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[Arthur is young, when his grim-faced father tells him he’s going to get married to a man he doesn’t know. His mother watches on dispassionately as he explains they’re sending him away, to get to know the man - the wizard - before their wedding when Arthur turns 18. Arthur is too young to know what that means for him, and readily agrees.

Not that had a choice.

He leaves before the whispers start, the rumors fueled by his brother and mother, that there’s a hope this cruel, Northern wizard will kill him because Arthur is a wizard, too.

But Oz does not kill Arthur. He doesn’t really think to consider how the man feels about his young fiancé being dropped on him, but… Arthur likes to think he enjoys his company. Arthur certainly enjoys Oz’s, and he only grows more and more fond of the wizard as he gets older. The man raised him, taught him everything he knows about magic, and has done so much for him… He thinks fondly of mornings with Oz cooking pancakes, or evenings on the balcony, looking out at the aurora. Being married to be Oz… Will be nice, he thinks. He’s excited to see how their relationship will change, and now it’s only months away…

He enters Oz’s study, carrying a tray with a teapot and two cups on saucers. There’s a fond smile on his face as he sets the tray down and busies himself with pouring the both of them tea. He’s still looking down when he speaks, feeling uncharacteristically shy.]

Are you looking forward to our trip to Central?

[It was a given that that was where their wedding will be held. Arthur is excited to see his family again, after years away, but… He’s mostly excited to be tied to Oz even more deeply.]

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[Oz, years ago, was surprised when his casual demand for tribute was met with the offer of an apprentice and a fiance. The first he could stomach, and the latter... he wondered if he'd make it that far, honestly. It didn't cross his mind until the letter came from Central requesting any needs he might have for the ceremony.

Today happens to be the day that they've asked Oz, and not Arthur (who had been previously contacted), for any input on the ceremony. Oz has spent the last several hours in his study reading and re-reading the elaborate plans, the pomp and nonsense he's about to be asked to endure while the Central prince is married off to him.

He's been considering things, old agreements, arrangements that seem pathetically short-sighted now. Against all odds, he has come to be incredibly fond of Arthur. Oz feels he has found his heart through this effervescent young man, and has taught him far and away as much as he's been able to, more than he's ever taught another living soul.

It was foolish to accept this, when he knew then it was only their aim to get rid of the young wizard. Now, as Arthur's father has grown ill, he wonders if Arthur will be kept in Central upon completion of the ceremony. If, in a cruel twist only humans could conceive, he might be parted from the one thing he's come to love in the world.

Arthur enters, and Oz's head raises slowly from where he's been drafting a brief response. He puts down the pen he holds, and looks to Arthur as he pours the tea.

Perhaps, he thinks, in all of his uselessness when it comes to emotions, Arthur wants to return to Central, to his birthright and his family. Perhaps being a prince is preferable to being a wizard's husband. Perhaps they'll poison Arthur's mind with their words when they see he's adjusted to life in the North. Oz can't know. He just stares with faint longing at Arthur as he pours, and settles a cup on Oz's side of the table.]

...Are you looking forward to it?

[He takes a seat in the only other chair in the room, added after Arthur had mentioned wanting to spend more time with Oz as he took of care of everything he had to. (Work? He supposes it’s something akin to work?) It’s one of the many things Oz silently changed from a comment Arthur made, one of the things that made Arthur feel loved and cherished.

He sits in the chair, now, prim and proper, and takes a sip of his tea.]

I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again. It’s been so long, I can hardly remember them.

[He doesn’t know what Oz fears, or the very rare chance someone might want to ruin their marriage in one of so many ways. He wholeheartedly believes their wedding will be beautiful, that Oz will be a handsome groom, and they’ll return to the North to start this new stage of their lives.]

…But I’m looking forward to the ceremony more, I must admit. It sounds like it will be beautiful.

[It’s a nervous admittance, but he sees no reason to hide it from Oz.]

[Oz has made so many small adjustments based on offhand comments, little things Arthur probably thought were nothing when he said them, but that meant Oz would upend the world for this young man.

Watching him take a seat, Oz's heart soars. He's grown into a fine man, brave and bright and intelligent, and Oz has no doubt in his mind that even despite being a wizard, he'll charm everyone he speaks to in Central.

Arthur's statement makes unfamiliar jealousy flare up for a moment, but it's quelled quickly. He knows how it feels to be distant from family, even if that family is simply one that took you in for their own purposes. He faintly hopes Arthur forgets them after the wedding, though.

Speaking of the ceremony...]

Did you make any requests?

[Arthur will be beautiful in whatever he wears, and Oz has already spent countless recent hours imagining him in white, angelic and delicate in appearance but strong in bearing, stronger than any of those pathetic humans who cast him aside.]

I made a few.

[He looks at the teacup, unable to hide his smile or the blush that colors his cheeks.]

I’ve been in correspondence with a tailor, discussing the matter of what I’ll be wearing for the wedding. I’ve heard that it’s ill luck for the husband to know what his bride will be wearing.

[Is Arthur the bride? He would assume so, if either of them could be classified as such. Maybe he’s not?

Either way, Arthur doesn’t want to risk it. He just hope Oz thinks he looks beautiful.]

If it is ill luck, I won't ask anything else.

[Oz notices the blush even in the lower light, and it makes his own heart faintly race. It doesn't show on his face, but Oz has the softest, gentlest care for that particular expression. He doesn't want to share it with anyone.

Oz hasn't made any such requests, primarily because he hasn't been asked until today. He's being asked about very little, too, making it clear this is an affair of state to Central, and not any sort of blessing of a union. At least, they don't seem to care whether or not Oz sees it as one. The weather will at least be perfect that day...

He thinks to the letter he was sent. Something about his own outfit, and something about a cake. Of all things to ask a Northern wizard about, a cake... He has no opinion, and it's probably just a matter of them pretending to put forth effort, but it's Arthur's opinion on it that matters to Oz.]

...Should we have a tiered cake?

["We." It's the first time Oz has spoken of them as a pair with regard to this particular topic, and his face briefly twists into vague unease when he realizes what he said. He schools his expression quickly, though, taking a sip of the perfectly brewed tea.]

[Oz is a hard man to read, but Arthur likes to think he understands him more than most. He knows he chooses his words carefully, that they all mean something, so hearing that we…

His heart skips a beat.]

A tiered cake would be nice, I think… I’m unsure how large the guest list is going to be, so I’m not sure how large it should be.

[A pause, as he thinks over his correspondence. He’s been asked a fair few questions, but he was never asked if there was anyone he wanted to invite. He wants to believe it’s because his family doesn’t know about the small village by the castle, and don’t know that he’s been able to meet some villagers there he could almost consider friends.]

I wasn’t asked about invitations, but I’m certain that was just an oversight.

[Oz takes note to respond that he'd like the cake to have at least three tiers, and that it should be large enough for every guest to have a slice. That seems like the way Arthur wants it, and such a desire is good enough for Oz.

It speaks to Arthur's beautiful heart as much as to his common sense.

He's almost slipping into a momentary reverie over imagining how radiant Arthur might look, sipping his tea, when Arthur adds the aside about the invitations. No one asked Oz about that, either. He'd invite Snow and White, of course, and Figaro, maybe Shylock... Perhaps others, but... If Arthur hasn't been asked, none of those names will be on the list.

His brow furrows faintly.]

Give me a list. I will send it with my reply.

[He’s surprised, terribly so, but he bounces back quickly. If nobody asks, they’ll just have to make sure to provide them.]

Of course! I’ll make one right away. And make sure to include anyone you wish! The more people there the better it will be.

[It’s going to be an absolutely beautiful wedding… Oz is always very handsome, but he thinks he’ll look even more stunning in a suit, waiting for Arthur at the altar.

It’s a moment he’s known was coming for years and years, and they’ve been trying to plan out all the details for months now, but it’s never felt as real as this moment, sitting and talking with Oz.]

I would love to meet those closest to you, properly.

[There have been a few visits from wizards over the years Arthur has lived at Oz’s side, but he’s never been granted the opportunity to get to know all of those wizards…

He goes quiet for a moment, thinking of what the ceremony and reception will be like, wizards and humans brought together for the start of a new love.]

[He hadn't honestly planned to invite the people from his past, the people he's said two words to in the past ten years, but who were there for his formative decades and conquering years as well.

Yet, in his heart, Arthur is the only one he cares for this way. Arthur is the only thing in the entire world he would refuse to live without, now. He's trained him, raised him, kept him safe, and now they'll be wed.

He wants Arthur to meet these people again, now that he's older and more adept, now that he's able to appreciate their quirks and their loves and even their sins.]

I will add their names as well.

[He puts the tea down for a moment to take a note with his pen, a short list of names written in the margin of a small notebook. When he puts the pen back down, he seems distracted for a moment, thoughtful, as he mulls over a question he doesn't think he ought to ask.

Yet... it's vital to know before being married, at least by normal standards.]

...Do you love me, Arthur?

[Arthur remembers a playful warning from one of the older humans in the village at the base of the mountain - that if you made the same face for too long, it would get stuck. He thinks he might be at risk for that, because he can't stop smiling.

His smile doesn't slip even at that question, if it gives him pause. Does he love Oz? Of course he does. More than he's ever loved anything before. Nothing compares to Oz, and he's certain nobody could, either. He's the most powerful wizard in the world. He's kind. He's gentle. He loves Oz so deeply, so fiercely, he can't fathom it would ever be possible to love anyone but Oz. He's the only man Arthur could see ever being so important.

So the answer is simple.]

Of course I do.

[He sets his tea cup down, before pushing to his feet and crossing the study so he can stand next to Oz. He reaches out, hesitantly, carefully, brushing his fingers against the back of Oz's hand in a request for a hand to hold.]

I've loved you for a long time, now.

[Oz hears the affirmation, and while he's not surprised by the sentiment or the words, he's incredibly shocked at how much it makes his heart pound and his head feel light. To know is one thing. To hear it...

He can't and won't deny this young man ever again. He has been weak to him for the last few years, and he'd bring down the Calamity itself if it would make Arthur smile.

The weather outside becomes a gently falling snow, ice crystals reflecting light and bringing more illumination to the room.

He turns his hand over to take Arthur's.

This isn't the first time they've held hands, but it is the first time it's felt like it means something deep and abiding and vital to Oz's very survival.]

...

[Arthur doesn't even notice the snow, not really, too taken by how stunning Oz is. He is a man who takes his breath away, and Arthur could easily get lost in those intense, red eyes.

He doesn't expect Oz to say the words back - he is a man of few words, after all - but he knows that his feelings are reciprocated. He leans forward - a novelty, but one he'll gladly take advantage of while Oz is seated - and kisses the older wizard's temple. He knows it's silly and romantic of him, but they're so close to the wedding that... He can wait a bit longer for a proper kiss.

(Unless Oz wants him to kiss him...? He would do anything if he asked.)]

I'm looking forward to being yours for the rest of my life.

[Oz decides in that moment what he'll wear, how he'll hold Arthur's hand, what words he'll offer as affirmation of the only promise he'll ever dare to make.

His eyes close slowly at the kiss, and he lets those words wash over him, too. They stir up an ugly part of him, possessive and jealous, something he always hoped time would destroy first.]

Arthur.

[His eyes open again, and he looks to him with blood red, sharp eyes.]

You are already mine.

[He lifts his free hand and traces Arthur's jawline with his fingertips. After a moment, he grips Arthur's chin firmly but gently and draws him down to look into his eyes.]

I will not let anyone take you from me. Do you understand?

Edited 2021-06-08 18:29 (UTC)

[And here he thought his heart was beating fast before. He can’t hide the joy that comes with those words, as he lets himself get drawn down. He looks into Oz’s eyes, and he knows that he would do anything for him.

Oz has taught him so much. Oz has guided him through much. He knows one of the most important lessons Oz has taught him was on the strength of promises - and why a wizard should never make them.

But…]

I promise that nothing and no one will take me from you.

[What good is magic without the man who showed him how wonderful it was?]

[Oz feels the faint surge of magic that binds them together with those words, something foreign and terrible. His eyes go wider for a moment, and he releases Arthur's chin. He loves him, dearly, deeply, in ways he probably shouldn't and will never be able to put into words. He would destroy the world at this point if someone were to try to remove Arthur from his grasp. It's a promise Arthur can't keep, but Oz can and will see to its conclusion.

Only death will take Arthur from him, he knows this, and there's no need for magic after death. Even then, Oz is certain he'll eat Arthur's mana stone in an instant, if only to keep him eternally.

His hand lingers in the air for a moment before curling into a fist.]

Didn't I teach you to never make promises, Arthur?

Edited 2021-06-08 20:02 (UTC)

[Maybe it's just blind faith that everything will work out the way he wants, but Arthur is certain this is a promise that will never be broken. And if it does, somehow, break, his life...

He won't think on it. Not now.

He reaches out, taking Oz's fist in his hands. His eyes are bright and sincere, and he wants to pull Oz even closer.]

You did.

[He's well aware of what he's done.]

You are the only man I would ever make a promise to, and this is the only thing I will ever promise.

[Every time Arthur does something like this, Oz makes yet another decision about his life. He'll keep Arthur closer than ever now, he decides, though he was always kept entirely too close anyway.

No more trips to the village alone. No trips to Central alone, either. Oz will not allow this promise to be broken. Arthur's powers are too precious, and they are what brought him to Oz. Without them, would he stay by Oz's side? He can't be sure, even if his heart tells him Arthur would never leave his side.

That soft, earnest look melts Oz anew. He sometimes wishes he wasn't such an easy target for soft smiles and bright eyes.]

I will hold you to that. If you ever make a promise to another soul, I'll make sure you break this one.

[Unfortunate, that Oz's usual strategy is threats instead of raw, terrifying affection.]

You don't have to worry about that.

[Arthur has no idea the extent of Oz's possessiveness, though... He wouldn't mind, even if he did know. Oz has a way of making him feel cherished, wanted, like something wonderful and beautiful. He makes him feel safe, and he would - and has - give everything to stay near him. Being apart from him, even for a moment, is such a lonely thing...

He pulls Oz's hand closer, pressing a kiss to his knuckles.]

Nobody else is worth that risk. You know this, Oz.

[He'd give up his magic for Oz and Oz alone. Nothing would change that.]

[He is cherished and wanted, wonderful and beautiful in ways Oz absolutely knows should never be allowed near him. He does not have any right to Arthur, he knows, but... He loves him. He has loved him for years now, in so many ways, in ways that have grown and changed and confounded him and brought him life and the smallest concept of joy.

He will not let that promise be broken. He will protect those shining eyes and equally brilliant smile, the gentleness Arthur has toward all living things and the fearless way he approaches kindness. No matter what.

Even if he knows Arthur is sincere, he'll still take the burden off his young shoulders for as long as he can.

There's a lengthy silence as he watches Arthur, looks deep into those eyes and gets lost in thought. Finally, he breaks the silence.]

Do you have any other requests for our wedding?

[He's content to let the silence linger, simply basking in Oz's presence. There's always something about the man that's comforting, like wrapping himself up in a blanket when the winds are especially harsh and the chill of the castle is intense. It's at odds with Oz's demeanor, he knows, but he also knows that deep down Oz is filled with a fiery passion.

His smile is gentle, now, and he hums in thought.]

Will you dance with me?

[He was asked about music for the reception, and had no idea what to ask for, and he had been certain Oz would reject the very idea of a first dance, but...

He has to ask.]

[Oz's passion usually exists as rage and little else, but for Arthur it softens, and he lives a life he never thought possible. They'll have to go to Central and be paraded around and he'll have to deal with obnoxious things he didn't ever want, but... If it means that he gets to bring Arthur home as his, and everything that entails... he will endure it.

And, well, in his opinion... Arthur deserves a wedding worthy of a fairy tale. He deserves a white suit and flowers and the admiration of an entire country as he walks down the aisle. He deserves cake and a feast, and to show everyone that wizards are indeed powerful and compassionate.

He is Oz's opposite in every way, and he deserves to live one beautiful day outside of this castle, to taste the joy he brings to Oz's heart. Joy Oz knows he can't give back the way he'd like to. He can't even smile properly, most of the time.

The thought of dancing in front of everyone makes Oz frown. He never considered Arthur would want that; he's not even sure how to dance. But this is Arthur, and this is what Arthur wants.

Standing, he turns his hand to take one of Arthur's in his. With a sweep of his free hand, the chairs move to the wall, and so does the little table. There's some open space in the study now, just enough... He hopes. Down deep, he's mortified by this, but... For Arthur.]

Teach me how.

[He’s not expecting to hold a lesson right now, but he watches the furniture move with anticipation. He moves Oz’s hands, nudging him into position. It’s been a long, long time since he’s seen ballroom dancing, but…

They have time to practice.

He guides Oz through steps as he remembers them, hoping he’s managing but he’s… Just glad that Oz might try, for him. Oz is the most wonderful man to him, and it’s perhaps for the best that he doesn’t know he’s the only person in the world who could bring him to his knees.

He looks up at Oz, adoration plain on his face, and hums a soft tune he hardly remembers for them to dance to. This is already so overwhelming, he can only imagine how much better it will be when they’re man and husband.]

We might need to practice.

[Oz holds Arthur as directed, and it feels... wonderful. Confusing and new, but wonderful to hold him closer like this, in a way he wishes he always had. He's been waiting until they were wed to allow himself a moment of holding Arthur in his arms, but it seems there's no time like the present. Marveling for the hundredth time at Arthur's passion and calm, steady patience, he gives it a try.

Oz isn't graceful as he follows the steps, but he manages to avoid stepping on any toes or sending them toppling over. In this one case, it's close enough to a victory for him. He is frustrated that it doesn't come naturally, but how could he know what it would be like without ever trying?]

I'll learn how to do it properly by the time of the wedding. We still have a few days.

[He'll practice and practice alone in his room until he can do this flawlessly. For Arthur.

It's easier and harder when he looks down at that sweet face, so adoring, so naive... He knows that's his own fault, but when he also lacks certain experiences and can't bring himself to harm a child, what time was there ever to teach certain facts?

It's probably terribly clear to Arthur that Oz has softened in certain ways over the last few years and especially the last few months. There had been a time when, in anticipation of the wedding, Oz had been distant. But Arthur's pleading eyes wore his resolve away quickly.]

[It’s awkward, but it’s wonderful. Arthur can so easily imagine Oz in a suit, with gentle music playing… Everyone will be watching them, and they’ll see how in love they are.

It’ll be a beautiful wedding. He’s sure people will talk about it in the years to come - it’s not every day the most powerful wizard in the world falls in love. Arthur feels more lucky than he ever has.

He continues the dance for a moment, before he eventually sways closer and rests his head on Oz’s chest. He’s so warm…]

I’ll need to polish up, too… But this is already perfect.

[He’s buzzing with excitement now - their wedding is so close. He’s been waiting for this for years and years, and he almost can’t believe it’s here. It’s like a fairy tale.

He hopes Oz holds him, but he’ll be happy either way.]

[Oz thinks Arthur is as close to perfect as one can get, really. They will have a beautiful wedding, and he will love Arthur until the day death parts them, and beyond it. He has no doubt of this in his mind.

When Arthur steps in and leans on him, Oz has little choice but to follow instinct and embrace the younger wizard. They've already danced, so there's no point in holding off any longer on embracing him, warmly and with great affection.

Ducking his head slightly, he brushes his lips over the crown of Arthur's head.]

Central told me they'd send for you in advance of my arrival. I refused. I will go with you, if you have no objections.

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