Mhmm, you said, you wanted to write more happy things, right.. I may not be so good in it, but what about a Gallow/China, dancing together at a Requiem ball or her getting a secret visit from him in her library. (I hope, you're OK with / like the ship, although it didn't stand on your favourite ship list)
That is lovely, I am so glad everyone else seems to love the idea of Requiem Bal romance just as much as I do ;)
Pairing: Gallows x China
Word Count: 992
Themes: Dancing, Assassination plot, Fluff
The evening of the requiem ball was no laughing matter, choosing the right outfit could be the make or break of the evening. Especially if your status had to be reflected through what you wore, how you wore it and who you spoke to. This was the social event of the whole decade and it was always a spectacle to behold. China had spent as much time with Ghastly Bespoke as she could, making sure her dress was perfect in design and fitting. She did not expect any less from Ghastly and somehow he always delivered something extra to the dress that she did not know she needed. This time, it was a glittering fine layer of black lace draped over the body tight dress creating the illusion of an a-line skirt adding elegance to the outfit that had not been there before. Turning to Ghastly she smiled brightly, “It is perfect. Every time you outdo yourself Bespoke”. Ghastly seemed very pleased by her comments but he was also a little bit antsy, “I have to hurry you, unfortunately. I have other picky clients waiting for their fittings too”. She laughed fondly and nodded, “Of course, of course. I will see you later tonight”.
Approaching Edgley Manor in a black Mercedes Benz, China applied one final layer of lipstick before she was satisfied and tucked her mirror away in her purse. It was brightly lit and plenty of sorcerors were exiting their own vehicles dressed in a multitude of colours and shapes. Even the men had taken t upon themselves to vary the suits and dresses that they wore. China wore a smile as she saw him waiting outside for her. Jaron Gallow. They had planned to meet at the ball, but she did not think he would be such a gentleman as to wait outside for her. She noted his black suit, paying homage to the Diablerie and felt that connection within herself as she had decided to wear the same colours. As she pulled up to the front after what felt like an age of waiting she ascended the steps toward Gallow, “Did you really wait here all this time for me?”, she questioned relishing in the fact rather than needing an answer. In response, he took her arm and began to lead her inside, “I had not been waiting long, especially since waiting for you is time well spent”. Walking into the main hall, you could easily realise how it could be made into a suitable ballroom. China took note of the small changes here and there, but ultimately her attention fell on the dazzling scene before her. Sorcerors young and old, good and undetermined, once opposite sides of a war partaking in food and wine and dance. This event was enough to remind one of all the conflict that carried on even after the war and how this once every ten years it was thrown aside to make such a scene of splendour.
Gallow had returned with two glasses of champagne and China took a sip of hers with relief, “Thank goodness. I was dying for a drink”, she smirked. Gallow had been stealing all of her dances thus far, it had certainly gained her attention as the ploy intended. He gestured toward a side room and she followed him into the much cooler space, suddenly regretting wearing a dress with sleeves as it had made her much too warm. She silently cursed under her breath realising that Ghastly had warned her of this but she had paid no mind to it. “China…”, Gallow began to speak, “Do you remember when we spoke of Eliza, and how she had gained sponsors for the new church of the faceless…?”. She nodded thoughtfully, “Yes, and we decided not to do anything until things were more clear and we knew for certain who they were”. Gallow then produced a small piece of paper and waved it in front of her, “What if we did know who they were?”. China’s eyes widened and she lowered his hands as she looked around, “Gallow be careful, this is not any ordinary assassination attempt. How did you find them?”, she asked taking the paper from him and scanning over it quickly. He sighed, “I had to put a lot of money into it let’s just say that…”. She scowled and put the paper in her purse, returning it to her person, “Jaron, if you are sure you want to do this I would be happy to have you”. Gallow nodded in response, “I am sure. I’ve gotten this far….”, he held onto China’s hand and she looked at him slightly in alarm. But she did not pull her grasp away from his. Time ticked by as they stood in the room, with only the books to listen in as sweet nothings were whispered into China’s ear only to be followed by a soft and gentle kiss. As Gallow pulled away he smiled, “I would do anything for you, China. I better leave you be for now as people may get suspicious if I steal all of your dances tonight”. China shook her head and then returned to the ballroom, “Not if I tell them not to be suspicious”. As the next dance began Gallow took an eager hold of her as they danced around the room. She glided across the floor with each step and their faces were full of anxiety and joy, relieved at finally being able to execute their plan but also happy to be there in that moment with each other. China leaned on his shoulder as they moved to the melody of the song, Gallow taking extra care to be more delicate to not upset the unusual hold they had on each other. It was not until the song ended that China stood upright again and they bowed before each other and then left the dancefloor each going their separate ways.
