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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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[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.

[He tucks his face into Oz’s chest, hiding away his smile. The older wizard is sturdy; even if Arthur knows most of his strength lies in his magic, he likes to imagine some of it has bled over to Oz and made him solid and strong physically, too.

But he can’t keep his face pressed into Oz’s shirt forever, and he leans his head back to look up at him.]

I’d rather go with you. I don’t know why I’d have to get their before you, anyways.

[He knows they’ll have to be separated for things like getting dressed, but things like that won’t be happening until the day of…

So why not let him stay with Oz?]

[Oz has suspicions... But he won't let those come true. He won't let Arthur out of his sight until he absolutely must.

Which means he is also refusing separate accommodations.

Oz looks down into those bright, beautiful eyes and can feel a gentle smile creeping onto his own face. He lets it linger there a moment as he traces Arthur's cheekbone with a thumb.]

Then we'll go together.

[With all the ferocity of a gale, and Oz will make sure nature itself heralds them. No one in Central will forget that Arthur is under the care of the most powerful wizard in the world.]

[Well, Arthur’s more than okay with being by Oz’s side. Obviously.

He leans into the hand on his cheek, and he feels so happy he could burst.]

When do you want to leave?

[Does he want to leave early…? He’s not sure Oz would want to explore the city - he’s probably already seen everything Central has to offer already - but Arthur wants to see the sights, see his family…]

[Oz can feel the unspoken request there, and no matter how badly he does not want to spend extra time in Central, he'll do anything for this young wizard.

He thinks about the timetable, and that they're looking at mere weeks until the ceremony. It is but a drop of time to someone like Oz, who has lived for centuries, but to a younger wizard like Arthur, it must seem like forever.]

In three weeks.

[That will give Arthur a full month and a half in Central before the ceremony. It will be dangerous, and Oz will hate every minute of it, but it's just how it's going to go.]

Will that be enough?

[That’s more time than Arthur was expecting, though, and he nearly bounces on his heels.]

That’s more than enough time!

[Over a month in Central, with the man he loves… He wonders how much things have changed. It’s been so many years - not all that many to Oz, he’s sure, but Arthur is young. A lot can change in ten years…

It’ll be interesting, and he’ll have Oz with him every step of the way.]

I’m looking forward to this…

[Oz is looking forward to precisely one part of this, and that's it. But for Arthur, he'll do anything. He realizes that's his weakness, too.

He'll pen a letter back as soon as Arthur leaves him for the night, with every request they have. He'll attach Arthur's guest list tomorrow, and send the letter then. It's fairly straightforward.

His fingertips stray up into Arthur's hair, cradling the back of his head. It would be easy to give into the temptation to kiss him now, but he told himself he would wait until the wedding. Still, a moment of conflict ripples through him.]

Go make your guest list. I'll send it tomorrow.

[It’s going to be an amazing wedding, Arthur thinks. He can’t imagine any way it could go wrong - and even if something goes not according to plan, will it matter? He’ll be with Oz. He’ll be married to Oz.

Nothing could dampen his excitement for that.

His eyes close, enjoying the hand in his hair, before he looks back up at Oz.]

Of course! I’ll get it done right now.

[…He says, but he doesn’t want to pull away just yet and makes no move to leave.]

[He looks down at Arthur, that sweet face, so unassuming... Oz knows Arthur has been shielded from some of his evils, but does he really not know he's marrying a tyrant? Arthur looks at him with such affection that Oz can believe a day when Arthur doesn't love him will never come.

It's foolish. But he's weak.

Closing his eyes, he leans down and presses a kiss to Arthur's forehead.]

[He wants to tilt his head up for a proper kiss, but… The wait will be worth it. More than worth it.

Reluctantly, he pulls away, as much as he wants to linger… He needs to get that list written.

He gives Oz one last smile.]

I’ll be back later with the list. For now… Good night, Sir Oz.

[He pauses to pick up the tray with the tea kettle on it, and drifts out. He goes straight to his room, and wastes no time in writing up a list of names. It’s… A short list, admittedly, but he returns back to the study with it nonetheless, barging back in.]

[When he barges back into the study, he'll find Oz's head on his writing table, resting on the back of his hand near a pen. He's fallen asleep after penning the strongly worded requests to Central, having exhausted the last of his social skills for the evening. As far as he knew, Arthur wasn't going to come back in here, so it was fine to rest his head for a moment...]

[He stops as soon as he sees Oz asleep, laughing softly to himself. He crosses the room, gently setting the list down on the desk, before placing a hand on Oz’s shoulder.]

Sir Oz.

[This wouldn’t be the first time he’s found Oz asleep outside of his room - and he doubts it’ll be the last. Hopefully he won’t be too cross over being woken up.

He shakes his shoulder gently, hoping that’ll be enough.]

[Though he sits up quickly, there's a moment of grogginess from Oz. He blinks blearily at Arthur, then furrows his brow at being seen in such a vulnerable state. Then again, no one else is here, and no one else could get in.]

Arthur.

You fell asleep.

[Obviously. He smiles softly, leaning in to press a kiss to his hair.]

You should get some real rest - we’re only going to get busier from here.

[Oz looks something like embarrassed for a moment, and he really wants to deny that he was asleep... But.]

Then you should, as well.

[He stands smoothly, but with presence. (Actually, it's because he's tired....)

And then he offers a hand to Arthur.]

[Ah? Ahhh??

His smile goes a little confused.]

I can head back to my room on my own!

[Arthur you stupid fucking moron--]

[Arthur. Arthur please.

Well. Oz is Oz. He won't argue with Arthur. Even if that's not what he meant. If he doesn't have strong feelings about it, he won't push it.

If Arthur wants to sleep alone, that's fine. He seems so excited about the wedding that Oz thought... Well... Never mind.

Oz lowers his hand.]

Very well.

[Arthur is very bright! But there are some things he just doesn’t pick up on.

Still, he’s not going to leave without one more embrace. He steps forward, wrapping his arms around Oz and stretching up to press a kiss to his cheek.]

I’ll see you in the morning, okay?

[Oz wraps his arms around Arthur, and for once the embrace lingers. He doesn't let Arthur go until a few seconds after he's said that.

Then he runs his fingers through Arthur's hair and presses a kiss to his forehead.]

In the morning. I'll send the letter tomorrow.

[All of these little touches and kisses… They make Arthur feel so happy, and he wants to cherish them for as long as he can.]

Okay. Thank you.

[…]

I love you.

[And he’s going to turn bright red, saying that again.]

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