zer0pm:

Imagine asking Ardyn what he wants for the holidays.

You: “Seriously? Another fedora is not considered a proper gift for you, Ardyn Izunia.”

Ardyn: “One can never have too many hats, my darling. My very being is a testament to this.”

You: “Where do you even hide all of them?”

Ardyn: “Would you like to strip me down to find out?”

He stretches out his hands side-to-side, emphasizing his broad, masculine physique veiled beneath his many layers. You scolded him. Or at least tried to.

You: “A-Ardyn!”

Ardyn: “Slowly?”

At this, you smacked him playfully on the cheek. It was a means to chastise his silly and toward behavior but also to hide the raging blush creeping up your neck behind a scolding expressions. The casual, carefree look on his face told you that he was unaffected by your reproach and instead he takes a firm grasp of your waist, pulling you taut against him. The immense warmth radiating from his body enveloped you, an impish glint dances across his golden eyes as he gazed at you.

Ardyn: “I only slightly jest. Now, what has brought out this sentimental mood of yours?”

You: “The Day of the First Healer is upon us, the first Eosian cause for celebration in our world that promotes love and peace. Did you forget?”

You failed to notice his usual, lazy smile tense into a thin grimace let alone his hold on you in your shared embrace become tighter. The latter you assumed to be a motion of affection as opposed to a reflex of something…bitter.

Ardyn: “Ah, is that so? Forgive me, but I do not really relish in the luxuries that holidays offer. Chancellor and all.”

You: “Wait, you don’t celebrate? Ever?”

Ardyn: “To explain why would take ages.”

You: “We have time. Did you have a bad experience one year?”

Ardyn: “Something like that. Perhaps I will regale that tale for another occasion. But it is now dark out. Shall we take you home?”

It nearly slipped your mind that you were both out in the city. It was your idea to walk the streets together for some quality time and fresh air, though really you merely wanted to browse the shops you passed by in search of gifts. You had a gift for all of your friends and loved ones save for the love of your life. And it was supposed to be your first holiday together.

You: “You’re right but… Do you really not want anything?”

The man stops in his steps, for a moment you thought he turned into a statue at how sudden he stilled. Then, ever so slowly, he twists his body towards you. The crisp, chilly wind breezing through the air, tossing the wine-red strands in soft waves across his handsome face.

Ardyn: “Everything I have wanted…”

He steps forward.

Ardyn: “Everything I will ever need…”

Again.

Until he stands before you. His amber gaze held you so tightly in place it was if the moment he tore his eyes away, you would fall, fall deep into the swirling mix of emotions that set your senses awry in the most exquisitely exhilarating way. It was here that you decided he looked most beautiful.

Ardyn: “Is right here in front of me.”

.

.

.

Bonus:

Ardyn: “Although, that fedora shop we glanced at before had a most impressive selection, if you are so adamant.”

You: “Ardyn!”

You meant to hiss at his joke and desist his teasing, but your laughter filled his ears before you can stop yourself long enough to be annoyed with him. Try as you might, you never could be and he always loved how melodious your moments of joy was to his ears. No, he did not celebrate this particular holiday, a fabrication of peace constructed to hide the horrors of the truths of the ancient past. Yet when he felt the weight of your selflessness touch a part of his core he thought to have been long barren, the empty, cold space within gave way to a light and warmth that shook him…only slightly. Ardyn was not ready to tell you the truth about him, but as of right now as he walked along side you, hand in hand – he abandons the spite that guides him and instead allows himself to simply enjoy this moment.

This moment, right here, is the only happiness I have ever known on this day. It will not last forever, he mused, a somber smile sneaks onto his lips at this ironic thought on eternity that would usually mean little to him. And that only makes this all the more precious. It is funny, really. He wanted to say all of this out loud, but settled with confessing in his mind his truth to you.

Time meant nothing to me…until I met you. And now I fear I do not have enough.

He squeezes your hand in his as if doing so would convey all of these thoughts to you. You squeeze back in affection and smile brightly at him and you press yourself closer to his side.

It will have to do. He stops you both once again to hold your face in his hands and without a moment’s hesitation, he pulls you in, his lips pressed against yours. Once again, he felt his once unbeating heart move…and it was because of you.

Ardyn: “Happy Holidays, my love.”