The air was crisp during the morning hours, the cold had fully settled over the town’s core, Winter making its presence well known. With fog slowly descending, most chose to get out before it had fully set in.
The town was not small by any means, life was blooming throughout every street, and down every dark alley, more so on the most hectic of days during the week. With trains leaving at obscene hours of the morning, most were already out by the time the sun rose.
The streets were lined with multiple businesses, mostly family owned. Coffee shops, bakeries, clothing stores, restaurants, bars, and even places for new arrivals to rest after their tedious journeys.
It is the ideal place to live.
And certainly the most ideal for Madeleine.
She has a soft spot for this town, having grown up here with more wealth than that of most common folk that were the majority of the population that harboured there. Wealth that they would only ever dream of obtaining. Her family name has blessed her tremendously with anything, and everything.
That is not to say she flaunted this blessing. No, but rather Madeleine preferred to spend most of her free time in amongst the commoners. Enjoying their company, and appreciating their way of life. Choosing to keep her status a secret kept well hidden away from them.
The people that shared her status were dull, there was no life seeping from any of them. From the parties she attends, to the familial gatherings, she despises having to keep a facade all for the sake of a status she does not care for.
Besides that, life was perfect for Madeleine.
And even more perfect with the addition of a special someone.
In recent times, Madeleine has unwillingly become a victim to love. Having fallen hopelessly in love with a commoner. Though, at first glance one would certainly not assume her lover to be of such status.
Dressing to the pinnacle of elegance, skirts reaching ever so slightly above her knees, coats that concealed any, and every part of her skin. She was certainly a sight anyone would take a second glance at.
Though, Madeleine would make certain that would never happen.
First came the bell ringing at the door, then the distinct melody of heels that pulled Madeleine from her shameless daydreaming, her lovers heels to be precise. A sound that she is well accustomed to now, and one she never grows weary of.
She turned her gaze towards that sweet ambiance, her eyes finding their way towards where her lover stood, up at the counter, surely ordering the bitterest of beverage per usual.
She could not help her shameless staring, she is simply the most divine being.
She sighed, lovingly so.
"Apologies for being late."
By the time she finally sat down, she appeared flustered. Almost as though she had ran the entire way there, in heels no less.
"It is no issue, really!" Madeleine waved her hands, simply trying to reassure her. "I am just happy to see you is all."
She knew her lover to be a very busy woman, so she would dare not ever question the possibilities of her tardiness.
"Are you sure?"
"Espresso please, I have not been waiting for long, I promise!"
Madeleine’s reassurances didn’t seem to work in her favor. Espresso still seemed on edge. If the ever slight sound of her heels tapping consistently were anything to go by, she would say Espresso seems stressed.
She had noticed the distinct dark circles below her eyes the moment her face came into view. This wasn’t uncommon for Espresso, but Madeleine is certain she has never seen them quite this severe.
That certainly explains why she had ordered an extra shot.
Ever so subtly she brought her hands up to Espresso’s face, skin so smooth, taken care of. She gently brushed along the darkened circle beneath her eyes, nothing but fondness behind every stroke.
"You have not slept in awhile, have you?"
An ever so slight blush creeped up Espresso’s face, clearly the face of someone who had been caught in the act. She immediately swatted Madeleine’s hand away, annoyed.
"You know I haven’t the time to rest." She sighed, exhaustion clear in the way she speaks. "Work at this time of the year is more demanding, you know this."
She looked away. Madeleine could almost sense a weariness to her voice, something she rarely gets to see from her.
Espresso is as strong willed as ever, rarely allowing anything to get beneath her skin. Madeleine admires this, but…
She likes this side of her too.
"You will burn yourself out if you continue, you know?"
"I am well aware, that is just the path I’m willing to take."
Annoyance became clear in her tone, Madeleine knew if she continued to prod that their day would most certainly end up ruined. So she chose to cease the conversation.
She watched as Espresso took another sip of her drink. It really is no wonder she does not sleep, that amount of caffeine is surely not healthy.
If Madeleine had her way, she would completely put a stop to the amount she consumes, choosing to make her eat more instead. To be able to give her comfort as she slowly succumbs to her weariness within Madeleine’s embrace. Oh, how ideal.
That’s when an idea struck her.
"Are you free for the rest of the day?" Suddenly starting up conversation again, her smile grew broad.
"Yes, why?" She raised an eyebrow.
Madeleine’s smile grew bigger at that.
"Meet me outside."
Espresso’s confusion only intensified, the wink her lover gave only making her dread whatever she possibly had in mind.
________________________________________________________
Espresso took several glances towards her watch, then back towards the coffee shop more times than she could count.
What was taking her so long?
"Nothing new, I suppose." She laughed, speaking only to an empty audience.
Pulling her coat in closer to her chest, sweeping her skirt, she sighed out.
She is exhausted. Her work is not something she would particularly say she enjoys, but it gets her by in this life. Even if the hours she works day in, and day out, are unreasonably cruel, she can not find a will to care.
She lives to work, she is aware of this. Life has not treated her well since her early age. She is determined to never let that consume her again. And to make certain Madeleine never senses otherwise.
"Apologies for taking so long!"
What Espresso saw next certainly surprised her. Her lover walked out with an oddly pretty looking straw basket, flowers adorning the bottom parts of the handles. Sparring one of her signature blinding smiles.
She’s so cute.
She sighed again.
"Pray tell, what is that for?"
"It is a secret!" Another wink, Espresso thinks she hates them now.
Madeleine extended her hand out towards hers, encouraging her to take ahold of her one free hand.
"There is somewhere I want to take you."
Espresso glanced down towards her hand, with only a moments hesitation, she complied.
"Very well."
She couldn’t help the smile that crept onto her face, praying to whatever Celestials that Madeleine had not noticed, that would be embarrassing.
Allowing herself to be dragged through the crowds as her lover walked just slightly in front of her, leading the way. Sparing a glance towards their linked hands, she smiled. Colored nails contrasting with one another’s so beautifully. Only ever something Espresso would notice.
The streets were unfortunately flooded with people at this time of the afternoon, making it significantly harder to push through. Every now and then Madeleine would turn back just to make sure Espresso was right behind her.
With what felt like an eternity, they finally reached an opening to the absolute nightmare that is town square. Bustling with life, and never seeming to slow down, they both despised it.
With that, Madeleine gave a slight tug to Espresso’s hand, pulling her right up next to her side. Planting a simple peck atop her head.
"Are you alright?"
All she got in response was a silent "Mm". She could hear the exhaustion in her voice. More so when Espresso gently leaned her head in against Madeleine’s shoulder.
They walked in silence for awhile, Madeleine choosing to let Espresso rest until they arrive where she had planned. If she was not carrying a basket with her, she most certainly would’ve carried her lover the whole way.
Madeleine had previously found an open field on her journeys, not too far from the town, flowers littering the ground anywhere you turn you head. But Madeleine figures the flowers themselves aren’t so much the important part.
But rather the old tree that stands proud at the back of the field, overlooking the field itself, and the towns heart.
It had caught her interest, and only gave her one single idea.
To take the most important person in her life to witness it together.
Espresso’s expression upon reaching the gate to the field was everything Madeleine had hoped for. She seemed lovestruck, a fond smile clear on her face. Removing her hand from Madeleine’s, she wrapped her arms around hers instead.
"This is certainly not what I expected." Her smile became constant, never seeming to falter. A rare instance for Madeleine to witness.
Madeleine simply laughed, placing yet another kiss upon the crown of her head.
Their walk through the field was pleasant. The air a complete opposite from what it was within the town, it was warmer, not receiving the scent of smoke every time you breath in, it was refreshing.
"If I knew we would be walking through a field, I would not have worn heels." Came a fond kind of annoyance from one, every now and again slightly tripping up.
"Oh, really? I quite enjoy them on you." A mischievous smirk from the other, receiving a punch to the arm in response.
After time, they had finally arrived at the hill leading up to that truly breathtaking tree, that was now much bigger up close in person, Madeleine was struck speechless. It is perfect.
Taking a few steps forwards, Madeleine had come to a sudden standstill as the arm wrapped around hers refused to budge. She curiously turned her head towards the other.
"There is no way I am making it up this hill in these." She deadpanned, clearly unimpressed, and so very annoyed at her choice of shoes for the day.
Multiple answers struck Madeleine, she could simply take the heels off and walk bare foot up, but that would be way too dangerous, what if she tripped over her feet? Or hit a rock? And she certainly could not allow her feet to be soiled by the dirt, that was not happening.
One particular answer struck her however, she let go of Espresso’s arm.
"Wait here."
Within seconds Madeleine had taken off up the hill, leaving behind a very confused Espresso.
The view from the top was just as breathtaking as Madeleine had imagined it to be, from this point there was so much to see, and admire.
She glanced down towards where Espresso still stood, sighing out.
How did she ever get this lucky?
Before she made a start for the way down, she made certain to grab out a blanket from inside the basket, to lay out under the tree, and an extra one for good measure. Adding a few extra touches, before admiring her handiwork. Perfect as always.
With that finished, she steadily made her way back down.
"Miss me?"
Espresso is sure of it now, she hates the winks. She scoffed.
Madeleine laughed in turn.
"Ready to go?" There was a glint of mischief behind her eyes as she slowly came closer.
Espresso found herself even more confused, having made her point quite clear before that she could not make it up.
"I have already told you I ca- Oh!"
She was cut off by the sudden arms at the back of her knees, hoisting her into her lovers warm embrace. A blush now harbouring strong on her face.
A triumphant grin now situated itself on Madeleine’s in comparison, finding the situation all the more amusing, receiving a gentle slap to the face in turn.
She made a start up the hill once again, this time all the more enjoyable having Espresso right with her.
"I am not too heavy I hope?"
Madeleine was unimpressed at that, too heavy? Why, that was an insult to her capabilities! Besides, her lovers physique is nothing short of perfection itself, what nerve!
"I am hurt you would even think such a thing." With the same unimpressed look, she scoffed. Despite that, there was nothing but playful amusement behind it all.
Espresso insisted that it was a genuine question, and that it certainly would not be a simple task to carry a body up this hill, quite the steep one at that. But Madeleine continued to voice that she was perfectly fine, that she actually preferred to carry her anywhere, and everywhere.
With the roll of the eyes, Espresso decided to give up trying to convince her that what she was doing was not only foolish, but dangerous as well.
She decided to just sit there, choosing to instead lay her head against Madeleine’s shoulder, to take in the scenery. She felt a wave of peace sweep over her.
The warmth of the air was a complete contrast to what it was within the town they harboured from, it certainly felt as if it was no longer Winter at all, like it was a completely different land. Espresso found it interesting.
How she wishes she could spend eternity in a field like this, with nothing but the gentle breeze occasionally brushing against her cheek, the petals surely make a mess of the entire she had thoroughly planned out that morning.
And to only have but one person by her side.
"We have made it!"
Espresso begrudgingly opened her eyes, to see that they had indeed arrived at the top. She made an attempt to pry herself from Madeleine’s hold, but she remained firm.
She instead walked over to where she had previously put out the blanket, and gently set her lover down atop it. Espresso was confused, but chose to not take it to mind.
She watched on as Madeleine began to pull out multiple different types of foods from the basket, every one she pulled out peeking Espresso’s interest. She concluded that they were all things she had previously taken a liking to.
"You really put a lot of thought into this, didn’t you?" Her face grew fond, finally understanding the real motive as to why she was brought here.
"Only the most perfect for you."
Finally concluding the basket to be empty, she made her way over to where Espresso sat, and took a seek beside her.
"I figured you could use a few hours just being away from your work." A satisfied sigh following suit.
Espresso didn’t have the words to respond to that. Madeleine really had planned this whole day out from the beginning, to get her away from the confines of work. To make her feel loved, appreciated, and so very much taken care of.
Espresso feels as though it is impossible to love her more than she already does.
"Thank you, truly."
Madeleines smile only grew fonder. Until she turned her gaze towards Espresso, noticing sudden tears down her cheeks.
This made her panic.
"Ah! I did not mean to upset you." She moved closer to where Espresso sat, taking her in her arms.
"No please, ignore me. I am fine."
She tried to reassure her, but her attempts were futile. Madeleine was officially in a state of worry now. Planting kisses on every corner of her face, Espresso squirmed, laughter blossoming instead.
She always did find a way to brighten her mood.
With their faces up this close, no emotion was left undetected by either of them, able to see the most vulnerable sides of each other. They both smiled.
Madeleine chose to gently take ahold of her chin, pulling Espresso in closer by her waist. Faces only inches apart from each other. Nothing but love behind every movement. Their lips met.
It was nothing else but them in that moment, love and affection blooming within every slight touch. Away from the judgement of prying eyes, to simply be in each others presence, to feel at peace, and to feel very much in love.
They are not shy to each others presence anymore. Everything, and every part of them was a familiarity to the other. But perhaps the was the exhilarating part, to know every detail, and every shape by memory. Passion is something they embrace strongly.
With gentle brushes to the back of Espresso’s hair, Madeleine finally pulled away, much to Espresso’s disappointment. She was purely lovestruck, she has known this for a long time.
"I love you so very much."
In turn Espresso ran her fingers throughout Madeleine’s hair, so unsurprisingly well taken care of. She kept her eyes focused on hers.
"I love you just as much." She placed a short kiss upon Madeleine’s forehead.
They could spend hours just simply staring into each other eyes, never growing tired of each others company. A distant dream they both longed for.
But then all the food Madeleine had thoroughly thought out would go to waste, so without hesitation she picked out a smaller dish, covered in different types of fruits, all ones that Espresso had voiced her enjoyment of previously, and handed it to her.
"Please, eat." She pretty much begged.
Espresso sighed out, thoroughly disappointed that their moment had to have an end. But she knew it was all in good favor. She took the plate, taking small bites of the fruits in favor of pleasing her lover.
Madeleine really had thought of everything for her. From the scenery, to the quite comfortable blankets, to the foods that were all chosen to only appeal to her. She knows her lover well. And she is so very proud of it.
Endless conversations about their days filled the air, gentle laughter occasionally being heard. Appreciating the warmth that accompanied the breeze, petals making a mess of the blanket, just as Espresso had originally feared. But she paid it no mind in spite of the moment.
The plates grew empty as Madeleine had insisted that Espresso eat everything she had brought, much to her dismay. Making attempts to try and persuade her that she truly was not hungry. Madeleine was not buying any of it.
It wasn’t long before sunset had finally arrived, both having completely lost track of the time, despite only of them owning a watch.
Madeleine thinks that the sunset makes the scenery all the more better, with the field now shaded in bright tones of oranges and reds.
She turned her gaze towards Espresso, admiring how the sunset truly brought out her beauty even more than normal. With the breeze swaying her hair, ever so slightly uncovering the one eye she chose to keep hidden. She placed her hand gently atop hers.
She shifted her position on the blanket, choosing to lean back against the tree and stretch her legs out, removing her shoes, and brushing her own skirt out in turn. Espresso had noticed her movements, fixing her eyes back towards her.
Before Madeleine gave a pat to her lap, gesturing for her to lay down.
Espresso only stared back at her, then down to her lap.
Before she happily complied, removing her own shoes. Gently laying her head down in her lap, comforting and warm. Madeleine’s smile once again grew fond at this.
To be able to provide such comfort for her is simply a joy Madeleine can not deny she loves to do. As Espresso had originally thought, it is true that Madeleine had planned out the day immaculately. To be able to feed her, hold her, and just simply be in her presence. It was like the fondest of dreams.
"Thank you for today."
"You needn’t thank me."
Weariness was growing in Espresso. From a full stomach, to the comforting warmth of Madeleine’s lap. She fought with every thing she had to stop herself from closing her eyes. She didn’t want the day to end. Not yet.
"Promise me you will stay with me forever."
That brought Espresso back out of her haze, a soft, yet weary smile now situating itself. She laughed.
"Obviously, you big idiot."
She gave a small slap to Madeleine’s thigh, punishing her for even so much as suggesting she would ever leave her.
Madeleine gave a small laugh, bringing her hand to gently brush through Espresso’s hair, and giving even more kisses to those gorgeous ears of hers.
"Apologies I am just simply making sure." Her gaze returned to the now purely red field in front of her. "I could not imagine my life without you."
With even more gentle brushes to her scalp, Madeleine’s voice never seemed to cease.
"I want to spend eternity with you, I do not care what I have to do to achieve it, I will make certain it happens."
With nothing but the flowers as her witness, she made promises she would certainly never falter away from.
"Even if I have to go through multiple lives just to see you again, so be it. I will always be with you, within any timeline that curses us."
"And perhaps, at the end of all this, I can finally ask you to marry me."
Madeleine felt the ever so slight sensation of breathing against her thigh, it brought her away from voicing her endless devotions and promises. To finally realise that Espresso had finally fallen asleep. How cute.
She once again ran her fingers throughout Espresso’s hair, gently brushing against her cheek, earning annoyed noises from her in turn. Madeleine could only laugh as she leaned forward to plant even more kisses upon her cheek.
She is a being crafted by the Divines themselves, all made in the perfect image of belonging to Madeleine. She is certain of it. Fate had chosen Espresso for her, to cherish, to mourn, and to love her for eternity. Until death do them part.
Madeleine promises to protect this blessing.
"Sleep well, my love."