Shuurai
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[FT: O King of the Fairies] Chapter 48
🕑 Added 2025-03-26 07:12:53 +0000 UTCThe sun hung lazily in the sky, casting a warm glow over Fiore’s rolling hills. The air was crisp as we made our way to the airship, headed to Alma’s family. I could feel the tension in the air.
“You look nervous,” I said, watching Alma as she adjusted her clothes and hesitated for a moment before boarding.
“I’m not nervous,” she replied quickly, though I could hear the uncertainty in her voice. “Just… It’s been a while. I’m sure they’ll love you. Or at least, I hope so.” She smiled, but it wasn’t her usual confident one.
“They’ll love me. Who wouldn’t?” I teased, trying to ease her nerves. “Besides, they’re your family. I want to make a good impression.”
She shot me a side-eyed glance, raising an eyebrow. “You’re impossible.”
I grinned and leaned closer. “You like it.”
“Maybe,” she muttered, but I could tell she was trying to hide her smile. “Just don’t mess this up, okay?”
“You’re nervous, huh?” I asked softly, my teasing tone fading away. I wanted her to know it was okay to be vulnerable. “I’m not going to mess it up, Alma. I promise.” I gently squeezed her hand. “We’ll have a great time.”
Her eyes softened as she looked at me. “Thanks, Aiden. You make me feel like I’m in good hands.”
The airship hummed as it took off, cutting through the sky. The landscape outside shifted, and the quiet tension between us settled into something more comfortable.
“So, tell me about your family,” I said, breaking the silence.
Alma looked out the window. “My mom’s a schoolteacher. My dad works on a farm. They’re hardworking, down to earth. It’s calm, peaceful. Nothing like the guild. No explosions or crazy antics. Just… family.”
I raised an eyebrow, leaning closer. “No explosions? How boring.”
She shot me a look. “I wasn’t wild, I swear. I was a good kid, mostly.”
I grinned and nudged her playfully. “Oh, sure, totally innocent.” I lowered my voice. “What about you? Did you get into any trouble?”
Alma blushed slightly, embarrassed. “No, nothing crazy.”
I laughed. “Yeah, you’re so innocent now, it’s hard to believe.”
She rolled her eyes, the corners of her lips curling up. “You’re impossible.”
“I know,” I said, leaning back. “But hey, I can’t help it.”
As we neared her family’s home, I could sense Alma’s tension easing. We passed by small towns, green fields, and quiet landscapes—so different from Magnolia’s busy streets. This place felt peaceful, almost like a breath of fresh air after all the chaos.
We landed in a town with cobblestone streets and cozy homes, few towns away from Magnolia.. It was quiet, calm—nothing like the guild. It had a charm of its own, and I was eager to see where Alma came from.
"This is it," Alma said quietly, looking out the window as the airship descended. "Home."
I could see the nervousness return in her posture, the way she pressed her lips together, unsure. "Hey," I said gently, reaching over to touch her arm, "I’ll be right here. I promise, this’ll be fine."
She looked at me, her eyes softening as she met my gaze. "I know," she said, her voice barely a whisper.
The airship touched down on the soft grass outside a cozy cottage on the edge of town. The house was simple, humble—a reflection of Alma’s family. A white picket fence surrounded the garden, flowers in full bloom all around, and a small wooden sign on the porch read, "Welcome Home."
As Alma and I approached the front door, I could see her hesitate. For all the strength she showed as a mage, there was still this quiet vulnerability when it came to her family, as if she was unsure of how they would perceive the changes in her life.
Before she could knock, the door swung open to reveal a woman in her late thirties, her hair tied up in a bun, wearing an apron covered in flour. She had warm, welcoming eyes and a smile that could light up the room. "Alma!" she exclaimed, pulling her daughter into a tight embrace. "I’ve missed you, sweetheart. Come in, come in!"
I stood back, my hands in my pockets as I watched their reunion. There was something beautiful about seeing Alma like this, so loved, so grounded. This was her foundation, her roots, and for the first time, I was seeing a side of her I had never seen before.
After a long hug, Alma’s mother stepped back and looked at me with a curious but friendly gaze. "And this must be Aiden," she said warmly. "Alma’s told me a lot about you. It’s a pleasure to finally meet you."
I straightened up and offered my hand, bowing slightly in a polite greeting. "It’s an honor, ma’am," I said, keeping my tone respectful but sincere. "Thank you for welcoming me into your home."
Alma’s mother smiled, shaking my hand. "It’s nice to meet you too. You’re even more polite than Alma let on." She winked, teasing a little, which made Alma blush slightly.
"Mom!" Alma groaned, her face turning bright red.
I chuckled, giving Alma a teasing grin. "What can I say? I do my best." I looked back at her mother, keeping the conversation light. "Thank you again for letting me visit. Alma’s been looking forward to this for a while."
"Of course! We’re happy to have you," she said, stepping aside to let us in. "Come on in. Dinner’s almost ready."
As we stepped into the house, I took in the warm, homey atmosphere. It smelled like freshly baked bread and stew. The furniture was simple, with a cozy fireplace crackling in the corner. Alma’s father, a tall, broad-shouldered man with a warm smile, appeared from the kitchen.
"Ah, you must be Aiden," he said, extending his hand firmly. "I’ve heard a lot about you
too. Welcome."
"Thank you, sir," I replied, shaking his hand. "It’s a pleasure."
Alma’s father nodded, then gestured toward the table. "Well, I hope you’re hungry. We’ve got plenty of food, so dig in when you’re ready."
I looked over at Alma, who was now laughing softly at her parents' banter. Despite her earlier nerves, I could see she was at ease now. And as I looked at her, I felt an overwhelming sense of pride. Not because I had won over her parents, but because she was here, with me. And that, I realized, was all that mattered.
Dinner was delicious, filled with hearty foods and plenty of laughter. As the evening went on, I found myself completely at ease in their company. The teasing and playful banter between Alma and her parents only made me smile more. For the first time in a long time, I felt like I had found a place where I truly belonged—by Alma’s side, with her family, in this peaceful corner of the world.
And I couldn’t help but think that this, too, was a part of the life we were building together.
The sun was starting to set as Alma and I walked out of her family's cottage. After a filling dinner with her parents, she suggested we explore the countryside around her hometown. I was more than happy to go along—seeing the place that shaped Alma felt like the right thing to do.
"Ready for the grand tour?" Alma asked, flashing me a playful smile.
"Lead the way," I grinned back, crossing my arms. "Just try not to get us lost."
Alma rolled her eyes, but there was a teasing glint in them. "You’re impossible, Aiden. I’ve lived here my whole life. I know my way around."
I raised an eyebrow. "If we end up in a cornfield somewhere, don’t say I didn’t warn you."
She shook her head and laughed. "You’re the worst."
We made our way down the dirt path, the town quiet in the late evening. The houses here were small and cozy, flowers in every garden. It felt calm and peaceful, definitely a change from Magnolia.
"So, where are we going first?" I asked, trying to keep up with her long strides.
Alma pointed ahead. "We’re going to visit the farm where my dad works."
"Ah, the legendary farm," I teased.
"Yes, the legendary farm," Alma said sarcastically, but I could see the fondness in her voice. "You’ll see."
After the tour of the farm, Alma led me along a quiet path lined with trees. The sunset painted the sky in shades of pink and gold. It felt like the perfect time for a walk, and I was happy to enjoy the quiet with her.
"This place is so different from Magnolia," I said, kicking a pebble as we walked. "I get why you love it here."
Alma glanced at me, her expression a little distant. "It’s peaceful. It’s where I grew up, and it’s always been home for me. Sometimes, I need to come back here to recharge, you know? It’s... familiar."
"I get it," I said, nodding. "I can’t imagine what it’s like to live somewhere so... calm. Life’s not exactly like that in Magnolia."
She smiled at me, a little teasing. "You say that like it's a bad thing."
I shrugged. "Not at all. It’s just... different."
We kept walking, following the path that curved next to a small creek. Alma stopped by a giant oak tree, its roots winding through the ground like ancient fingers. She ran a hand over the rough bark, glancing up at the sky, which was slowly getting darker.
"Sometimes, I come here just to think," she said, her voice a little quieter now. "I don’t know why, but this tree always helps clear my head."
I stood beside her, glancing at the tree but more focused on her. "I can see that. It’s a good spot."
Alma smirked, clearly trying to change the mood. "I’m surprised you’re not already planning how to mess with me, Aiden. I thought you couldn’t resist."
I leaned in a little closer, a grin tugging at the corners of my mouth. "Oh, I’m always planning something," I said, my voice low. "But I’m not going to mess with you right now."
She looked at me skeptically. "Uh-huh. I’ll believe it when I see it."
I held her gaze, taking a step closer. "I don’t need to mess with you. You’re already perfect the way you are."
Alma's cheeks flushed slightly, but she didn’t back away. "Flatterer," she muttered under her breath, but I could tell she liked it.
Before anything else could happen, we heard a voice calling from behind us.
"Alma! Aiden!" It was Alma’s mom, shouting from the direction of the cottage. "Dinner’s ready!"
Alma sighed and pulled away reluctantly, but she was smiling. "Guess it’s time to go back," she said, looking at me with a mix of amusement and affection.
I chuckled, still a little caught up in the moment. "Yeah, I guess. But you owe me another walk."
Alma raised an eyebrow. "Is that so? You’re not getting off that easy, Aiden."
I grinned. "I never do."
We started walking back toward the cottage, the golden sunset fading into the deepening blue of night. I could hear Alma’s light laughter next to me, and for the first time in a long time, everything felt right. I didn’t need anything else in that moment, just Alma, her family, and the peaceful world around us.
As we neared the cottage, I leaned in, whispering low enough for her to hear. "I’m looking forward to spending more time with you, Alma. You, me, maybe a little less walking next time, and a lot more... alone time."
She shot me a playful glance, her lips curling into a mischievous smile. "You’re terrible."
I chuckled. "But you love it."
Alma laughed, rolling her eyes. "Maybe. But you’ll have to wait."
I smiled, knowing that no matter what happened next, I was exactly where I was meant to be.
—-
The evening had settled in, and we were sitting in Alma’s room, the soft light of the moon casting shadows on her face.
“I’m glad you’re here,” she said quietly.
I smiled. “I could say the same. But… there's something different about tonight, don’t you think?”
She tilted her head. “What do you mean?”
“Maybe it’s the calm. Or maybe it’s just that I finally get to spend time with you—without a thousand things demanding our attention.”
Her smile softened. “I like that too.”
There was a quiet tension between us, and I leaned forward. “Tell me, Alma, what makes you feel like home?”
She paused, then looked up. “It’s when I’m with people who really see me. When I don’t have to hide parts of myself. It’s when I don’t have to prove anything.”
I stood up and closed the distance between us. “You don’t have to prove anything to me,” I said softly, cupping her face. “Not to anyone.”
Her breath caught, and she leaned into my touch. “I never thought I’d meet someone like you.”
“Me either,” I replied, my voice barely above a whisper.
I traced her cheek with my thumb, then kissed her—softly at first, then deeper. As we pulled back, I rested my forehead against hers.
“I want this,” she whispered.
“You have me,” I murmured, “You always will.”
She closed her eyes, nodding. “Real and… right.”
I kissed her again, slowly, savoring the moment.
We gave in to our desires, shedding clothes and unspoken promises as my lips traced her skin. Her fingers tangled in my hair, drawing us closer.
Time seemed to stop as we shared breathless sweetness, the world fading around us. Eventually, the intensity softened, and we lay together in peaceful contentment.
The morning was quiet, and the peace between us felt natural. I ran my fingers through Alma’s hair, breaking the silence. “So, this is what it feels like to wake up with you.”
She smiled softly, still waking up. “I guess so. Do you always wake up so early?”
“Not usually,” I said, glancing at the morning light. “But today feels different.”
She tilted her head, intrigued. “Different how?”
“Feels right,” I said with a small shrug. “Like we’ve been doing this for a while.”
Her smile grew a bit, eyes soft. “Yeah, it does.”
I moved a bit closer, resting my hand on her side. “You’re not like anyone I’ve met.”
Her gaze shifted, her voice quiet. “You’re not like anyone else either. You make things feel... easier.”
“I just try to move forward, not dwell too much,” I said with a half-smile.
She nodded. “You don’t let anything hold you back, even when it’s tough.”
“Maybe... but you’ve made me want to stay,” I said, my voice sincere.
Her expression softened. “I want to stay too.”
She leaned her forehead against mine, and for a few moments, we just stayed like that, the room feeling small and safe.
“I never thought we’d end up here,” she whispered.
“Me neither,” I replied with a chuckle.
She smiled, looking at me with warmth. “I’m glad we did.”
“Me too,” I said, squeezing her hand gently.
We stayed quiet for a while, not needing to rush. Eventually, I spoke again. “I’m not going anywhere, Alma. This—us—it’s real. And I’m here for the long haul.”
Her gaze softened, fingers brushing my cheek. “I know. I feel the same.”
“I’m glad,” I whispered, kissing her forehead. “We’re in this together.”
“Yeah,” she replied quietly, wrapping her arms around me. “Together.”
And for that moment, it was enough.
But then, something else weighed on me—something that felt like it had been there all along, just waiting for the right moment.
“Alma…” I began softly, pulling back just enough to catch her gaze. “I’ve been thinking. About us.”
She raised an eyebrow, her curiosity piqued. “What about us?”
I took a deep breath, feeling the words settle in my chest. “I want you to stay. I want you to be here. For real. Not just for now, but for always.”
Her expression shifted, uncertainty creeping in. “Aiden... are you sure? You want me to live with you? To be a part of your life like that?”
I nodded firmly, reaching out to take her hands in mine. “I’m sure. I’m not going anywhere, Alma. This is my life now, and I want you in it. For good.”
Her eyes flickered with emotion, and she took a shaky breath. “But… what if things change? What if I can’t live up to whatever you expect?”
“Alma,” I said, my voice steady and sincere, “You don’t need to be anything more than who you are. I want you just as you are. You’re everything I want. I want to build something real with you. Not just for a while. Always.”
Her gaze softened, and she bit her lip, clearly holding back tears. “I never thought... I never thought I’d have this. I’ve never had someone offer me something like this before.”
“I’m not offering you anything temporary,” I said quietly. “This is real. I want you here, with me, in this life. Every day.”
She slowly nodded, her voice barely above a whisper. “I’ll stay. I’ll be with you. I want to be part of your life, Aiden.”
My heart swelled with relief and something deeper, something like certainty. I pulled her into my arms, holding her close. “You’re already a part of my life. You always will be.”
She rested her head on my chest, tears slipping down her face, but this time they weren’t filled with fear or doubt. They were filled with something new, something that felt like hope. “I didn’t think I could have this... I didn’t think I could have you.”
“You do,” I whispered, holding her tighter. “You always will.”
A few days later, Aiden and Alma found themselves at the front door of her parents' home, preparing to leave for Magnolia. The sun was high in the sky, casting a warm glow over the small house. Alma's parents, who had insisted on a few more days of her staying with them, were standing in the doorway, grinning with mischievous glints in their eyes.
“Looks like our baby girl is finally leaving the nest,” Alma’s mother said with a teasing smile, crossing her arms as she looked at Alma and Aiden. “Off to Magnolia, huh? I’m sure you’ll both have an interesting time there.”
Alma rolled her eyes, her face turning a shade of pink. “Mom, please. It’s just a trip back to the guild, nothing more.”
Her father, always the jokester, raised an eyebrow, a wide grin spreading across his face. “Just a trip back, huh? Sure, sure. You know, you two are getting along quite well… I think I’ll start expecting grandkids soon.”
Aiden blinked, caught off guard by the comment, his face flushing slightly. “I—uh—I think we might be getting ahead of ourselves here…”
Alma's mother raised an eyebrow, her voice dripping with humor. “Oh, don’t be shy now, Aiden. You did look awfully cozy last night. I’m sure that’s a sign of something... grand happening soon.”
Alma let out a groan and covered her face with her hands. “Mom, Dad, please. Don’t make this awkward.”
Aiden chuckled, leaning over to pat her shoulder reassuringly. “Well, I mean, I’m certainly not opposed to the idea, but I think we can wait a little before jumping to any conclusions.”
Alma's father wagged his finger at him playfully. “Oh, no need to rush. Just make sure you’re treating her right, Aiden. You know, I’m not above a little fatherly interrogation if needed.”
“Dad!” Alma exclaimed, her cheeks practically glowing as she shot her father an exasperated look. “I’m right here!”
Aiden, now fully enjoying the playful banter, grinned. “I’ll make sure to treat her like the queen she is. I promise.”
“Good answer,” Alma’s father said, giving Aiden a mock salute before turning back to Alma. “Just make sure you come visit often. We want to make sure you don’t forget about your old folks. And don’t forget what we talked about… grandchildren.”
“Dad!” Alma exclaimed again, her voice a mix of laughter and disbelief. “Can you not?!”
Alma's mother joined in, her voice teasing yet warm. “Alright, alright, we’ll let you two go before we make it any more embarrassing. Just remember—don’t be strangers. And, uh, don’t forget about us when you’re busy being… young and in love.”
Aiden chuckled, giving her mother a mock salute. “Don’t worry, we won’t forget. And we’ll visit soon.”
Alma sighed, shaking her head but unable to suppress a smile. “Okay, we’re going now. But you two are never getting grandchildren from us.”
“Oh, we’ll see about that!” Alma’s dad said with a wink. “But for now, go on, have a good trip. Stay safe!”
As Aiden and Alma walked toward the carriage, Alma shook her head, laughing softly. “I can’t believe they just did that. I’m never hearing the end of it.”
Aiden grinned, giving her a playful nudge. “Hey, it was kind of funny. Your parents are hilarious.”
“They’re embarrassing, that’s what they are,” Alma muttered, though her tone was affectionate.
He wrapped an arm around her shoulder as they climbed into the carriage. “It’s nice to know they care though.”
“Yeah, I guess,” she said, still a bit flustered. “But seriously, no more talk about grandchildren for a while, okay?”
Aiden smiled, leaning back in his seat. “Alright, alright. No promises, though. They were pretty convincing.”
Alma rolled her eyes but couldn’t hide the smile tugging at her lips. “You’re impossible.”
“But you love me anyway,” Aiden said with a teasing grin.
She couldn’t help but laugh. “Yeah, I guess I do.”
Comments
Joshy Vindicta
You’ve introduced the parents twice in this chapter.
