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Chapter Text

Ashe was not a good dancer. Despite his determined enthusiasm and prior lessons with his friends, he kept stepping on Ingrid's feet. She told him she didn't mind, but based on her expression when he did it again, she needed a break. Her eyes lingered on the snack table and Ashe excused himself and sighed fondly.

“You go get something to eat. I'm going to get some fresh air,” he told her.

“Are you sure?” Ingrid asked. Ashe nodded.

“Positive. Besides, I'm sure there are plenty of other looking forward to dancing with a future knight of Faerghus.”

“I hope you're talking about you and not me,” Ingrid said. Ashe laughed. In truth, there wasn't a line of suitors waiting for either of them.

Ashe separated from Ingrid and stepped out onto the bridge to the cathedral, letting the cool night air wash over him. It was refreshing, after being in the stuffy reception hall for so long, to get out into the open. He decided he would go for a short stroll before coming back to the dance. He didn't want his friends to miss him, and they worked hard to teach him how to dance. He supposed he should use those skills, inadequate as they might be.

He let his feet carry him across the bridge, where a few other students were catching their breaths. He ducked into the cathedral, which was less occupied. It would be a nice quiet place to relax, but Ashe would rather be outside, so he headed out the left to stand in front of the goddess tower.

Ashe was sure there were plenty of people inside, making wishes with their romantic partners. Ashe thought about making a wish too, but he was too embarrassed to ask someone to come with him. The implications of that were too humiliating, even if all he wanted to do was make a wish.

Besides, if the legends were to be believed, it had to be a man and a woman making the wish. Which didn't seem fair at all, but maybe it had been misconstrued because of gossip. But if it was true, then the one person Ashe wanted to invite wouldn't be able to make a wish with him. And knowing that made his heart ache.

“What are you doing here?”

Ashe all but jumped out of his skin as a voice came from behind him. He hadn't heard any footsteps, so he automatically launched onto the assumption it was a ghost. Scrambling away, Ashe pressed his back against the tower as Caspar looked at him with confusion.

“Caspar!” Ashe exclaimed. “Don't scare me like that!”

“Sorry, I forgot you get scared in the dark,” Caspar said with a chuckle. He held up his arms. “But see? I'm no ghost. Just good-ole Caspar.”

"Better make sure, just to be safe,” Ashe said, feeling a little bold because of the adrenaline rush. He stepped forward and pressed his palm to Caspar's cheek. Warm where Ashe was cold. Caspar blinked rapidly out of surprise, his eyelashes fluttering against Ashe's thumb.

“Yup, you're really you,” Ashe said, withdrawing his hand. Caspar cleared his throat.

“Obviously. I’ve told you this a million times, but ghosts aren't real. And why would I be a ghost? Do you think I died in the thirty minutes since I last saw you?”

“Maybe ghosts can shape shift!” Ashe protested. “You don't know how ghosts work.”

“Uh, yeah, I do. Cuz they're not real.” Caspar laughed. “You're so smart Ashe, smarter than me. But even you have irrational fears.”

“Yes, yes, whatever,” Ashe said, his face heating.

“Anyway, you didn't answer my question,” Caspar said. “What are you doing here?”

“Oh, I just wanted a rest,” Ashe answered honestly. There was no need to hide from Caspar. “It’s all a little much, isn't it? I'm not used to all the fanciness.”

“No kidding,” Caspar said. “I mean, I just wanted to dance and stuff my face with food, but Ferdinand was all over me about table manners and such. And then Ingrid pushed me out of the way to get to the rabbit skewers!”

“Ha!” Ashe laughed. “That does sound like her.”

“So I decided to come check out the Goddess Tower. I heard it's supposed to be off-limits.”

“What?” Ashe said, panicked. “Is that true? Goddess, we've gotta get out of here!” He started to rush past Caspar, but Caspar grabbed him by the waist and lifted him up, stopping him from fleeing. Despite being so short, Caspar was well built. Ashe flushed as he felt Caspar's strong arms around him, keeping him pressed to the other boy.

“Relax, it's not like anybody enforces it,” Caspar said. “Can't you see the lights on? There's plenty of people up there.”

Ashe looked up to the windows of the goddess tower. He could see several candles lit inside, even a silhouette or two. He supposed they weren't the only ones here. And there was that rumor about this place, which he had even talked about with a few knights. They probably weren't at any risk of getting in trouble.

Once Ashe relaxed, Caspar let him go, and Ashe stumbled away, startled by the feeling of loss in his chest.

“Who told you it was off-limits, anyway?” Ashe asked, turning to face Caspar once more.

“Huh. I can't remember her name,” Caspar said with a shrug. “It was just some girl who started talking to me last night.”

“And you were talking about the Goddess Tower?” Ashe said, his voice empty. He could see where this was going. He had no idea Caspar was the type to flirt with girls he didn't even know, though. He wasn't Sylvain.

“I guess? I wasn't really following the conversation,” Caspar said, his eyebrows furrowed in confusion. “I'm still trying to wrap my head around it. She wanted me to leave the ball tonight and meet her here, but she wouldn't say what she wanted to do! Said it was a secret or something.” Caspar shrugged.

“So, are you going to meet her here?” Ashe asked, feeling like all the breath was leaving his body. Of course Caspar wasn't here for Ashe. It had been foolish to think an encounter like this might've been fate. Of course he was here for a girl. Of course.

But Caspar shook his head. “Nah, I couldn't figure out what she wanted to do, and she got all mad at me! Wouldn't even explain what she meant! I just came cuz I was curious, that's all.”

“Wha--Caspar!” Ashe stumbled on his words. His despair was gone, replaced by pity for this poor girl. She was in the same boat he was, after all. Wrestling with unrequited feelings Caspar never seemed to grasp. “How could you do that to that poor girl?”

“Huh?” Caspar asked with wide eyes. “I didn't do anything!”

“You could have let her down easy,” Ashe said, shaking his head.

“Let her down? What are you talking about?” Caspar shook his head. “Don't talk in circles around me Ashe, you know I can't keep up!”

“Come on, you must know,” Ashe said, even though it was pretty clear Caspar didn't. “Caspar, that girl wanted to take you to the Goddess Tower to kiss you.”

“What?” Caspar shouted, and Ashe could see a clear blush spread over his cheeks. “That can't be right!”

“The Goddess Tower is supposed to be super romantic!” Ashe said. “A man and a woman make a wish together, and it's destiny for their wish to come true.”

“But I didn't even know this girl!” Caspar protested. “Why would she want me to go with her?”

“Because you're cute, Caspar,” Ashe said. His face was becoming increasingly warm. He resisted the urge to turn away from Caspar and hide his embarrassment.

“I'm cute?” Caspar repeated. His stunned face turned into a cocky grin. “You think I'm cute?”

“As if you didn't know,” Ashe said shyly, reaching up to play with his hair.

“I didn't!” Caspar exclaimed. “Honestly, I can never tell what people are thinking. I like that you just tell me.” He smiled broadly. “She should've just told me that too. Then she wouldn't have had to get so upset!”

“Then you would've gone with her?” Ashe asked, because he couldn't stop himself, apparently.

“Huh? Oh, no. Of course not, weirdo. I just would've told her directly I wasn't interested. I'm sure she'd understand, if I told her I didn't like girls.”

Ashe had to suppress a squeal of excitement. He bit his lip so his grin wasn't so obvious.

“Why do you look so happy?”

Okay, that didn't work.

“I don’t!” Ashe protested weakly.

“Yeah, you do,” Caspar said, pointing. “You've got this big goofy grin on your face.”

“I do not!”

“Well not anymore,” Caspar said. “Now you're pouting at me. Did I do something wrong?” Caspar frowned, and it made Ashe feel a little guilty.

“No! No, Caspar, of course not.”

“Oh, good,” Caspar said out of relief. “I'd be devastated if you broke up with me.”

“Don't worry I’m not--” Wait. Ashe stared at Caspar, who tilted his head, waiting for Ashe to finish his sentence. “Um. What?”

“Well, you know, breaking up with someone at the Goddess Tower would be particularly cruel, even though I didn't know it was supposed to be romantic, heh.”

“Wait, wait,” Ashe said, trying to collect his bearings. He knew his face was bright red, and there was no use hiding it. He didn't know how Caspar could remain so calm during this conversation. Was this supposed to be a joke? “What do you mean, break up with you?”

“Well, you know, when someone wants to stop being in a relationship,” Caspar explained, as if it was the concept of breaking up that had Ashe confused.

“But we're not in a relationship,” he said. Caspar blinked.

“Um, yes we are.”

“Caspar, I think I would know if we were in a relationship.”

“Well, I thought we were!” Caspar shouted, and now he was red in the face too. “We held hands at Gilbert's seminar last week!”

“I thought you thought it was friendly hand holding,” Ashe said, feeling a little silly. Friendly hand holding? What was he even talking about?

“But I asked you to dance with me during the waltz tonight!” Caspar said.

“I thought you were joking!” Ashe exclaimed, feeling more and more embarrassed.

“You touched my cheek when I got here!” Caspar all but whined. Ashe thought he was going to combust.

“I thought I was being flirty,” Ashe said.

“You were!”

“That doesn't mean I knew we were in a relationship!” Ashe said. He buried his face in his hands. “I’ve never been more embarrassed in my life.”

“I think I'm the one who should be embarrassed,” Caspar said quietly. Ashe peered between his fingers to look at him. His eyes were downcast, the corners of his mouth tugged downward. Ashe felt like his world was exploding, but he couldn't let Caspar be sad. He threw his own fears aside and charged forward, taking him by the hand.

“Just because I wasn't under the same impression, doesn't mean I don't want the same things you do,” he said softly. With his free hand, he tilted Caspar’s chin up so they were looking at each other. His breath caught when he looked into Caspar's hopeful blue eyes.

“Tell it to me straight, Ashe,” he said, his voice quiet for once. “Do you want to be with me?”

Ashe couldn't answer fast enough. “Yes,” he said, gasping as Caspar pressed against him. Caspar’s arms winded around his neck and pulled him down to his height so he could slot his lips against his.

Ashe had never kissed anyone before. He had read about it--more than he was willing to admit--so he thought he knew how it was supposed to be done. But he still felt clumsy as he moved his mouth against Caspar's, his thoughts too scattered to really put into practice what he had read. Luckily, what they lacked in experience Caspar made up for in fervor, his lips working from one corner of Ashe's mouth to the other, never staying still for long. Ashe felt dizzy from all the excitement as his arms finally moved, wrapping around Caspar's waist and pulling him closer still. He had never known touching someone else would make him feel this happy.

Eventually, they had to break apart. And although Ashe knew their kiss was probably nothing special in comparison to the kisses more experienced people like Sylvain had, he couldn't help the big giddy smile that broke across his face.

“Now we can do that all the time,” Caspar said with eagerness. “Since we both know we're together.”

Ashe flushed, but smiled. “I would like that, yes.”

“But let's go back to the ball,” Caspar said, his hand trailing down Ashe's arm until it could reach his hand. “I wasn't actually joking about the waltz.”

“Yes, I know now,” Ashe said with a laugh. “But I don't know. I mean, do I even belong there? I'm not a noble, I don't even really know how to dance.”

"What are you talking about?” Caspar asked, exasperated. “You belong here more than anyone. You're training to be a knight, which is what the school is for! No one deserves to be here more than you.”

When Caspar beamed at him like that, he couldn't argue.

“Alright,” he said. “Let's go dance.”

“That's the spirit!”

Caspar led him back to the reception hall, his hand firmly woven with Ashe's own. Ashe figured maybe it wasn't the Goddess Tower that granted wishes. After all, unbeknownst to him, his wish had come true several weeks ago. And as long as he had Caspar's hand in his, he couldn't think of anything else he needed.

Chapter Text

Good-hearted and good-looking. That's what Hilda was looking for in a partner. Unfortunately, the available bachelors at Garreg Mach were rather lackluster. She had no choice but to reject all those that invited her to the Goddess Tower. Of course, it made sense that they would invite her. She was beautiful, energetic, and fun to be around. She was the first to admit she was a bit on the lazy side, but that was all made up for by her stunning good looks. Anyone would be happy to be with her. But Hilda wouldn't be happy with just anyone.

Still, she didn't want to miss out on the Goddess Tower completely. It was a once a year event, after all, and she wouldn't be here next year to enjoy it. She couldn't miss out on spying on the couples that went up there. It would give her some great gossip to discuss over tea with the professor next time they invited her. And maybe--just maybe--she could meet someone there she would want to make a vow with.

So she left the ball early, hoping no one would notice as she slipped away. Several boys had been hounding her for a dance, and she was sick of it. The walk to the Goddess Tower was quiet and serene, with no one chattering in her ear about stupid nonsense she couldn't be concerned with.

Hilda passed Ashe and Caspar in the Cathedral, holding hands and grinning like maniacs. Well, that's one couple that finally got together. Ashe blushed and ducked his head when he saw her, while Caspar seemed completely oblivious to her presence. Hilda chuckled slightly and slid past them, outside to where the Goddess Tower awaited.

The door creaked open as Hilda pushed her way inside, keeping her footsteps quiet so as not to alert anyone to her presence. She creeped slowly to the first door, where light peered through the crack. She was practically giggling as she pushed it open, giddy to see who the first couple subject to her gossip would be.

“Please be patient, I’ll be done with my prayer in a moment.”

Hilda halted in her movements as she stared at Marianne, leaning over the window with her hands clasped together. Hilda tasted something bitter in her mouth as she thought about what Marianne could be doing here. Meeting someone? Was shy, demure little Marianne having a torrid love affair? But no, there was no one else in the room. Maybe they hadn't arrived yet. Hilda stayed to observe as Marianne gently brushed the feathers of a pigeon on the windowsill. Hilda couldn't see her face, which meant Marianne couldn't see her either. Hilda's presence remained unknown as Marianne continued speaking.

“Dear goddess,” Marianne started. Of course, she wasn't here to meet someone. She was repenting to the goddess, as always. Hilda had no control over the exasperated groan that came out of her mouth. Startled, Marianne jumped, turning around with wide eyes to see her. The pigeon that had been her companion flew away into the night sky.

“Hilda!” Marianne exclaimed, patting down her skirts nervously. “Wh-what are you doing here?”

“Oh, just looking for a tidbit of gossip,” Hilda said, striding into the room. No use hiding her presence anymore. “Were you praying? That's really not what the Goddess Tower is all about, you know.”

“I, um.” Marianne looked down at her shoes as Hilda gently chided her. “I was making a wish to the goddess.”

“By yourself?” Hilda scoffed. “Oh Marianne. You're supposed to take a boy up here! It's meant to be romantic to make a vow together in the Goddess Tower. Don't tell me that bird was your boyfriend.”

“No! Of course not,” Marianne said, her eyes looking over everything but Hilda's face. “I just thought maybe the goddess would accept him. It's not as if I have anyone else to take up here.”

“You wouldn't want to make a wish with the boys here anyway,” Hilda said, trying to cheer Marianne up. “Your way out of their league. Trust me. I know a pretty face when I see one.”

“Oh,” Marianne said, her cheeks tinged pink. She ducked her head, letting her long bangs conceal her delicate features. Hilda had the strange urge to snip them away so Marianne could never hide again.

“Besides, I don't think you need a boy,” Hilda said. Her insides felt all warm, which always happened around Marianne.

“What do you mean?” Marianne asked. She dragged her toe along the floor, focusing on her feet instead of Hilda.

“Well, I'm sure the goddess would let us make a wish together,” Hilda said. “She'll realize our love for each other is worth more than any dumb boy.”

“Oh!” Marianne looked up at last. Her ash brown eyes lit up in hope. “Do you really think that will work?”

“There's only one way to find out!” Hilda said cheerfully. This plan of hers seemed more genius by the minute. If it could make Marianne smile, then it would really be something.

“O-okay,” Marianne said with a nod, she turned back to the little window in the room, and Hilda followed suit. “What do you want to wish for?”

“Me? Didn't you already have a wish in mind?” Hilda asked. Marianne's eyes skittered away.

“Y-yes, but it's hard to say out loud.”

Hilda sighed. “Okay, well then, I’ll just wish for your wish to come true.”

“N-no, don't do that!” Marianne pleaded. “Wish for something you want, please.”

“Fine,” Hilda said, but she wasn't about to let Marianne win. “I wish for you to be happy.”

Hilda was obsessed with the way Marianne’s cheeks flared up as she stumbled on her words.

“Oh, Hilda, I couldn't possibly--”

“Hush! That's my truest wish,” Hilda said, realizing it was true. Really, she didn't need anything else than to see Marianne smile.

“Oh,” Marianne said, and she seemed genuinely stunned. She hid a smile behind her hand before continuing, “then I will wish for your happiness.”

“We have to make the same wish, dumbie,” Hilda said with a teasing laugh. “Besides, I'm already happy. I'm with the great Marianne, after all.”

“Stop saying things like that,” Marianne said, the blush on her cheeks only intensifying. Hilda cackled. She was too adorable.

“Not until you make the wish with me,” Hilda said, teasing but serious. She reached forward and tucked a stray strand of blue hair behind Marianne's ear. The other girl nodded eagerly.

“Together,” Hilda said. “I wish for Marianne’s happiness.”

Marianne took a deep breath before joining Hilda's chorus. “I wish for Marianne's happiness.”

“That wasn't so hard,” Hilda said. She swayed forward a bit, leaning into Marianne's space. “Now let's seal it with a kiss.”

“What?” Marianne jumped back, startled. “That's not a part of the legend!”

“Well I don't think it could hurt!” Hilda said. “So the goddess knows we're serious!”

Of course, she didn't really expect to get a kiss out of Marianne. The other girl was too shy and self-loathing to let herself have something so joyous. She was only teasing her, because that warm feeling inside Hilda only grew when she saw Marianne so flustered. She certainly wasn't expecting Marianne to start nodding her assent.

“F-fine,” Marianne said. “Kiss me.”

Hilda gasped as warmth spread throughout her body, pulsing from her heart to the tips of her fingers and her toes. But that was nothing compared to when she leaned forward and pressed her lips to Marianne's.

It wasn't just the tingling sweetness Hilda felt as their lips brushed that made it so good. It was every other place they touched: their noses brushing up against one another. Hilda's hand cupping Marianne's cheek, bringing their faces closer together. Marianne's hand grasping at Hilda's waist, bringing their bodies flush against each other. Hilda was sure she had never had a kiss so electrifying, so warm that it melted her.

She slowly moved her head back, finding a different angle to kiss Marianne at. Her hand slipped from Marianne's cheek to the back of her neck, using her new position to pull her in closer. Marianne shuddered under her hands, a small puff of breath teasing Hilda's lips as her arms wrapped fully around Hilda's waist. Hilda smiled as she slowly pecked Marianne over and over again, feeling a little like one of her beloved birds.

“O-oh.” Marianne trembled as Hilda confidently moved across her face, tugging at her earlobe with her teeth. Hilda let out a breathy laugh in her ear, then pressed her nose into Marianne's hair. She smelled like basil and daisies, and Hilda twirled a lock of her hair in her fingers as she leaned away. Marianne watched her with something like reverence as Hilda lifted the lock to her lips and kissed it.

“Smile for me,” Hilda said, her voice a little husky as Marianne's hair slipped out of her fingers. Marianne mustered up a shy smile, her face as aflame as Hilda felt. Hilda wondered if she was blushing too. Her face was hot, so she must’ve been.

“I wonder if the goddess saw that,” Hilda said. Marianne giggled.

“I think I'm okay if the goddess didn't see that,” she said.

“True, true,” Hilda said. She reached forward and patted Marianne on the head. “This is our private moment, after all. I'm the only one that gets to enjoy the cute expressions you make.”

“H-hilda,” Marianne protested weakly, her hands coming up to cover her face.

“I know, I know. Stop teasing. I just can't help myself!”

“Maybe it's not so bad,” Marianne said softly. “I like seeing you happy, after all.”

“Same here,” Hilda said, her heart softening. “See, we didn't need to make a wish for me, because seeing you happy makes me happy. As long as you keep smiling at me, nothing in the world can get me down.”

Wow. She didn't know she could be such a sap.

“Then, I should keep smiling,” Marianne said. She beamed at Hilda, which couldn't have been easy for her. “For your sake.”

“I'd like that very much,” Hilda said. Yes, Marianne would smile for her sake now, and maybe one day, she would smile for her own.

Chapter Text

Parties were stupid. A waste of time. Why busy himself with dancing and -ugh- socializing, when he could be training? Felix had skipped out on balls in the past, and he would continue to do so after he graduated from this place. This goddess forsaken place that placed him in a room next to the boar. He couldn't wait to get out.

But be as it may, this was a ball he couldn't skip. Not without being pestered by his whole class and the professor. But he steadily ignored everyone and spent the whole night glaring at the dancefloor, where the boar was placating every giggling school girl asking him to dance.

“Despicable, isn't it?” Sylvain asked. Felix glared at him as the redhead threw an arm around him, as he was apt to do.

“What are you on about?” Felix shrugged his arm off, leaning back against the wall he had claimed as his territory all night. The only people brave enough to talk to him were Annette and Ingrid. And now Sylvain. But Sylvain never really knew what was good for him.

“The girls draping themselves over his highness.” Sylvain pointed to the boar's newest dance partner, who squirmed with nervousness as Dimitri led her in a waltz. Felix saw his hands around her waist and his mind flashed to a memory: the boar's hands around a lance, tearing through the rebels without a care. Then he blinked and the vision was gone.

“Don’t make your issues with women my problem,” Felix said, moving his eyes away from the boar. He had probably stayed long enough, right? Annette couldn't possibly whine to him about not having any fun now.

Sylvain laughed coldly, holding up a glass of something he definitely shouldn't be drinking. He chugged it down in one go, then called for a servant to refill it.

“I know it's not about the women for you,” Sylvain said. Felix really didn't want to know what he meant by that.

“I'm leaving,” he announced, shoving off his wall and striding past Sylvain.

“Aww, C'mon Felix! Don't be like that!”

Felix waved off his protests and continued walking, his feet carrying him where they always went: the training grounds. At least there he could swing a sword. Feel useful. Not sitting idly by, waiting for the Death Knight or whoever else the church had made an enemy of to attack them.

But when he arrived at the only place in the Monastery he enjoyed, he was distraught to find it occupied. By rather… amorous activities. He did not stick around long enough to see anything, thank goddess, but he heard the distinct voices of Catherine and Shamir discussing something he could only describe as filthy. He didn't even want to think about what they were up to. For Seiros's sake, didn't they have rooms to do that in?

Felix thought about going to his room, but that would be the first place Sylvain and Ingrid would look to find him. And Felix would prefer to be alone. Really, when wasn't that the case? So he walked past the reception, where the dance was still going in full capacity, and pushed the doors open to the bridge leading up to the cathedral. After passing several more couples wanting to be away from adult eyes, he found himself at the goddess tower. That's how desperate he was for a place alone.

Technically, he was aware that students weren't really allowed to enter the goddess tower. But who was going to stop him? All the knights were at the ball or…elsewhere, and he was sure he wasn't the only one that would be here tonight. Plenty of fools were bound to believe the legend Sylvain had been sprouting to any girl that would listen, and probably also those that wouldn't. But there were many rooms in the goddess tower. Felix would get to one at the very top, where he wouldn't be disturbed. No one wanted to climb all those stairs.

So Felix began to climb. Several rooms were already claimed, their doors shut tightly to drown out the murmured voices in their rooms. But when Felix reached the room at the very top, he was remiss to see that he wasn't alone.

“Ah, Felix!” Dimitri said, an easy smile slipping onto his face. But Felix knew it was a mask. He scowled as Dimitri walked over to him.

“What are you doing here, boar?” he asked with no lack of venom dripping from his voice. He had to arm himself in any way he could when going head to head with a monster.

“I was just about to ask you that,” Dimitri said, his grin broadening. He looked ridiculous. Felix scoffed and looked back down the stairs. If he left now, where would he go? And worse: would people see him and think he had been up here with the boar to--goddess no. He couldn’t even think it without his stomach turning.

“Looking for a place to be alone,” Felix snarled, glaring back up at the boar. “Obviously I came to the wrong place.”

Dimitri had the good sense to look sheepish, scratching the back of his neck as he towered over Felix.

“My apologies,” he said. He bowed his head as if expecting Felix to leave. He didn't.

“And?” he said instead. Dimitri blinked at him.

“And what?”

“What are you doing here?” Felix repeated, because the boar had seemingly forgotten about his question.

Dimitri flushed and tucked his face away, so Felix couldn't look him in the eye.

“Oh, you know,” he said, waving his hand in the air as if that was answer enough. Felix rolled his eyes.

“No, I don't.”

Dimitri swallowed, and Felix followed the bob of his Adam's apple as it moved in his throat. His patience was wearing thin as Dimitri tumbled over his words.

“Well, you see, the night of the ball--there's a legend. As you know better than most, I don't really believe in such things, as the goddess watches over us from above, nothing more. But I figured there's no harm in being here so I can, um. Well.” He flushed again.

“Goddess,” Felix cursed, cutting him off. “Are you meeting someone here?” Felix recoiled, about ready to sprint out of there. He didn't want to be around to see the boar in some romantic escapade.

“No!” Dimitri shouted, seizing Felix's hand to keep him there. “Goddess, no, Felix. To make a wish. I came here to make a wish.”

Felix stilled as the words settled over them. Neither of them said anything for a long moment, and they stood there, unmoving. Felix's hand was cold where Dimitri touched him, because he was wearing those stupid gauntlets he always had on. Always prepared for a fight. Really, Felix wasn't so different.

“That's stupid,” Felix finally said. It was blunt and sharp, like all his words were, but they didn't seem to upset the boar.

“I know,” Dimitri said quietly. “I don't even think it would have any chance of coming true. Maybe I just wanted an excuse to leave.”

“Why?” Felix asked. “You seemed to be doing fine.” Felix remembered Dimitri dancing one waltz after another, a pretty smile on his face all the while. Maybe he had been more tired than he let on. Felix knew from the sounds of his constant pacing he didn't sleep much.

“In truth, I didn't have much interest in staying after you left.”

Felix gasped before he could help it. Out of all the things Dimitri could've said, that was one thing he hadn't seen coming. He always managed to leave Felix blushing, even now that they were grown.

“You weren't even looking at me,” Felix said, a type of armor he could throw up. Dimitri chuckled softly.

“That is simply not true. Perhaps you only think that because you were not looking at me.”

But he was. All night, Felix's eyes had been trained on the dancefloor, watching Dimitri's every move. Waiting for when the boar would be unleashed, and everyone would see that he was right. That the monster that wore his best friend's face was nothing more than that: a monster.

“Forgive me, I shouldn't have said anything,” Dimitri said after Felix had remained silent for too long. He released Felix's hand, and it fell back to his side.

“Don't say that,” Felix scowled when he finally got ahold of himself. “You’re always censoring yourself. Keeping up this princely facade. I'm sick of it.” He pushed past Dimitri, leaning out the window to feel the cool night air on his face. Not as cold as Faerghus, but it would do. He couldn't think straight when his face was this hot.

His chest clenched with dread as he heard heavy footsteps behind him. The beast was drawing closer. Felix didn't move as Dimitri settled right beside him, one hand on the windowsill, the other reaching for Felix's shoulder. But before he touched him, it fell limply to his waist.

“I wish I knew what to say around you,” Dimitri said. Felix didn't look at him, but he felt the hot caress of his stare on his face. “If I say what I think you want to hear, you call me out for it. But when I say what I'm really thinking, it only turns out worse.”

“That's because I see you for what you really are,” Felix said with his usual level of snark. “You can't hide from me, boar.”

“No, I suppose I can't,” Dimitri said with a self-deprecating chuckle. Felix hated the sound of it. “You always have seen the truest parts of me. Even when we were little. Do you remember? You always insisted I sleep in your room when we visited, because you knew I’d be scared.”

“You don't have to remind me,” Felix mumbled. It pained him to think of the friend he once had. He had to remind himself that even if the beast next to him had Dimitri's memories, it wasn't really him. His Dimitri was dead.

“And when you said you wanted to marry me.”

Felix turned on Dimitri with a growl. “I was eight. Don't hold that against me.”

“I would never,” Dimitri said. His smile seemed more earnest than before. Perhaps remembering their childhood let him think of himself as a human for once. Felix almost fooled himself. “In truth, it pleased me very much to hear that.”

Forget his face, Felix's whole body was on fire.

“You didn't say it back,” Felix said quietly, his eyes fluttering down to stare at his feet. He didn't want to see the expression on Dimitri's face. Couldn't. And perhaps more importantly, he didn't want Dimitri to see the expression on his face. He could imagine he looked pretty pathetic right about now, still clinging to false hope he had as a child.

“I thought it went without saying!” Dimitri said, his voice cracking out of anxiety. Felix looked up to meet his eyes, but now it was Dimitri who stared down at his feet. “Because, well, because of what happened after.”

The kiss. They hadn’t been really aware of how to do it, but Felix had felt butterflies in his stomach all the same. When he said he wanted to marry Dimitri, Dimitri pressed his lips to his. It was so quick it really didn't even count, and they had gone back to playing knights after that. Felix had been so excited about it at the time, but looking back, he had thought it was something to placate him. Something Dimitri did so he wouldn't burst into tears like he always did.

“It doesn't matter,” Felix said, wanting to shut down this conversation before he embarrassed himself any further.

“Yes it does,” Dimitri protested, cheeks tinted pink as he stared at Felix with resolve. “I don't want you thinking that I didn't--that I don't--care for you. Because I do. More than anyone.”

“It's in the past,” Felix said. “Let it go.” It's not like they could make use of this revelation anyhow. So Dimitri had reciprocated his foolish crush when they were children. They were almost adults now. With real world problems. More than they could've possibly imagined. And what were they going to do? Get married tomorrow? Please. They both had been made aware that was impossible. And even if it wasn't. Felix wouldn't marry a monster. Which as far as he was convinced, Dimitri still was. A little childhood story didn't change that.

“Felix,” Dimitri’s voice hitched, “you must know that I still--” he cut himself off with the brisk shake of his head. “No, it will be easier to show you.”

What are you on about? That's what Felix would have said, if he had been given the chance. But before he could even part his lips to speak, the boar's mouth captured his.

It was nothing like when they were children. Not nearly innocent enough. Dimitri's lips were hot and persistent, eagerness making up for what Felix hoped was inexperience. The rough movement of Dimitri's teeth biting down on Felix's lips had him gasping, mouth open in an invitation the boar seized. Felix bit back with equal fervor, his body responding before his mind could catch up to his present situation. His arms curled around Dimitri's shoulder's on his own accord, pressing their chests together in an effort to get closer. Felix heard a groan that could have come from either one of them as Dimitri's fingers tangled themselves in his hair. His other hand was on Felix's hip, strong fingers digging in so hard it stung, but Felix had never been bothered by Dimitri's strength. He shuddered up against him, chest pounding erratically against his ribcage. Felix's fists found purchase in Dimitri's cloak, which he held on to for dear life. It felt like his whole body was going to melt away.

But just when it was getting good, just when Felix thought he could drown out all his thoughts in the sensation of kissing Dimitri, the damn boar pulled away. Felix let out a sound he refused to call a whine as Dimitri's hands left his hair. Felix's own hands fell from Dimitri's broad shoulders onto his chest. He rested them there, unwilling to pull away from Dimitri's warmth. How pathetic was he, submitting to the boar as soon as he was shown some affection? Disgusting. He thought he was above such things.

“So you see, Felix?” Dimitri panted, his lips red and swollen from being ravished only seconds ago. “I still feel the same. I still love you.”

Felix’s breath came in halting gulps of air. Kissing was more work than it appeared. Dimitri's expression became more uncertain by the second as Felix took the time to collect his thoughts and catch his breath. Finally, he glared up at the man in front of him. The one person that had the ability to make him feel this much.

“Boar,” he said with a growl.

“Um, yes, Felix?” Dimitri said. Much too polite.

“If you don't start kissing me again right this second, I am going to strangle you.”

“Oh!” Dimitri's face brightened at the threat. “Yes, of course, Felix!”

The dreaded conversation he had to have with himself about his own feelings could be settled tomorrow. Tonight, even the goddess herself couldn't pry Felix away from his Dimitri.

Chapter Text

Ferdinand was not proud of what he was doing. Chasing a woman in the dead of night was unbecoming for a noble such as himself. But it's not as if he was planning anything untowards. No, he was simply curious. Yes, he was curious! A marvelous excuse, if he did say so himself.

It was natural to be curious. A girl like Dorothea, who had been dancing all night, flirting with many young noble suitors, had no reason to leave the dance before it was over. Surely people would miss her, and be asking where she was. And why would she want to leave, anyway? Wasn't it her goal to meet someone here, to take care of her for the rest of her days? It seemed the dance would be a superb place to do that. Yes, he was simply going to find out what she was doing, then leave her alone. She had made it quite clear she didn't want to be around a bee such as himself.

But his plans went out the window the second he realized she was going to the goddess tower.

The Legend of the Goddess Tower, as he understood it, went as follows: if a man and a woman met there by chance on the 25th of the Ethereal moon, their paths would become one. The Goddess would bless them and ensure a harmonious union. As a child, it was the most romantic thing he had ever heard. He couldn't wait until he was a student at Garreg Mach, so he could meet someone at the Goddess Tower. When he had seen that water nymph as a child--which his father still believed did not happen--he thought he had found the one. But be as it may, she was not here, and possibly never even existed. And now, there was no one for him to take to the Goddess Tower, no matter how his heart longed for it. Because the only person here he thought he could love hated him.

Oh, when did his life turn into an opera?

He thought about following her inside. Make her believe they were destined to be together, the way he believed. But that wouldn't exactly be a chance encounter, would it? It wouldn't be very fair of him. And besides, she was Dorothea. She was probably meeting someone inside, because who would refuse her if she asked to meet here? He certainly couldn't.

So he stood outside the Goddess Tower like a fool, the cold wind freezing the tip of his nose. He couldn't bring himself to leave, not yet. He wasn't ready to go back to the ball, seeing all the happy couples dancing merrily, knowing they all had someone who loved them. Because despite the fact that it wasn't very noble, Ferdinand was jealous. No one loved him, after all.

He'd just find a room in the Tower to hide out in. Surely, Dorothea was already tucked away in a room with her sweetheart, so he wouldn't chance running into her. Before he could point out to himself the many flaws in this plan, he was opening the door to the Goddess Tower.

It was warmer inside, thank the goddess. Ferdinand rubbed his palm against his nose, which felt like it was going to fall off. He tugged on the handle of the first door he saw, but it was locked. His ears strained to hear faint giggling from inside, and he suppressed a groan of frustration. He moved on to the next door, but it was locked too. The next one was open, but when he looked inside, there was a couple pressed up against each other, and Ferdinand jumped away before they could notice his presence.

“Ferdie?”

Well, this wasn't good.

He turned his eyes up to meet Dorothea's, the sparkling emerald green mesmerizing him, despite the amount of times he had looked into them. She was standing on the stairs to the second floor, tilting her head at him. Ah, yes. A chance encounter.

“Ah, Dorothea!” he said, a little too loudly. The rooms around them hushed. “Fancy meeting you here!”

“Yes, what a coincidence,” Dorothea said with a smug expression. “Meeting someone here?”

“N-no,” Ferdinand said hastily. “You?”

“Oh, just scanning my options,” Dorothea said with a flip of her hair. “Some people come up here and just wait in a room, hoping for a tumble with a stranger. I got to say, Ferdie, I didn't take you for the type.”

“I'm not!” Ferdinand protested. The thought of meeting some random person up here to have a secret rendezvous made his face flush, his frozen nose all but burning.

“Oh? Then what are you doing here?” Dorothea smirked knowingly.

“On a midnight stroll?” Ferdinand said, but his voice cracked.

“You’re not a very good liar.” Dorothea bopped him on the nose with her finger. Ferdinand rubbed the spot indignantly, glaring up at her.

“Okay, yes, I followed you,” he said. “But not for what you think! Everyone is going to miss you at the ball, and I simply wanted to know what you were doing!”

“Yes, how very sweet,” Dorothea said, rolling her eyes.

“Oh, thank you,” Ferdinand said, piping up. He did not expect Dorothea to appreciate his efforts. She hardly ever did, even when he tried to show off when they were assigned stable duty together.

“You're oddly endearing,” Dorothea said, her green eyes inspecting him. Ferdinand felt shy under her haze, and soon turned to leave.

“I should leave you be,” Ferdinand said. “I'm sure you’ll want to get on with--” he waved his hand in the air with a flourish-- “whatever, and it was wrong of me to follow you. Goodnight, Dorothea.”

“Hold on a second,” she called after him, grabbing the back of his uniform and pulling him towards her. He stumbled on the bottom stair, wrestling out of her grip so he wouldn't fall.

“What?” he asked, looking up again. She was taller than him when standing on the stairs like that, and it made him oddly enchanted. Dorothea pursed her lips, thinking, before putting an arm on his shoulder.

“Have you ever been kissed?” She whispered.

“Dorothea!” Ferdinand stammered, jumping back. Her hand fell back to her side. She shrugged, like it was no big deal.

“I was just thinking, you're the cutest boy here tonight. It's not a compliment.” Of course, she would never compliment him. “I'm just saying you're better than nothing.”

“Oh, well isn't that nice to hear!” Ferdinand exclaimed, crossing his arms.

“That's not how I meant it!” Dorothea said she reached forward and grabbed his jacket, as if to prevent him from escaping. “Look, I'm sorry, okay? I'm just lonely.” She soothed his uniform down, looking at the ruffled fabric of his shirt rather than at him.

“You're lonely?” Ferdinand repeated. “Whyever would you be, Dorothea? There's a legion of men waiting to dance with you--I count myself among them. Everyone adores you. They trip over themselves to get your attention. I venture you could find company with anyone.”

“For now, yes,” Dorothea said, sighing. Her hand stilled on his chest as her eyes met his. “They like the pretty songstress, the talented diva, not the real me. But when my beauty fades and my voice cracks? What then? They will toss me back out onto the streets, to bathe in the fountains once more.”

Like a water nymph, Ferdinand thought, but didn't say. Because even though he thought of Dorothea's beauty as something that would only ripen, she clearly did not see it that way. He put his gloved hand on hers, keeping it pressed against his chest.

“It saddens me to hear you say that,” Ferdinand said softly. “I know that you have not been treated well, Dorothea. And that you may be right, that many may no longer remember you when you are no longer famous. But you cannot think we would treat you with such disregard? Surely not your friends, who cherish you for the treasure that you are. We would never abandon you, Dorothea.” I would never abandon you, he wanted to add, but didn't. Even though it was true. And if Edelgard and the rest of their class all lost their senses and turned their noses up at Dorothea, he would not. Even if she never loved him back, he would never let her fade into oblivion, sad and alone.

Dorothea's breath hitched as he finished speaking, but her eyes did not move away from his. He stared up at her, waiting for her response.

“You are so annoyingly earnest,” she finally said, letting her eyes close. “It always catches me off guard.”

“I'm sorry,” he said, his heart sinking. “I never say the right thing.”

“Not this time,” she said with a soft chuckle. “Now, how about that kiss?”

Any calm he had previously felt went out the window with that word. He flushed, but didn't move away from her, paralyzed by the wink she threw in his direction.

“Surely, you cannot be serious!”

“Whyever would I not be?” she said, mimicking his manner of speaking.

“You don't even like me!” Ferdinand reasoned. Dorothea only laughed.

“You don't have to like someone to kiss them,” Dorothea said. She leaned down and pressed her lips to the corner of his mouth. “Case in point.”

“Oh,” he said dumbly. He could still feel warmth where she kissed him. It was hardly anything, really--she hadn't even gotten his lips. But still, his whole body was pulsing with affection.

“Here's what's going to happen,” Dorothea whispered in her ear, and her hot breath against his skin made him shudder. “I am going to kiss you once because I am lonely, and I want to kiss someone who really knows me. And then we are going to go back to the ball--separately--and you are going to forget this ever happened. And we’ll never mention this again. Sounds good?”

He could barely process what was happening, but he knew that it did not, in fact, sound good. If he kissed Dorothea, there's no way he couldn't bring it up later. And it would be all but impossible for him to forget about it! But Dorothea had that tone of voice she used when he knew she wasn't willing to negotiate, so he simply nodded his head.

The next moment left him dizzy as she pressed her mouth to his. She was warm and smelled like roses, the scent overpowering with her proximity. She didn't waste any time with shyness like he would, instead plunging in, swiping her tongue across his bottom lip. And Ferdinand--oh, he was bursting. He had to tilt his chin up to kiss her, since she stood above him on the stairs. The position left him relatively powerless, which suited him just fine, because as far as he was concerned, there was nothing better than Dorothea taking the lead. He simply responded to her movements, not really sure what to do himself. Her hands came up to capture his face, so he moved his own arms as well, wrapping them around her waist. She was so lithe it was easy to hold her body in his arms, and without meaning to he pulled her in tighter. She hummed in appreciation against him, fingers twisting into the curls at the nape of his neck. She tugged hard, eliciting a gasp from him, and she plunged deeper into his mouth.

Ferdinand wasn't stupid. He knew the desire that radiated off Dorothea's body was a natural thing for a woman her age, and there was nothing special about him. Still, when Dorothea kissed him, it felt like this intensity between them was something special. A moment meant for them alone.

She pulled back from him with a sigh, moving her hands down to his shoulders. He blinked up at her, his vision clouded, so he could see nothing but her flushed face. Her lipstick had begun to smear, and he lifted his thumb to the side of her mouth to wipe it away. It left the stain on the fabric of his gloves, but he didn't really care.

“Oh, good, take those off,” Dorothea said. She tugged on his gloves, throwing them over her shoulder.

“Hey! Those were expensive.”

“They were ruined anyway,” Dorothea said. She held his bare hand in hers, pulling it up to rub it against her cheek.

“I was going to wash them,” Ferdinand said softly. It didn't seem so important now that Dorothea was holding him like something to be treasured.

“Hush,” she said, kissing his hand. A bit of her lipstick rubbed off on his fingers, and Ferdinand was suddenly concerned with the state of his own lips. But before he would inquire, Dorothea was settling his hands on her waist and throwing her arms over his shoulders.

“Lift me up,” she ordered.

“What? I can't do that! What if I drop you?” Ferdinand exclaimed, suddenly overcome with the vision of how indignant Dorothea would be. She would probably never speak to him again.

“You won't drop me.” She rolled her eyes. “Just hoist me up and put your hands under my thighs.”

“O-oh,” Ferdinand said dumbly, because the idea of touching Dorothea's thighs was much more enticing than it should have been. “Okay.”

He gripped her tight and did as she ordered, and her legs winded around his waist. Really, she was doing a lot of the work, and probably didn't need him to hold onto her. Still, he gripped her thighs tightly as she leaned down and sucked on his neck.

“The wall,” she said, pointing. He didn't really understand what she meant, but went to it anyway. The way she was teasing his neck made him a bit weak in the knees, so he pressed her up against it.

“Oh,” Dorothea whimpered, swallowing Ferdinand's own cry of neediness. He could feel her pressed fully against him as she tilted her head back and breathed in deeply. He took the chance to copy her action, leaning down to kiss her neck. He wasn't brave enough to do much more than that, but he did let his fingers slowly caress her thighs, now that the wall was helping lift her up. Dorothea's hands were frantic in his hair, pulling and twisting in a way that should have been painful, but Ferdinand didn't mind. Not when it was Dorothea.

“Ahem.”

Dorothea pushed him away faster than a thoron spell, and he almost fell over from the overwhelming dizziness. Ferdinand was astounded to see Seteth there, crossing his arms and looking between the two of them disapprovingly.

“Oh my goddess,” Ferdinand said under his breath, burying his face in his hands. This very well might've been the most devastating moment of his life.

“Students are not supposed to be here,” Seteth said sternly. Dorothea straightened out her skirt, avoiding eye contact with Ferdinand. He wished she would give him some sort of signal that they were in this together.

“You're such a stickler,” she said instead, rolling her eyes. Ferdinand cringed. Seteth was already upset with them, did she have to go and say that?

“Be that as it may, the Goddess Tower is off limits.” He glared at Ferdinand. “You two should return to the ball.”

“You won't tell Lady Rhea about this?” Ferdinand asked, because as of now his number one priority was making sure he wasn't expelled.

“I can't very well report every one who comes to the Goddess Tower tonight,” Seteth said with a sigh. “We'd have to expel half the school.”

Ferdinand sighed in relief, then looked over to Dorothea. He was glad the two of them wouldn't be in trouble, but she was glaring at him. Glaring! He blinked in surprise. Had he done something wrong?

“Now get out of here,” Seteth said with a jut of his chin. “I don't want to see you here again tonight.”

“Don't worry,” Dorothea said haughtily. “You won't.” And then she stormed off without bidding him farewell.

“Um,” Ferdinand said, unsure of how to proceed, left alone with Seteth. “My apologies.”

Seteth sighed. “You should probably go after her.”

“Oh!” Ferdinand straightened. “Yes! You're right!” He bowed, then ran off after Dorothea.

“Following me again?” Dorothea said, rather cruelly. He slowed his pace behind her.

“We're going in the same direction,” he said, though, of course, he was coming after her.

“Hm.” Dorothea hummed, turning to face him. Then she laughed. “You look ridiculous.”

“I do?” Ferdinand smoothed down his hair, which he was sure Dorothea had really messed up. But she lifted her hands to his mouth and rubbed at his lips.

“Lipstick,” she explained. “You can't very well go back to the ball like this.”

“Oh, right,” Ferdinand said. “I guess I shall retire, then.” That was fine with him. He wanted to spend the rest of the evening going over everything that had happened tonight.

“Don't be silly. Let's just get you cleaned up.” Dorothea smirked. “I have make up remover in my room. You can come, that is, if you're alright with being in a first floor commoner's room.”

“Of course I don't mind,” Ferdinand said. Why would she possibly think that? “I would be happy for your hospitality.”

“Ugh, you're so sincere. I hate it.” But she didn't seem upset with him. At least, not that Ferdinand could tell. She grabbed him by the forearm and pulled him forward. “Don't expect me to kiss you again.”

“I wouldn't dream of it!” Ferdinand lied. Dorothea laughed. It was the most beautiful thing he had ever heard. He wished he was funny so he could hear her laugh all the time.

“Come on then,” Dorothea said. “I can't miss out on a dance with you, after all.” She threw him a wink.

And oh, how Ferdinand's heart soared.

Chapter Text

The world was filled with music when Hapi awoke.

Usually, she didn't take much interest in the activities above ground--she couldn't care less about the knights of Seiros, after all. But she liked music. She wasn't thinking about the ball and the dancing when she ascended the steps to the above world, hoping to hear better the sweet melody of the piano.

But when she emerged, she didn't see people dancing, she only saw Coco.

“Do you like it, my dear Hapi?” Constance asked. She was moving her hands in their air in beat to the music, blue mist moving around her like a dance partner. Hapi blinked in confusion. Coco often confused her, with her noble manners and flopping personality, but usually she could take a gander on what she was doing. Not now, though.

“Please tell me you're not doing some sort of secret ritual,” Hapi said, cringing. Constance threw her head back and laughed.

“Haha, not at all, my dear friend. Rather, I have perfected a new spell! All for your enjoyment, of course. Are you not impressed?” She cast some of the blue mist towards Hapi, who wasn't afraid. Sometimes Coco's experiments went a little haywire, but they never hurt her. Not like Cornelia did, that's for sure. Coco's dedication to magic experimentations was pure, and could never be twisted by greed and malice. One thing Hapi could always be sure of was that Coco would never hurt her.

The blue mist swirled around her head, and the music became louder. It seemed to fill her completely from the inside out, and she felt an overwhelming surge of joy. She hadn't been this surrounded by music since before she left home.

“You're making the music?” Hapi asked, impressed.

“Oh, nothing so innovative as that,” Constance admitted. She seemed like she almost wanted to sigh, but at the last second, corrected herself. Hapi was sure she wasn't supposed to notice, but she did. “I'm simply amplifying the music from the reception hall. Tonight is the ball, you see, so I've been preparing steadfastly so you could enjoy the music! Aren't I most wonderful indeed?”

“You are most wonderful indeed,” Hapi said with a laugh. Coco was goofy but good-hearted. Hapi would be so desperately lonely without her that she was sure she would sigh all the time.

“Oh, hurrah!” Constance cheered, a big smile taking over her face. Hapi loved how Constance's entire face shifted when she was happy. Her wide grin stretched over her entire face, and her eyes closed and her nose scrunched up. It was utterly adorable.

“You have an unmatched level of enthusiasm,” Hapi said fondly. Maybe she only thought that because she herself was never enthusiastic about anything, but Coco more than made up for it. As long as the two of them were together, Hapi couldn't worry about her own shortcomings.

“Oh you have no idea,” Constance said, and snapped her fingers. Instantly, the music faded out to only a dull sound, somewhere far in the distance. She gleefully took hold of Hapi's hands and pulled her forwards, toward the faint lights. “I have quite a night planned for you, my dear friend.”

“Please tell me we're not joining them,” Hapi said, pulling back against Coco reluctantly. She had grown used to living in solitude, from her days with Cornelia to being cooped up in the abyss. She wasn't used to being around people. And she certainly didn't want to be around any knights.

“Posh! Of course not,” Coco exclaimed, which put Hapi at ease. She gave up her resistance and followed Constance willingly, the music crescendoing with every step. Coco's hand in hers was soft, the feeling of Hapi's sense awakened by the darkness of the night. But instead of sharpening her defenses like she usually did, she could feel herself softening. Coco was so much more herself at night, carefree and unafraid. Hapi always made sure to grasp onto it when she could.

Soon enough, Coco slowed her trot, pulling them to a stop just outside the reception hall. A golden light leaked out of the open door into the night, and Coco encouraged her to poke her head through, and the two of them peered into the hall, watching as the young nobles danced together. But what Hapi really longed for was the music. She closed her eyes against the shining candlelight to breathe it in, letting it play in her ears and linger in her mind. The orchestra danced into a fortissimo, then softened into a piano. There was something so tender about it, so possessing. She felt like the music was caressing her.

“One day, I shall dance among them again,” Coco whispered. Her voice was just like the music, satisfyingly sweet and intoxicating. Hapi looked up at her face to see her eyes shining, the light of the candles and stars gleaming in the baby blue of her irises. She looked as fascinated by the twirling bodies as Hapi was with her.

“I know you will,” Hapi said. Coco's eyes moved over to look at her, turning her face away from the light to be caressed by the shadows. Half of her features lay in darkness, the other in light. Yes, one day Constance would be basking in the unfeeling light again, but Hapi would always know the parts of her that were dark.

“I have something else to show you,” Coco said, her voice hushed and honeyed like a currant pastry. Her mind hazy from her presence, Hapi simply nodded. Coco took her hand again, but this time it was more delicate than before, like Hapi would break if she took her too roughly. Hapi grasped her firmly, as if to say she didn't intend on leaving her alone anytime soon.

Coco led her to the Goddess Tower, which Hapi had never actually seen. She had heard some of the people in Abyss gossiping about what students got up to here after hours, but she never put much stock in it. The Abyssians loved to talk, after all. You couldn't really determine how much of it was true.

“We may not be able to come out of the shadows,” Coco said as she pushed open a door and led Hapi in. “but that doesn't mean we shouldn't be able to dance.” She smiled, snapping her fingers, and the music returned.

“I suppose it is a little unfair,” Hapi said as the music began to overtake her. “We don't get to be normal kids.”

“Exactly my thoughts, my dear Hapi!” Coco exclaimed. She settled her hands around Hapi's waist. “Now, dance with me. I shall lead, of course.”

“Of course,” Hapi said with a roll of her eyes. She threw her arms around Coco's shoulders and began to sway. “Am I doing this right?” she asked.

“No,” Coco answered with a giggle. “But who cares? It is just us here.” She bopped her forehead against Hapi's. She felt all the air leave her lungs. Hapi had spent so long feeling apathetic, without a care to what happened around her. But when she was with Coco, all of that changed. Her stomach fluttered in anticipation of what came next. And there was one outcome she especially desired.

As Constance's lips found hers, Hapi was careful not to sigh from sheer happiness. Nothing like a giant demonic beast to ruin the moment. She moved her mouth against Coco's carefully, afraid to do something wrong and cause the blonde to rethink the decision to kiss her. But Coco seemed especially enthusiastic, her hands tightening around Hapi's hips and pulling her flush against her chest. She tasted richer than the fullest coffee, and made her heart beat twice as fast. Hapi's elbows linked around the back of her neck and pulled her closer, squeezing her eyes shut. The darkness that overtook her only sharped the sensation of Constance's lips against her. She could hear, even clearer than before, the music that surrounded them. It seemed to push their bodies together, unfurling the desire Hapi had long pushed down. This was their moment, and she was grasping it. The music crescendoed as Constance's lips moved from her own down her face, burying themselves in her neck. Hapi's fingers moved on their own accord, threading themselves in Constance's pretty hair. Hands explored her body, moving from her hips to her waist to her hips again, and then lower, holding the back of her thigh. Then, slowly, the music decrescendoed to a soft piano as Constance pulled away from Hapi, letting her hands fall by her side. Hapi found herself pouting--an expression she thought she'd never make--as Constance looked her up and down.

“I guess I did all this to tell you I like you,” Coco said. She looked a bit shy, which was an odd expression to see her with. Hapi laughed.

“You are such a weirdo,” she said. “But I like it.”

“Well, of course you do!” Coco exclaimed, beaming once more. “It is I, Constance Nuvelle, after all.”

“And I wouldn't have anyone else.” Hapi reached forward and held Coco's hand. They smiled at each other as the magical music picked up again, and Hapi felt like her soul was taking flight.