Chapter Text
“I'm putting in my leave.” Javier said smoothly.
His pocket felt heavy with the tiny box in it.
Lloyd narrowed his eyes at him, “You never take off work. What leave? Who said you could go on vacation?”
Javier refused to react, “Count Frontera excused me. I'll return in a few days.”
Lloyd frowned in clear displeasure but waved his hand flippantly, “Sure whatever, go and do whatever it is you're doing. See you when you get back I guess.”
Javier suppressed a fond chuckle and bowed, “I will return to your side the second I'm finished with my business.”
Lloyd sputtered, “Yeah yeah, just get going! The sooner you're back the sooner I can put you to work!”
With his back turned, Lloyd missed Javier's amused smile.
Still, Javier took Lloyd's words to heart and left at once. The trip to the capital was longer than he would've preferred, especially with a quick stop at the magic institute to say hello to Miss Namaran, but he arrived in good time. The guards let him through with no interruptions, all of them aware of who he was. If they weren't, his mana signature was surely enough of a calling card. Before he knew it he was stood before the large doors to the Magento Palace Throne Room. The doors did nothing to intimidate him, having already been through them countless times. Though this time was patently different.
The guards parted and ushered him in, declaring him before their monarch. He knelt before her.
Alicia Magento sat before him on her golden throne, legs crossed, knuckles tucked under her chin. The spitting image of royalty and regalia.
“Sir Javier Asrahan. What brings you to me today? What world-ending calamity befalls us this time?” She intoned, voice filling the room.
From his knelt position he dare not gaze upon her, “Your majesty, there is no danger or threat that I know of. I come to make a request of you.”
She hummed, “Oh? What is this request, surely you know that making a request of your queen comes at a high price?”
Javier kept his head bowed, he'd need to be tactful in this request.
“I simply wish to receive assistance in drafting a document, the price having already been paid previously during the opening of the royal garden's dragon skeleton display.” Javier said.
Alicia narrowed her eyes, “Boldly stated Sir Asrahan. What document? Why not have Lloyd Frontera draft the document? Unless the document concerns him?”
“You're wise, Your Majesty. The document is a marital contract.” Javier admitted a little too hesitantly.
Alicia Magento paused as her keen eyes raked over her subject. Then, with a tired sigh, she leaned back into her throne.
“Congratulations are in order Javier. I'll assist you with the document. I would have preferred to have Lloyd Frontera to myself but regardless of what Lloyd would say, a political marriage is not in his best interest. I am not so heartless as to force him into a loveless marriage, despite the immense benefits.”
Javier rose at her decree, nodding. She sent a tired smile his way and he bowed in thanks. The ruler dismissed him, with assurance that the desired document would be procured. His steps were light as he left the receiving room. Each step was closer and closer to his goal.
That night one of the various workers under Alicia delivered a royal sealed envelope to his room. Javier took it gratefully and extended his gratitude before setting out immediately. The guards let him pass as always, and the journey was just as long as before. If not longer knowing that he had a destination and nothing in his way but time. He returned to the Frontera estate in the early hours, before the sun had even broken the horizon. Of course, the entire estate was still asleep so he was left to return to his quarters.
Sleep did not come to him. So he laid awake and restless.
The ring box was sat carefully atop of the sealed form. It drew his gaze like a beacon and he found it hard to focus on sleep. Javier idly wondered if it was common for anticipation to keep people awake. It wouldn't surprise him.
The second the sun was high enough in the sky for Lloyd to be awake, Javier made a beeline to his room. He passed the count in the halls and Arcos rested a reassuring hand on his shoulder. A reassurance. He came to Lloyd's room quickly. Faster than he'd anticipated. Suddenly anxiety crept into his limbs and he fought the urge to run or put the matter off. Instead focusing on the weight of the ring box and paperwork safely tucked into it's envelope.
Javier knocked once, firm.
A muffled “come in” echoed. Javier opened the door and stepped in, closing it behind him.
As always, Lloyd's room was a bit of a mess. Blueprints, plans, and papers were strewn about the room. Though most were contained to the desk. The window was left open so that a cool breeze could come in, stirring the loose pages left on the floor. A bed on the one wall was left perfectly made, a habit that was exclusive to this version of Lloyd. The room's occupant sat at the work station, scribbling and mumbling things undoubtedly related to work. As always, Lloyd was only partially put together. His pants and socks were on, but his shoes were nowhere to be seen. His blouse was only partially laced up and it left his toned chest exposed. Javier pointedly averted his gaze. Lloyd's hair was tussled from sleep, still not worked into its usual look.
Javier stepped closer as Lloyd mumbled something inane.
Now was as good of a time as any, Javier decided as he slid over the sealed envelope. Lloyd glanced at it then back to Javier.
“You're back early.” Lloyd asked curiously.
Javier nodded, “I finished my work quickly. It's for you.”
Lloyd appraised the envelope and it's seal, carefully working the wax open, “What is it?”
“A business deal.” Javier said smoothly, willing his nerves to dissipate.
Lloyd pulled the document out and his eyes scanned over it. Javier watched curiously for his reaction. Lloyd's eyes widened slightly.
“This is a marriage certificate?” Lloyd said aloud in confusion.
“A business deal.” Javier corrected.
Lloyd scoffed, “No, it's definitely a marriage certificate. Whatever you went to get you got the wrong papers.”
Javier shook his head, “Its a business deal. There's tax benefits and labor incentives. Its a contract.”
Lloyd hummed and gave the papers another look through, “You're not wrong. It's a fair marriage as far as those go.”
Javier felt pride bubble up at the indirect praise.
“Still, I don't understand why you went and got a marriage certificate. Did some love letter finally get to the ice prince himself?” Lloyd teased.
It was now or never.
Javier knelt to the ground, pulling the little box out of his pocket. Lloyd stared at him, mouth agape.
“J-javier? What are you-?”
Javier hummed and presented the humble ring, “I wish to sign a contract with you, Suho.”
He watched with pleasure as Lloyd's face flushed pink at the use of his real name. Suho stuttered and sputtered as Javier waited patiently on one knee for his answer. Eventually, Suho found his bearings and was able to regain some composure, his face still flushed.
“I… why?” Suho asked, voice small.
Javier smiled softly, “You are caring, too much for your own good at times, and I wish to pledge my life to you both as your knight and as the holder of your heart. If you will allow me to.”
“What about the estate? What about the Count? This can't possibly be what you want.” Suho asked tentatively.
“I have permission. This is what I want, if it is what you want. I will not force this upon you.” Javier said patiently.
Suho flushed as he nodded, “I- I do want, I just… are you sure?”
“I found you across universes, I'm sure.” He said, only a little sarcastic.
Suho huffed a laugh, “Then yes, I'll marry you.”