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"The most insufferable annoying-" Espresso huffed, stomping around Latte's kitchen. "God damn why can't I catch a break with this imbecile!" He slammed a small ring box on the counter, leaning against it, huffing "He canceled our date so he could train with Milk!"
Latte stared dumbfounded at her brother than to the box on the table before picking it up and opening it. Inside was a gorgeous engagement ring that seemed to fit Madeleine perfectly, the soft glow of blue sapphire in the middle surrounded by a gold plated ring covered in tiny diamonds. She gasped and smiled "It's soooo pretty!" She carefully set it down. "Too bad he cancelled your date though- If I'm being honest he's just as much of a workaholic as you-" Latte laughed and smiled "Hm.. Maybe I could figure something out to make them not train today.."
Espresso huffed and stomped his foot "You probably won't get anywhere with him!"
"Maybe not but Milk is pretty agreeable.. Maybe I could ask him to go shopping with me or something, he seems to like that-" She hummed, stirring a small cup of coffee she had in front of her. "But I do think you need to relax if you intend on marrying this man-" Latte laughed sweetly and hummed.
"I'm just.. I can't believe he would just cancel it like that.. He doesn't just do that.." Espresso rubbed his face and pushed his glasses up "No matter.. I'll have to just find another day I suppose.." Though he would never admit it, Espresso was pretty upset about this ordeal along with being worried for his boyfriend. They had been dating for three years and Madeleine had never cancelled a date, if anything he was constantly nagging Espresso to go on one with him. It was troublesome to him.. He softly bowed to his sister, standing back up and offering a small smile "I'll be on my way now, thank you for lunch-" He sighed and dropped his smile, grabbing the ring box and walking out the door. Lucky for him he only lived a few houses away from his sister, he walked home and flopped onto his bed, staring at the ring. He talked to the village blacksmith, Avocado and tailor Mont Blanc and paid a lot of money for the three of them to work together and craft the most beautiful and perfect ring.. It hurt a lot that Madeleine wasn't there.
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Meanwhile, Latte was rushing around, asking everyone where Milk was. Eventually, Yam told her that he was in the battle arena and she headed there in an instant. Upon arriving, she looked around and spotted him, smiling "Hey! Hey Milk!" She called out, rushing over and hugging him "Hiya! Long time no see! Do you wanna go shopping with me?" She asked in her chipper bubbly voice.
Milk stared up at her and offered a sweet smile "I'm sorry.. I'm training with Madeleine tonight.."
"Aww that's too bad! I heard that this one armory store is gonna have a 70% off sale!" She lied, starting to sashay away.
"What!!!" Milk's eyes went wide and his jaw dropped "Oh my gosh, Madeleine can wait then!" He grabbed out his phone and called Madeleine as quick as he could "Madeleine! I am truly very sorry but I can't make it tonight, something came up uhhh.. My aunt's husband's pet worm died and I need to attend the funeral. We can train tomorrow!" Milk hung up before Madeleine even responded.
Latte smirked, she felt bad about lying but she would make up for it by buying Milk whatever he wanted.. She just had to keep him busy for awhile which wouldn't be too easy as long as his boyfriends Yam and Dark Cacao didn't try and find them. She smiled and led him along happily.
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Madeleine sat confused in his estate, staring at his phone after Milk had called him in a rush about how an important worm died and he couldn't make it to training. He sighed and rubbed his face "Nooo.." He whined, staring at the picture on his nightstand of him and his lover and kicking his legs like a 5 year old having a temper tantrum "Now I'm obligated to go on a date with him! A knight never lies.." He huffed and stood up, staring at himself in the mirror. His very long hair was tied up in a bun on the back of his head, he slowly untied it and let his hair fall out. It was about down to his knees now, he had never cut it in his life aside from small trims.. It sure was a hassle to brush out, but sometimes Espresso would help with that.. Oh Espresso.. His sweet lover who he couldn't get enough of.. But recently he had been way too nervous to be around him and it didn't help that now Espresso actually wanted to go on dates with him. He started to brush out his hair, mumbling to himself and tapping his foot, something he picked up from Espresso. Espresso Espresso Espresso.. Madeleine huffed, looking down at his feet and putting his hair brush away in his nightstand, his eyes lingering on something in the back before he huffed and closed it quickly. He went to his closet and put on a white button down and black slacks, an outfit that Espresso seemed to like a lot. He hummed and shook his arms around, rushing downstairs and putting his shoes on, walking to his neighbor Herb's house, knocking on the door, his hands behind his back. A tired looking Vampire opened the door, yawning and staring up at Madeleine. "Hello, Vampire sir!! Is your husband Herb home?" He asked in his usual confident manner.
"Yeah.. I think he's out back with Sparkling and Mint.. They're having a tea party or something.." Vampire yawned and stepped aside so Madeleine could get in. He said a quick thank you and rushed into the back.
Outside was Herb Sparkling and Mint, sipping on tea, Herb looking like he was over the moon to be with them.
"Um.. Hello there!" Madeleine waved to them and pulled over a chair, sitting in it even though he barely fit in it.
Herb gasped and smiled "Hi hi!" He waved "Would you like some tea?" He asked, already pouring a cup before Madeleine could respond. Sparkling looked miserable and Mint looked at peace, holding Herb's hand under the table
"Em.. I'm kinda in a bit of a rush but I suppose I wouldn't mind some tea.." Madeleine offered a confident smile even though it seemed Herb saw right through it
"..Still having trouble..?" He giggled, handing Madeleine the tea, it wasn't too hot but not too cold, just right. Madeleine held it to his lips, his posture terrible as he slumped in the chair he didn't fit in.
"I don't understand how you guys did it.. Four times at that." Madeleine muttered and looked down at his feet. Mint giggled softly and covered his mouth.
"I guess it wasn't very difficult.. It wasn't all at the same time of course. We all proposed to each other individually at different times.. Some took longer than others-" He light heartedly glared at Sparkling who stuck his tongue out at Mint. "It's a lot different when you're in a polyamorus relationship than a monogamous one, I suppose.. Maybe you should ask another monogamous married couple for advice? Like maybe Blackberry and Adventurer? I'm not entirely sure what advice to give.. What about you two?"
"Well, being the first to propose to Vampire-" Herb declared boastingly "I would say that just carry around the ring and propose at the moment you feel is best. Of course don't carry it everywhere cause you might lose it but.."
Sparkling sighed and set down his tea. "I was the last to propose to Mint when everyone else was already hitched.. You know, the other two were the ones to propose to me but it was really nerve wracking.. I honestly planned it forever and ever and didn't do anything until I was sure.. Of course we all love each other very very much but for some of us it was harder to do.. But in reality I think you should just do it when it feels right." Sparkling gave a lopsided smile, groaning "Ughh I hate tea Herb-" He groaned.
"Deal with it!" Herb huffed and glared at him.
"Ah.. Thank you guys.." Madeleine quickly downed the rest of the tea to not be rude, standing up. "I was actually gonna ask if you could get me some flowers, Herb?"
"Chocolate cosmos? Those are Espresso's favorites-" He asked, humming.
"Ah yes if he likes those.. I know he likes a few other ones but.." Madeleine rubbed the back of his neck. Herb seemed to make the flowers appear from thin air, softly handing them to Madeleine and smiling.
"Good luck, Madeleine, I hope all goes well for you!" Herb cooed, waving to him.
"Thank you so much Herb, Sparkling, Mint.." He smiled back and walked out of the house, taking a deep breath and closing the door behind him.
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Espresso heard a knock at his door as he was working on lesson plans, sighing and expecting Latte "I told you to just come in from now on!" He shouted down, huffing and standing up to greet her
"He never told me that.." Madeleine said dumbfounded, opening the door.
Espresso peeked to see Madeleine in the door, his eyes going big "Madele? What are you doing here?" He asked, realizing he was wearing his pajamas.
"I'm here to take you on a date!" Madeleine gave him a smile.
"What, did Milk cancel on you?" Espresso replied bitterly, leaning in the doorway
"Em yes.. But I realize that it was wrong of me to cancel our date today.." He bowed his head and held out the flowers along with a box of chocolates "They're coffee flavored.. I know you don't like sweet stuff.."
Espresso wanted to be mad at him, he really did but the innocent puppy look Madeleine gave him made it nearly impossible. "Come inside.." He sighed softly, stepping out of the doorway.
Madeleine quickly scrambled in and hugged his lover tight, picking him up and twirling around with him "Espresso my love!!" He exclaimed, glad he wasn't upset with him.
Espresso squeaked and blushed madly "Madeleine set me down!!" He laughed, hugging him tightly "God you're dumb.."
Madeleine set him down on the ground, leaning over to hug him "Okay okay we gotta put these flowers in water and then go-" Madeleine rushed into the kitchen, filling up a cup with water and putting the flowers in it and setting the chocolate down next to it, grabbing Espresso's hand and attempting to pull him out the door.
"Madeleine I'm not even dressed yet!!" Espresso laughed again, holding his hand tightly "Dumbass.." He smiled and led Madeleine upstairs instead. "I'm glad you showed up, not that I was upset or anything of course-" He lied, biting his tongue
"I know I know I'm sorry.." Madeleine sighed and sat on Espresso's bed "I feel really bad about it.. I swear I didn't mean anything malicious by it.."
"I know.. I don't think the word malicious is even in your dictionary.." Espresso smiled and started to pull clothes from his closet, quickly getting dressed then starting to do his makeup, all with quick precision. When he was done he gently grabbed Madeleine's hands, leading him downstairs. "Where are we headed?"
"Well I intend on taking you to the park if that's alright with you..?" Madeleine squeezed his hand and smiled warmly.
"That sounds nice.." Espresso slowed his walking so that he could walk next to Madeleine, leaning into him and sighing intently. Madeleine wrapped his arm around Espresso's shoulders, a perfect fit, pulling him close and smiling even more if possible.
Once they had arrived at the park, they sat down at a fountain and had quiet, meaningless conversations about work and astrology.
"Well I'm a Leo and you're a Virgo.. Do you think we're a good match?"
"Does it really matter? In all honesty thinking about it we're a good match or not is pointless because it won't change how we feel about each other, hm?"
Madeleine laughed and hugged Espresso tightly, humming softly "This man I hold will be the end of me.."
"You're insufferable.." Espresso whispered back, gently kissing his temple and starting to softly run his fingers through Madeleine's hair.
"Espresso, what's that in your pocket?" Madeleine asked quietly, staring down at the box shaped bump in his pocket.
Espresso quickly pulled away "What are you even talking about there's nothing there!" He said quickly, his cheeks starting to flush. "I think it was a bug or something.. Plus stop staring at my ass-" He pushed Madeleine playfully, hoping he would forget about it. Madeleine's face lit ablaze.
"I-I wasn't I wasn't!" He said quickly, putting his head in his hands.
"Ahhh sureee~ I know you're a paladin but you aren't as innocent as you seem-" Espresso teased, smiling a ton.
Seeing the box shape in Espresso's pocket reminded Madeleine of his own important box.. He looked down at his little satchel he carried and took a deep breath, leaning into his lover.
"You know.. I still can't believe it's almost been 4 years of pure bliss with you.." Madeleine said softly, taking Espresso's hand "I swear even after all this time every time I see you my heart still skips a beat.. You get more and more beautiful each and every day I see you.. You hate when I say this but the Devine's light truly shines on you and makes you golden, my love.. I'm surprised with the way I've been acting that you haven't let someone else come and scoop you up.." He smiled sadly as he thought about how long it had been since their last date.
"Madeleine.. What are you talking about..?" Espresso whispered back.
"Well.. I haven't been making a good enough effort to take you out on dates and buy you presents.."
Espresso frowned and gently grabbed Madeleine's face, squishing his cheeks and huffing "You dummy.. Why would any of that matter.. You sleep over at my house just about every night and we watch movies and cook together.. You're ridiculous to think that I would leave you for someone else over that.. I was just starting to worry I suppose.. You're always so adamant about going out on crazy and amazing dates while I would rather stay in or do something low-key but recently it hasn't been happening so I supposed I was the problem.."
Madeleine smiled a tiny bit and hugged Espresso tight before pulling away "God.. If you did something wrong I would tell you.. You know I'm always open with you.. It's been on my part, actually.." Madeleine slowly got down off the fountain and smiled, kneeling on the ground and putting his forehead to Espresso's knees, closing his eyes "My darling, Espresso.. You're the most amazing and perfect man I could ever ask for.. I don't think I could ever get anything better than you.. Not even the Divine compares to you.." Madeleine said quietly, smiling "I've been so nervous cause you're so great and nice and perfect and.. I guess I supposed you needed a proposal as the same.." Madeleine laughed softly before suddenly he felt Espresso's feet kick into his chest and a loud splash from in front of him. He squeaked and fell back, staring up and suddenly the only part of his boyfriend that he could see was his legs sticking up out of the water in the fountain.
Madeleine yelped and quickly stood, yanking Espresso out of the water and helping him to stand up. Espresso coughed and bent over a bit, holding his gut and shivering "J-Jesus fucking Christ Madeleine!!" He choked, wiping water off his face.
"I'm so sorry Espresso i-I didn't mean to make you fall!" Madeleine whined "Please don't be mad I'm so sorry-"
"N-No it was my fault.. I was surprised and didn't realize how close to the edge of the fountain I was sitting.." He continued to cough, slowly sitting back down. "D-Did you say propose-!?" Espresso asked, looking up when he was finally done with his coughing fit
Madeleine stood there silently "Em.. Yes.." He said quietly, holding his hands behind his back.
Suddenly, Espresso began to laugh, covering his mouth and closing his eyes "Oh god!! I can't believe I fell in the water!!" He laughed, looking up at Madeleine. "This is ridiculous!" He slowly stood, grabbing the now wet box from his pocket and holding it out "I-I was gonna propose to you!!"
Madeleine's eyes lit up, quickly grabbing the box and opening it, his eyes big at the beautiful ring. He slowly took it out of the box and slipped it on his finger, a perfect fit. "Es.." He whispered, slowly hugging Espresso and kissing his wet head "Oh my god.. I love you, I love you so much!!" He then pulled out his own ring box, laughing and sliding it on Espresso's finger. It was a beautiful silver ring with dazzling cognac diamonds all around. He then lifted his fiance up and jumped back into the fountain, laughing and splashing around in the water with Espresso.
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Hours later, a cold and damp engaged couple walked through the doors of Espresso's estate and went straight to the bathroom. They undressed and ran a warm bath, taking turns washing each other up and whispering sweet words to each other the entire time. When they finished, they slipped into pajamas and slipped into bed together, absolutely exhausted and thankful for the warm bed they had waiting for them. They both almost instantly fell asleep, tangled in each other's arms.