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Tiny seeds of cottonwood danced aimlessly through the late spring air, twirling with the mild breeze before they settled in fluffy heaps and formed a carpet on the ground. Light as cotton like the feathery wisps of clouds that stretched the peach-tinted sky, and white as the delicate fabric that shifted and cascaded around her crossed ankles.
The sun hung low on the horizon, its golden glow filtered through the expansive canopy above and casting long, dappled shadows on the forest floor as the cloak of evening wrapped around the lush landscape. The gentle sound of hooves clicking against the fine, crunching gravel below along with the rhythmic sway on the back of the horse rocked her into a state of drowsiness, making her lids grow heavier and heavier with each stride.
Letting out a deep yawn, her shoulders slackened and in search of rest, she leaned back without even realizing it, too overtaken by fatigue to worry about the imminent fall. Yet instead of plunging into the vast emptiness, she bumped into something solid yet warm behind her, the unfamiliar contact immediately sending a startling jolt through her.
Her body stiffened for a brief second, but before she managed to turn around and see where the flesh came from, the strong pair of arms around her had already tightened, securing her in place.
Since when had they been there?
From one moment to the next, the agitation in her nerves melted away and she finally remembered again what, or rather, who she was slouching against.
The realization sent an unexpected surge of warmth through her veins, spreading down to her fingertips, and her lips twitched into a coy smile when she felt the faint brush of his exhales against the top of her head after he’d snaked one arm around her midriff and pulled her closer to himself, stirring stray pieces of hair that had slipped free from the braids of her elaborate updo.
“Sleepy much?”
There was no need for her to tilt her head up to know he was madly grinning - wide and unrestrained -, the playful lilt in his teasing tone palpable enough to conjure a vivid picture in her mind.
She distantly grumbled.
“Mhm, just a little…” her murmur trailed off as she let her head rest on Jean's shoulder and allowed herself to fully sink into his sturdy comfort. Ever grateful to have skipped out on the suffocating corset which would’ve had her gasping for air by now and prevented her from properly reveling in the soothing rise and fall of his broad frame.
A sonorous chuckle rumbled through his chest and the rich timbre of the melodious sound sent a shiver down her spine as it etched itself into the marrow of her bones, reverberating there like an echo she’d wanted to treasure for eternity.
“Well, you’d better not fall asleep on me now. We’re almost there.”
He’d hadn‘t stopped there, saying something else right after, but she barely registered his voice at that point, her mind already drifting off elsewhere as her focus landed on his left hand that gripped the reins with natural confidence. Too glaring not to notice, the gleam of the polished silver band around his finger had drawn her attention, and in an instant, her eyes absentmindedly wandered in search of its shimmering counterpart on her own hand.
Adorned with a single, delicate gem, she meticulously watched as the glinting ring caught the last rays of the setting sun and scattered prisms of light across her skin, adjusting to its silent presence that served as a tangible reminder of the quiet clearing, where they‘d gathered for the intimate ceremony today.
She could still hear the gasps of their guests when she arrived, still see how his expression had shifted, hands curling at his sides and lips parting as if he had forgotten how to breathe the second he‘d first laid his eyes on her, all draped in silk and lace. She thought back to how the children had tried to keep their little, excited squeals muffled after Hilde had shushed them. And to how his eyes had never left hers when they had one by one spoken their binding vows.
Despite their best effort at trying to mask their nervosity, she recalled their hands shaking ever so slightly when they exchanged the rings and their fingers had brushed, lingering just a second longer than necessary. In that brief instance, she’d caught a small glimpse of something vulnerable spilling over his unguarded features, expressing a wordless acknowledgement, as well as utmost humility towards the sheer magnitude of their commitment and the journey they were about to embark on together.
And then, once the rings were in place, she took a deep inhale, instinctively preparing herself for the part that notoriously came next.
I hereby now pronounce you husband and wife. You may now kiss the bride.
Her cheeks burned just repeating the officiant’s closing declaration, the weight of his echoing voice pressing down on her all over again. Silence had fallen over the clearing as soon as the words were uttered into existence and suddenly, Mikasa had felt the piercing stares of their guests who had all risen from their seats, their eager eyes fixed on them with charged expectation as they watched and waited for the much anticipated moment. She hadn’t even realized her hand was still in his grasp until his thumb subtly grazed over her knuckles, a wordless reassurance that left her wondering whether he’d sensed her unease back there or if it perhaps had been an unconscious attempt on his part to steady himself.
Whatever it was, it made her glance up at him and there, for just a fraction of a second, she thought she‘d caught a fleeting crack in his otherwise collected composure, and the faintest hint of colour dusting his nose - barely perceptible under the treacherous sun. Steeling himself, his hands came up to frame her face, anchoring her in place as if to take both their minds off the audience surrounding them. And it was in that very moment, she saw the switch flip beneath the surface of his widened pupils, a flicker of resolve behind his searching gaze.
Slowly and deliberately, he leaned in and she felt her breath tangled in her throat. Her pulse quickened rapidly with every inch dissolving between them, the tension in her limbs coiling impossibly tighter and tighter until, at the very last-
…He’d sealed their union with a soft kiss on her forehead.
It was a subtle but unmistakable gesture, one that proved to her once again he’d always value her comfort above all else. And yet, as much as she‘d appreciated his thoughtfulness, she would be lying if she said it didn’t ignite a spark of intense longing within her that had become too common for her comfort as of late.
Before she could dwell on unfinished business any longer, a jolt pulled her out of her thoughts just as the steady pace of the horse had slowed to an abrupt halt, rousing her from her peaceful reverie a tad soon for her liking. Her eyes fluttered open to find a small stable ahead and she’d only barely registered that they’d arrived at a quaint cottage, still a little disoriented from the fresh memory.
Well, not just any cottage, she had to mentally pinch herself.
His arms untangled from around her, the immediacy of his proximity dissipating as he swung his leg over and slid off the saddle with practiced ease, his heels landing on the ground with a firm thud. Without hesitation, he made his way towards the horse, his hand smoothing over the maroon coat as he approached the creature.
“Good boy.” he pulled a little treat out of his pocket and dotingly ruffled Buchwald’s thick mane while nuzzling his long neck. The gentle beast nickered eagerly in response to the cuddles, reciprocating the affections of his dear human comrade with a playful nudge to his shoulder that sent the unsuspecting man stumbling backwards for a short moment.
The retired gelding and him had practically become an inseparable unit ever since the both of them were reunited again. After nearly a decade of searching after a lead on his old friend‘s whereabouts, Jean caught wind of a distant rumour through an acquainted middleman who‘d vaguely mentioned something about an illegal auction selling veteran horses no longer deemed of use by the military. It wasn’t much, but it was all he’d needed to track him down, fully determined to outbid anyone else who‘d so much as glanced at the exquisite beast with interest, even if it cost his last dime.
A few months had passed since then, and like an accidental bystander who'd happened to stumble upon something private, Mikasa now watched as he murmured sweet nothings to his equine companion and showered him with caresses, finding herself unable to suppress the upturn of her mouth at the display of gratitude that made it almost seem like they were conversing in a language only they understood.
She huffed through her nose at the endearing sight.
Rather than a groom that was currently standing in the presence of his bride, he resembled more a dashing, free-spirited prince out of a tale who‘d run away from his kingdomly duties and pledged his unwavering loyalty to his horse and his insatiable thirst for adventure instead, with his leather riding boots reaching just above his knees and the white, linen tunic carelessly half-tucked in his trousers, now loosely held together by the single cord at the neckline.
There was some solace, at least. She wouldn’t have anything to complain about if Buchwald was the only rival she’d have to contend with throughout their marriage. So long the animal didn’t continuously try to drive a wedge between her and his owner, she supposed she could live with a healthy dose of frivolous competition over Jean‘s attention in the upcoming years.
Her mild amusement over the silly notion didn’t last long, however, when all of the sudden, his hazel eyes landed on her stunned ones, catching her in the act of staring. There was something subdued yet immeasurably intense in his pinning gaze as it held her captive while everything else seemed to dim, the world around them fading into the background until it became one, big blur.
Carried forward by the current of the hush that had now settled over them, he began to close the distance, his pace unhurried and intentional as he stepped into her direction. Her grip instinctively clenched around the reins, an inexplicable thrill towards his unreadable demeanor coursing through her, but before she could brace herself for his next course of action, his hands had already found her waist.
Her breath hitched immediately as he lifted her off the saddle with a swift hoist and for a split moment, the world tilted beneath her, a rush flooding her legs and heady senses. It didn’t last long - the dizzying sensation of being suspended midair gone almost as soon as it had come. And yet even after her toes had touched the solid ground, his hands didn‘t let go of her - not right away, the feel of his fingers pressing and seeping through the multiple layers of her plain gown.
A fierce flutter erupted in her stomach and she swallowed hard, acutely aware of the space - or rather, the lack thereof - between them, the way he looked at her flustered face, and how it turned her into a stammering mess.
Moreover, how effortlessly his strong touch had made her feel weightless and grounded all at once.
A chaotic jumble of words was hovering at the edge of her tongue but simply refused to take any intelligible shape, her thoughts scattered all over the place and remaining trapped somewhere between the wild cadence of her exhilarated heart and the heat that was crawling up her neck.
At some point, she thought, she might get used to this.
But that point in time was certainly not today.
Unlike her, Jean had seemed largely unaffected all throughout the unspoken exchange, his posture remaining casual as he reached into his pocket and pulled out a small object from inside.
“Here, take this.”
He took her hand and placed a brass key into her palm, fingers curling over hers to close them around it before he turned his attention towards Buchwald once again.
“Don‘t wait for me,” he then began to unfasten the bridle from his muzzle "I'll be there in a minute.”
Metallic rustling filled the air as his working hands moved deftly with proficient purpose and fluidity, assured in the calming routine of the familiar task.
The piercing smell of dried hay tickled her nose and she couldn’t bite back a curt jab.
“As long as he won’t steal you away from me.”
The words came out mumbled and slurred although she’d very intently meant for every syllable to be heard. A touch possessive, perhaps, but she didn’t care how territorial they may have made her look.
The steady sound of buckle clinking against buckle had come to an abrupt halt and with a swift glance over his shoulder, he arched a surprised brow. The fine lines around his eyes crinkled in what appeared to be pleasant intrigue as a hint of a smirk teased itself on the corner of his mouth.
“Huh, isn’t it a bit too early for bringing out the jealousy card?” his lips quirked into a wide, humoured smile that flaunted his teeth on full display and rendered her speechless, even as he moved about the space, freeing the bridle piece by piece.
“Anyway," he added, his voice coming out a little strained when he’d slightly reached up to hang the gear on a nearby hook. “He may be my ride or die but not even he could separate me from you.”
He knew exactly his words had landed precisely as intended, evident in the way he‘d now turned around and shifted his weight, arms lazily folded over his chest as he proudly watched her fumble for a retort. And it only further cemented his victory in a game he had won with finesse before it even began.
Flabbergasted, she spun on her heels with a sharp pivot and started making her way towards the cottage without a backward glance. She’d be damned before she would give him the satisfaction of seeing just how much his smooth talk had rattled her.
With her head held high, she crossed the distance in stiff strides, the key in her grasp cool against her skin yet somehow burning like a piece of coal as she clutched it tighter, remnants of heat lingering even when she slid it into the lock and turned it.
Yet as soon as the door eased open with a quiet click, her irritation seemed all but forgotten.
She remained in the threshold for a while, taking her first glimpse into the preview of the life that awaited them here - a brand new chapter that now filled her with overflowing bliss and anticipation for all the delights the future had in store for them both. A future ripe with promises, joys and memories waiting to be made.
The muted scent of varnish still hung on the freshly painted walls, blending with the deep, rustic fragrance of the antiquated wood beams. Upon entering the foyer, she instantly noticed that the fireplace in the living room was already lit up, the tame crackling of the burning logs breathing life into the space. He must‘ve arranged for somebody to come by and make some small preparations before their arrival not too long ago, judging by the pulsating glow of the embers flickering across the walls.
He’d insisted on surprising her, brushing off her persistent questions about any updates on the progress with a nonchalant shrug of his shoulders.
“Just trust me on this one, ‘kasa. You’ll get to see it soon enough.“
And now, standing here and seeing how it’d all come together, she finally understood why he’d been so adamantly deflecting her nosiness over and over. Plenty of small corners were yet to be furnished but even in its unfinished state, the cottage - their home - already oozed a welcoming coziness, the kind that felt like an embrace only one‘s own four walls could provide.
Her steps were ever cautious and it almost felt surreal, as though she was treading through a dream encased inside a fragile crystal ball, where the floor might shatter underneath her feet any given second if she made one hasty movement.
Venturing deeper into the hallway, she was quickly drawn in by the staircase right next to the kitchen and allowed her curiosity to get the best of her. Her fingertips ghosted over the balustrade, grazing the polished surface as she began making her way up. Once she’d ascended the stairs, she was beckoned forward by a door that stood slightly ajar, the spilled light offering only a little peek inside.
The screeching hinges yielded to the light push of her hand and she was immediately greeted by a vibrant array of colors and patterns wherever she looked. From the subtle floral wallpaper, to the rich upholstery of the armchairs in the reading nook, to the delicate ornaments woven into the sun-bleached rug beneath her toes, every element down to the smallest detail, was meticulously selected and combined with her personal taste in mind.
At the heart of the room stood a canopy bed, with intricate carvings spiraling up the sturdy posts that resembled oak-hugging vines, and sheer curtains flowing down the wooden frame like morning mist, pooling at the base in gentle ripples.
Nestled within the alcove, a thoroughly cushioned seating area faced the huge bay window, pulling her forward as if calling her by her name. Her eyes darted from the unique stained glass motifs that were adorning its upper panels to the expansive view of the sprawling backyard outside, now brimming with the early signs of spring.
Further beyond, the land stretched in slopes and endless planes, and amidst it all, rising from the horizon like an unrecorded monument of ancient history, stood a familiar hill, its crest crowned by the solitary silhouette of a certain tree she knew and loved all too well-
“Ah, there you are.“
She blinked, tearing away from the distant horizon and quickly turning around to find Jean half-leaning against the door. She hadn’t heard him come up the stairs, let alone enter the cottage, too absorbed in quiet awe over the life, everything she’d gained in the span of months. He stood there for a moment, taking her in before he eventually took a first step forward, the creaking from the floorboard barely audible under his measured approach.
Without a word, his fingers found their way to her hair and tenderly, he began brushing away the little bits of cottonwood fluff that still stubbornly clung to the crown of her head, taking his sweet time all the while he studied her face with a look that couldn’t be described as anything else than pure and unbridled adoration.
“For a second, I almost thought I‘d lost my wife.” he whispered as he gently ran a finger through a loose strand before sweeping it behind her ear.
His wife.
The syllable had rolled smoothly off his tongue, almost seductive in the adept ease of his delivery. Just the sound of it had caused a sort of inebriating itch in her chest, leaving her feeling oddly emboldened.
“I fear I’m not going anywhere anytime soon.” she played along with a brazen kittenish smile, batting her eyelashes in an overt manner that must’ve looked ridiculous to an outsider as she stepped closer.
“Even if Buchwald seems to be taking up all of my husband's attention.”
On any other occasion, she’d have probably slapped her own wrist for still refusing to let go of this silly act, and behaving like an unforgiving spouse who’d bring it up every now and then just for the sake of it. Who knows, maybe it’d even become a staple in their marriage over time, a harmless game to return to until they would be too wrinkled and forgetful to remember how the callback came to be in the first place.
In any case, she’d have plenty of time later on to scold herself for her false pretense at pettiness, but for now, she found her focus narrowing on him, drawn in by the slightly rosy tint dusting his face - too unmistakable to have been a mere trick of the sunset.
Fueled by a gravitational pull, she raised herself on the tip of her toes and pressed a chaste kiss to his cheek. It was quick, stolen and almost non-existent after she let her heels sink back to the floor again, yet once it was over, neither of them inched away, not yet satisfied enough to part from their current, intimate position. So they lingered, orbiting around the other as they savored the ghost of each other‘s lips.
He cupped her face in his hands, memorizing every single contour, dent and curve and she felt the faint callouses that marked his palms, their roughness a contrast to the gentleness with which he held her. Sparks bloomed where his thumbs traced soft, idle patterns over her cheekbones, sending shudders all over her body, and her heart was pounding loudly in her ear - fast and wild - thumping against her ribcage.
Guided by an invisible string, they bridged the distance, the little air that separated them thickening with each jittery exhale they released. His warm breath fanned the shell of her ear, then the bridge of her nose, and in an instant, they were transported back to the clearing again, back to the meadow where the tall grass had swayed in the breeze and grazed their ankles with every breath of the wind just as they‘d finished speaking their vows. However, there were no prying eyes to distract them this time. Only the two of them in the privacy of their bedroom, and an unspoken craving for something more in the back of their minds that needn‘t be voiced out loud when she lifted her gaze, and returned his in a silent plea.
Their lips met halfway in a light brush, a fleeting connection that was barely there. It was tentative at first, their mouths moving in careful sync as they probed the rhythm and familiarized with the taste of one another, each shift of their parting lips a new discovery of uncharted territory. Somewhere along the haze of the moment, one of them - her, him, it didn‘t really matter - tilted their head, deepening the kiss, and what had started off as a hesitant, explorative dance soon grew into an urgent tangle.
Without wasting any moment further, the hands on her jaw slid down her neck, skimming over her arms and gliding down the slope of her spine until they reached her lower back, molding her to his shape as he pulled her flush against him. An electrifying current spread through every inch of her heated skin and driven by an insatiable hunger, she threw her arms around his neck, fervently threading her fingers through his locks as she inhaled his scent like it was the only life essence she‘d ever need from this day on, melting into him.
They all but collided, every roaming touch of their impatient hands leaving tingles in their wake and setting their skin aflame. It was all happening too fast to notice when he’d begun steering them backward, her senses too intoxicated by the feverish press of their bodies, the low, throaty sounds they coaxed out of each other, and by the maddening way his pliant, swollen mouth tirelessly kept drawing her in for another frenzied kiss.
And anoth-
“Huh-”
“Shit-”
A dull thud suddenly emerged, and it was quickly followed by a sharp gasp slipping out of her throat when she bumped into something, and lost her footing. Her stomach lurched in panic as she stumbled backward, the air rushing past her ears. In a futile attempt, her instincts prompted her flailing arms to catch onto something, but instead of the harsh impact she’d braced for, her back tumbled on something soft that had caught her with a bounce.
For a second, she just lay there, her breathing uneven as she tried to make sense of what had just happened. Her eyes flew open only when she felt the surface dip even more beneath their combined weight and she saw Jean half on top of her, with one palm braced on the mattress to keep him from crushing her entirely while the other was pressed to his forehead.
He gave out a groan and rolled over to lay flat on his back, grimacing as he began to rub at his temple.
”I take it that means we should slow it down.” he mumbled with a wince, though it sounded like it was directed more to himself than her.
Her brows furrowed as she propped herself up on her elbow, pushing his hand aside to get a closer look at him, and for a while, she simply stared at the angry red mark forming just beneath his hairline, - confused and concerned - until her gaze flicked upward.
Where the sturdy canopy loomed above them.
Blinking back and forth between the frame and the mark on his temple, a single, delighted sound escaped her lips and before she could suppress it, it was gradually superseded by a stream of even more uninhibited giggles, bursting open the floodgates. Her shoulders began shaking uncontrollably and she had to clutch at her sides, helpless as the chortles roared out of her, even as she leaned over to press a gentle peck to the sore spot that would hopefully not bruise too much by tomorrow morning.
“Don’t worry.” she somewhat managed between breathless fits of laughter and curled up against him, snuggling into the nook of his neck.
“We’ll get used to this.”