Examples
Sometimes the most unlikely examples make everything make sense
Okay, the key is to remain calm. No use in getting nervous—I'm sure she'll say yes. We have been together for quite some time now; we've discussed the possibility. Besides, we love each other.
At least, I think she loves me. She has said that she loves me, but people do and say things they don't mean all the time. Wait, she's not that type of person—I know she isn't. She's sweet, decent, with the largest heart of anyone I've ever met; she would never do that to me.
Damnation, why did my prime example of a relationship have to be those two? How am I expected to have a normal relationship after a lifetime of witnessing that demented version of foreplay? What kind of marriage survives by calling each other things like "peacock" and "Mrs. Nose?"
That's not fair, I'm being too harsh. They do love each other—they just have the oddest way of showing it. However, the moments when they let their true feelings show are nice—when he doesn't let his flamboyant personality toy with her more sensible (by comparison) one, which isn't too often; at least, not in public.
There was one Christmas a few years ago when I witnessed one of those rare moments. I had fallen to a semi-asleep state on the couch after a long day of snow fights, cookies, and presents. For all his supposed laziness, Father could play one hell of a snow fight—it didn't help that he enhanced his game through magic. Although, I suspect we all did to some degree—especially Mum when she went after Dad.
They sat on the floor, against the sofa, exchanging presents, one of his long arms wrapped around her smaller frame. I had assumed that in the excitement of the day they had forgotten to finish trading gifts; not too hard to believe considering all of our relations were over. Although, looking back, it was probably intentional.
Their faces were only partially illuminated by the firelight; Calcifer had taken the evening off to explore the cosmos or whatever a fire demon does with his spare time. She handed him a small parcel wrapped in gold paper. I never saw what it was, but he smiled, thanked her, and kissed her forehead. He then returned her gesture and passed her a bundle. What ever it was, it pleased her greatly for she embraced him tightly and muffled exclamations could be heard. He laughed warmly before kissing her soundly and mumbling something about how it was the least he could do. After a short while, they both rose to go upstairs and, probably as a second thought, carried me to my bed.
There have been other occasions of a similar nature, but that one always sticks out for some reason; maybe because it was so simple, ordinary, so unlike their usual personas.
Well, maybe they aren't such a terrible example after all. It could be different; they could be like Aunt and Uncle from Wales. Half the time, they barely conceal their growing contempt for each other. It's sad really.
Anyway, back to the matter at hand. I have the ring, the flowers, and the candy. I'm dressed nice—nothing new, I am my father's son after all. Damn, why do I have to be so stereotypical? I should have planned something bigger, something so fantastical to show her how much she means to me. Why did I settle for the simple approach? I should have listened to Dad instead of Mum… Then again, the fountain with the chorus of singing fish, swans, and nightingales did seem a tad excessive. Maybe Mum was right and the simple way is the way to go. Well, no time to change plans now. Here's hoping…
AN: Never been too big a fan of first person, but it seemed to fit so I tried it out. Criticism is appreciated and sought after--don't worry, I take harsh comments quite well. In case it wasn't clear, this is Morgan (Howl and Sophie's son) as he prepares to propose to his unnamed love.
I've decided to continue this fic with each chapter focusing on how a different character reacts to the news. This first one will be the only first person as the fic is mostly about Morgan.
Disc. Howl's Moving Castle is not mine.