting anywhere other than meeting his own. “Do you think you could massage it a little? To help?”

He hummed, smiling as she fidgeted in her seat, not even making eye contact with the waitress as she dropped off their food and left.

“I’d be happy to.”

She blinked. “Are you sure?”

“If it would make you happy, I would hire the most talented masseuse in the country.”

She snorted. “Well I don’t want the most talented masseuse in the country.”

“How about the world?”

She rolled her eyes, but she was smiling. “I just want you, Noah.”

“As you wish.”

She poked at the small round cake in front of her, strawberries arranged in a circle around the edges of the cake. “And I want another one of these.”

He lifted his arm to wave the waitress back over. “I can have a full order of them sent to the mansion.”

She opened her mouth, looking like she was ready to argue, but she paused, taking a bite of her cake instead. “I would like that very much.”

Noah laughed, warmth blooming within him like he was made of summer. Like there were wildflowers between his ribs and sunshine in his veins and birds arcing in the cavity of his chest.

The day had not gone the way he had expected it to at all, and he had never been more glad for it. Had never been happier that a scheme had gone awry, that he had lost.

Across from him sat Raeliana, his wife, happy and content as she chattered about something new. About the books they had looked at, how she was looking forward to reading something new. And he couldn’t help looking forward to the days ahead too, when he was certain more of his schemes would come undone beneath her hands. He had already lost his heart to her, he was more than happy to lose everything else, so long as it meant he could stay with her forever, in this life and every one after.

#the reason why raeliana ended up at the duke's mansion #why raeliana ended up at the duke's mansion #raeliana mcmillan #noah wyknight #this is perhaps one of my most favourite stories EVER right now honestly #im so obsessed with them

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spacesquidlings · 1 year ago

Text

The Reason Why Noah Is At A Convenience Store

Description: Meeting Raeliana had been perhaps the best thing to have happened in Noah's life, but he would consider finding her again in his second life to be the second best thing. With his memories of his previous life intact, he's finding it difficult to adjust, and to find a way to make her fall in love with him once more. Yet perhaps he will be able to find solace in the quiet of the night, or beneath the fluorescent lights of a convenience store.

Pairing: Noah Wyknight x Raeliana McMillan/Eunha Park

Warnings: None

Notes: hello!!! I was thinking about what would happen at the end of the webcomic, when they've both been reborn and Noah has only just found her in the modern world and he's getting used to it while still remembering his old life. I had a lot of fun with this one, I hope you do too!!!!

************************************

Holding his breath, Noah carefully regarded himself in the mirror of his apartment.

It was a strange thought. His home was not a mansion any longer. He was no longer the brother of a king. He was no longer a duke. He was living in an apartment, a fraction of the size of his mansion. And although the memories of this new body told him he still had a small fortune, that this body’s family had ties to old nobility, it was nowhere near the fortune of the Wyknight family.

And yet his face remained almost entirely the same, the cut of his jaw, the fall of his bangs across his brow. The only difference now was that his eyes were no longer the gold of a demon’s eyes. Instead they were green, like sea glass one moment, and like clover in the next, shifting as the light touched it.

Everything was strange, and new, and it was hard not to stare. Not to remember who he used to be, not to think about how similar and how alien he was all at once.

Was this how Raeliana had felt? When she had first awoken in his world? The same and yet utterly changed?

He ran a hand through his hair, then did it again. And again. When he had first awoken here he hadn’t let himself think for more than a moment before he’d gone in search of Raeliana. Of who Raeliana was in this world.

She’d told him, before. About her life before the goddess had sent her soul careening into his world. About her family, her friends, her time dedicated to studying so she could get into university. She’d even told him about the book that he’d unknowingly been a part of.

He’d considered finding a copy, ruefully thinking about his world, his life. But he also knew that it wouldn’t be accurate, that it would cast someone else as his true love. And he wasn’t sure if he could read such trite nonsense when the one he truly loved was somewhere beyond the confines of this apartment.

Noah had already found her once, seen her as she’d spoken on the phone, oblivious to the ache in his heart. She’d looked different, her hair shorter, darker. Her eyes no longer an emerald green, but a deep, warm brown. Like a forest, like freshly turned soil. Even her voice had been different, a different melody than the one he had grown used to.

But he would know his Raeliana anywhere. Even if they travelled through a million different lives and she wore a million different faces, he would know her.

He’d had to apologize, biting back a smug grin when colour had bloomed across her cheeks. So different and yet utterly the same as the Raeliana he knew.

He’d surprised her though, the woman with Raeliana’s soul. She’d been taken aback when he’d approached her, but he’d caught the way her eyes had glittered, the line that formed between her brows as they furrowed. Surprised, curious even, but not scared.

He supposed he should count that as a win. He’d known it was likely she wouldn’t recognize him now, in this world. That she’d have no memory of their life together. But still his heart had sunk when recognition hadn’t flared in her eyes.

Yet his spirits had lifted again when she’d quickly grown comfortable with him, seeming at ease although to her they had only just met. She had no memories of him, but perhaps somewhere deep in her heart she knew him, just as he knew her. Something that connected them, drawing them together.

She’d been on her way home, and yet she’d still stopped, had let herself be drawn to the side. Had watched him curiously, the gears of her cunning mind whirring behind her eyes.

Noah hadn’t thought things through when he’d dashed into the world in search of her. Hadn’t taken stock of who he was now, hadn’t done much investigating what this world was like. All he’d been armed with was the scraps of knowledge Raeliana had given him in their past life, and an invisible pull in his heart urging him forward. Urging him to move.

He’d managed to introduce himself at least, get her contact information, invite her out another day. He knew things were different in this world, that he couldn’t just propose to her.

He wanted to though. Noah so desperately wanted her to be a part of his life once more. But he was sure if he did that she would become too suspicious of him to ever trust him. She was smart, sometimes far too clever for her own good.

But he wouldn’t be deterred. He just had to get her to fall in love with him again.

His phone buzzed, startling him from his reverie. He reached for where it sat on his nightstand, the screen flickering to life as text messages popped up on the screen.

He’d quickly learned he was a businessman in this world, that he’d recently taken over for his deceased parents. Which meant that he was bombarded with phone calls and messages constantly. There were constant meetings that dragged on for hours, arguing with new and old shareholders about projects and ventures the company was considering, pay raises and bonuses, acquisitions of smaller companies.

It was all enough to give him a headache, and he spent far too many nights working well into the following day.

He missed being a knight, missed the weight of his sword at his hip, missed the confidence and surety he felt brimming in his chest when he defeated a monster. He was no stranger to political maneuvering, and yet it tired him dealing with it every day.

Noah frowned down at the phone, wishing he could have just a moment’s peace. He also missed how messages had been passed along, through letters or messengers. Now he was only the tap of a button away and it was becoming beyond frustrating. He just wanted a few moments to think, to acclimate himself.

He also just wanted a few days of uninterrupted quiet, and he was beyond curious about the history of this new world. He needed some time to read as much as he could, to learn about everything he needed to. Raeliana had explained some things to him, but he knew he would need to learn a lot more if he was going to truly live and flourish.

Sighing, he swiped his finger over the screen, dismissing the messages that had been sent. It was late, and he didn’t want to deal with whatever was being sent his way. It could wait until tomorrow.

Running a hand down his face, Noah considered just going to bed. His mind was a swirling mess, and he couldn’t focus on anything. There were far too many things that needed his attention, and yet all he could truly focus on was Raeliana.

He pictured her in his mind’s eye. Her mischievous smile, the flush of her cheeks when he teased her, the aggrieved sigh she often made. He wished she were here with him now. That he could walk into the next room and find her sitting on the couch, reading one of her favourite romance novels.

He would sit next to her and draw her into his arms, tuck her head beneath his chin if only for a few brief moments before she squirmed free. Then she would look at him, her lips curving in amusement even as her brow wrinkled. And then he would cup her cheek, and he would kiss her until his worries were gone, until they were both a little breathless and Raeliana would try and say something clever. And he would laugh and laugh and he would feel loved and secure, and his world would be full of the brightest of colours and sweetest of sounds and it would make him utterly, undeniably happy.

Not that any of that happened. Noah stepped into the empty living room, slumping onto the couch to stare up at the ceiling. He could still hear his phone going off in the other room, but he didn’t much care.

Maybe he would go to the gym. There was one close by, and the equipment was state-of-the-art, and it was usually pretty quiet. He imagined at this time of night it would be practically dead.

It wasn’t swinging a sword or sparring with his knights, but he supposed it would do. And maybe the exercise would help him to clear his mind, help so he could plan his next steps as he made his way through this world.

***

While unsure if working out had actually done anything to clear his mind, Noah did feel a little better.

He’d been right in his presumption that the gym would be nearly dead when he arrived, and the hushed hum of electricity and the quiet whirr of the few machines being used by the remaining souls in the gym was a boon to his tired mind. He just needed to do something that would quiet his mind, settle the worry crashing through him like ocean waves.

The gym only had a few clocks, none of them located anywhere near Noah’s preferred machines, making it more than easy to lose track of time.

The quiet hum of the lights overhead and the pale, silvery starlight that melted through the few windows and the utter lack of any other humans nearby made the space feel liminal. Like he was caught in a place between time. It made it all too easy to forget about the worries that plagued him, the lonely ache beneath his ribs, the longing for a home he could not return to.

It was also far too easy to lose himself entirely in the motions of the workout. He’d opted against wearing headphones, so he could not even mark time passing by the shuffle of songs.

It wasn’t until his phone slipped from his pocket, the screen flashing, did he realize how late it had become.

Swearing softly, Noah bent to retrieve his phone, frowning at the time.

“Past midnight, hm?” Not that there was anyone to hear him.

He tucked the phone back into his pocket before gathering his things. It was probably best to head home, get some rest while he could. He hadn’t been able to assuage any of his concerns entirely, but the quiet had been nice.

He was shouldering open the door to the gym, the night air biting against his face, cooling the sweat that clung to him, when he froze. When he saw her.

His Raeliana was walking down the sidewalk, the light of her phone illuminating her face as she read something, heedless of the world around her.

Noah had to remind himself that she wasn’t Raeliana now. She was Eunha now. Different name, different face, although he knew her soul was the same.

His chest ached, and he felt a little ridiculous, standing there in the middle of the night, cold air raking fingers through his hair as he watched her pass. Like he was one of the pathetic, lovesick fools in one of her novels.

Perhaps he was a pathetic, lovesick fool. He was, after all, standing in the dark watching the woman he loved walk by him without a second glance, his heart stumbling in his chest like a toddler learning to walk.

He took a step forward, then another, forcing his body to move. Fate had given him this opportunity and he would not squander it. He’d found her in this life and he wasn’t about to let her go.

“Eunha!”

She passed, peeking over her shoulder to see who had called her. Recognition lit her eyes, her brows popping up as her gaze met his.

“What are you doing out so late?” He asked, crossing his arms as he came towards her.

Curiosity glowed in her eyes, but she didn’t appear frightened or even particularly put out. Instead she just waved to the side, towards a convenience store. “I’m just getting a snack before heading home. I lost track of time in the library.”

He nodded, remembering that she’d mentioned she was a university student. She’d always been a hard worker, always been keen to study and learn as much as she could. The memory of finding her in his library surged in his mind, of her hanging from a shelf after slipping on the ladder, historical texts clutched in her hands.

Noah smiled at the memory, at her look of chagrin when he’d teased her before trying to help her down. She’d declined his offer, instead managing to get herself to the floor safely. She’d been so incredibly proud of herself, and delight had filled his heart as her smile had curved across her lips.

She did not seem so proud now, the shadows of fatigue clinging to the bags under her eyes, the droop of her shoulders.

He would have to amass a new library, if only to let her browse through it at her heart’s content.

“What are you studying?” He asked, thinking that he’d better make at least a bit of conversation. She would surely think he was a lunatic if he didn’t say something.

Eunha shrugged, readjusting her purse. “I have a few midterms coming up and a paper due soon, so a little of everything.”

“And what exactly would be a little of everything?”

Her eyes narrowed, brows drawing low, and Noah had to stifle a laugh. Her expression was more familiar to him than the lines of his palm, and it never ceased to bring him joy.

After a long, silent moment, Eunha sighed. “Languages, history, I took a religion class on a whim but I think I bit off more than I can chew since I have a literature class this semester as well.”

“Sounds like a pretty heavy load,” he said, tucking his hands into his pockets. He didn’t trust himself not to reach out to brush back the stray hairs that flew around her face. “You must study late most nights.”

She nodded. “Usually I head back to my dorm before it gets this late, but there’s a party happening on the floor above mine and it was difficult to focus.”

Noah’s knee-jerk reaction was to chastise her about being out alone so late at night, and then to offer to let her stay at his place if she was going to be out that late. But she didn’t know him that well yet, and he was certain it would not go over well. It never went particularly well even when Raeliana had loved him in their past life.

“What are you doing?” Her expression was curious now, although the way her brows lowered told him she was more than a little suspicious.

But Noah was unperturbed. He only grinned, plastering on his most innocent smile as he shrugged. “I was just getting in a little late night workout to clear my head.”

She frowned, head tilting to the side as she sized him up again. He only smiled wider, delight stitching itself in the marrow of his bones. He knew the smile would irk her, although in this new world she didn’t know him well enough to know why it bothered her. Just that it did.

And judging from the spark in those light brown eyes, he knew it irked her very much.

“Why would you need to clear your mind this late at night?” She sounded more bemused than suspicious. The corners of her lips turned down, the beginnings of an annoyed frown.

He saw her in his mind’s eye, when her eyes were green and her hair was a soft brown. Frowning at something he said, eyes skittering away from him as he tried to meet her gaze.

Another shrug. “I inherited my family’s company quite recently and it’s been a bit difficult for some of the older shareholders to acclimate.”

Her frown deepened, her shoulders slumping as she stared at him. Her eyes swept over him from head-to-toe once, twice. Three times before she seemed to collect herself. “So you’re rich.”

“I’m comfortable.”

Her mouth fell open, one eye twitching. She looked like she was on the verge of saying something rude and was just barely holding it in.

His smile felt a little less forced at that.

Eunha paused, illuminated by the fluorescent lights of the convenience store. She looked a little like she was glowing. It made his breath catch, the beat of his heart slip.

“Well this is me.” She jabbed her thumb towards the door of the convenience store, heedless of the enchantment cast over Noah’s mind.

She was surely trying to imply that this was where their paths diverged. But Noah was quite deft at ignoring the meanings hidden between words and instead reached for the door, holding it open for her.

“Maybe I’ll pick something up for myself too,” he said by way of explanation as he gestured for her to enter. “I haven’t eaten in a while.”

The wrinkle of her nose and twist of her lips reminded him of when Raeliana would mutter under her breath how he was a monster, or a demon. It made him chuckle, the sharp edges of the ache in his chest softening like afternoon sunshine giving way to dusk.

But she didn’t turn him away, and he took that as a win, following at her heels as she made her way down the aisles.

Noah took stock of the items she set in her basket, committing the labels to memory. It was late, and she was clearly tired and stressed, so she was likely choosing foods she thought tasted best whether they had any health benefits or not.

He found he had a more difficult time finding something for himself than Eunha, frowning at the different products. So many things were drowning in sugars, and he didn’t think before his face was scrunched in annoyance, a phantom sweetness coating his mouth and throat. He nearly gagged as he set a package down, covering his mouth with the back of his hand and feigning a cough.

“Not a fan of sweets?”

Eunha stood beside him, peeking over his shoulder as she studied the food he’d just set down. Her basket bumped against her hip, jostling the snacks and drinks piled inside.

He shook his head. “Not really.”

She hummed, looking thoughtful as her eyes scanned the shelves. “I might know something you’ll like.”

He didn’t expect her to take his hand. Didn’t expect her to draw him down another aisle, gesturing at some of the snack foods there, describing them in simple terms.

It made his heart lurch, made heat creep up his neck. But more than that it made hope rise in him like a bird taking flight.

“You know quite a bit about convenience store foods,” he teased, brow arched as he peered at her from the corner of his eyes.

Eunha huffed, rolling her eyes. “And you don’t seem to know anything. Have you never been to a convenience store?”

He shrugged, biting back a smile at her rejoinder, feigning indifference. He heard her mutter something under her breath about rich people and he had to turn away so she didn’t see the smile blooming across his lips.

“That should do it,” he said, holding out the few things he’d chosen for her approval.

She nodded. “Good choices, those ones are really good.”

He beamed, yanking her basket from her hand and tossing his things in alongside hers. “Perfect. I’ll go check out.”

“Hey- Wait- You can’t-!” Eunha sputtered behind him as he made his way to the counter, grinning as he greeted the cashier.

He ignored her as he pulled out his wallet, gently shoving her to the side when she tried to wave her card over the machine.

Another few moments later and Noah was rifling through the bag of his spoils, retrieving the few snacks he’d chosen for himself before offering it to Eunha.

She grumbled out a quiet thanks, cheeks puffed out as she accepted the bag, looking anywhere but at his face.

He waited as she turned to leave, freezing only when she realized he hadn’t yet let go of the bag.

Eyes narrowed, she turned back towards him, mouth quirked to one side. “What is it?”

Noah’s lips curved up as she glowered. He hoped he would be able to see that glower again for the rest of his new life.

“I wanted to apologize.”

That seemed to baffle her, the glare melting away as she stared at him, eyes wide. “For what?”

“For surprising you in the street the other day.”

Her mouth opened, then closed, like she was trying to find the words for something intangible.

“And for asking for your phone number and not even calling.”

“It’s not that big of a deal,” she managed, her voice growing quieter until it was little more than a whisper. Her eyes flicked away from him, and it gave him pause, wondering if maybe he’d pushed too hard today.

She chewed on the corner of her lip, looking like she wanted to say something more. Noah stayed quiet, knowing now was not the time for an annoying comment. Not yet anyways.

“Honestly, it didn’t bother me that much,” she said. She sighed, eyes finally meeting his once again. Their colour was different, and yet there was no doubt they were his Raeliana’s eyes.

“It was a little weird, sure.” She didn’t look away, even as colour stained her cheeks. “You’re really familiar. I feel like I know you somehow.”

Perhaps it was melodramatic, but Noah had always been adept at theatrics when the need arose. And at those words he wanted to fall to his knees and tell her everything. Grasp her hands and propose again.

The situation at hand, however, had no need for such dramatics, and so he refrained, quickly logging that away in the back of his mind.

Instead, he smiled. Tilted his head to the side, let the light of the convenience store slide across his face and set his eyes aglow. “Maybe we’ve met in a dream.”

Eunha scoffed, trying to yank the bag from his hand now. She was scowling again, and he felt the sharp edges of his self softening. He felt warm, like he’d tilted his face towards the midday sun. The expression was more familiar to him than the halls of the Wynknight mansion.

“Maybe I’m the man of your dreams.” He couldn’t help but tease her, not when her expression was as cute as it was.

He hoped she would fall in love with him again soon, if only so he could have every opportunity to see that face once again.

“I should probably get back to my dorm,” she grumbled, giving the bag another tug.

But Noah was loath to let it go, to let her melt into the shadows of midnight.

Instead he grinned, lifting the bag above his head, out of her reach. “It’s not safe for a young woman to be walking around by herself this late at night. Why don’t I walk with you back to your dorm?”

He bit back a stream of laughter as she glared daggers at him. But after a moment she sighed, resigning herself to his presence. “Fine. You’re probably right. There’s been more muggings in this area lately anyways.”

“Aren’t you glad that we ran into each other?”

She rolled her eyes, but there was a phantom of a smile on her lips. And perhaps it could have been the light of the streetlamps spilling across her face, but her eyes seemed to glow.

“I really did mean it,” he said, not wanting them to lapse into silence. “I am sorry for surprising you.”

Her eyes narrowed. “So you say. But it feels like you have an ulterior motive you’re not telling me.”

“Well I didn’t stop you on the street for no reason.” He paused as they waited at a crosswalk, meeting the suspicion in her gaze head-on. “I really would like to get to know you. You seem familiar to me too.”

Her brows shot up before she hurried across the street as the walking signal flashed. She looked like she was mulling something over in her mind, trying to choose her next words very, very carefully. So Noah didn’t push, instead following along beside her as he waited for her response.

He could feign patience well, a skill he had quickly learned in his younger years. He also knew it would annoy Eunha, even if only a little bit, that he was remaining so quiet and serene. And he did so love the array of expressions that crossed her face.

After walking quietly for a few blocks, the night near silent but for the lone car whizzing by and the buzz of the streetlights, Eunha broke her silence. “It sounds weird, but I feel like I do know you. And I feel like I want to know you.”

“It does sound weird.” He smirked. “Enchanted with me already?”

She looked like she wanted to smack him. “You’re the one that stopped me on the street.”

“You’re the one that’s been dreaming of me.”

“I never said that!”

He chuckled. “Does that mean you’ll go out with me sometime?”

“Yes. Maybe.” She caught herself quickly, colour rising to her cheeks as she hurried ahead of him. It was cute, the colour reminding him of spring blooms. Of the flowers that had blossomed in the gardens of the Wyknight mansion that she’d liked to lounge beside in the summer months.

“Why not once your midterms are over?” He suggested. This new body had memories of school, of short time crunches and the stress of midterms and exams. He wouldn’t force more stress on her right now. And he wanted her attention to be wholly on him when they went out, not wandering as she worried over studying for her tests.

“I suppose that would be alright,” she muttered, checking her schedule on her phone. “I’ll be done with them in a few weeks.”

Noah drew his own phone from his pocket, opening his calendar to check his own schedule. He winced, catching sight of all the meetings and conferences he had on top of the constant paperwork that was forever piling up on his desk.

Although he was sure he could get a few things rearranged; he would make sure he had time for her.

“Why not the following Sunday, then?” He tapped her phone, above the date in question. “You’ll have a few days rest after midterms.”

She hummed, brow furrowing. “That could work. But what are you thinking of?”

At that he just grinned. “Just leave that to me.”

“Well now I don’t really want to.”

He tucked his phone back into his pocket, warmth spreading through his veins, spilling through the tangled forest of his arteries and nerves and bones like sunshine. He missed this. Missed this banter. He hadn’t known he could feel so happy from something this simple. Little more than a few words exchanged, not even the stars as witness.

Everything in this new world felt so bright, and yet he so rarely got to see the stars now, masked as they were by the city that never truly slept. He’d found himself yearning for them, something he had taken for granted in his past life. And yet walking alongside Eunha made him feel like the stars had bloomed in the sky once more. The night felt brighter, the world around him gilded in silver light.

“Don’t worry, I’m sure you’ll like what I have planned.”

She rolled her eyes, that almost-smile playing at her lips once more. “You don’t even know me that well, though. How will you choose something I like?”

That made Noah pause. He couldn’t come right out and say that he knew her well because they’d been together in their past lives. He needed something he could use as an excuse; an explanation for being able to choose something she would like.

“Send me a list of your favourite books,” he said. He felt quite pleased with himself, remembering how she had loved to read and talk about the books she’d enjoyed most. He’d teased her about it endlessly, but he’d still gone and read them after she was finished, if only to get a sense for what she loved most about them.

And it made him feel closer to her, too. Made it feel like she was sitting beside him, peeking over his shoulder to see what part he was at and whether he was as delighted by a part as she was.

Eunha looked skeptical, and he could see the gears turning behind the brown of her eyes, the colour near depthless in the dark of the night. One brow was furrowed, as though she were considering whether he was using it as ammunition to tease her.

He would use it as ammunition to tease her, when the need arose. But mostly it was to learn what stories she loved in this world, to feel like he could turn around and she would be there, ready to tease him in return.

Seeming to come to some sort of resolution, Eunha gave a quick bob of her head. “Alright. I’ll text you a list of my favourites. Although I don’t know how that’s going to help you choose a date.”

He only smiled. “Maybe I’m just looking for something new to read.”

“What do you usually read?”

He shrugged. “I’m not picky. Although I haven’t had a chance to read much but business proposals and reports lately.”

She laughed, the sound dancing through the night. It was like music, or perhaps more beautiful than music. No instrument or composer would be able to capture the feel of her laughter as it threaded between his ribs, as it kicked up on the wind around them and spread through the world.

“I can promise that I read much more interesting things than reports all day long.”

“That’s a relief to hear.”

Another laugh, her eyes closing as her palm pressed to her face.

It was cute, and he had the urge to gently peel her hand away and kiss her palm. To fluster her just the tiniest bit, as laughter still bubbled from her lips.

He tucked the desire deep within his heart, one hand safely tucked in his pocket, the other still holding the bag of food. He would save it for the future, for when she loved him again.

They walked for a little while longer, chatting about little things. The weather, the news, the shows Eunha was looking forward to catching up on once her midterms were done. Noah nodded along, listening as she described what sounded to him like the most absurd of melodramas, none of the story beats making even a hint of sense.

But she was smiling, her eyes bright, so he made a note of the name of the show, resolving to watch it later.

“Well this is me.” She paused before a tall, old apartment building, a few windows still glowing with lamplight.

Noah nodded, handing her the bag of snacks. A dull ache spread through his chest, an old wound not quite healed acting up. He didn’t want to let her go, didn’t want to say goodbye just yet.

“Thank you for walking me back,” she said, shifting from foot-to-foot as she clutched the bag. “I’ll see you soon?”

Something in him relaxed, the ache easing as though her words were a healing salve. Of course this wasn’t goodbye. They had made plans, she had promised to send him a list of books she loved. This was merely temporary; it was a ‘see you later’ not a goodbye.

A soft smile crept across his lips. “See you soon, Eunha.”

He watched as she headed towards the door, pulling her keys from her pocket as she walked. She grabbed the handle, paused. And Noah’s heart lurched as she turned back around, staring at him.

He could have sworn she smiled as she lifted a hand, waving to him before stepping into the building, the door folding closed behind her.

Noah could have stood there forever, replaying the moment in his mind for eternity. But his phone buzzed, snapping him from his reverie.

Pulling his phone from his pocket, he turned on his heel to return home. The notification had been nothing more than an email, reminding him of a meeting the following day. Sighing, he stuffed his phone back into his pocket, hand bumping up against crinkling cellophane.

The snacks.

He’d nearly forgotten about the snacks he’d bought for himself, jammed into his pockets and ignored as he’d teased Eunha.

He pulled one of them from his pocket, staring down at the label, listening as the packaging crinkled in his hand. Remembering how she’d recommended this one first, prodding it a few times with her index finger to ensure he knew that this was a very good snack. Very good. One she’d bought a lot of in the past.

Noah ripped open the packaging as he walked, steps faltering as a little plastic figure fell out alongside the bun. Lifting it towards the light of the streetlamps he passed, he turned it from side-to-side, humming. It was a little plastic dragon, tail curling around its feet, snout opened in a snarl.

Raising the torn packaging to read, he quickly realized it was a limited edition bonus figure. There were eight different characters in the ‘series,’ with each package including one at random.

He peered down at the little dragon in his palm, snarling at some unknown enemy. The image of the dragon Raeliana had once embroidered into a handkerchief surged in his memory, the world turning blurry as he remembered it. Remembered how easy it had been to tease her about it. Remembered her narrowed eyes and flushed cheeks and outraged shriek when he truly had hunted down a dragon for her.

Smiling despite the silver blur the night had become, Noah tucked the dragon safely into his pocket, squeezing it once, twice, three times as he tried to regain his composure.

He hadn’t realized that such a tiring day would bring him such joy. And yet he was smiling so widely, remembering Raeliana’s smile. The sound of Eunha’s laugh echoing in his mind.

It would take more than one midnight walk for her to fall in love, but hope surged in his chest like wildflowers blooming along his nerves and arteries, petals unfurling from between his ribs.

He had seen her again. He had listened to her voice, seen her smile, heard her laughter as it had swept towards the invisible stars.

There was so much in this new life that could have made him dread each dawn. And yet he felt excitement; found he was looking forward to the days ahead. He had a brand new life, so many more years he could spend falling in love with his Raeliana all over again. With Eunha.

His phone pinged again and he fished it from his pocket as he took a bite of the bun. It wasn’t bad, although it was a little dry. But the filling was full of flavour, and it wasn’t sweet in the slightest. He expected to see another notification about some meeting he’d shoved from his mind, but instead it was a text from Eunha.

It was a list. An incredibly long list, and he wasn’t even halfway through it before his phone buzzed again, another message coming in.

Another list, an extension of the last. He smiled to himself, eyes flitting across the screen. She’d even included short descriptions of each book next to their titles.

He’d have to stop by a bookstore in the morning to find them, before his meetings if he had the time. He could of course just send his assistant to pick up the books and deliver them to his apartment, but he wanted to go himself. Wanted to quietly step through the aisles, imagining her beside him as she pointed out the different novels she loved.

It hadn’t been that long since he’d dropped Eunha off, and yet the list she’d sent was so long and detailed he couldn’t help wondering if she’d started typing it up the moment the door had swung shut behind her.

His smile spread wider, his cheeks aching although he could not find it in himself to stop. Perhaps it was vain, but he imagined her standing in an elevator, head bent as her thumbs tapped quickly across her phone screen. He wanted to imagine that she’d already taken an interest in him; that she already liked him enough to want to send him the list of books he’d asked for as quickly as she had.

Chuckling to himself, Noah slid his phone back into his pocket, tipping his head back to look up at the starless sky. When had he become this melodramatic? When had he become this romantic?

He shook his head. It didn’t matter. All that mattered was her, was getting to share this new life with her.

A glimmer of starlight bloomed in the night sky, illuminating his path forward in silver. The lightless sky brightened, just as his future did. He looked forward to tomorrow, to the rise of the sun and the blush of dawn, and to the night that would blanket the world once more. He had a feeling that there would be more starlight tomorrow, that soon his life would be filled with brilliant light, even in the darkest shadows of midnight. And he couldn’t wait to meet it.

#the reason why raeliana ended up at the duke's mansion #raeliana mcmillan #noah wyknight

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