Just for You
It seemed far too rarely that Aymeric had any free time to himself after the conclusion of the Dragonsong War. The founding of the Republic had proved to be a slow and time consuming process and, though he wished so desperately to have been able to simply retire from his post, it was clear through popular vote and his own reluctance to leave his countrymen disappointed that Aymeric found himself ever vigilant in his post in the House of Lords.
What little time he did have was valuable, and Aymeric preferred to have it well spent. Too little time had he to spare to his dearest as of late but what little he had was hers and hers alone in most cases. Return home for a brief moment of silence, he couldn’t help but find relief at the general lack of chaos within his own home. Everyone seemed to have their own situations to deal with that day, and it left him with the freedom to breathe for a moment. For just a moment he wished to see the face of the one whom brought him no end of relief, to ease any tensions of the moment. Finding her, however, was another matter.
With a quiet step, Aymeric began scouring the rooms for Vetelle, wondering what she had gotten herself up to on this day. Was she even home? Everyone seemed to be distracted on that day, so far that it was strange Aymeric hadn’t seen many a soul that wished to speak with him on any given day. Why shouldn’t Vetelle find herself busy for once now, given she had the freedom to be as such?
Aymeric’s wonderings were quickly cut short, however, at the approach of a study in which Vetelle often found herself at home. He could feel a smile curling onto his face as he stared at the woman, full figure standing tall and upward, the focus on her face invisible to him at that moment, but made clear in her gestures. He wondered so what had her so enamored, what drew such powerful attention.
Aymeric began the slow approach towards Vetelle, careful not to startle her as he attempted to get a grasp on exactly what she was doing. As he drew closer he couldn’t help but admire the focused expression she wore. There was a heavy furrow in her brow and an almost cross look in her eyes. Her arm was crossed, her right hand brought up to her mouth as she bit down on her knuckle. It was what she always did when she was thinking.
Glancing up, Aymeric finally acknowledged that which she seemed so distracted, and almost disappointed by. An eloquent portrait. One of him no less. Making his final approach, Aymeric stepped up quickly behind Vetelle, laying his hands on her shoulders as he glanced around at her face. The young woman jumped lightly in surprise, but soon a bright smile came to her face as she glanced upon her visitor. She brought the hand she had been biting up to grasp one of Aymeric’s hands on her shoulder before quickly returning her attention back to the portrait.
Aymeric let out a chuckle at her returned gaze, questioning her reasonings as she continued to stare so intently. “Does my likeness disappoint so to scar your face with such a scowl?” Part of him was concerned by the look she had been giving the painting, yet felt reassured by the warmth of her hand on his.
Vetelle squeezed her dearest’s hand lightly and shook her head, never actually bothering to look back at home once more. “It’s too… much.” She said plainly, assured of her words. After a moment of silence she turned her head once more to look at Aymeric’s face, his own brow furrowed in evident confusion, before quickly whipping her back to the picture. “The features are fine but…” slowly she reached out to touch the images, stroking it slowly, “I do wish you had smiled.”
Aymeric found himself unable to keep from laughing at her statement. Lightly he took the hand she had placed atop his and placed a gentle kiss upon it. He found his hands sliding from her shoulders down her arms as he gripped her tighter, placing a kiss on the back of her head. “I suppose happiness does not do so much for the look of nobility and pride.”
Vetelle laughed at the contact, slouching slightly for a moment before leaning back into Aymeric. “Maybe. But I like it.” She moved her hand to once again to grip this firmly, giving it a hard squeeze as Aymeric once again found himself pressing light kisses to the top of her head.
Slowly, Aymeric turned Vetelle to face him full for the first time since his arrival, placing a hand at her side and another to her face, he smiled brightly. It was the sort of pure joy and content, one he rarely ever seemed to be able to muster. It was involuntary to a point, but full glad was he that it had some. It was because of her. It always ways. “Which is why there are some smiles I reserve purely for you.”
Vetelle gingerly moved her hand to trace Aymeric’s features, stroking them slowly as she smiled brightly herself, tracing his face the way she had been in the portrait. This felt better. This was real. Ever so slowly did the pair move their faces closer together, Aymeric’s grip moving to the back of her head as Vetelle’s hand lightly cupped Aymeric’s face, free hand upon his arm. The pair couldn’t help but continue to smile into the kiss, bordering on laughter as they did. This was the comfort they had both sought. This smile she gave him. It was just for him. And his? Just for her.