Date Written: 1/18/06
Rating: K+
Word Count: 339
Characters/Pairings: Gwendal/Anissina
Spoilers: None
Warnings: None
Notes: This has been bouncing around in my head for a while now.
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"Gwendal, I'm getting married," Anissina von Khrennikov blurted out.
"That's great," the Mazoku replied, dipping his quill into the inkwell again before going back to the treaty he was drawing up for Yuuri. "Congrat--what?"
Cobalt blue eyes snapped up to stare at the redhead standing in front of him.
"I'm getting married," the inventer repeated, watching him carefully.
"You weren't even courting anyone," Gwendal said, brows furrowing in confusion.
"I know." Anissina reached over and picked up Gwendal's hand--his quill was creating a huge ink stain on the fine parchment. "It was Brother's idea."
"But--"
"We're almost 300. Demons half our age are getting married and starting families--Wolfram already has a husband, a daughter and a son and he's not yet 100!"
Gwendal found he couldn't take his eyes off her. He was just stunned. Anissina couldn't get married--it was Anissina, the insane inventor who would probably drive any husband or wife into an early grave either by exhaution or freak accident.
"Gwendal, please. Say something."
The brunette huffed. "So who's the lucky man?"
"Gunter's nephew."
"Alexander? You're marrying Alexander?! The little runt that you couldn't stand when we were younger?"
"He's not little anymore, Gwen," Anissina defended, crossing her arms. "He's rather handsome now. And rather strong, too."
Anissina's hand went up to absently rub her left cheek and Gwendal noticed the developing bruise on her cheekbone. He realized that Anissina must havae covered it with make-up, which smudged when she rubbed it. Although he knew it was tradition, he still felt anger towards someone who would strike her.
" 'Nissina... Are you happy?"
The quiet question gave the redhead pause. She put her hand down to her side and gave her best smile. "Of course. I'm a bride-to-be."
"As long as you're happy, Anissina."
He turned his attention back to his paperwork, knowing that if he looked at her any more he'd embarrass both of them.
The redhead turned and walked away. Gwendal got the sickening feeling that she was taking a part of him with her.