Chapter 21
'Kay. Elsword NA. Spent about 7 hours to cap. Horrible. And I met people with a lot of attitude. KR was better - that's all I wanna say.
Disclaimer: I do not own Elsword.
Aisha kept her eyes on the ground throughout the entire evening. She didn't bother to appreciate the decorations, the music, not even the food that the party provided.
She knew that they were made to celebrate her birthday but she wasn't in the mood.
A hand rested on her shoulder and she physical flinched. She looked over to see a man with short purple hair paired with intimating golden eyes. A golden crown encrusted with amethyst gemstones sat on top of his head.
"Father?"
Aisha would have been afraid under the man's presence if she hadn't known him as her father. He may look scary with his stern scowls but looks can be deceiving.
His golden gaze softened with a small smile aimed towards the purplette. "What's with the sad face Aisha?"
"I... It's nothing." The Elemental Master replied, forcing a smile.
"Don't be like that Aisha," Her father reasoned. "The spotlight is on you today so enjoy it will you not?"
"But I don't want to be in the spotlight." Aisha muttered, looking away. Before the king says anything more, someone interrupted him.
"Marcus!" A woman with charcoal black hair tied into a low ponytail and draped over her shoulder came confronting Aisha's father; her lilac eye glaring at the man who flinched in return. She was one of the few who has that kind of an effect on the intimidating king.
Noah trailed behind and sighed in exasperation.
"L-Lila? Is there something wrong?" Marcus queried, a bead of sweat slid down his cheek.
Lila huffed and leans forward to prod Marcus repeatedly on the chest. "How could you just leave Noah to deal with our guests all alone?"
"Mother, it wasn't a big deal..." Noah commented, embarrassed.
Ignoring her, Lila continued to scold at her husband for being 'inconsiderate' towards their daughter. After about a minute, Aisha decided to save their father from their mother's antics.
"Um... Mother, please calm down."
Lila stopped her rant and immediately beamed upon finally noticing the youngest purplette of the family. "Aisha!" Marcus sighed in relieve and silently thanked Aisha for the save before disappearing.
Lila promptly embraced the girl. "Happy birthday sweetie! How do you feel?"
"... Old." Aisha quipped, earning a laugh from both Lila and Noah.
The queen held each of her daughters' hand and gleamed at the two. "I can't believe just how fast my two little girls are growing up!"
"Mother!" Both siblings whined.
"We're not that old." Noah huffed indignantly.
Lila laughed again. "Of course not! You're both still toddlers in my eyes."
"We're not young anymore either." Aisha deadpanned.
The queen ignored the comment and continued, though with a sad undertone. "What am I going to do? Noah's wedding is not too far away and my little Aisha is going to get engaged."
The Elemental Master became slightly uncomfortable with the subject and her eyes showed that she was troubled. Lila was quick to notice and gave the youngest purplette an apologetic look.
"Aisha, I know that this was a bit forced, but you know your father. He's too stubborn once his mind is set on something," Lila tried to be comforting. "He was afraid that you would spend the rest of your years along and none of us want that."
"I still have you guys." Aisha argued though she wasn't really into it as her eyes trailed away from her mother and Noah.
"Yes, but..." Lila trailed off from saying more depressing things and smiled instead. "Well, enough of this. Why don't you two go have a little fun? I think I saw your friends a while ago so off you two go!"
She gave her two daughters a little push down the steps and went to find Marcus.
Noah and Aisha exchanged looks and sighed. They might as well do what Lila told them to do.
...
Aisha walked around the ballroom until she spotted a certain white haired individual leaning against the wall, isolated from the rest. Typical of Add.
"Hey Add." Aisha greeted.
The Mastermind pry open an eye to see Aisha with a fancy side bun side of her usual two low ponytails. "Hey."
After a moment of silence, the purplette sighed and leaned against the wall with Add. "Sorry."
"What for?" The white haired male queried back.
"I didn't mean to drag you into this... thing."
Add sighed, pushing himself off the wall and facing the purplette, then he bonked her on the head without any warning.
"Ow!" Aisha whined, rubbing the top of her head. "What was that for?!"
"For making assumptions." Add retorted. "Aisha, I know you since we're little kids. You're my first real friend and family. I rather have you spend your lifetime with someone you're comfortable with than a stranger."
Aisha blinked, astounded for it was rare of the Mastermind to show consideration for anyone. She looked down, smiling sincerely. "Thanks Add... and..."
Unexpectedly, she whacked Add on the head.
"Ow!"
"That's for hitting me!" Aisha fumed indignantly. "Who knows how many brain cells I just lost because of you!"
Aisha was not enjoying this one bit. Nope, not one. Her father had forced her to dance with every male candidate on the list that he made and every so and then, she would get the question: "I never knew Velder to have a second princess, and you're her?" and comments such as "You don't look like a princess."
It only fueled Aisha's irritation even more when all the conversations she had been engaged in always led to position and wealth. She would end the conversation right there and then and excuse herself from the dance floor, only to be confronted by another. There were others who cared so much about themselves that it was the only they talked about. Lady El. And she had to choose one of these jerks? She rather die.
At least Add was on the list.
"You do not seem to enjoy your party." Eve remarked once Aisha returned to her friends, looking worse for wear.
"Of course not!" Aisha groused. "I'm going to die if I have to dance one more time!"
Chung chuckled in amusement. "On the bright side, you're practicing on dancing."
"... Not funny Chung." Aisha deadpanned folding her arms across her chest. She then looked around, noticing something. "Hey, where's Add?"
"Who knows," The Tactical Trooper shrugged. "Speaking of which, I noticed that he's... calmed down, for the lack of better words. He doesn't seem to be bothering Eve anymore."
"Ah, about that," She was about to explain when she felt a tap. She looked over her shoulder to meet a male wearing a red mask that hide the upper half of his face. He did a bow and offered a hand for Aisha to grab.
Guessing from the gesture, Aisha assumed that he wanted to dance. It would be rude to deny him since he asked politely - though silently.
She sighed and placed her hand in his. It fit in quite nicely unlike the others and she felt his grip securing her before she was pulled into a ballroom waltz. The dance itself was quiet compared to the others and the masked male kept on a mysterious smile the entire time.
Aisha didn't understand why but she felt herself entranced by his presence. She couldn't quite pinpoint it but she was sure she had met the guy somewhere before.
Add didn't like big parties. They're nothing but a waste of time and energy. Actually, all social gatherings are a waste of time.
And so, being the person he was, he avoided the social 'bonding' in preference to watching afar. He didn't mind, in fact, he enjoyed seeing Aisha's tortured expression as she danced with another conceited noble.
He should really help her out of her bind but... he didn't feel like it or rather, something was preventing him from doing so.
His eyes caught onto a sight of long raven hair but it disappeared once he blinks.
Add frowned to himself and forced himself to turn and head for the balcony. He probably had just imagined it. Nothing but a trick of the mind. And what a cruel trick it was.
Once he made it out into the refreshing atmosphere of the night, he inhaled the cool air. Nothing like fresh air to -
"Add!"
... And he ended up choking and wheezing.
"A-ah! I-I'm so sorry!" A hand stroked his back while the other held his left arm as support. "I didn't mean to startle you like that!"
"W-what the hell are you doing here Orange?!" Add staggered.
Ara pouted. "Is that really how you greet someone?"
"Like you're the one to talk?" The Mastermind retorted. "I choked on air because of your greeting!"
Ara contemplated it. "Point taken."
"Great, now explain to me why you're here." Add demanded, straightening up.
"Uh... because of an invitation?"
The white haired male deadpanned at Ara's obvious answer. "... If you're here to ridicule Aisha, then you should just leave." He made to walk past her back into the ballroom much to his distaste, but anywhere was better than being alone with the vixen.
"Wait!" Ara grabbed whole of his arm in order to stop him from leaving.
"What is it now nettling vixen?" Add growled in irritation, giving Ara a look over his shoulder.
The Sakra Devanam hesitated at his tone but shook it off with a deep breath. "Actually, I came so I can talk to you."
"And what do you have to talk about to me of all people?" Add retorted though he was inwardly happy about Ara's response.
"W-well..." The girl stuttered, averting her eyes to the side, her cheeks blotted with red. "A lot of things..."
Add turned around, hands in his coat pocket as he arched an eyebrow. "Like?"
"Um... Like err..." Ara was searching for words, anything would be fine. But when she didn't find any good subjects she just... decided to be straightforward.
"You know what, screw this." Ara said, no longer flustered or timid. He eyes burned with determination as she met Add's who was taken aback at the sudden change in attitude. "Remember what you said to me before you left?" she didn't bother waiting even for a simple nod. "Well, here's my answer."
She pulled Add's black tie down without warning, therefore forcing his upper body leaning forward.
Their lips touch and it created a tingling feeling that spread through both of their body.
Add's eyes were as big as saucers at the sudden action and arms were left dangling by his side. His mind was still trying to process what was happening but he knew that he wanted to return the gesture, he needed to in order to return Ara's feelings. But before he did, Ara had pulled away, her amber eyes disheartened.
Add knew that right there and then that he needed to do something to assure Ara that her feelings came across and that it was mutual. His brain finally loaded and his arms mad a grab for Ara's shoulders. He pulled her close and this time, it was him who had caught her off guard with a kiss.
He pressed on passionately yet tenderly. The Sakra Devanam soon melted into it as well. Her hands went up to his chest and held onto his shirt tightly as if he would leave again if she let go. Time seemed eternal as they had the loving exchange and they didn't want it to end.
If kissing meant fireworks then yes, fireworks were setting off within them and brought them warmth and securing.
With the little self restraint that they had, they pulled away though reluctantly. They rest their foreheads against each other's and to catch their breath. They listen to the irregular breathing of the other, seemingly finding it relaxing.
Ara's face was scarlet and heated despite the cold air. "Add... I -"
He hushed her by pulling her even closer until her face met with his shoulder. He held her tightly yet gently in his arms and everything was quiet; a peaceful, everything-was-going-to-be-fine kind of silence.
She understood. She didn't have to say anything. All she have to do right now was to be there with him and he with her, that was enough... for now.
A cool breeze passed by and Ara shivered. She only now realized how cold it was and she was wearing a dress so that didn't help in fighting the cold either.
Add noticed this and pried her away, prompting a confused look from her. He took off his white coat and draped it over her shoulders before taking her by the hand. "Let's go inside."
Ara nodded, her free hand securing Add's coat in place as she let the Mastermind guide the way.
"Attention everyone!" the Velder King announced with Aisha by his side and Lila, Raven, Noah, and Edan not too far away.
As he went on, Aisha muted his father out in favor of searching the crowd. There were Chung and Eve in the front, Rena was there, and strangely, she saw Elesis and Aren there as well - right, she could only assume that it was either Noah or Rena who had invited them. What was even more was that she finally found Add... and Ara was right next to him... with hands intertwined?
She had a feeling that she missed something really important.
"Aisha. Aisha!"
The purplette snapped back to her senses at her father's looked at him, then at the staring crowd, and flushed in embarrassment.
"Y-yes father?" she stuttered.
Marcus placed a hand on her shoulder to calm her down. "There's nothing to worry about. It's time to pick your groom-to-be."
"R-right..." Aisha breathed nervously, feeling dizzy all of a sudden. "Um..."
Only crap what do I do?! WhatdoIdo?! Can't pick Add. Not in front of Ara. Oh my El what do I do now?! Her mind was spinning up a hurricane and she felt a headache coming up.
"I... err I choose..."
"I don't think you need to." A voice interrupted and everyone looked up in time to see someone jumping down from the railing on the second floor. He landed in front of Aisha, startling her into a jump.
She almost fell backwards if the person hadn't taken a hold of her hand.
Aisha looked to see that same masked person that she had danced with just a short while ago. So that's where he had disappeared off to.
She yanked her hand away from him and pointed. "I-it's you...!"
In the background she could have swear she heard Elesis muttering something along the lines of 'idiotic brother of mine.'
He half grinned half smirked and stood up. Finding no need for the mask anymore, he reached to take it off, revealing mischievous crimson eyes that match his tousled hair.
"E-ELSWORD?!" Aisha exclaimed, taking a step back.
No wonder he looked familiar.
"The one and only." The redhead mocked a bow.
"W-what... what are you doing here?!" Aisha interrogated, half hysterical from the shock and half... happy?
"Isn't it obvious?" Elsword said, almost teasing as he made a grab for her still outstretched hand and forced her closer to him. "I'm only here to take responsibility after what I had done to you."
Silence.
What. The. Hell?! was what went through most of Aisha's family's head.
Gasps and murmurs started to erupt through the room. Chung stifled a laugh, Eve muttered something about Elsword being imprudent, Elesis facepalmed, Aren didn't know what to make of Elsword's claim, and Rena squealed and clapped with delight. Add had half a mind to electrocute the Rune Slayer to a crisp while Ara tried to restrain him from actually doing so.
On Aisha's side, Lila was completely stunned beyond comprehension. Edan arched a brow and turned to Raven who merely replied with a shake of his head. Noah muttered something about having a talk with Aisha about a few things about hazards and whatnots after this was over.
Aisha herself was overwhelmed. "H-huh?!"
"You... YOU DID WHAT?!" Marcus bellowed in fury, glaring daggers at Elsword.
Aisha looked over to her father then at Elsword, panicking and blushing from neck up. "W-what... D-did you r-really have to word it like that you idiot?!"
"GUARDS!" The King commanded. "ARREST THIS SCOUNDREL!"
Aisha looked back to Marcus, her wrist still held hostage by the redhead."W-wait father! T-this is all a misunderstanding!"
"... Or is it?" Elsword commented offhandedly, amused by the commotion he had caused and the possible trouble he was about to get into.
"YOU'RE NOT HELPING STUPID ELSWORD!"
Ruining Aisha's reputation accomplished!
Lila calmly sipped her tea and then held it against her lap. "I see... so that's what happened."
Eleis sighed shook her head in dismay. "I am so sorry for my brother's actions... I didn't expect him to do that."
"You. Kissed. My daughter?!" Marcus seethed, being restrained by Noah and Edan from hurting a certain redhead.
"T-that was CPR!" Aisha defended, standing up from where she was sitting in the private room.
"But didn't you admit that it was still a kiss back then? Your very first kiss as a matter of fact." Elsword smirked, leaning forward and rest his chin on top of his entwined hands.
"There's also the time when you tried to assault Aisha when she was trying to be considerate."
"Raven, you're not helping!" Aisha whined.
"... I am going to scorch you alive." Marcus stated in a deadly tone.
"Marcus," Lila interrupted with a warning. "Stop acting like such a child right now!"
"But Li-"
"I don't care!" Lila scolded. "You're acting immaturely at the moment and it isn't doing any of us any good."
Elsword and the others watched the exchange between the couple.
"... They're lively." Aren commented.
The Rune Slayer turned to the still standing purplettte. "I can see where you get your attitude problems from now."
"Shut up." Aisha growled. "What exactly are you doing here anyways? If you had wanted to ruin my image, then you have already done it."
The redhead chuckled, earning an inquisitive look from the purplette. "That's exactly what I came to do."
"..."
"But not only that, I plan to make it so that you will never be able to find anyone who will marry you."
Aisha's eye twitched. She didn't exactly mind that plan of his since she didn't want to be married off to a stranger anyways but coming from Elsword, it only fueled her anger. "You... you lowly little..."
Elsword stood up. "Oi, old man!"
Everyone did a double take.
Marcus somehow knew that this 'old man' Elsword was addressing to was him. He eyed the redhead contemptuously, though he had become more pragmatic than before.
"Elsword..." Elesis said in a warning voice. "That is not how you wouls address a king."
The Rune Slayer ignored his sister's scolding and continued. "I have a proposal."
Marcus indicated that Elsword had his attention as he sat down.
"After that fiasco, I'm sure you're cognizant of where Aisha stands right now." The redhead explained. "I don't think that her newly gained reputation will do her any good when it spreads - and it will, knowing how those nobles are."
"What are you getting at Elsword?" Aisha queried, irked.
The Rune Slayer grinned, suddenly taking hold of the purlette's wrist again and held it up against her will. "And so, I would like to reinstate the engagement that we made years ago."
"EH?!" Aisha panicked. "W-WHAT ARE YOU SAYING?! YOU CAN'T JUST -"
"Elsword Sieghart." Marcus's voice was low and calm compared to Aisha's but he gained everyone's attention. He had rest his chin on top of his entwined hands in a business-like manner. His golden eyes were intimidating and serious as he leveled a gaze with the redhead. "For now, I will overlook the fact that you just confessed a disgraceful scandal in front of everyone, but just know that your rash actions could have caused a war between Ruben and Velder. If all of this hadn't been explained thoroughly, I would have surely declared war - assaulting my daughter is no laughing matter."
Elesis had half a mind to smack Elsword for that.
"And I am well aware that you and Aisha were engaged at one point. But, may I remind you that it was a failure since both of you declared your loathing towards it? What made you believe that it wouldn't happen again this time? Or that my daughter would even agree to it?"
Elsword held a confident smile and tightened his grip on Aisha's hand so that she wouldn't say anything that wouldn't help. "Because our mindsets changes with time. They're not the same as before you know - not that of a child's anyways."
Marcus seemed to accept this answer and continued. "I have also heard of your present reputation. They say that you're quite the lady's magnet."
Elsword chuckled. "I wouldn't deny that."
"Flirt." Aisha commented but barely audible to anyone's ears.
"Is that really something to be proud of?" Marcus queried. "Do you really think I could entrust my youngest daughter to someone like you? You are nothing but a playboy in my opinion and that goes without saying."
"My husband does have a point." Lila muttered. "I rather not have my little Aisha become your plaything that you will grow tired of."
"Now, what do you have to say to that?" The Velder King tested.
Elsword regarded the matter with silence which worried Elesis, Aren, and Rena, but he then grinned. "Even so, I never had an affair with anyone that didn't perk my interest nor will I ever. I may have a playboy reputation but I wouldn't hurt or play with a girl's feelings."
"Rena and I can vouch for that." Elesis supported with Rena nodding.
Marcus still looked unconvinced. "Are you saying that my daughter merely 'perked' your interest then?"
The Rune Slayer blinked and realized that he had worded his explanation a bit wrong. "No... that's not what I meant."
"Pardon?"
Elsword scratched the back of his head and looked away sheepishly blushing. "Aisha didn't only 'perk' my interest. It's more like... she stood out from everyone else that I have met. Her stubbornness, quick-tempered, attitude problems, lack of etiquette -"
"One more word and I will slit your throat." Aisha seethed, glowering at the redhead.
"-paired along with her quick-wittiness and strength as a magician, she's unlike anyone I ever met... And it was her who pulled me in."
Silence went across the room after what Elsword had said.
Marcus and Lila exchanged looks before looking to Aisha for any reactions. The purplette was speechless and her cheeks were painted red. She placed a hand over her chest to calm her beating chest but it just wouldn't.
The Velder King chuckled. "I like your answer. But I do think Aisha have a say in this as well." He turned to his daughter. "Aisha?"
"W-whuh? I err..." The purplette shook her head. "I-I'm sorry father but... could we have a moment alone?"
"Of course." Marcus replied but before everyone exited the room, he sent Elsword a death glare, daring him to try anything funny.
Aisha plummeted down onto the couch and released a breath that she didn't realize she was holding. "What. the hell. What the hell?! Why did you have to go say all of those things?!"
"... And I thought I made it obvious enough." Elsword commented offhandedly, stuffing his hands into his pant pockets.
"But... But you just said that you came to ruin my love life!" Aisha countered. "Not that I would care but -"
"H~eh?" Elsword drawled, leaning forwards until their faces were mere inches apart. "I never said I wanted to ruin your love life. I just said that I would ruin it until no one else would be willing to marry you." He then half smirked half grinned again. "This way, your father wouldn't be able to find too many arguments against my proposal and I would have no competition."
"You... You planned for this to happen like that?! Even though you could have provoked my father into starting a war?!" Aisha exclaimed in disbelief and heat rise up to her cheeks again. "A-and y-you're too close!"
She tried to back away but the next thing she knew, she was pinned against the cushions of the couch by none other than Elsword.
OhmyElOhmyElWhatthehellishedoing?! Aisha's mind speed up and the drumming of her heart was loud against her red ears.
"Let's try this again shall me?" Elsword's voice was calm and collected and his gaze leveled with Aisha's panic-streaked ones. " Tell me, what do you think of me now?"
"H-huh?!"
"You said I was a 'brat' before." Elsword elaborated. "I didn't like it when you call me that. So tell me, am I still a 'brat' to you?"
She could honestly say that she had never seen this side of Elsword before. It was the complete opposite of his carefree self but... it only made her heart beat even more.
"Don't..." Aisha managed to say as she closed her eyes. "DON'T MAKE ME FALL FOR YOU EVEN MORE!"
Elsword was caught off guard as his eyes widened. Aisha bit her tongue realizing what she had just burst out. Seeing the smirk forming on Elsword's lips, she knew she will never hear the end of this.
The Rune Slayer let a soft chuckle escape his lips as his eyes looked on with amusement. "You know, saying that only push me further."
"Shut up." Aisha muttered, blushing and struggling against Elsword's grip. "Can you please let go of me now?"
"Not yet, there's still something more I want to clear up."
"What is it now?"
"It's not CPR"
"Wait, wha-"
Elsword used sweet kiss on the off guard Aisha.
It's super effective!
Rena watched as Marcus tried to eavesdrop through the closed door but was then dragged away by the queen.
She giggled. "Such a loving father."
"Indeed." Raven commented by her side.
Rena looked around, seeing that everyone had eventually returned to the live of the party or at least went to explain everything before it got worst.
"Raven, let's go dance." The elf requested suddenly. "I haven't gotten a chance to yet."
The Blade Master arched a brow but complied nonetheless.
Elsword and Aisha leaned against each other's back, relaxing.
"Hey Elsword." The purplette started.
"Yeah?"
"If you already ruined my image, doesn't that mean you'll ruin yours if I were to stay with you?"
Elsword chuckled at this and held onto Aisha's hand that rested at her side. "As if I'll care what anyone thinks."
That seemed to lessen the tension Aisha had on her shoulder as she relaxed and smile. "I never thought... it would turn out like this in a matter of months where we had hated each other."
The Rune layer rested the back of his head against hers and closed his eyes. "I don't think I really hated you to begin with. You were just... like an enigma. You say things that contradict with you actions. It's cute, really."
A light blush dusted at her cheeks. "Did you really mean what you said to my father?"
Elsword laughed again. "Have a little faith will you?" he paused before continuing. "But yeah, I meant it. You stood out to me and I want you by my side. But I want your opinion. I wouldn't like it if I took away your choices."
Aisha sighed. "For once, I can say that the life of a royal isn't that bad. I was able to meet you after all."
Elsword looked over his shoulder, smiling like an idiot. "I'll take that as a yes then."
"... This is all so cheesy."
He chuckled. "Can't argue with that."
"What do you think will happen?" Chung queried.
"Hard to say." Eve replied. "Though I do hope Aisha will be alright."
"If Cherry does anything even remotely intolerable..." Add muttered dangerously. "I will -"
"Add, please stop." Ara sighed. "Elsword wouldn't do anything wrong."
The Tactical Trooper looked between Add and Ara. "I still can't believe it."
"There's Rena and Raven." Eve pointed.
"Great, let's - they're dancing." Chung's tone immediately deflated. "Raven. Dancing. Right. What the hell is going on with the world? What's next? Me proposing to Eve?"
"Pardon?"
"... oops."
A new couple was made that night - as if it wasn't obvious enough within the close group of friends.
A few weeks later
Everything was going perfectly with the wedding of Noah and Edan. That is, until an explosion was set off somewhere neat the actual thing, followed by a bit of screaming.
"AFTER NOT SEE EACH OTHER FOR THREE DAMN WEEKS, THE FIRST YOU SAY IS THAT?!" A certain purplette chastised. "I'M GOING TO SCORCH YOU, YOU PERVERT!"
"Ow! I just said they were flat! That's all!"
"YOU JERK!"
Aisha is extremely sensible when it comes to her chest.