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The sun was already setting when Forte and Leon stepped out of the castle. They had gone to visit the new baby at Kiel’s request, but they decided to wait until later in the day to give Frey some time to rest. In just a few hours, Luna would already be a day old.
Kiel had also encouraged Forte to bring Leon along to meet the baby. This was partially due to his respect for Leon and his excitement to show everyone his child. But Forte could tell the invitation meant more than just that. It was his way of saying he supported their relationship. But it was also clear that he was thinking ahead to the future.
It was a little strange to think about in all honesty, but she didn't care to focus on it too much. The most important part was that she had a new niece. There was something so heartwarming about getting to meet her. When they had gone to visit, Noel had been ecstatic with the excitement of it all. He had practically dragged her over to look at his little sister in Frey's arms. The look in Frey's eyes—a mixture of exhaustion and unbridled joy—and Kiel's proud smile were something that Forte couldn't forget for as long as she lived.
She was so deeply happy for her brother. After all of the years they had spent alone, seeing him happy with a family of his own filled her with a vicarious sense of pride. He had grown so much from the baby brother she once had to protect. And now their family had grown along with him.
As they walked through town, Leon noticed the look in her eyes and couldn't help but return her smile.
“Well, you look pleased. For all that you try to hide it, you really do have a soft side.”
Forte gave him a look that seemed mildly annoyed, but there was a clear sense of amusement to it.
“I could say the same to you. I saw the look on your face when you held Luna.”
He blushed. “I didn't expect it, that's all.”
After Forte had held Luna for a few minutes, Kiel had offered to let Leon hold her as well. Despite his initial shock, the way Kiel smiled so brightly made it almost impossible not to accept the offer. He wasn't used to interacting with babies, but everyone’s excitement was contagious. So, if his smile was a little softer than usual, who could blame him?
He tried to change the subject from his reaction in order to make Forte ignore the way his usual aloof appearance had faltered. “So, Kiel has once again had a child. My assumption from before Noel was born seems to have been proven correct: he really is a good father.”
Forte nodded. “I'm very proud of him for that. It was an interesting change to experience, but he's been a lot happier since he married Frey.”
“So, what about you, Auntie?” He had an amused look on his face.
Forte's face went slightly red. “Ah- yes, Noel is quite affectionate, isn't he? It's still a bit strange to be called that, but I can't help but find it very cute. I suppose I'll be hearing Luna say the same before long…” She let out a soft laugh.
They finally approached the inn, where they paused, not quite ready to part ways. Leon looked at her for a moment, before resting his hand on top of her head. She startled slightly before an unimpressed look took over her face.
“Um- excuse me?”
“Hmm, is there a problem?” Leon had a smug look on his face, despite his attempt to appear confused.
“I'd like to ask you to remove your hand from my head. I'm sure you're completely aware of this, but it's a touch condescending.”
“Alright, if you must protest,” he lowered his hand, “I suppose it's not a big deal. I can ignore my desire to bond with you. I just assumed that since we're dating you'd want the same. And I couldn't resist myself with how cute you looked.”
Forte’s blush returned, though she was fully aware that most of what he was saying was second to his desire to tease her. “Alright Leon, it's getting dark. You should go inside now and I should go back home.”
He gave her a mock look of heartbreak and turned to go. She rolled her eyes, but an idea hit her. If he was going to be this way, then she would play along. Sure, the thought already embarrassed her. But she couldn't help but reciprocate his actions in a way that would hopefully produce a similar feeling of embarrassment in him.
“Actually, wait. If you truly wish to bond, I have a better option.”
He turned back to look at her, the confusion on his face genuine.
She took a step forward and kissed him on the cheek.
His face immediately went so red Forte could see it clearly even in the dark. His eyes went wide and he spoke in an utterly nervous tone, “WHA- ah, um… HEY! What was that about?!”
Forte couldn't help but laugh a little at his sudden shift in personality. “You did say you wanted to bond with me. You didn't change your mind already?”
“Uh- no! It's not that, it's just- I didn't expect that!” He was practically melting right in front of her. It was a very unfamiliar sight for Forte, but she couldn't help but be entertained by it.
“For someone who lives to mess with others, you really can't take what you can deal.”
He groaned, his embarrassment clear. Emboldened by the sudden shift, Forte stepped forward and placed her hand on the top of his head.
“S-stop that!”
She smiled and lowered her hand. She had her turn, and now it was time to leave him alone. Unlike some people, she knew when to quit. And she had enough satisfaction to last. At least until he did something else to bother her.
He took a moment to regain his composure before staring at her with an unamused look on his face. After a second, the irony of his situation sunk in and he started to laugh. He was still in total shock, but even he could recognize that Forte played that well. How she always managed to keep things exciting would never fail to make him love her even more. Unwilling to let her have that satisfaction, but equally unwilling to stop himself, he mumbled something in Ath.
“What was that?” Forte couldn't make out a single word.
He repeated it and she realized that he was speaking in Ath. “Alright…but what exactly does that mean?” A smug look took over his face.
“That's for me to know. Now, you're right, it's gotten late. I'm going to retire for the night. I'll see you tomorrow.” He had regained the upper hand, even if only slightly.
Forte watched him retreat in minor annoyance. Knowing him, it could have meant anything. And that concerned her.
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Months had gone by. Eventually, they got married. Every so often, Forte would hear those same foreign words, and yet she could never quite figure out what they meant. There seemed to be no pattern to it. Sometimes she would hear him mumble it under his breath, only for him to give her an innocent look when she addressed it. Sometimes he'd whisper it when he thought she had fallen asleep. And sometimes, he even said it proudly to her face.
She had learned not to question it for the most part. He seemed to be amusing himself and she knew that bringing it up—no matter what it truly meant—would only bring more trouble for her. So, she tried to ignore it, at least for the time being.
It had grown late and Forte was changing into her pajamas. As she finished, she turned to her bed. Her husband was staring at her intently, a look of amusement on his face. He seemed oddly pleased and Forte couldn't help but blush a little.
“Why are you staring at me like that?”
“Hmm? Am I not allowed to look at my own wife?”
“It's the way you're looking at me that's concerning. I fear what might possibly be going through your mind right now.” She stepped over to the bed and joined him. He turned on his side to face her.
“If you really must know, I was just reminded of how much…” he paused, relishing in the moment before saying those familiar yet foreign words.
Forte's face flushed. A realization had hit her. Given this context, his words could be taken in a very different light. Could it be that this had meant something…suggestive all along? Had he been entertaining himself with inappropriate flirting with the full knowledge that no one else would know? She truthfully couldn't put it past him. As much as the idea horrified her, she had to know for sure.
“I swear Leon, what in the world does that mean?”
“Would you like me to explain?” His expression was soft and patient.
“Yes, that would be ideal.”
He smiled. Then, he started speaking rapidly in Ath.
“Wait! Wait, slow down. What are you saying? In a language I understand please.”
He laughed, ignoring her glare. “You only asked me to explain, and so I did. Now, goodnight dear.” He leaned close, kissed her on the forehead, and turned over.
Forte had to take a moment to recover. How could that man simultaneously be so affectionate and such an annoyance?
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Forte stood by the stove, carefully preparing breakfast. Leon leaned on the counter a few feet away, casually watching her in case she made any obvious errors. He wasn't known for being a particularly amazing cook, but he was at the very least better than his wife. Eventually she poured the oatmeal into a bowl and stepped away from the counter. Before she could get far, Leon stopped her.
“Wait, we agreed you'd let me try it first.” She handed him the bowl and he took a bite. He paused for a moment before reaching over and adding a few ingredients. “It's edible, but this should help cover up the taste.” He handed it back to Forte, who set it on the table in front of their daughter.
She looked at it cautiously before turning her attention to her father. He gave her an encouraging nod, his arms crossed over his chest. She didn't have to be concerned for her safety, but there was another question in mind.
“Does it have milk?”
Forte shook her head. “No dear, I'm trying a new recipe with water this time around.” Last week's attempt had ended in disaster, not just due to Forte's botched cooking, but also due to her husband's horrified reaction upon discovering that she had offered him food containing milk. He could usually handle the strange taste of her cooking, but milk was an entirely different situation. Their daughter shared that sentiment.
Valerie ate the food, not without hesitation. If her father's additions were meant to help the taste, she didn't want to know what it would have tasted like before. Even at her very young age, she recognized that her mother was just trying to help, so she tried to cover up her disgust. Unfortunately, she lacked a decent poker face.
Forte sighed. “I wish I were better at this. No matter how hard I try I never seem to get it quite right.”
Leon pushed himself away from the counter. “So, your talents lie elsewhere. That's not a problem. Besides, you gave it your best. That's about all one can ever do.”
Forte contemplated this for a moment. “Still, I wish that I could make any sort of improvement quickly. It's been years and yet I can only cook the most simple dishes with any sort of success.”
He shrugged. “These things take time. And I'll be there each step of the way.” He leaned close to her, wrapping his arms around her neck. Then he whispered those words. The same words that Forte came to know by heart and yet couldn't understand.
She couldn't help herself. The question left her mouth before she even realized what she was saying. “What?”
He leaned away so that he could look into her eyes. “Would you like me to say it again?” He repeated it, loud and clear this time.
Forte’s face flushed. “Not in front of Valerie!”
He gave her an odd look. “And why is that a problem?”
“With your refusal to tell me what it means, I can only assume it's something that shouldn't be repeated.”
Leon looked over at his daughter, a sly grin on his face. “You hear that? It seems your mother doesn't trust my influence.”
“Why else would you refuse to tell me, even after all these years?”
He laughed. “I can promise you that you don't have to worry. Isn't that right, Valerie?”
Forte looked at him in shock. “Don't tell me she knows what it means!”
“Of course she does. You really think I would withhold such a thing?”
“You seem to have your heart set on keeping its meaning from me!” Forte stepped over to the table and knelt at her daughter’s side. “Valerie, my precious child. Will you please tell me what your father is saying?”
Valerie had been watching the whole interaction in amused silence. It was odd to see her mother suddenly so panicked over something she had heard her father say countless times. She wasn't quite sure what to do about this new situation. Her eyes flickered to his face. He raised an eyebrow at her and gave her the sort of smile that indicated a shared secret. She returned his look, deciding to let this go a little longer just to let the fun continue. She shook her head at her mother, a mischievous grin breaking across her face.
Forte backed away, sighing. “I suppose I'll have to do this the hard way.”
Leon laughed. “And how do you plan to go about that?”
“I'm…not exactly sure, but I WILL be getting the answer out of you.”
“I don't doubt that,” Leon knew better than to think she wasn't stubborn enough to find a way, “But what if I cut out all that trouble and instead we made a deal?”
Forte looked at him in concern. “And what exactly would that involve?”
“It's simple really. I tell you what it means,” he gave her a triumphant smile, “On the condition that you say it back to me first.”
Forte hesitated. The curiosity had been eating away at her. But at the same time, she still had concerns about what it could possibly mean.
“What, not interested? I suppose if you want we can just let this go…”
“No! I just-” She paused, trying to gather her thoughts, “I don't want to say anything that I don't know the meaning of!”
“I don't see the issue with that. Even if you don't believe what you're saying, you can't be held at fault for its meaning. Words are only impactful because of what they mean. If they mean nothing to you, then no harm can be done.” He waved a hand in dismissal of her concern.
“I suppose, but it's your reaction I fear. Besides, if it truly means nothing, then why does it matter so much that you hear me say it?”
He shrugged. “Even if you don't truly mean it, some words are nice to hear.”
She sighed, accepting it. “Alright, repeat it to me one more time. I want to make sure I'm saying it correctly.” He obliged.
She took a deep breath and repeated his words.
A genuine smile, free of any smug pleasure, revealed itself on his face. “Well, that was even more enjoyable than I anticipated,” he turned to Valerie, “I suppose we should reward her for playing along with us for so long. How about you tell your mother what it means?”
She could barely contain her excitement as she turned her attention to her mother. She giggled and then followed her father's instruction. “Mommy, you just told daddy you love him.”
“WHAT!” She turned to her husband, completely annoyed. “That's what that meant?! All this time you refuse to tell me and it was that?!?”
“You surely couldn't expect me to be able to do that without losing a bit of my image. Besides, it was twice as fun for me to watch how you reacted.”
She sighed, cradling her head in her hands. “My word you two…” She raised her face and shook her head. “You know dear, you said that so long as I didn't know what it meant, my words had no meaning.”
“Yes, I recall that.”
Forte stepped closer, tilting his chin so that he was staring at her. She gazed into his eyes and repeated the words she had said a few moments ago. She smiled when she saw the way his face flushed. Then she turned to Valerie and said the same thing to her.
The little girl giggled and kicked her legs in delight. “I love you too mommy!”
Forte gave her husband an amused look. “See? Someone knows how to admit how she feels. Maybe you should learn to take a page from her book.”
He shook his head in exasperation, but his eyes were filled with love. “Alright, if you must insist…I love you.”