“How do I make a chair?”

Asked Alderic, who is now surrounded by chipped wood at the corner of the backyard with a puzzled look as clear as daylight. While his loving partner decided to paint their doors with full-throttle creativity, it seems reality always defies his expectations with a pile of doors from afar. “Alderic, what color should I use?” Theodore, in philosopher mode, reached for his chin and stroked it slowly. Indeed, being too consumed with the assembly of such furniture, he only replies in vague, “As long as you like.” A decent sigh of relief for Theodore before he once again indulges in creating lifelong masterpieces.

In no time, it was already a few hours before lunch. The warm shades lightly kiss their patio, lies the two deliberately enjoy the fresh sandwiches, gazing upon the endless field ahead. From time to time, Alderic steals a quick glance at Theodore. A man with a casual shirt, beads of sweat still lingering on his forehead from exhausted labor. Contrary to his usual neat appearance, somehow this new Theodore feels more familiar. Gently wiping away the sweat, Alderic cracked a smile. Whatever the versions of Theodore, he shall love them all.

Tired from the paintings, Theodore quickly devours the sandwich, even noticing the crumbs still lingering on the corner of his lips. “Theo” Theodore turns to the low voice, calling for him. Just in time for a warm hand holding his cheek, guiding a kiss down the crumbs. Things went as usual. Theodore blushed while Alderic laughed victoriously. Not keen on letting the laughter continue any longer, Theodore immediately mauled at him as if a lion had finally caught its prey, diving onto the floor all at once. Lying on top of him, the “predator” let out an amusing chuckle, teasingly speaking, “I win!”

“Not so fast!” Within a blink of an eye, they switched places. Alderic is already pinning his arms, glaring into those navy pearls lovingly. And in the harmonious breaths they take, rushes of eagerness and sultryness arise, heightened, sounds of vibrant hearts booming. Leaning against the silhouette of Theodore, he’s ready for a big kiss.

In the moment, time seemingly stood still… “Ahem.” Such abrupt voice makes the two turn their heads faster than ever before, yet it is none other than Evelyn standing right before them. Caressing her forehead, and in a tone full of disappointment, she speaks, “It’s only lunch time and both of you already want to do this?”, “We apologized, Eve, we were having lunch.” Alderic reached his hand out to Theodore, then the two dusted off their shirts, “I take it that you are able to find some spare time to visit us?” Evelyn chuckled pleasantly, “Certainly! I also traveled here with another guest.” While Alderic and Theodore were still deep in confusion, a figure emerged from behind. “Cecil!!” The doctor surely can not hide his excitement when meeting his favorite apprentice - Cecil. He rushes to embrace Cecil tightly, dancing around. “Where have you been? It’s so great that you're still here, doing alright!” Still the same Cecil after all those times, yet there are hints of maturity that lie within. Her white dress silently waved in the warm rays, in the curious breeze that lingered just to witness their reunion. Theodore hugs the girl for a good while before the two part ways, letting the girl inhale fresh air. “Everything has gone smoothly so far. Thanks to Evelyn, the new mansion is built and Reid is in charge there, just like you in the past.” He replies in a delightful note, “That must be wonderful news I’m waiting for!” Pulling the wooden chair back, Theodore guided Cecil and Evelyn to their seats.

“A pleasure to meet you again, Cecil.” Alderic is the first to break the silence while his partner fetches some freshly brewed tea. Cecil grins, “There is no need for formalities here, isn’t it?” Then joined Theodore, who was sitting in slow motion. With a puzzled look on her face, Evelyn gently asked, “What happened, Theodore?” In a split second, her expression darkened as she glared at Alderic, who was trembling as if he were the suspect. “N-nothing, Theodore is only afraid the chair that I built would break with a light touch.” His arms were put up ahead, trying to justify… and Theodore’s fear…. Unfortunately becomes the truth. Lifting the tea cup calmly, about to taste the exquisite taste of tea, the fragile chair immediately collapsed, with its legs completely ruptured. And his face, full of terror.

“AAAAAAAA-” Alderic is able to grab his shoulder in time, but not Theodore’s most favorite teacup. In the navy’s eyes, it smashed hard onto the ground, breaking into pieces. Evelyn and Cecil, on the other hand, were laughing hysterically at the dreadful scene. But for how long? Right when Evelyn was leaning against the backrest from the uncontrollable laugh, it snapped.

Crack..

“Huh?” The last word escaped from Evelyn before she suffered the same fate as Theodore, and luckily, she was just a few inches from the ground. Alderic does not know what to do anymore, only able to rest his palm on his eyes, in embarrassment, then spoke in a whisper, “I’m sorry…” "At least we're still alive," Theodore responds quickly. “How about we sit on the field over the-”, “Great idea! Before anything else broke.” The backrest-broken girl yelled, clearly annoyed. Settle on the soft grass, finally, their discussion can continue in peace. The knight caressed his lover’s hand, and regained confidence, saying, “I never knew building a house would be this difficult.” Sipping her tea deliberately, Evelyn finally answered, “Understandable.” How abrupt that question was. “Please don’t be frustrated, it was a minor accident, Eve.” She continues, “Certainly. Anyway, I'm aware that this could happen, so I've brought my crews."

Evelyn clasped her hand, and in no time, the whole squad lined up before the group, ready for action. “Please build those two a decent house.” The leader replies in discipline, “As you wish, your Majesty!” The rest of the evening goes on in light-hearted moments. Occasionally, the doctor - Theodore, leaned again into the wind to fall into contemplation. Before his very own eyes, a home was born. Bit by bit, brick by brick, doors to windows, chairs to tables, vases to the fireplace, all slowly take shape into the home that Alderic and Theodore long for. Excitement once again sparked, as if a child were waiting for his birthday gift. His stream of thoughts drifted. That day, when there was nothing, alone in the land of death, the predecessor of the Mansion reached out a hand of hope, to him. Theodore, despite not having had a chance to witness the mansion slowly come to life, firmly believes it was something extraordinary. A smile formed on him, just at the fact that, after everything that had happened, he was able to share the eternal flames of love with his partner, under the same roof, under the house they built.

This tale has been pilfered from Royal Road. If found on Amazon, kindly file a report.

Soon, the vivid sunset comes, and right in time, their loving house is finished. Here lies in the dreamy field a lovely cottage that, indeed, looks like an oil painting of a scene that only belongs in books. “Your Majesty, the house is completed!” The squad nodded, then parted to leave the group alone. Alderic held Theodore’s hand, with happiness filling his eyes, tenderly. “Are you ready, Theo?” After all, a simple nod is enough. Leading forward, Alderic places his hand on the embroidered nob, comes along with Cecil and Evelyn, and with a deep breath, he’s ready. He turns the door open, to be welcomed by a cozy feeling, a true home. From afar, there is a sizzling fireplace, a sparkling kitchen with candles, and a bedroom full of charm. In such a welcoming atmosphere did the cottage celebrate its’ master's arrival. “It’s perfect, Evelyn!” Trembling to speak any more words, swiftly, Evelyn had already found herself embraced by Theodore, “Thank you for everything you had done for us…” The knight - Alderic, follows, hugging both girls. After parting ways, Theodore invites, “How about both of you staying for dinner?” Yet, Evelyn glances at Cecil, then returns to him in a slow tone. “That would be excellent, but both of us need to depart soon to return to the capital. Perhaps next time?” In slight disappointment, she replies. “Ah, I understand. Please be safe on your return!”

Closing the door behind them, leaving the two lovebirds alone in the sunken. “I wish they could stay a little longer.” Alderic caresses his shoulders. “I know, and this means we've got to celebrate first.” He leans in for a big kiss. Abrupt and exciting. Theodore surely indulges himself in the essence of love, in every cell and every sensation, driven by his vibrant heart. Clumsily cupping his cheek, he dove in for more. Crave, hunger, and instinct. Alderic lifted him to the counter and rested on top. A kiss in the bloom of emotions. Is it happiness? For knowing they two will settle down for another lifelong journey, here under this hood? Alderic interrupted, panting, “I want you, and you come with me.” For him, and only him - Alderic, Theodore willingly surrendered. In a blink, Alderic carries his lover, as if a bride, hurriedly into the bedroom, before closing the door tightly.

…

The mouth-watering scent embraced the air, lingered, and never ceases to dissipate, all from the stove sizzling in an orange hue. Theodore, by his side, chopped vegetables to put into the soup. After quite a while, the wooden table is lined up with beautiful plates, utensils, and wine glasses. In the middle rested a flower vase, embellishing their cozy date further. Pulling the seat for his lover, then to his, they soon join in a pleasant dinner.

…

The flickering light, the companion, the love. It felt as if it were a dream. Theodore gazed upon his partner, “I could never ask for more from everything that we had endured.” Gripping his hand gently, he continues. “I can not thank God and fate enough, for allowing me to meet you, and to stay with you till this very moment.” Alderic reassured, “It’s out of this world, isn’t it.” The lovebirds rested on the patio, hazily seeking something in the fields. With the moon as their companion tonight, the pair of hands seek each other, holding firm in their reunion. For their love, hope, and solace to shine as stars in the sky from afar. It’s everything.

“I have something to show you.” Taking his glistering hand, Alderic guided me through the glowing field. “Where are we going?” Cocking his head in confusion, yet only replied with a simple answer, “You will see, my love.” Up ahead a few walks, greeting ahead, is an open area on a shallow hill. Before he could say anything, hands were already in hands, Alderic’s face seemed somehow troubled.

“Theo, it’s been a long journey until we could rejoin here at this space and time. Since our encounter, while we were still kids, to the first time we met at the capital, then when I was once again able to see you at the mansion, and from that point.” Alderic kissed his hands lightly. “Everything inside me has changed, for the better. I was charmed by you and never wanted to lose you, even for a second. You are my meaning, Theodore, my mission in this life. Despite being a traitor, crushing your heart, and… Despite becoming your enemy, you are still there, waiting patiently. Then, I was hurt, submerged in revenge, and I... Forgot who I was. Is it what I meant it to be?” The emerald eyes closed. “Theo, my love. I could not ask for more from this world, but you, have completed my world and myself.” Alderic kneels down before Theodore, meeting his glistering, sea-deep eyes. “And now we could finally reunite under the same roof after everything. Theodore, can I have a chance to write my next chapter in life with you, and only you? A lifelong journey awaits the two of us ahead.” Alderic pulls out a velvet box from his pocket, presenting it to him, his partner. While Theodore is already on the verge of tears, he continues. Now with complete determination.

“Will you marry me?”

No more hesitations, no more doubt, no more pain.

“I do!”

Beads of tears freely fell, shining in the moonlight as if they were stars. Rushing into his arms, the two enter a warm, lifelong embrace. For the breeze carries the grief away, welcoming a new beginning.