#andbeastly

[zain-of-nobel]

She pulled the string on the party popper wearing a big grin. "HAPPY BIRTHDAY ZAIN!" She yelled between giggles and falling confetti.

“Miss Helen…? You remembered such a small detail?”

[zain-of-nobel]

Do you smell that? Smells like something's burning. Must be your smoldering good looks.

“My apologies Miss Helen. I did not notice. I was too distracted by your beautiful smile.”

[zain-of-nobel]

Passer l’été: Helen

Helen sighed, as she plopped down under the beach umbrella. Even though they were supposed to be on vacation, it hadn’t stopped him from calling to check on things. ‘Big worrywart.’ She giggled to herself as she reached out and grabbed their beach bag. Digging down she searched for her sunscreen, giving a triumphant ‘AH-HA!’ when her hand closed around it.

Wasting no time she squeezed a decent amount in to her palm and started applying it to her arms. While rubbing it in her eyes scanned out along the beach. Lord Mike had offered to let them stay at his private beach, but having been isolated for so long she’d politely refused. Choosing instead a lively little beach known for its surfing and sunsets.

The sight of a man teaching a small child to surf caught her eyes. A small smile graced her lips as she watched the child laugh with glee as the man tickled his sides causing them both to splash in to the ocean. She continued to watch them until a lady walked down to the water’s edge and called them in for lunch. ‘Oh they’re a family, must be nice.’

Her thoughts however, where interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the sand. Turning she saw Zain heading back towards her, the thoughts of families still swimming around in her head. Not sure how to approach the topic thought she pushed it aside and gave him a dazzling smile. “So how’s everything back at home?” 

Zain hesitated for a small second. “Well, everyone is doing fine. That was what Lord Michel said after lecturing me for calling while on vacation.” He knelt down behind Helen, taking her silver hair with one hand, the silky locks like a waterfall. He moved it past her shoulder so that her back was exposed to him. “I’m sorry for leaving you alone,” he said as he squeezed a bit of sunblock onto his hand before beginning to massage it onto her back.

He didn’t need Lord Michel telling him to apologize, although the older gentleman did seem bewildered by the call. It didn’t help much that Theo was the on yelling at him at one point.

She nodded as she felt his hands applying the sunblock to her back, trying but failing to suppress the urge to wiggle at the tickling sensation. “Well now that that’s settled, you’re all mine!” Swiftly spinning around she tackled him with a hug, toppling them over in to the sand. She couldn’t contain her laughter as she glanced up in to his eye, a teasing smile playing on her lips.

“Come on, I’m ready to try surfing!” She said before placing a swift kiss on his cheek then darting outta his reach. Sauntering towards the boards they’d rented earlier, she made sure to work her hips, hoping to rightfully show off her bathing suit. The deep blue string bikini stood out strikingly against her pale skin, and she was not afraid to show it.

Picking up the surfboard she tossed a sly grin at him over her shoulder, “I can’t wait to show you the fruits of my swimming lessons!” She called as she quickly made her way to the water. Once again her eyes caught a glimpse of the kid and his parents from earlier, and her pace slowed as her mind returned to thoughts of family. “Hey babe…” She turned to him as the pleasantly cool water lapped over her feet.

Her deep red eyes wavering as she looked to him. “If we were to have a kid, do you think we could teach them how to swim together?” 

Zain stared after Helen, admiring her soft figure for a moment before she turned to him with a question.

"Of course," he answered immediately. He took hold of his own board and walked towards her as he continued. "Who else would?" He wondered if his answer satisfied her when she stood there looking at him like that. At the same time, she looked as if she had another question she had wanted to ask instead. "Why do you ask?" He lifted a hand to her face, neatly tugging hair behind her ear while simultaneously caressing her soft cheek with his thumb.

Her gaze wavered as she looked out over the ocean again before speaking. “You know how when we first met, that faithful day on the mountain? Before you came along I was content with knowing I’d be confined there forever. Even as a kid the closest I came to seeing anything, let alone the ocean, was by looking in picture books. I remember flipping the pages seeing happy families playing in the water, yet even though I longed for a life like that I told myself it wasn’t possible.”

She paused and reached out taking his hand in hers threading their fingers. “I was so happy when you came in to my life. So much so that I believed I’d never need anything again… But today I saw a father teaching his child how to surf, and the memories of wishing for a happy family resurfaced.” She cast her eyes down for a moment, then looked back up at him again with conviction in her gaze.

“I guess to put it bluntly, I want to have a kid, your kid Zain. I want to have a family with the man I love so much. I want to be able to do all kinds of things together, from teaching’em how to swim, to playing chicken with the water as it gets close to our feet. I know I’m being a bit selfish and this is a little outta the blue, but I’m dead serious, so what do ya say? Can we take the next step in happiness?”

He brought her hand to his lips, kissing each individual finger. “I’m sorry, Helen. I should have been more observant.” He should have known. Was it not him that promised to share a billion new experiences with her? Did he not promise to make her feel happy every day of her life? “It is not selfish at all.” He lowered her hand so he could look at her directly. Her lovely ruby eyes stared back. “I want your kid too,” he whispered, using the term she had endearingly. “Let’s have a baby.” His smile reached his eyes and being mindful of their boards, he leaned down to kiss her. It was a slow kiss, gentle and loving.

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[lilystell]

I get my daily FE:A fix from you and it's awesome, just saying

Haha, I’m glad to hear it~ Happy to know you enjoy my random spam of Fire Emblem. 

[zain-of-nobel]

passer l’été! - Miss Helen [1/3]

Helen sighed, as she plopped down under the beach umbrella. Even though they were supposed to be on vacation, it hadn’t stopped him from calling to check on things. ‘Big worrywart.’ She giggled to herself as she reached out and grabbed their beach bag. Digging down she searched for her sunscreen, giving a triumphant ‘AH-HA!’ when her hand closed around it.

Wasting no time she squeezed a decent amount in to her palm and started applying it to her arms. While rubbing it in her eyes scanned out along the beach. Lord Mike had offered to let them stay at his private beach, but having been isolated for so long she’d politely refused. Choosing instead a lively little beach known for its surfing and sunsets.

The sight of a man teaching a small child to surf caught her eyes. A small smile graced her lips as she watched the child laugh with glee as the man tickled his sides causing them both to splash in to the ocean. She continued to watch them until a lady walked down to the water’s edge and called them in for lunch. ‘Oh they’re a family, must be nice.’

Her thoughts however, where interrupted by the sound of footsteps on the sand. Turning she saw Zain heading back towards her, the thoughts of families still swimming around in her head. Not sure how to approach the topic thought she pushed it aside and gave him a dazzling smile. “So how’s everything back at home?” 

Zain hesitated for a small second. "Well, everyone is doing fine. That was what Lord Michel said after lecturing me for calling while on vacation." He knelt down behind Helen, taking her silver hair with one hand, the silky locks like a waterfall. He moved it past her shoulder so that her back was exposed to him. "I'm sorry for leaving you alone," he said as he squeezed a bit of sunblock onto his hand before beginning to massage it onto her back.

He didn't need Lord Michel telling him to apologize, although the older gentleman did seem bewildered by the call. It didn't help much that Theo was the on yelling at him at one point.

[zain-of-nobel]

Lady of the Mountain XIV

"That’s good to hear, enjoying one work is important. As for me well…" She swirled her glass as she tried to think of the best way to word it. "I paint actually, but nothing special, just simple pictures of the mountains unique landscapes. It doesn’t pay the best but oh well."

Without taking a sip she placed her glass back down, a bitter smile on her face. “I don’t need the money anyway, it’s not like I can leave. I’m stuck here no matter how much I collect.” Her voice trailed off as she stirred her soup, her eyes showing the bitterness she normally kept covered.

Realizing what she’d said she quickly shook her head and gave him an apologetic smile. “Sorry about that, wine makes me get a little loose lipped, so don’t pay me no mind.”

He watched her as she spoke, taking in the small details of her reaction. Her pauses and the manner in which her gaze seem to darken. She mentioned not making a lot of money and yet here she lives in a large cabin by herself.

He knew it was rude to probe into her business but her next statements made him very curious. Even after she requested he ignore the comments, he found himself wondering more about his mysterious hostess.

“Where would you like to go?” he finally asked.

[zain-of-nobel]

Lady of the Mountain VIX

Her normally cheerful expression clouded over with loneliness for a brief moment. However she quickly regained her smile but shook her head. “Not unless another snowstorm victim shows up knocking.” She said with a small laugh. “I’m this big mountain’s only resident, unless ya count the animals. Come to think of it, I think you’re the first guest I’ve had in about hmmmm, four maybe five years?”

She pondered for a moment, though there was a village only about an hour down the way, none of the villagers ever came by. Honestly if it wasn’t for the occasional letter or gift in her drop box, she would have thought the village disappeared. But she could blame them, they’d been order not to, but those thoughts where better left forgotten. Clearing her head she shrugged it off. “It’s nice to have someone to talk to. So I’ma apologize in advance for talking your ears off.” She gave him her signature bright smile and motioned for him to follow her from the cellar. Once back upstairs she locked the door back behind them, then followed him back towards the kitchen.

“So, shall I set the table while you’re finishing up?” She asked casually pointing towards the china cabinet. 

He hadn’t missed the change in expression but didn’t say anything. He was in no position to probe into her personal life. “Please do,” he replied gratefully. “The food should be ready soon.” He disappeared back into the kitchen to finish the meal.

As he worked, he couldn’t help but to wonder about Ms. Helen. He knew he shouldn’t, that he should mind his own business, but he couldn’t keep from noticing how the cabin appears to be in the middle of nowhere. Surely it can’t be safe for anyone to live alone like this. She must have had a partner before, he decided. The question was what happened to them. He mentally shook himself. It wasn’t any of his business. Come tomorrow morning, when the storm has stopped, he would return to his car with a tow truck and return to Nobel Michel. Lord Michel must be quite worried about him.

He served two bowels of the soup and carried them to the dining table. “Ms. Helen, I don’t suppose I could trouble you for a phone, could I? My employer must be wondering why I haven’t returned yet.” He spoke as he placed the food on the table, admiring the placements.

[zain-of-nobel]

Lady of the Mountain VII

“I’m sure it will be delicious.” She spoke with no doubt in her mind. Taking one more glance over the ingredients she turned and opened a small drawer at the edge of the kitchen. From inside she pulled out a rather old fashion brass key. “Well then, while you’re doing this, I’ll be in the wine cellar. While that’s stewing, if ya wanna come take a look, you’re more that welcome to.”

Giving him a small bow she skipped over to the cellar door. Unlocking it, she stuffed the key in her pocket and descended the stairs. Flipping on the light switch she took a deep breath, savoring the earthy rich atmosphere. Helen loved her wine cellar, it had to be the most cared for room in her home. Lining the walls was one of the largest wine collections known to man.

Though she didn’t brag about it, she was proud of her collection. Twenty years in the making, she had bottles ranging from cheap to ones that even royals themselves would be eager to own. She slowly walked through the maze of rows, running her hand over the woodwork, completely loosing herself in her search for the perfect accompanying wine. 

Leaving the pot to cook, Zain followed Miss Helen. The cellar was well lit, allowing him to see the walls neatly packed with bottles of wine. if that wasn't enough, there stood several rows of shelves packed to capacity.

"You have quite the collection, Miss Helen. It's very impressive. You're a wine connoisseur."

His cool exterior maintained his excitement, the only give away being his lit eyes. His appreciation grew as he read some of the labels. "This must have taken you years to collect."