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Beatrice really wasn't sure what to expect. She’d been married to Benedick for a couple months now, and life had been bliss. Warm mornings and lazy afternoons had stretched across the span of winter, the two of them hanging around their chambers enjoying each other's company. They'd learned so much about one another during those crisp evenings, snow blanketing the world around them as they sat, legs dangling down from the balcony. He was not what she had expected at all. Everything and more, he was to her.So when she’d overheard her cousin, Hero, blabbing to Margaret about Benedick’s “grand and ever so endearing” plans for Saint Valentine's Day, she was incredibly curious. Everyone had been invited to her Uncle's for a celebration at the palace for Valentine's weekend.The man had surprised her so far, in more ways than one, and Beatrice felt her heartbeat faster as she tried to dream up the next adventure they would go on together. Looking at her with those creamy champagne eyes, freckles scattered across his cheeks like a midnight sky brimming with stars. His smile, bright as the sun itself. Hands intertwining as their lips pressed together, soft and gentle.“Beatrice!” She opened her eyes, looking up at the product of the noise. “Doth thou knoweth what the present day is?!”Her cousin beamed at her, fingers excitedly toying with her carnation colored nightgown. Her curls were frizzy and tangled with sleep as she bounded across the bedroom towards Beatrice.“Aye, aye I doth,” she replied steadily, trying to slow her racing pulse. She, too, was teeming with exhilaration.Hero fell back into the mattress with a joyful sigh, melting into the covers, “I did bet Claudio hast something miraculous planned.”“I desire, f'r thy sake, that gent doest,” Beatrice chortled at her giddiness, brushing through her tousled copper locks.Hero sat back up, blonde hair bouncing slightly. “What about thee and Benedick? What’re thee two going to doth in celebration?” The girl clearly knew what they were doing, unlike Beatrice, given how she giggled afterwards.Beatrice shrugged, setting down the comb and getting up from the bed to pick out an outfit. “I'm sure that Benedick hast something sweet that gent's going to doth, but oth'r than yond I'm joyous to just spendeth m're time with that gent. T's just a day liketh any oth'r day aft'r all.”“Oh, thou art nay excit'ment, cousin.” Hero tossed a pillow at her, waving her response off.The towhead dodged the flying cushion, grabbing a red sweater top and frilled white skirt. She shot Hero a glare before going back to getting herself prepped for the day. In all honesty, she couldn't bear to wait to see what event Benedick had organized.As Beatrice finished touching up her outfit, adding jewelry, and putting on light, festive makeup, her cousin rambled on about how she couldn't believe she made her way back to Claudio all those months ago, back when she believed it was hopeless to reason with him. Thank goodness for the prince’s guard.Who is't knoweth what killing would've done to a soft soul such as benedick? that gent would've been but a fragment of a sir that gent is the present day. I wouldn't beest able to handleth yond sort of burden if 't be true sending a comrade to killeth anoth'r. Beatrice thought, grateful for the miracles that had befallen them.Ready, she kissed her cousin on the forehead and bid her farewell, leaving her to enjoy her holiday.Anon, off to findeth “the stuff'd man”, she chuckled fondly at the old nickname. Though she meant it at the time, it was ever so endearing now rather than insulting.────୨ৎ────Benedick fidgeted with his hands, waiting for Don Pedro to meet him out in the field. His plan was going well so far. He’d managed to avoid Beatrice, sending her cousin to wake her and distract her, so she wouldn't suspect much of him not waking up beside his lady.“His lady.” It still seemeth so blissful, he thought, oh, what didst I doth to ev'r deserve someone liketh yond?Yet still, despite all his flaws, she stayed with him. Even at his worst times, and, for that, he stays with her whenever he can. Oh, he hopes he can repay her kindness, even only a small bit, with this day. Her jade eyes sparkle like the foggy mountains of Edinburgh, and her laugh lights up a room more than a million torches ever could. Oh, what Benedick would give to make her smile, laugh as much as he possibly can. In his eyes, she deserves all and more.“Ah, Benedick,” Don Pedro greeted him, “anxious, I seeth.”“Whaaaat?” Benedick objected, voice wavering slightly. “Me? Nay…, nay.”Laughing, Don Pedro took a hold of the jittery Signior’s shoulder, reassuring him. “Fear not, goodly knave, I am certain she shall cherish it.”With that, the Prince left Benedick to his own thoughts once more. Never a safe place to be in Benedick's experience, but today was an exception. He had no time for any nonsense; he was to put all his focus and love into making Beatrice elated.Once again, the man found himself unable to stand still, messing with his sweater vest. Last time he’d dressed up nice, Beatrice had told him he was trying too hard and that he needed to loosen up a bit, not worry so much about emerging classy.So, this time, he heeded her advice and wore a plain white dress shirt with a red patterned sweater vest over the top. He thought it was festive enough for the day. Claudio had encouraged him to wear heart earrings such that he was, but Benedick declined, not certain what Beatrice’s reaction would be, positive or negative. She knew both he and Claudio had pierced ears, but Claudio practiced the option a whole lot more than Benedick. He had certainly not worn the jewelry in front of Beatrice yet, excluding the masked party.The wind whistled fiercely, blowing his hair into his eyes. He planted himself cross-legged in the field, trying to muster up the courage to fetch Beatrice for the day. He would have to at some point.“Dost thou ponder deep within?” A soft voice rang out behind him despite the noise from the harsh breeze.Benedick scrambled to turn, eyes meeting his Love’s.
What beautiful eyes.
There was a slight undertone of worry in her statement as she watched him carefully. Quickly, he smiled at her in reassurance. Today was all about her and all her good parts, not him and all his bad parts.Grin still dawned on his face, he beckoned her to sit next to him in the field replete with flowers. A shiver racked his body as the breeze flew around again with a freezing touch.Her head rested on his shoulder, long amber locks draping down his chest. Heart stuttering in surprise, he felt his stomach flutter, butterfly wings brushing the sides. The apricity of the rising sun peeked from between the evergreen, painting Beatrice’s hair with more fire.The smell of cornflowers filled the air as the gale blew, speck of blue painting the early morning sky with more color. He laced his long fingers with hers, eyes slowly closing as the wind softened against his shaking frame. Beatrice hummed quietly, grasping his hand with both of hers, head lifting and turning to look at him directly.“So, what news be this I hear of a grand, amorous scheme of thine?” She laughed, the heavenly sound filling Benedick with mental Ecstasy. “I did not reckon such a bashful man for one to make grand displays of love.”Benedick’s eyes stayed locked with hers, unblinking as he was too worried to miss a moment such as this. “Nay, naught of grandeur, not in the least, but simple verily. I meant to bid thee to craft flower crowns with me. I deemed thou might relish something restful rather than ostentatious. Unless I erred in my thoughts. If so, I can-”Beatrice chuckled, putting one of her fingers to his lips, his words dying on his tongue as she did. His eyes flicked down to her pink-nailed digit, surprised. “Do not prattle on, Love. Thou thought rightly.”Lowering her finger from his lips, she grasped his palm with both hands once more, raising up his fingers and pecking a kiss on each tip in an effort to calm his nerves. Benedick purred beneath the affection, betraying the part of his brain reminding him that this day was all about his Gràidh. A frisson of adoration replaced his shivers from the winter air.He leaned into touch, head nestled between her shoulder and her chin as she ran her hands through his hair.It felt as though the embrace lasted years, the two of them sitting in the field, still no flower crowns made. Beatrice eventually peeled away from the cuddle, picking a couple of daisies and cosmos. Benedick made a quiet noise of protest but he straightened back up, wrapping around the stems of the cornflower patch near him.As the sun climbed up the sky, the pair sat with the tall grass, weaving the blossom peduncles together and nattering away.────୨ৎ────Beatrice gently placed the finished chaplet on top of the brunette's head, bright white petals intertwining with his caramel strands.Her hands hovered above his hair before running down to his face, eyes meeting his. Oh, how alluring he was, doe-eyed with his head in the clouds. Benedick’s golden irises sparkled in the sunlight, sharp and sensitive. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” The man murmured in awe, the ghost of a smile fading into his expression.“O, prithee, do not be absurd,” she breathed, chuckling. Her fingertips brushed across his freckled cheekbones before cupping his face in her palms. “We are deserving of each other equally, Signior Benedick.”His goofy little smile grew bigger, and Beatrice felt her heart buzz in her chest, warmth bubbling up inside her. Before she knew it, her lips pressed into his tenderly, eyes closed. Her stomach fluttered as their noses brushed, pulling away from the motion slowly. Lightheaded, she flopped back into the grass, her frame wracked with uncontrollable laughter. Benedick eyed her affectionately, unable to keep himself from laughing as well.Her hand reached up, and the man fell back, Beatrice the culprit of pulling him down. With a breath, he laid back, Beatrice readjusting her head to lay on his chest.She wanted to stay like this, as did Benedick.Baby pink clouds streaked across the periwinkle sky as the sun set, the world in brilliant shades of flame.Something rested atop her head, causing her to pry open her eyes. A hand reached up to feel the object, the other wreath of flowers sitting upon her hair. Benedick chuckled, the noise rattling his chest as Beatrice lay back down.“The hour groweth late,” she sighed, not wanting to leave this moment. “Supper shall cometh anon, buttercup.”Benedick giggled at the nickname, “verily, shall we return hence?”He offered his hand out, eyes fond and expression delighted. Gladly, her fingers twined between his, squeezing his hand lovingly.“Come, let us away.” She kissed him gently on the cheeks before tugging his arm towards the distinct light coming from the palace windows. They had surely stayed outside for a while, the previously light blue sky now colored with evening twilight. The light escapes faster once the sun begins to creep towards the west, stars quickly peeking through the waning sunlight.Hands clasped together, they ran through the field with laughter, petals flying askew off their crowns.How he doth continue to surprise me, she thought, gazing at him. This hath been the fairest day e'er.I prithee, let it never find an end, simultaneously, the statement rang in both of their heads as they continued towards the palace where they would dine with friends and family until the clock strikes 12:00.
What a wondrous St. Valentine’s Day.
----- CHAPTER BREAK -----
Beatrice really wasn't sure what to expect. She’d been married to Benedick for a couple months now, and life had been bliss. Warm mornings and lazy afternoons had stretched across the span of winter, the two of them hanging around their chambers enjoying each other's company. They'd learned so much about one another during those crisp evenings, snow blanketing the world around them as they sat, legs dangling down from the balcony. He was not what she had expected at all. Everything and more, he was to her.So when she’d overheard her cousin, Hero, blabbing to Margaret about Benedick’s “grand and ever so endearing” plans for Saint Valentine's Day, she was incredibly curious. Everyone had been invited to her Uncle's for a celebration at the palace for Valentine's weekend.The man had surprised her so far, in more ways than one, and Beatrice felt her heartbeat faster as she tried to dream up the next adventure they would go on together. Looking at her with those creamy champagne eyes, freckles scattered across his cheeks like a midnight sky brimming with stars. His smile, bright as the sun itself. Hands intertwining as their lips pressed together, soft and gentle.“Beatrice!” She opened her eyes, looking up at the product of the noise. “Do you know what today is?!”Her cousin beamed at her, fingers excitedly toying with her carnation colored nightgown. Her curls were frizzy and tangled with sleep as she bounded across the bedroom towards Beatrice.“Yes, yes, I do,” she replied steadily, trying to slow her racing pulse. She, too, was teeming with exhilaration.Hero fell back into the mattress with a joyful sigh, melting into the covers, “I bet Claudio has something miraculous planned.”“For your sake, I hope he does too,” Beatrice chortled at her giddiness, brushing through her tousled copper locks.Hero sat back up, blonde hair bouncing slightly. “What about you and Benedick? What’re you two going to do to celebrate?” The girl clearly knew what they were doing, unlike Beatrice, given how she giggled afterwards.Beatrice shrugged, setting down the comb and getting up from the bed to pick out an outfit. “I'm sure that Benedick has something sweet planned, but other than that I'm just happy to just spend more time with him. It's just a day like any other after all.”“Oh, you're no fun, cousin.” Hero tossed a pillow at her, waving her response off.The towhead dodged the flying cushion, grabbing a red sweater top and frilled white skirt. She shot Hero a glare before going back to getting herself prepped for the day. In all honesty, she couldn't bear to wait to see what event Benedick had organized.As Beatrice finished touching up her outfit, adding jewelry, and putting on light, festive makeup, her cousin rambled on about how she couldn't believe she made her way back to Claudio all those months ago, back when she believed it was hopeless to reason with him. Thank goodness for the prince’s guard.Who knows what it would be like for someone gentle like Benedick to deal with killing? He would be just a shadow of the man he is now. I couldn't bear the weight of having to send a friend to kill another. Beatrice thought, grateful for the miracles that had befallen them.Ready, she kissed her cousin on the forehead and bid her farewell, leaving her to enjoy her holiday.Now, off to find “the stuff'd man”, she chuckled fondly at the old nickname. Though she meant it at the time, it was ever so endearing now rather than insulting.────୨ৎ────Benedick fidgeted with his hands, waiting for Don Pedro to meet him out in the field. His plan was going well so far. He’d managed to avoid Beatrice, sending her cousin to wake her and distract her, so she wouldn't suspect much of him not waking up beside his lady.
“His lady.”
It still seems so blissful, he thought, oh, what did I do to ever deserve someone like her?Yet still, despite all his flaws, she stayed with him. Even at his worst times, and, for that, he stays with her whenever he can. Oh, he hopes he can repay her kindness, even only a small bit, with this day. Her jade eyes sparkle like the foggy mountains of Edinburgh, and her laugh lights up a room more than a million torches ever could. Oh, what Benedick would give to make her smile, laugh as much as he possibly can. In his eyes, she deserves all and more.“Ah, Benedick,” Don Pedro greeted him, “anxious, I see.”“Whaaaat?” Benedick objected, voice wavering slightly. “Me? No…, no.”Laughing, Don Pedro took a hold of the jittery Signior’s shoulder, reassuring him. “Don’t worry, I'm sure she'll like it.”With that, the Prince left Benedick to his own thoughts once more. Never a safe place to be in Benedick's experience, but today was an exception. He had no time for any nonsense; he was to put all his focus and love into making Beatrice elated.Once again, the man found himself unable to stand still, messing with his sweater vest. Last time he’d dressed up nice, Beatrice had told him he was trying too hard and that he needed to loosen up a bit, not worry so much about emerging classy.So, this time, he heeded her advice and wore a plain white dress shirt with a red patterned sweater vest over the top. He thought it was festive enough for the day. Claudio had encouraged him to wear heart earrings such that he was, but Benedick declined, not certain what Beatrice’s reaction would be, positive or negative. She knew both he and Claudio had pierced ears, but Claudio practiced the option a whole lot more than Benedick. He had certainly not worn the jewelry in front of Beatrice yet, excluding the masked party.The wind whistled fiercely, blowing his hair into his eyes. He planted himself cross-legged in the field, trying to muster up the courage to fetch Beatrice for the day. He would have to at some point.“Deep in thought?” A soft voice rang out behind him despite the noise from the harsh breeze.Benedick scrambled to turn, eyes meeting his Love’s.
What beautiful eyes.
There was a slight undertone of worry in her statement as she watched him carefully. Quickly, he smiled at her in reassurance. Today was all about her and all her good parts, not him and all his bad parts.Grin still dawned on his face, he beckoned her to sit next to him in the field replete with flowers. A shiver racked his body as the breeze flew around again with a freezing touch.Her head rested on his shoulder, long amber locks draping down his chest. Heart stuttering in surprise, he felt his stomach flutter, butterfly wings brushing the sides. The apricity of the rising sun peeked from between the evergreen, painting Beatrice’s hair with more fire.The smell of cornflowers filled the air as the gale blew, speck of blue painting the early morning sky with more color. He laced his long fingers with hers, eyes slowly closing as the wind softened against his shaking frame. Beatrice hummed quietly, grasping his hand with both of hers, head lifting and turning to look at him directly.“So, What's this about a grand romantic gesture?” She laughed, the heavenly sound filling Benedick with mental Ecstasy. “I didn't take such a shy man for one to make grand displays of love.”Benedick’s eyes stayed locked with hers, unblinking as he was too worried to miss a moment such as this. “No, not grand, not at all, simple really. I meant to invite you to make flower crowns with me. I thought you might like something relaxing rather than grand. Unless I was wrong. If so, I can-”Beatrice chuckled, putting one of her fingers to his lips, his words dying on his tongue as she did. His eyes flicked down to her pink-nailed digit, surprised. “Don’t ramble on, Love. You thought right.”Lowering her finger from his lips, she grasped his palm with both hands once more, raising up his fingers and pecking a kiss on each tip in an effort to calm his nerves. Benedick purred beneath the affection, betraying the part of his brain reminding him that this day was all about his Gràidh. A frisson of adoration replaced his shivers from the winter air.He leaned into touch, head nestled between her shoulder and her chin as she ran her hands through his hair.It felt as though the embrace lasted years, the two of them sitting in the field, still no flower crowns made. Beatrice eventually peeled away from the cuddle, picking a couple of daisies and cosmos. Benedick made a quiet noise of protest but he straightened back up, wrapping around the stems of the cornflower patch near him.As the sun climbed up the sky, the pair sat with the tall grass, weaving the blossom peduncles together and nattering away.────୨ৎ────Beatrice gently placed the finished chaplet on top of the brunette's head, bright white petals intertwining with his caramel strands.Her hands hovered above his hair before running down to his face, eyes meeting his. Oh, how alluring he was, doe-eyed with his head in the clouds. Benedick’s golden irises sparkled in the sunlight, sharp and sensitive. “What did I ever do to deserve you?” The man murmured in awe, the ghost of a smile fading into his expression.“Oh, don't be silly,” she breathed, chuckling. Her fingertips brushed across his freckled cheekbones before cupping his face in her palms. “We both deserve each other equally, Signior Benedick.”His goofy little smile grew bigger, and Beatrice felt her heart buzz in her chest, warmth bubbling up inside her. Before she knew it, her lips pressed into his tenderly, eyes closed. Her stomach fluttered as their noses brushed, pulling away from the motion slowly. Lightheaded, she flopped back into the grass, her frame wracked with uncontrollable laughter. Benedick eyed her affectionately, unable to keep himself from laughing as well.Her hand reached up, and the man fell back, Beatrice the culprit of pulling him down. With a breath, he laid back, Beatrice readjusting her head to lay on his chest.She wanted to stay like this, as did Benedick.Baby pink clouds streaked across the periwinkle sky as the sun set, the world in brilliant shades of flame.Something rested atop her head, causing her to pry open her eyes. A hand reached up to feel the object, the other wreath of flowers sitting upon her hair. Benedick chuckled, the noise rattling his chest as Beatrice lay back down.“It’s getting late,” she sighed, not wanting to leave this moment. “Dinner will probably be served soon, buttercup.”Benedick giggled at the nickname, “shall we go then?”He offered his hand out, eyes fond and expression delighted. Gladly, her fingers twined between his, squeezing his hand lovingly.“Sure.” She kissed him gently on the cheeks before tugging his arm towards the distinct light coming from the palace windows. They had surely stayed outside for a while, the previously light blue sky now colored with evening twilight. The light escapes faster once the sun begins to creep towards the west, stars quickly peeking through the waning sunlight.Hands clasped together, they ran through the field with laughter, petals flying askew off their crowns.How he continues to surprise me, she thought, gazing at him. I hope it stays like this forever.I hope this moment never ends, simultaneously, the statement rang in both of their heads as they continued towards the palace where they would dine with friends and family until the clock strikes 12:00.
What a wondrous St. Valentine’s Day.