New Year's Eve!
She could barely believe that yet another year had come to an end. So many stories were told, friendships built, and others shattered. It had been mere weeks since she and Lucian were engaged and she couldn't be happier. Not only did she acquire a lovely engagement ring, but she exchanged her black-sleeved gloves for a pair that were fingerless in order to show off the ring. She didn't want anything to prevent anyone from seeing that she was bound to someone who captivated her heart.
For a dedicated writer and poet of the heart, Shauntal felt that she had quite a successful year, despite the few bumps along the way. As she stood near a dear friend and lover, her heart swelled with compassion.
A blush dusted her round cheeks, using but the biting chill of this near-freezing Sinnoh weather to cover why her face appeared flushed. From a distance, she could see a display of bright and explosive fireworks.
Such a magnificent grand finale to send off the old year and welcome the new! She felt inspired to write a spinet for the moment and she probably would if her hands didn't feel frozen. At least for now, she would simply enjoy the remainder of the display.
Noting her body language, Lucian turned to face Shauntal as he took hold of her hands with his own. A brief kiss blessed each freezing knuckle as he gave her an inquisitive glance.
"My love, you are freezing. The fireworks are over. Would you like to go back inside? I'd be distraught if you caught a cold."
Just as she was about to politely decline his offer, her body visibly shivered. Her voice cracked as she replied.
"S-sure. . "
Chuckling softly, Lucian ushered her to his home as they discussed the history of the displays for the fireworks. Once returning to his home, Lucian brought her to the couch and draped a blanket around her. He left her side for a moment to make tea for them both, camellia for her (not only was it her newfound favorite to help her relax, but it also helped prevent any sickness she might have brewed from being out in the cold) and apple cinnamon for him. After muttering a soft word of thanks, she cradled the tea in her shivering hands.
"My hands feel so frozen, I'm afraid I might drop my cup."
Setting his own cup down, he shifted on the couch and wrapped his arms around her waist. Gently, he pulls her back with him so her back was against his chest. He then runs his surprisingly warm hands along her arms as he whispers against her ear.
"Then allow me to lend a hand, my dear Empress. You need not fret about the fate of your glass."
She could feel his hands move down her arms to hold her own as he pressed a soft kiss to her temple. Her hands may be cold but her cheeks were burning. Another visible shiver washed over her, still feeling the cool whips of the Sinnohan wind in her bones. His body heat certainly helped with shaking it off though.
"Thank you. This. .is much better. You're so warm.."
A soft breathy chuckle could be felt against her neck as he gave her hands a reassuring squeeze. "I've always been known for being a bit of a walking heater of sorts. I'm glad I can keep you warm."
She moved her hands a little so he could let go of hers. Once free for a single shivering second, she took a long sip of the tea as it slowly warmed her insides. Taking a deep breath, she leaned back against his chest. She was slowly, but surely, feeling warmer.
The silence was deafening but not uncomfortable. Still, she felt the need to say something to make this moment in his arms count. She knew that she was bound to return to Unova in two days.
"Have you told anyone from your League about our engagement, ah...well, aside from Cynthia of course?"
"No. I think it would be best if we tell them tomorrow. Would you mind accompanying me when I tell them?"
"Oh, of course. I'd be delighted to meet them. " She's seen them before but never really properly introduced. It would be nice to be acquainted with his coworkers. "I'll be telling mine when I get home. They're..sort of scattered at the moment. I haven't heard anything from Iris about her health. Hm..now that I think about it, I should probably call tomorrow to see how she is doing and see if it's safe to go back."
"That would be wise." He squeezed her sides, nuzzling his head in the crook of her neck. "As much as I know you have duties to attend to in Unova, I'll miss you if you require to leave on schedule. I feel reluctant to let you go, my love. This past month has been the most thrilling time I've experienced with you. A secret part of me prays that you are allowed to stay but a few days more so that I may bask in your company for but a moment longer."
Shauntal finishes the last of her tea, setting the cup on the coffee table. She then shifts in his arms so that she was facing him, straddling his lap. Her arms wrapped lovingly around his neck as she made herself comfortable in such a familiar position.
"My darling Noble, how you've been such a wonderful host. I can't thank you enough for allowing me to accompany you in your home. Despite the circumstance of my being here, I've loved every moment here. I wish I could stay longer but know that I'll be back soon. Once we are wed..there will be no more separation. Until then, we must endure our separation. Do you think you can survive without me at your side for a few weeks?"
His hands moved up and down her sides before pressing her closer against him, "It sounds like quite the troublesome task but I shall endeavor to survive for the sake of our love, my darling Empress."
"Good, I'm glad, though that does bring up a similar topic with our families. I've met your brother. Um..do you think I should meet your parents?"
Lucian thought for a moment, "I think my father would but my mother..well, that's a completely different matter. I can make the arrangements for the next time you come to visit."
"That works. As for my own, ah...neither of my parents are around but my grandparents are. My grandfather on my mother's side is in Unova and my grandparents from my father's side are here in Sinnoh."
At this information, he raised a brow, "I was unaware you had family here. Why didn't you say something? We could have arranged something for you to see them while you were here this past month."
Shauntal shook her head, giving a small smile, "It's okay. My purpose for being here this past month was to see you. I can arrange something for us to meet next time. Thank you for the consideration though."
"Please do. I'd like to have our families know each other so that we may have their blessing."
She nods in agreement, "So...what would happen if one of them doesn't approve?"
"Hm.." Lucian ran a hand down her back as he mused her question for a moment, "Well, I would do my best to persuade them to agree to it. If that doesn't work, then I suppose it would be an acceptable loss. I believe that what happens between spouses should remain so. The happiness of said couple should be up to the two of them. It's nice to have family and friends approve but, ultimately, it's up to them whether they marry or not."
Shauntal blinked for a moment, "Wow..I never thought of it like that. See, this is why I love you, Mister Smartypants." she teased, kissing his cheek.
"Oh? I don't think I'm the only smart one in this room."
[The next part will be NSFW feel free to skip it if you don't wish to read it]